Citrus trees are trendy. The proliferation of portable trees makes it possible for almost anyone to grow a lemon, lime, or kumquat without having a large space. Read on for some tips on indoor citrus tree care that you may not have known.
1. Poor drainage can kill citrus trees.
Citrus trees require outstanding drainage. Soggy bottoms will kill them: water must flow right through the pot and out.
Citrus hate having wet feet, and overwatering is the most common cause of their poor health. Do water deeply, but only water again when the pot is close to dry.
2. Overwatering can kill citrus trees.
Establish a schedule to water the citrus trees deeply till water runs from the drainage holes, and observe how fast or slowly the pots dry out.
3. Citrus trees also hate to be too dry.
Despite being indoors, citrus trees stay hungry, and they love nitrogen. Feed trees monthly with fertilizer, watering immediately after.
4. Citrus trees love nitrogen.
Avoid using fertilizer sticks in your citrus pot. They can burn the trees’ roots. Using organic fertilizers decreases the chances of damaging your plant.
5. Fertilizer sticks are a bad idea for indoor citrus trees.
Most citrus trees require six to eight hours of sunlight a day. A dark northern winter window will be insufficient.
6. Citrus trees need to be near your sunniest window.
Eight hours of light is more than sufficient. Signs of too much light include lack of growth and leaf drop.
7. Too much light can make citrus trees sleep-deprived.
At the very least, mist the trees daily with a spray bottle. But if you want to cut down on the time spent misting, invest in a humidifier.
8. Citrus trees need to moisturize as much as you do in winter.
Keep your citrus trees away from hot air vents and radiators.
9. Citrus trees hate a draft … or a radiator blast.
It’s all about paying attention. If you do not check your citrus trees every day, even when they seem healthy, you will not observe the early signs of problems.
10. You should ask your citrus tree if it’s having a good day.