Citrus tree not thriving

Hi all, I would like to ask for advice, I have a couple of citrus trees started from seed and they are going in this pattern for quite a few months now, they produce two to four leaves and then these leaves turn brown and fall off, what to do about it? What is the tree missing? Because with this going on, the tree is barely getting enough energy to sustain itself, no spare energy left for any growth/ramification

Thanks Vitusus

I am from California in the citrus climate zone. I know citrus grow better outdoor for sure. obviously thy don't like it below freezing and at this size need it even warmer. They are also very intolerant of wet soil. they need to get just moist between waterings. As a long time nursery man I would certainly say goo wet. that makes any other problem much worse.

junglejim43 wrote:I am from California in the citrus climate zone. I know citrus grow better outdoor for sure. obviously thy don't like it below freezing and at this size need it even warmer.  They are also very intolerant of wet soil. they need to get just moist between waterings.  As a long time nursery man  I would certainly say goo wet. that makes any other problem much worse.

Thanks for reply, so you say let them dry between watering and not overwater them, got it. I plan to give it summer outdoor experience once it gets stronger (provided it survives this winter) but I will definitely let it dry more between the watering, or at least try to find the right balance, hopefully it will improve.

and until summer, grow lights will help alot...