Growing a Meyer lemon tree indoors

Did you know you can grow citrus indoors no matter where you live? The easiest citrus to grow indoors is the Meyer lemon tree indoor. Meyer lemons are prized for their sweet flavor, a cross between a mandarin orange and a lemon.

The best part is the Meyer lemons available today are called improved because they don't carry any citrus virus. Here are some tips to help your fruit trees, especially the Meyer lemon tree, thrive and produce fruit indoors.

Benefits of Growing Citrus in Containers

Growing citrus trees, such as the meyer lemon tree, in containers offers numerous benefits, especially for those in cooler climates. Container gardening allows you to control the soil mixture, ensuring it is slightly acidic and well-draining, which is ideal for fruit trees.

Potted meyer lemon trees can be moved indoors during colder temperatures, allowing for year-round fruit production and protection from frost. Additionally, placing an indoor lemon tree near a south-facing window ensures it receives adequate sunlight, while the ability to monitor and adjust humidity levels promotes healthy growth and fragrant white blossoms. For best results, remember to focus on proper lemon tree care, especially in early spring when growth resumes.

Choosing the Right Citrus Trees for Containers

Popular Citrus Varieties

When choosing citrus trees for containers, popular varieties include the Meyer lemon tree, Key limes, and Satsuma mandarins. Meyer lemon trees are ideal for container gardening, as they are compact and self-pollinating, producing fruit with shiny dark green leaves and fragrant white blossoms.

Key lime trees thrive in slightly acidic soil and can bear fruit indoors, making them perfect for container gardens. Satsuma mandarins are cold tolerant and can be grown indoors or outdoors, providing delicious, easy-to-peel fruit.

These citrus plants require well-draining soil, adequate sun exposure, and more frequent watering to ensure healthy growth and fruit production.

Factors to Consider

When selecting citrus trees for container gardening, consider climate compatibility, tree size, and growth habit. For instance, the potted Meyer lemon tree is well-suited for growing in various climates and can be easily moved indoors during colder months.

Meyer lemon trees, with their compact size and ability to thrive in slightly acidic soil, are ideal for container gardening and produce fruit with proper care. When learning how to grow a Meyer lemon tree in a container, ensure it receives ample sunlight, such as from a south-facing window, and maintain soil moisture to encourage fruit production.

Other citrus trees, like mandarin oranges, also make excellent container plants, provided they are given the right conditions to flourish.

Selecting the Right Containers

Types of Containers

When selecting the right container for growing citrus trees like the Meyer lemon tree, consider the material and its impact on plant health. Plastic containers are lightweight and retain moisture well, making them suitable for keeping soil consistently moist, but they may not offer the best airflow.

Ceramic and terracotta pots provide better breathability and drainage, crucial for preventing soggy soil and root rot, though they can dry out more quickly, requiring more frequent watering.

For optimal Meyer lemon tree care, choose containers with drainage holes and ensure a well-draining potting mixture to support healthy fruit production and vibrant, shiny dark green leaves.

Size and Drainage Considerations

When growing Meyer lemon trees in containers, selecting the right size and ensuring good drainage are essential for healthy growth and fruit production.

The container should be large enough to accommodate the root system and allow for the expansion of the Meyer lemon tree's roots; a pot with a minimum diameter of 12 inches is recommended for smaller trees.

Proper drainage is crucial to prevent soggy soil and root rot, which can hinder the tree's ability to bear fruit. Containers with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mixture help maintain soil moisture while preventing water accumulation, ensuring the tree thrives and produces vibrant, fragrant blossoms and healthy Meyer lemons.

Soil and Potting Mix for Citrus Trees

Ideal Soil Characteristics

For optimal Meyer lemon tree care, especially when growing Meyer lemon trees in containers, it’s crucial to use a well-draining potting mix. Citrus trees, including Meyer lemon trees, thrive in soil with a slightly acidic pH of around 5.5 to 6.5.

The potting mix should consist of a sandy or loamy mixture to ensure good drainage and prevent soggy soil, which can lead to root rot and hinder fruit production.

Additionally, incorporating a balanced citrus fertilizer will help meet the nutrient needs of the potted Meyer lemon tree, supporting vibrant growth and healthy fruit development.

Creating the Perfect Potting Mix

To create the perfect potting mix for growing Meyer lemon trees in containers, combine ingredients that ensure well-draining soil and optimal nutrient content.

A recommended mix includes equal parts of high-quality potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite to maintain good drainage and avoid soggy soil.

For citrus trees, adding a small amount of compost can enrich the mix with essential nutrients while keeping the soil slightly acidic, which is ideal for Meyer lemon trees. Regularly check the soil moisture and pH to ensure it supports healthy growth and vibrant fruit production throughout the growing season.

