Many people often think about citrus trees as a predominantly warm weather climate plant, and they’d be right. But growing citrus trees can be done in your home, even if you live nowhere near Florida or California. Use this guide to growing your own citrus trees and you will not only have year round delicious fruits, you can also greatly improve the indoor air quality of your home with these easy to grow fruit bearing plants.
Choosing a Species
One of the most common mistakes when growing your own indoor citrus trees is that a sweet fruit tree is sought out to grow. The problem with that is that sweeter varieties like oranges and tangerines need to have bright lights and a constant temperature to bear fruit. While sweeter varieties will produce some fruits indoors during summer months, naturally acidic varieties like Ponderosa lemons or kumquats grow great indoors and can provide you with year round fruit, even in winter.
Choosing a Container
Most indoor citrus trees grow best in a 15 gallon container. Whether you choose a wooden, clay or plastic container, be sure they are around 30-40 inches in diameter to accommodate the citrus trees root ball. Drainage is also an important part of choosing the right container for your citrus tree. When drainage is in doubt, drill a few extra holes through the pot for increased drainage. A plant screen should be used to cover the holes to allow drainage without letting the roots escape.
Soil, Fertilizer and Watering
When choosing a potting soil for your citrus tree, it’s a good idea to use a sterile potting soil specifically designed for citrus trees. Once the tree is in the soil, watering the root ball thoroughly is a must. Water the soil until water drains from the bottom of the container. In some cases when the soil has dried, the root ball will shrink, exposing a small gap between the sides of the container and the root ball. This allows the water to bypass the root ball and flow from the container, giving the false impression that the plant has plenty of water. Add a small amount (a few drops) of very mild dish soap to the water. This will help allow the water to penetrate into the root ball easier.
A controlled-release liquid fertilizer can be added during watering to promote flowers and fruit growth. Some dry citrus fertilizers can also be added to promote flowering, but should only be used in spring. Look for fertilizers high in magnesium, zinc and iron for optimal fruit bearing and flowering.
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