How to Grow a Lemon Tree Indoors
Having your own lemon tree at home is often a luxury that we believe is meant for people living in citrus-friendly regions like sunny California or humid Florida. However, this does not mean that residents of the northeast, midwest or other regions of the country cannot enjoy the simple pleasure of their own freshly squeezed lemonade. With a little thought, you can grow a lemon tree right in your home.
Here’s how to grow and care for a lemon tree (without moving to Florida).
The best lemon trees to grow indoors
Lemon trees that grow outdoors and have a lot of space will not work well in a confined space, so it is important to be aware of the different species and their sizes. In general, a bonsai is best suited for small spaces. Dwarf fruit trees can grow up to eight to ten feet tall, which is certainly larger than your average houseplant, but smaller than your average lemon tree. Bonsai can also grow in pots and containers indoors rather than in the ground, and are easier to cut and easier to maintain because the roots are shorter than other varieties. The best part: They ripen faster, so you’ll get the fruit sooner than you expect.
Choosing the right kind of wood also depends on what taste you like and how much effort you want to put into it. If you want a tree that requires less maintenance and produces sweeter lemons, you should choose the dwarf meyer lemon tree. Meyer’s lemons are a mixture of sour lemons and sweet oranges, making them sweeter than regular lemon. They can also survive without extreme heat and are easy to care for. Dwarf eureka lemons grow all year round, but they are more tart. However, eureka lemon trees need a lot of light to grow, so make sure they are near a south-facing window if you choose to grow these lemons indoors.
How to choose the right flower pot for your lemon tree
The right flower pot is essential for the healthy growth of your lemon tree, and the drainage holes are the most important element. You do not want the plant to be in the water because this can cause root rot. Terracotta pots are especially good for drainage, but you can also use plastic or glazed pots with matching drain holes.
Apartment Therapy recommends that the pot is at least twice the size of the root ball of the plant, which will give the roots enough room to grow and bear fruit. The soil must be well-drained. If you’re making your own soil, Apartment Therapy suggests mimicking their natural soil by mixing equal parts potting mix and sand.
Indoor lemon tree care
Indoor lemon trees require more maintenance than outdoor trees. For example, as Horticultural Know-How explains: “If the lemon variety you are growing typically has a hardiness zone of 7, in a container the lemon tree will have a hardiness zone of 8. ” So, you will need to water and fertilize accordingly. Water at least two or three times a week – sometimes daily during the growing season – and make sure the plant is saturated enough for water to drain out of the drain holes. Keeping the plant moist (but not soaked) will give the roots the right amount of moisture to keep the leaves healthy; never let the plant dry out completely.
Fertilizers are another key ingredient for your lemon tree. Planting company Pennington states that “lemon trees require a lot of nitrogen, as well as other important nutrients, including magnesium and iron.” Fertilize every three to four months, being careful not to damage the shallow roots, as they can damage the plant.
How to tell if your indoor lemon tree is struggling
There are signs that your potted tree may be in danger. Look out for yellow leaves , which can be a sign of wet roots (meaning the pot isn’t draining properly). Also pay special attention to the lemon tree during the winter months, as it is very sensitive to cold.
You should also watch out for the ” sucker branches ” that may start to grow at the root of the plant and take over the tree – remember to prune them as soon as you see them. If you follow these steps, you will have juicy lemons all year round.