Tips for Growing Citrus Trees in Containers

Growing your own citrus trees is a great way to have an unlimited supply of citrus fruits. However, trees grown in containers require more support than those planted in the ground. Here is everything you need to know about growing citrus trees in containers.

Growing citrus trees is not only highly decorative, but also a great way to get some tasty citrus fruits without living in a specific climate or having a backyard. However, citrus trees grown in containers require more support than those planted in the ground. There are many factors to consider when growing citrus trees in containers. They include:

Growing citrus trees in containers and indoors can be rewarding. However, it’s crucial to pay attention to these important factors. Here is an essential guide to help you successfully grow citrus trees in containers.

Choosing the Right Citrus Tree

Not all citrus fruit trees will grow well in containers. You want to choose a tree that won’t outgrow its container easily and will survive indoor conditions. Here are some citrus trees that grow well in containers:

Each type of citrus comes in hundreds of varieties. Some will do better in containers than others. Dwarf varieties are recommended as they won’t grow too large or quickly outgrow their containers. Do some research or go to your local garden center to see which local varieties will thrive in an indoor container.

Finding the Perfect Container Size

Once you’ve chosen which tree to plant, you need to get an appropriate container. The best container size will depend on the size of the tree. Therefore, you want to hold off buying a container until you’ve decided which tree to grow.

You want to make sure that the container is big enough to allow some growth but isn’t enormous. Since citrus trees can grow to be quite large, you may be tempted to buy an enormous container. However, a large container with too much soil can cause problems, especially with watering. All that wet soil will be too much for your young plant, and it may die from overwatering.

Though it may be annoying, repotting every one or two years is a necessity for citrus trees. Make sure to find the appropriate size container for what it needs now to prevent any problems in the future.

Watering Your Citrus Trees

Citrus trees require moist, but not wet, soil to thrive in. You should water your citrus trees thoroughly once the soil is almost dry. If you water more frequently, you will put your tree at risk of overwatering. Do not allow the citrus trees to sit in water or completely dry out.

Invest in a moisture meter if you don’t know when to water your trees or simply forget often. This will let you know when the soil is dry and when your tree needs to be watered.

Signs of Underwatering

Underwatering your container citrus trees is less common and less serious than overwatering. However, underwatering will eventually kill your citrus trees so you don’t want to neglect them.

Luckily, the signs of underwatering are easy to spot. These signs include:

Signs of Overwatering

Overwatering is a much more common issue for citrus trees. The soil and tree must dry out in between watering.

One factor that contributes to overwatering is standing water in the container’s saucer. If your citrus tree sits in standing water for more than twelve hours, mold and root rot may develop. Drain your saucer of any excess water frequently to avoid this.

Signs that your citrus tree is overwatered include:

The Perfect Water Temperature

Don’t shock your poor tree with either icy or steaming hot water. When watering, make sure the water is at room temperature. If you need to, allow the water to sit overnight so that it can reach room temperature.

Don't Forget about Drainage

Citrus trees require a lot of drainage. Not only does the container need holes for the excess water to escape, but the soil must be a well-draining mixture. One trick to improve drainage is adding bark mulch to the soil mix. Having a mix that contains one part wood bits and two parts soil creates perfect drainage conditions and keeps your citrus happy. Natural cedar bark or orchid bark are great options to add to your potting soil.

Signs of poor drainage are similar to signs of overwatering. They include:

The Ideal Amount of Sunlight

Citrus trees need between six and ten hours of light to produce the best fruits. This light can either come from the sun or from grow lights. It is best to place your citrus trees in a sunny room, nearby either a south or west-facing window.

Some signs that your citrus tree is not getting enough light include:

The Ideal Temperatures

Though container citrus trees can be grown indoors or outdoors, those in colder climates will need to keep their trees indoors for parts of the year. Citrus trees are from tropical regions and thrive in temperatures between 50 and 80°F (10 to 27°C).

However, while outdoor citrus trees become dormant in cooler months, they may keep growing and producing fruit all year round if placed indoors. Keep this in mind if you keep your trees indoors for either all or part of the year.

Fertilizing Your Citrus Trees

Citrus trees in containers require more fertilizer than citrus trees planted in the ground. Add fertilizer with a high nitrogen content about once a month during the spring and summer. This will help your tree really grow and produce abundant fruit.

Signs of Nutrient Deficiency

If you skip the fertilizer, your trees may become nutrient-deficient. However, signs of deficiency are diverse and depend on the exact nutrient that your tree is deficient in. Some signs of nutrient deficiency include:

If your tree is getting the right amount of nutrients, the foliage should be completely green and stay on the branches. If this is not the case, and you are not using fertilizer, your tree may be deficient in some nutrients.

Signs of Over Fertilization

However, you need to be sure not to over-fertilize your container citrus trees. Applying too much fertilizer can lead to burned plants, especially if using synthetic fertilizers. Signs of over-fertilizing include:

Growing citrus trees in containers can be fun and rewarding. Just make sure to follow these tips to ensure your citrus trees thrive. With a little love and care, you will have happy trees that produce abundant and delicious citrus fruits.