Indoor Citrus
I’ve been growing citrus in containers for years, I think my first little lemon tree was purchased 18 years ago. Currently, I have three citrus trees, a variegated lemon, a lime, and a meyer lemon.
For a while my citrus trees struggled indoors during the winter, then I read in ‘A Year at North Hill‘ that they prefer being pretty cold during the winter months. I started keeping them in the dark basement (with a window nearby) and they started doing very well. For more reading on keeping edible houseplants, read ‘Growing Tasty Tropical Plants‘.
My citrus trees will bloom and set fruit while overwintering in the basement and they have much less issue with scale, spider mites, and the other common issues that plague houseplants.
I’m pretty excited, because my little lime tree is 10 years old this year (I got it at Monticello back in 2010 when it was 3 years old). I harvested three limes already and it set about 50 this summer while outside.
Have you ever grown citrus as a houseplant?
That’s exciting and encouraging! I have a makrut (Thai) lime, so I at least get leaves even if it never produces fruit.
to val's comment
Growing potted citrus is always something I’ve wanted to try but I’m never sure where to start. Do they need special soil? Or very large pots? I’ve always assumed they would be too heavy to move around much, but perhaps not? I’d love any tips!
to Katherine Ross's comment
No need for special pots or large pots even. I use regular potting soil for mine and they do a great job. One key thing to remember is that they like to be cool in the winter. I keep them in the unheated basement by a drafty door instead of in the main heated part of the house. They are also OK with some dark in the winter.
to Susy's comment
Thanks for that information! I have an orange (from a Florida gas station) and lemon indoors, they’ve flowered and thrusters the lemon has two fruits! How cold does your basement get?
to Mandie's comment