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how do you care for an indoor citrus plant

by Prof. Dana Reynolds PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Growing and caring for your citrus plants

  • Citrus plants grow best indoors with 65° days, dropping five to ten degrees at night.
  • They need some direct sun for at least part of the day.
  • During the summer, put citrus plants outside to take advantage of better growing conditions and extra light. Let the...
  • Let the plants acclimate to sunny conditions by putting them in the...

Citrus trees require soil that is moist but never soggy. Water regularly as needed to keep the potting medium moist, but not wet, allowing it to dry slightly between waterings. Infrequent, deep watering is preferable to frequent, shallow applications.

Full Answer

How do you take care of an indoor citrus tree?

Citrus Trees require watering at least once or twice a week. They also need sunlight for up to 8 or 12 hours a day. If you’re growing them indoors, ensure the room’s humid enough as citrus trees love humid areas. Prune them regularly, and use the cuttings to propagate them with the T-bud method.

How to grow a citrus tree?

They also need sunlight for up to 8 or 12 hours a day. If you’re growing them indoors, ensure the room’s humid enough as citrus trees love humid areas. Prune them regularly, and use the cuttings to propagate them with the T-bud method. Citrus Trees thrive in sandy loam soil but can grow in any well-draining soil.

How often should I water my citrus tree?

Once a year passes, you can start to water your Citrus Trees once or twice a week. The soil should never completely dry out around your Citrus Trees. But the top one or two inches can remain dry so that your Citrus Tree is not over-watered. Citrus Trees need direct sunlight throughout the year.

How much sunlight do citrus trees need?

Try to provide your Citrus Trees with at least eight to twelve hours of sunlight per day. If you live in northern areas where it is not sunny, then it will be better for you to get grow lights. Grow light can help fulfill the needs of your Citrus Trees. Citrus Trees grow well in 64°F (18°C) temperatures in the morning.

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What type of citrus is best for indoors?

Best Types of Citrus for Growing Indoors. From lowest maintenance to most temperamental, Thai lime, finger lime, and Meyer lemon are my favorite types of citrus to grow indoors. Thai lime can thrive in bright, indirect light. It has fragrant leaves you can cook with and fruit that's great for marmalade.

What are the pests flying around my citrus tree?

If you see pests flying around your citrus tree, they're most likely fungus gnats (a sign of overwatering). The winged adults are annoying but harmless to plants, but the larvae can damage roots. Diatomaceous earth ($9, Lowe's) sprinkled in the pot controls both adults and larvae. And you'll also want to cut back on watering, of course.

What is the number one killer of citrus?

Overwatering is the No. 1 killer of citrus. The soil needs to dry out between deep waterings: A moisture meter ($15, The Home Depot) fully inserted in the soil should read 3. When your plant needs more hydration, drench its soil until water runs from the pot's drainage hole.

Why do my turkey basters drop green leaves?

Suction up any water in the saucer with a turkey baster to prevent a soggy bottom and root rot. Dropping green leaves and dying twigs are symptoms of root rot (that fatal consequence of overwatering). If you suspect this problem, you'll need to intervene.

Can citrus trees survive outside?

In warm weather, citrus trees prefer life outside. But if you don't have outdoor space and you have the right conditions indoors, you can keep them thriving year-round if you are hypervigilant about care.

Can you grow vegetables indoors?

Yes, You Can Grow Veggies Indoors with New Kitchen Minis. Your Step-by-Step Guide on How to Safely Bathe a Cat. Sourdough Discard Recipes to Use Up the Starter You Lovingly Cared For. How to Stop Fall Webworms Before They Make a Mess of Your Trees and Shrubs.

Can you repot citrus trees in a big pot?

Don't use a pot that's too big because the soil will stay damp too long, and dampness is death when you're growing citrus (avoid self-watering containers for the same reason). If you want to repot your tree from its nursery container, only go up to two inches wider. Always make sure the container you do use has a drainage hole. I like to use a 1:1 mix of citrus potting soil ($20, Etsy) and orchid bark (from $6, Etsy) to help water drain extra well.

