How to Grow Dwarf Citrus Indoors

  

Dwarf citrus trees are especially well-suited for growing indoors. Varieties that do well are Improved Meyer Lemon, Bearss Lime, Washington Navel Orange, and Oroblanco Grapefruit.  

  

Whether you select a lemon, lime or grapefruit, citrus trees grown indoors, in containers need to be planted in slightly acid, well-draining potting soils.  Avoid using garden soil or potting soil with moisture-retaining properties.  

  

You can grow citrus trees in any type of clay, ceramic, or plastic containers. Begin by choosing a container that is slightly larger than the one the tree is planted in. The new container needs to be deep enough to provide room for the roots to expand and to provide stability for the tree as it grows, and it must have drainage.   

  

To do their best, citrus trees need as much sunlight as possible, at least six hours daily. This means you should place your tree in a window that faces south or south-west.  If you don’t have a bright, sunny location, you can still grow citrus indoors by supplementing natural light with plant grow lights.  

  

  

Water your tree when the top 2" of soil is dry. If you're unsure of how wet or dry the soil is, consider buying a moisture meter. You can quickly check the soil and know whether it's time to water.   

  

While citrus will bloom sporadically at different times of the year, for most varieties, the heaviest flowering time is mid-winter. Once the flowers have opened, you’ll want to help them pollinate by gently shaking the tree branch or use a small brush to move the pollen around.  

  

Potted citrus trees need Nitrogen-based fertilizers. In other words, the first number listed on the package (nitrogen) should be higher than the second (phosphorous) and third number (potassium), for example: 7-3-3, or 12-6-6. The OMRI seal on the packaging is your assurance the product is organic. Plan to fertilize every three weeks in spring and summer, and once every four to five weeks in fall and winter. 

Temperature and humidity are important factors when it comes to growing citrus trees indoors, in containers. Potted citrus trees prefer an average daytime temperature of 65 degrees and a nighttime temperature five or ten degrees cooler. Select a location away from drafts, heater vents and fireplaces.  

  

When it comes to raising humidity, one way is to fill a saucer with small pebbles, add water and set the citrus pot on top of the wet pebbles. Make sure the bottom of the pot is not touching the water.  Grouping plants closer together will also help raise humidity.  

  

  

  

With attention to light, watering and fertilizing, you’ll be able to keep your citrus tree healthy and productive through the winter season.