Citrus Tree Care

You can enjoy a touch of summery citrus when you bring lemon, lime, orange, or other citrus trees indoors in winter. Providing the proper indoor citrus care is essential to ensure these plants thrive, however, and with good care you will have a delicious fruit crop to brighten any winter day.

LIGHT

Of course, outdoors, citrus trees love soaking up full sun, which is considered six or more hours of direct sunlight. Indoors, you can place them on a sunny east, west or south-facing windowsill, but they'll do better with a grow light. Keep the light on for your plant for 8 to 12 hours, but not overnight. All plants need darkness, too, as part of their growth cycle. Also, don't allow the light to get too close to the plant or you may scorch leaves. Full, direct sun in the fall & winter. Full/indirect sun in the spring & summer. Citrus trees NEED sun to produce fruit. Citrus trees will not do well in a low light location. Optimal light is a south or west facing window.

WATER

Make sure your citrus tree stays semi-moist all the time. But not wet soil. Ensure your citrus tree has well draining soil and is able to drain excess water throughly.

POLLINATION

Self fertile. There is no need for other pollinators.

FERTILIZATION

For the first 3 years, fertilize every 6 weeks. Mature trees fertilize 3 times/year in March-September. Here at Dutch Growers Saskatoon, we have the Jobes Fertilizer Spikes (Fruit &Citrus) that should be applied in soil in the spring. They are a slow release so a one time application is sufficient. We also have a water soluble fertilizer. (Evergreen & Citrus). It is known to many as 30-10-10. 2 tsp to a 4L jug and watered in every 2 weeks.

TIPS & TRICKS

  • If you have a cat or dog who likes to nosh on your houseplants, it's best to keep these plants out of reach. The fruit is edible, but pets who ingest the skin or foliage may experience tummy upset, as well as dermatitis due to the essential oils, according to the ASPCA.
  • To keep up the moisture, consider adding a humidifier near your tree.

Can I Take an Indoor Citrus Tree Outside for Summer?

It's not necessary, but citrus trees do love being outside, especially during the cooler temperatures of spring and fall. Wait until it's no longer getting below 5° degrees at night before bringing them out. Gradually acclimate your tree to full sun so it doesn't get scorched, by leaving it out for a few hours, then moving it into shade, then finally working up to full sun conditions.

Citrus Tree Care

With sweet-smelling flowers, glossy foliage and tart, tasty fruit, an indoor citrus tree rewards your attention year-round! Bring a touch of California into your Saskatchewan homes this year. Read more on how to properly care for these beauties.

Citrus Tree Care

With sweet-smelling flowers, glossy foliage and tart, tasty fruit, an indoor citrus tree rewards your attention year-round! Bring a touch of California into your Saskatchewan homes this year. Read more on how to properly care for these beauties.

You can enjoy a touch of summery citrus when you bring lemon, lime, orange, or other citrus trees indoors in winter. Providing the proper indoor citrus care is essential to ensure these plants thrive, however, and with good care you will have a delicious fruit crop to brighten any winter day.

LIGHT

Of course, outdoors, citrus trees love soaking up full sun, which is considered six or more hours of direct sunlight. Indoors, you can place them on a sunny east, west or south-facing windowsill, but they'll do better with a grow light. Keep the light on for your plant for 8 to 12 hours, but not overnight. All plants need darkness, too, as part of their growth cycle. Also, don't allow the light to get too close to the plant or you may scorch leaves. Full, direct sun in the fall & winter. Full/indirect sun in the spring & summer. Citrus trees NEED sun to produce fruit. Citrus trees will not do well in a low light location. Optimal light is a south or west facing window.

WATER

Make sure your citrus tree stays semi-moist all the time. But not wet soil. Ensure your citrus tree has well draining soil and is able to drain excess water throughly.

POLLINATION

Self fertile. There is no need for other pollinators.

FERTILIZATION

For the first 3 years, fertilize every 6 weeks. Mature trees fertilize 3 times/year in March-September. Here at Dutch Growers Saskatoon, we have the Jobes Fertilizer Spikes (Fruit &Citrus) that should be applied in soil in the spring. They are a slow release so a one time application is sufficient. We also have a water soluble fertilizer. (Evergreen & Citrus). It is known to many as 30-10-10. 2 tsp to a 4L jug and watered in every 2 weeks.

TIPS & TRICKS

  • If you have a cat or dog who likes to nosh on your houseplants, it's best to keep these plants out of reach. The fruit is edible, but pets who ingest the skin or foliage may experience tummy upset, as well as dermatitis due to the essential oils, according to the ASPCA.
  • To keep up the moisture, consider adding a humidifier near your tree.

Can I Take an Indoor Citrus Tree Outside for Summer?

It's not necessary, but citrus trees do love being outside, especially during the cooler temperatures of spring and fall. Wait until it's no longer getting below 5° degrees at night before bringing them out. Gradually acclimate your tree to full sun so it doesn't get scorched, by leaving it out for a few hours, then moving it into shade, then finally working up to full sun conditions.

Citrus Tree Care

Video

Citrus Tree Care

With sweet-smelling flowers, glossy foliage and tart, tasty fruit, an indoor citrus tree rewards your attention year-round! Bring a touch of California into your Saskatchewan homes this year. Read more on how to properly care for these beauties.

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