Your indoor citrus trees will appreciate this advice, especially if you want to grow oranges, lemons, or limes while it's snowing outside

Your indoor citrus trees have a thing or two to say about your relationship. Don’t take this the wrong way; they appreciate what you do for them. But unless you make some changes, this isn’t going to last.

Learn how to keep your indoor citrus trees happy and healthy

I completely understand the desire to have indoor citrus trees. There’s nothing like a little tropical color in your kitchen to brighten up a cold winter day. They smell great, look great, and the fruits are delicious.

How to increase humidity in citrus trees?

You can also buy a humidifier or place your Citrus Tree on a pebble tray. Misting the plant occasionally can also increase its humidity levels.

How much sunlight do citrus trees need?

Citrus Trees grow best under direct sunlight. This should be provided to them for at least eight to twelve hours a day. If your area does not have enough direct sunlight, consider getting grow lights.

What is the fungus that kills the young shoots on a citrus tree?

Botrytis is a fungus that can infect and kill the young shoots on your Citrus Trees.

How tall do citrus trees grow?

Citrus Trees grow to different heights depending on what kind of citrus plant it is. The average size for grapefruit and orange trees is eighteen to twenty-two feet tall.

How cold can a sage plant get?

This plant is not frost-resistant and can easily get damaged if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Is a citrus tree a plant?

Citrus Trees are available in many different varieties as there are many plants that are classified as citrus plants.

Do citrus trees need direct sunlight?

Citrus Trees need direct sunlight throughout the year. Provide your citrus trees with all the light you can expose them to.

How do I drain a citrus tree?

Citrus trees require outstanding drainage. Soggy bottoms will kill them Water must flow right through the pot and out. I mix my potting medium with large handfuls of shredded hardwood (I use a natural cedar mulch – meaning no nasty dyes). Softer woods like pine break down too fast. My mix is one-third shredded wood to two- thirds potting medium. My pots have large drainage holes in the bottom. If your pots are set in an ornamental, closed pot, it is imperative that you never allow them to stand in water. If the water stands for more than 12 hours after watering the tree, drain it (see No. 2). More work for you, but essential.

How much sunlight does a citrus tree need?

Above: Most citrus trees require six to eight hours of sunlight a day. A dark northern winter window will be insufficient.

How to tell if citrus tree is under water?

Signs of under-watering: the soil pulls away from the sides of the pot; when you water, the water sits on top of the soil for a while before draining; water runs quickly through the pot and out; the leaves droop, and turn crisp; branches die. 4. A moisture meter can save a citrus tree’s life.

What is the reward of picking citrus?

The reward is exquisite and engages all our senses: being able to smell citrus blossom in your home in winter, and to pick and eat fragrant leaves and ripe fruit from your very own tree.

How long do citrus trees stay inside?

Above: On average my citrus trees spend about seven months inside, going back out in late April. I have learned, sometimes the hard way, how to care for indoor citrus, so that by mid spring they are in excellent health and ready to make a break for the great outdoors.

What are the signs of air stress on citrus trees?

Stressed plants are susceptible to diseases and pests. Signs of air stress: browning leaf tips; leaf, blossom and fruit drop. 12.

Can you use fertilizer sticks on citrus?

Avoid using fertilizer sticks in citrus pot. They can burn the trees’ roots. Using organic fertilizers decreases the chances of damaging your plant. If you use synthetic fertilizer, never exceed the recommended dose.

How to keep lemons from growing in pots?

Like other citrus trees, lemons prefer cool roots, so avoid black pots and other dark colors that heat up in sunlight. Always use a deep saucer under your container to protect indoor floors from excess water.

How much sunlight does a lemon tree need?

