Citrus Care

Growing citrus in pots in the midwest isn’t always easy, but it is very rewarding. Who doesn’t want to harvest their own lemons, limes and oranges! They do require a bit of care, but indoor citrus is worth the effort. Even if you only manage to harvest a couple fruit, citrus plants are worth growing simply for the heavenly, fragrant flowers and beautiful, glossy foliage.

Step 1: Start with the right variety.

Some citrus varieties are particularly suited to containers as they don’t grow as large as others. Improved Meyer lemon, Bearss or Mexican lime, Calamondin Orange or Kumquat make great choices!

Step 2: Location, location, location.

The biggest mistake people make when growing citrus in pots is not giving it enough light during the winter months. Choose a very bright room, keep away from cold drafts, heat registers, and supplement with a grow light.

Step 3: The right soil gives life to your tree.

A lightweight potting mix that drains well with ingredients such as perlite, pumice or turface added is best. A soil that is all organic matter will decompose too quickly and become compacted, reducing aeration for roots. Avoid soils that contain chemical-wetting agents, as these retain too much moisture. Native soil is also too compacted and will not give roots the air they need.

Step 4: Regularly water

Citrus like consistent moisture. Prolonged dryness can lead to bud, flower, and fruit drop. Adding a fruiting hormone to your regimen is an easy way to increase the amount of your harvest. Simply spray the open blossoms a couple times a week as an added protection. Too much water can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. Let the water flush through the pot, and then allow the soil to fully drain. Be sure the base of the pot is never sitting in water.

Step 5: Give it a summer vacation.

During the summer months, move your citrus plant outdoors. Position the pot so it gets sun until early afternoon. It’s best for it to be in the shade during the hottest part of the afternoon to avoid leaf scald and heat stress.

Step 6: Fertilize.

During the growing season, (from late March thru early August) fertilize your citrus with an organic fertilizer every two to three weeks. Do not fertilize in the winter when new growth should not be encouraged.

Step 7: Don’t panic!

Like many other tropical plants, citrus will often drop many or all of their leaves when moved either outdoors at the start of the season or indoors at the end. This leaf drop is natural. It’s the plant’s way of adjusting to different light levels. New leaves will develop that are better suited to the new light levels.

Step 8: Move it back inside.

In the fall, when nighttime temperatures drop into the 40’s, it’s time to move your citrus plant back indoors. Again, select the brightest location possible and be careful to avoid cold drafts.