How do you keep citrus trees over the winter?

Leave the plant in direct sun during the mornings and move it to shade in the afternoons for two weeks. Then leave it completely shaded for two weeks. Blast the lemon tree with the garden hose to remove any unseen pests before bringing it inside for the winter. Spray the foliage and trunk thoroughly.

How do you care for an indoor lemon tree in the winter?

Winter Is Coming: How to Keep an Indoor Citrus Tree Happy

1. Step 1: Find a sunny spot. Citrus trees need at least eight hours a day of sunlight to thrive.
2. Step 2: Increase the humidity level.
3. Step 3: Improve air circulation.
4. Step 4: Give it plenty of water.
5. Step 5: Feed it.
6. Step 6: Get it back outdoors.

Can you keep a lemon tree indoors all year?

With sweet-smelling flowers, glossy foliage and tart, tasty fruit, an indoor lemon tree rewards your attention year-round. Regardless of your climate, you can grow a container lemon tree indoors and enjoy your own homegrown lemons.

Can lemons grow without sunlight?

It is very much possible, and sometimes, a better option than growing in a garden, because of the controlled environment. Sometimes, unseasonal rain, and lack of sun in the spot where your lemon tree is growing can cause a lot of damage, which can be easily rectified if your lemon tree is in a pot.

When should I bring my citrus trees inside?

In the spring after the danger of frost has passed, place your citrus tree outdoors to receive the maximum amount of sunlight – 8-12 hours of direct sun exposure – and move it back indoors in the fall, prior to the first frost.

What is best fertilizer for lemon tree?

The ideal fertilizer for lemon trees is 6-6-6. You may use a stronger mix if needed but it shouldn’t exceed 8-8-8. A good option is the Down to Earth Citrus Mix Fertilizer. Citrus fertilizer will not be suitable for other trees such as apple trees or pear trees.

Why is my lemon tree leaves turning yellow?

Very often the yellow leaves or chlorosis on a citrus tree is caused by over watering or a nutrient deficiency. Citrus need regular water especially in the warm months but over watering can leach nutrients from the soil and cause root rot. Often the leaves on an over watered tree will turn yellow and drop.

How long does it take for a lemon tree to bear fruit indoors?

Another thing to keep in mind: Most lemon trees do not bear fruit until they are three to four years old. Do yourself a favor and purchase a more mature tree, especially if you’re looking to have fruit within the first year of ownership.

How do you grow citrus trees indoors?

Citrus plants grow best indoors at 65° during the day, dropping five to ten degrees at night. Plant in soil containing a fair amount of organic matter. Make sure the leaves are kept clean by periodically washing them. Stem cuttings root easily.

How do you care for citrus trees?

Avoid soils with high salt contents or any dense, wet soil that can foster root rot. Do not add compost or heavy organic amendments around citrus trees, as these will only retain moisture that can damage roots. Citrus trees need a minimum of 6-8 hours of full, direct sunlight daily or they will not produce as well.

How do you care for a citrus tree in the winter?

Relative humidity is an important factor in the growth of citrus. Running a humidifier during the winter and placing the plant atop pebble trays will raise the relative humidity. Water your citrus tree similarly to any houseplant. Water in thoroughly at intervals and allow the soil to dry out between watering.

What are the challenges of citrus care in winter?

With the rise in popularity comes the challenge of citrus care, especially in climates with hard winters, when the subtropical trees must overwinter for months indoors in conditions that can be stressful to the plants (and sometimes to their owners).

How do you grow a citrus tree indoors?

How to Grow Citrus Indoors. The tree will adapt to lower light conditions, but if you are after fruit production, the citrus needs direct sunlight (five to six hours a day). Plant the citrus tree in soil with a considerable amount of organics such as leaf mold, peat moss (Use peat in the soil mix to keep the pH down) or compost.

Should I fertilize my citrus trees?

Tree care service businesses note that in the first few years, newly planted citrus trees don’t require any fertilization. When the tree starts showing new growth, you can use nitrogen on it. Be careful not to use too much nitrogen fertilizer when the tree is mature. It can cause your grapefruit or orange trees to develop thick rinds.