Light: For peak performance — from blooms to fruit — your indoor lemon tree needs close to eight hours of sunlight each day. The more light it gets, the better your results will be. Lemons generally do well in front of unobstructed south- or southwest-facing windows. You can also add artificial light if needed.

How long does Pennington Ultragreen Citrus and Avocado Plant Food last?

A premium citrus fertilizer such as Pennington UltraGreen Citrus and Avocado Plant Food 10-5-5 provides indoor lemon trees with an ideal blend of primary nutrients and micronutrients at planting time, then it keeps feeding for up to four months.

What is the pink fruit on a dwarf lemon tree?

Dwarf Variegated Pink Lemonade – The green-and-yellow variegated fruit on this true lemon tree has pink flesh (but clear juice).

How long does it take for a lemon tree to bear fruit?

When grown outdoors in warm climates, regular lemon trees grow 20 feet tall and take up to six years to bear fruit.1 For indoor lemons, you need a tree that stays small and delivers lemons sooner. Growers graft indoor lemon tree varieties onto special dwarfing roots that speed up fruit-bearing ability and keep trees small.

What nutrients do lemon trees need?

Like other citrus trees, lemon trees require plentiful nitrogen as well as other essential nutrients, including magnesium and iron.1 This is especially important for indoor lemon trees, which are restricted to containers.

What do lemon trees do to your home?

Lemon trees fill your home with fragrance and fruit.

Why do citrus plants need peat?

Since citrus plants prefer acid conditions, use peat in the potting mix to help keep pH levels down.

What is the best lime tree to grow indoors?

Dwarf Lime Trees . Growing lime trees in pots is easier than you think! Two popular varieties of indoor lime tree are the Dwarf Persian potted lime tree (which produces a more traditional lime like you’d find in stores) and the Key Lime Tree.

How to spread pollen from a tree to a flower?

However, trees kept indoors all the time miss getting help from insects in the pollination process, so if your tree is producing flowers but not fruit, shake the flowers gently or flick them with your fingers to help spread the pollen from flower to flower.

Do citrus trees need sun?

They need some direct sun for at least part of the day – if possible, move citrus plants outside during the summer to take advantage of better growing conditions and extra light. (Another advantage to keeping potted citrus trees is their maneuverability!)

Can citrus trees be grown indoors in 2021?

Homegrown citrus fruits in colder climates? It’s not so far-fetched as you think! Most varieties of citrus grown commercially in warm climates are too large to be grown indoors. But there are many small or dwarf varieties that can grow well as potted plants – even in cold, northern winters.

The Best Types of Fruit and Citrus Trees to Grow at Home or in the Office

While lemons, limes, and oranges may seem like tropical fruits, you can easily grow many types of citrus trees indoors. As long as you provide lots of sunlight and the proper care, you’ll be rewarded with evergreen foliage and a harvest of delicious fruit.

About Citrus Trees

Citrus trees are a genus of evergreen plants native to South Asia, East Asia, and Australia. While many citrus trees are now cultivated for their edible fruit, they differ greatly from original citrus.

Indoor Citrus Trees – Uses & Benefits

Citrus trees are primarily grown for their edible fruits, ranging from sour to sweet. Some fruits can be consumed raw, while others work well for cooking.

12 Popular Types of Citrus Trees to Grow at Home

Here you’ll find 12 of our absolute favorite citrus trees to grow indoors at home or in the office.

How to Grow Citrus Trees Indoors

While dwarf citrus trees won’t get as big as non-dwarf trees, they can still grow over six feet tall indoors. With that in mind, make sure you have space to contain them.

How to Care for Citrus Trees

Citrus trees like to go through a bit of a wet and dry cycle rather than deal with constant moisture. Therefore, it’s better to water well once each week rather than a little bit each day.

Common Problems, Pests, and Diseases

While outdoor citrus trees are susceptible to quite a few pests and diseases, indoor trees are a bit more protected. With that said, you should still lookout for the following problems.

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