Bountiful Gardens
Citrus Trees
Citrus
The Sun-Seekers: Indoor Citrus Trees
Most indoor citrus trees are grafted onto dwarf rootstock, meaning they stay a manageable size (usually 3–6 feet) while still producing full-sized fruit. Whether it’s the popular 'Meyer' Lemon or the tiny, zesty Key Lime, all citrus trees share a few core "must-haves": intense light, consistent moisture, and a lot of "food."
Suggested Placement in the Home
The "South Window" Standard: Citrus trees need a minimum of 6–8 hours of direct sun per day. A South or Southwest-facing window is essential.
The Supplemental Light Spot: If you don't have a very bright window, you must use a high-quality LED grow light to prevent the tree from dropping its leaves.
Avoid the "Dry Zone": Do not place your citrus tree directly in the path of a heater or fireplace. The hot, dry air will cause the flowers to fall off before they can turn into fruit.
Care & Maintenance
Pollination Party: Indoors, there are no bees to move pollen around. When your tree blooms, gently shake the branches or use a small paintbrush to move pollen from flower to flower to ensure fruit sets.
Leaf Cleaning: Citrus leaves are glossy and prone to dust and spider mites. Give your tree a "shower" in the sink or wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks.
Potting: Citrus like to be slightly root-bound, but they need excellent drainage. Use a pot with large drainage holes (terra cotta is excellent for preventing root rot).
Pruning: You can prune citrus at any time to maintain a rounded shape or to remove "suckers" (stems growing from the very bottom of the trunk below the graft line).
The Essential Tip for Beginners
The "Finger Tapping" Secret: Not sure if your citrus needs water? Instead of just looking at the soil, tap the side of the pot (if using terra cotta or ceramic). A dull "thud" means the soil is still moist; a hollow "ring" means the soil is dry and it’s time to water. Also, remember that citrus are "heavy feeders"—if you want fruit, you must use a fertilizer that contains micronutrients like Zinc, Iron, and Manganese!
