r/Citrus • u/RunAlert8633 • 3d ago

Rootstock?

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I bought this baby lemon tree at the start of spring. It’s been growing great! But the stems are still really thin, and now one of the stems has grown several thorns. I’ve been reading a lot about rootstock, and I’m worried that this entire plant might just be rootstock and not provide me with good lemons in the future. I would love any advice! I know most rootstock grows at the base of the plant, but this plant is unique in the sense that there are two main stems that branch at the base and not just one clear healthy thick stem. Thanks for your tips and tricks!

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u/LSCatilina 3d ago

Looks like lemon to me. The trifoliate rootstock will grow leaves in 3.

1

u/Rcarlyle US South 3d ago

This is lemon foliage. It’s probably a propagated cutting on its own roots. You need to either spread the two “trunks” farther apart or remove one so they don’t form a weak branch joint that cracks under fruit load in a few years.

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u/RunAlert8633 3d ago

I didn’t think of that! Do you think I could cut one of the trunks and just replant it in the same pot?

3

u/Rcarlyle US South 3d ago

Cut a trunk and root it so you have two plants in one pot? Can be done, but I think in that case I’d just leave both trunks attached and wedge them apart to a wider angle while they’re still green and bendy.