avatarHermione Wilds Writes - Writer and editor

Summary

The website content discusses the author's experience with growing lemon trees as indoor bonsai plants, their care routine, and the joy they bring, while also acknowledging the 'Reciprocal' writing prompt and contributors.

Abstract

The author shares a personal journey of nurturing lemon trees from seeds, which have become a cherished part of their indoor garden. These trees, now several years old, thrive in a controlled environment, requiring specific temperatures and indirect sunlight. The article emphasizes the sensory pleasure derived from the lemony scent of the leaves and reminisces about childhood memories associated with lemons. Despite the challenges of maintaining the right conditions, the author expresses hope that these bonsai lemon trees will endure for generations. The narrative also includes practical advice for readers interested in growing their own lemon tree bonsai, touching on troubleshooting common issues like leaf drop. Additionally, the author extends gratitude to the 'Reciprocal' community and highlights particularly enjoyed stories, showcasing the supportive nature of the writing platform.

Opinions

  • The author has a deep emotional connection to their lemon trees, cherishing both the plants themselves and the memories they evoke.
  • There is a sense of pride and accomplishment in successfully growing the trees from seeds and keeping them alive for years.
  • The author values the sensory experience of nature within an indoor space, as indicated by their appreciation for the smell of lemon tree leaves.
  • The article conveys a commitment to the care and research required to maintain the health of the lemon tree bonsai.
  • There is an underlying optimism about the future potential of the trees, with the hope that they will become family heirlooms.
  • The author finds community and inspiration within the 'Reciprocal' writing group, appreciating the stories and advice shared by its members.

INDOOR PLANTS/RECIPROCAL/PROMPT

Lemon Trees are Indoor Plants too

Lemon trees. Photograph is by the author Hermione Wilds Writes

Vibrant Indoor Plants: Nature Prompt on ‘Reciprocal’ 2nd Week March

Currently, I only have lemon trees as indoor plants and one peace lily.

I grew these lemon trees from seed one warm summer. They are now several years old.

Have you ever held the leaf of a lemon tree? The smell is so lemony.

As a child, I adored tangy lemons. I would eat them while cringing. I used to love ice cubes too. The cold and the crunch. (That memory just came to me along with the lemon memory.) I have written about how my father taught me how to plant a lemon tree as a child here:

My trees sit under glass. Once or twice on a hot day, I remove the bowl from the trees to sit them outdoors when the weather is very warm and consistent for a few days. (These plants are supposed to be kept at around 21 degrees, but they have survived the low temperatures indoors at night of around 11 degrees with the covering.)

To keep the trees going, I had to do quite a lot of research. I discovered they prefer indirect sunlight, and do not like being next to heaters.

These lemon trees are bonsai. I am sure they will never reach old age, but I can hope. I can hope they might be passed down through generations, and maybe those tiny stems that don’t look at all like trunks yet, will thicken one day. Maybe in one hundred years.

Who knows what kind of a world we will live in then, or whether the trees we have planted will survive?

For now an upturned goldfish bowl keeps these lemon trees alive all year round in a shady corner of the room.

Grow your own bonsai lemon trees

Try planting some lemon seeds to grow yourself some trees one summer. Keep the pot indoors. Water until you see shoots, every two days. Cover to keep consistent heat, and water every week or two. Place out of direct sunlight in the warmest room in the house.

Troubleshooting

If the leaves drop off, move the trees and water less often. Watch new leaves grow back after a few months.

Enjoy.

Thank you to all ‘Reciprocal’ editors and Sahil Patel for this prompt.

I particularly enjoyed the story from Shreyasi this week. Read that here.

I had saved the above story to share with you as an example of great supportive writing on ‘Reciprocal’. I enjoy returning to stories sometimes. Thank you, Lalitha Brahma; I also enjoyed your story about the spider plant this week on ‘Reciprocal’, here.

Reciprocal
Lemon Tree
Writing
Short Story
Nature
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