Dolivo said:I have many other plants close to my lemon tree that are very healthy. If it's mites wouldn't those plants be affected as well? If it's not mites, would the lack of proper watering cause the slow growth and unhealthy leaves? I looked with a magnifying glass and didn't see anything like you described.
Well, it means the adults have died off and now you have the eggs left. Almost impossible seeing those without a microscope.
The eggs will stay on your plant until ready to hatch, then you'll be able to see the mites.
Mineral oil will choke off those eggs before they have a chance of hatching.
The reason you don't see mites on neighboring plants is because most plant pests tend to select specific hosts: that's why you may see green aphids on a rose bush and not on the juicy annuals all around it. Think of it as picking what you like at an all-you-can-eat buffet and leaving the rest.
Finally watering... yes, it may well explain the stunted growth. All present citrus trees descend from wild ancestors originating from the wettest tropical regions of China, Burma etc. Since they are such important crop trees they are extremely well studied and while there are several schools of thought regarding watering all agree that young trees need lots and lots of water to properly develop.
