How to Grow Container Citrus Trees Indoors

Citrus fruits includes fruits as lemons, oranges, limes and grapefruits. Imagine having these kinds of citrus fruits straight from your own trees. While it may seem impossible to those who live in colder or seasonal environments, it is possible indoors, with the right tree and the right care. Even if you're not an avid gardener, you can successfully grow citrus trees indoors while enjoying the yummy fruit they produce.

Select a citrus tree that will do well indoors and in containers. Dwarf varieties of citrus fruit trees will grow better in containers than full-size trees. In addition, because they need less light, sour types of citrus (like lemons and limes) will do better indoors.

Choose a container that has drain holes and a tray that will catch any extra water. Be sure the container is large enough for your tree's root system and some growth. The larger the container, the more your tree can grow.

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Place 1 to 2 inches of gravel in the bottom of the container for drainage.Use a potting soil that is labeled for citrus fruits. Fill the container with the soil up until a point where, when you place the roots of your tree in, the top of the root system will be 1 to 4 inches from the top rim of the container.

Place your tree in straight and fill the remainder of the pot with the soil so that it is firmly set. You can place mulch or gravel to make the tree more attractive in your home.

Place your indoor citrus tree near windows, preferably on the south side of your house where much light comes in.Keep your citrus fruit evenly watered. Do not let the soil dry up and do not saturate the soil, which will cause the roots to rot. Be sure to check often to keep the right consistency of water in the soil.

Fertilize your soil with a multipurpose fertilizer that has manganese, iron and zinc in it. Do this about four to six times a year, following the manufacturer's directions since fertilizers come with different potency and release rates.

Place your tree outdoors in full sunlight in the spring. If you live in an area you have warm or hot summers, take your citrus tree out after the last frost. Don't forget to water it.

Bring the tree back indoors before the first frost.

How to Grow Fruit Trees Indoors

Planting Your Fruit Tree

Purchase a dwarf fruit tree. They can be found at your local nursery or ordered online.

Place a layer of stones or broken pottery at the bottom of a 10 to 15 gallon container. This will allow the water to drain.

If you purchased a bare root tree, you may want to cutoff 1 to 2 inches of the outer rootball (known as root pruning). You will also want to remove any dead branches and any branches that are growing below the graft union (diagonal scar) on regular dwarf trees.

Plant the rootball in the container using a light, airy potting soil with perlite. Add enough soil so that the root ball is covered and that there is enough soil on the sides of the pot to allow the tree to absorb water. Do not pack down the soil.

Water and place in a bright, sunny room away from drafts.

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Caring for Your Fruit Tree

Water your tree regularly, but allow it to dry between waterings. It is time to water when the soil is dry at least 2 to 3 inches below the surface. If the leaves turn yellow, your tree is being over watered or is not draining properly.

Fertilize your tree at least once a month with a mixture of manganese, iron and zinc.

You will need to pollinate your tree (unless you have bees inside your home). This is done by brushing the stamens of open blossoms with a paint brush. Do not rinse or tap the brush between blossoms.

You can prune your indoor citrus trees at any time of the year. Remove any criss-crossing branches and branches that are growing below where branching is desired. Also remove any branches that are growing below the graft union.

You may want to occasionally root prune your tree. This is done by trimming one to two inches off the root ball and then replanting it with fresh soil.

Watch your trees carefully for pests. Citrus trees are known to get spider mites, mealy bugs and scale.

Enjoy your tree. Not only will you have a great conversation piece, you will also have fresh fruit.