What to know before you get started

Lighting your lemon tree

• Citrus trees need 8-12 hours of light per day with southern or southwestern exposure to produce fruit
• Supplement natural light with full spectrum fluorescent lighting or a professional grow light
• Place your new tree in your desired location for 2 weeks before potting to be sure the tree is happy
• When you have a place it’s happy, pot it

Watering your lemon tree

• Citrus trees like deep and infrequent watering
• Citrus trees like to be moist but not soggy
• Use a moisture meter to tell when your tree needs watering, water when the top two inches of soil are dry
• Add Thrive Alive B-1 to the water to encourage root growth

Pollinating your lemon tree

• If your tree is flowering inside, take a cotton swab and transfer pollen from one blossom to another

Fertilizing your lemon tree

• Citrus trees are heavy feeders that should be fertilized with citrus fertilizer
• Follow the instructions carefully for any fertilizer you choose
• Here are three that Tricia recommends:
  • E.B. Stone Citrus & Fruit Tree Food
  • Down to Earth Citrus Mix Fertilizer
  • Phyta-Grow Leafy Green Special Fertilizer

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

• Meyer lemon trees typically flower and fruit twice a year starting at 3-5 years of age

How to pot a Meyer lemon tree for indoor growth

1. For a 2-3 year old tree, use a 5 gallon plastic pot about 12-15” in height with good drainage
2. Create a potting mixture of 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 potting soil, and 1/3 perlite that will fill the pot
3. Slide the tree from its container, cut away dry roots, fluff if matted/encircled
4. Add tree to center of pot and add your potting mixture with the crown of the roots just above the soil line
5. Slowly add water while pulling the tree up slightly to remove any air pockets

Best way to grow your Meyer lemon tree indoors

• Place your tree in the brightest part of your house, near a south-facing window
• If the tree doesn’t get 8-12 hours of light a day, add some low-energy LED grow lights
• Fill a pot tray with rocks
• Add water to the tray, filling it just below the top of the rocks to allow your tree to sit on the rocks but not IN water
• Place the pot with tree on top of the rocks

Maintenance schedule for a lemon tree

• Water as noted above
• Weekly: Turn your tree a quarter turn to ensure the tree is getting even light
• Every 2 weeks: Spray down your foliage
• Every 2 years: Repot your tree after pruning the roots to avoid the tree getting root bound
• Anytime: Prune your citrus tree to control its shape and size

Moving your citrus tree indoors to outdoor & vice versa

• Best time to move your citrus or lemon tree is when the temperatures are close to the same indoors and outdoors
• When switching, keep the tree in the shade for 2 weeks
• Your citrus tree will grow and need larger containers over the years, so be sure to get help from a friend or use a moving dolly to move the pot around

Best alternatives to Meyer lemon trees

These citrus trees are also easy to grow indoors:

• Lisbon lemons
• Washington navel oranges
• Bearss limes

Conclusion

In conclusion, growing Meyer lemon trees and other citrus varieties in containers offers a versatile and rewarding gardening experience, even in cooler climates. By selecting the right container, ensuring well-draining soil, and providing adequate light and care, you can enjoy fresh, fragrant citrus fruits year-round.

Whether you're cultivating Meyer lemons, Key limes, or Satsuma mandarins, adhering to these best practices will help your citrus trees thrive and produce abundant fruit.

With attention to their specific needs and proper maintenance, your indoor citrus garden can flourish and bring vibrant greenery and delicious flavors to your home.

For a selection of quality citrus trees, visit our collection at Grow Organic.

FAQs: How to Grow Meyer Lemons and Other Citrus Trees in Containers

• Q1: How to grow a Meyer lemon tree in a container?

  • A1: To grow a Meyer lemon tree in a container, choose a well-draining pot and use potting soil with a slightly acidic pH. Place the container in a location with direct natural sunlight, such as a south-facing window. Ensure the soil stays moist but not soggy, and use slow release fertilizer to provide necessary nutrients. This is a crucial step in understanding how to grow Meyer lemon trees in a container.

• Q2: What are the ideal conditions for growing Meyer lemon trees in containers?

  • A2: Meyer lemon trees thrive in warm climates with plenty of full sun. They should be kept in a well-draining container with acidic soil. Maintain high humidity levels, as humidity for Meyer lemon trees is important, and avoid temperature drops that can stress the tree. When growing indoors, place the tree near a window that receives direct sunlight for wide sun exposure.

• Q3: Can Meyer lemon trees tolerate frost?

  • A3: Meyer lemon trees are not frost-tolerant. If temperatures drop, it's essential to bring the potted tree inside to protect it from cold weather. Use a plastic bag to cover the tree temporarily during unexpected frost to maintain warmth.

• Q4: How do I care for my Meyer lemon tree to ensure it blooms and produces fruit?

  • A4: To ensure your indoor lemon trees bloom and produce fruit, keep the soil moist and provide regular feeding with liquid fertilizer. Maintain a warm environment with direct sunlight. Additionally, having two Meyer lemon trees can increase the chances of pollination and fruit set. Improved Meyer lemon trees also benefit from these care practices to bear fruit effectively.

• Q5: What common problems should I watch out for when growing citrus trees in containers?

  • A5: Common problems include rust mites, diseased branches, and dying branches. Regularly inspect your tree for pests and treat accordingly with neem oil or horticultural oil. Ensure the soil is not too soggy to avoid soggy roots, and provide consistent care to prevent nutrient deficiencies. This applies to both regular and improved Meyer lemon trees.

• Q6: Can I grow other citrus trees, like mandarin oranges, in containers?

  • A6: Yes, other fruit trees, such as mandarin oranges, can be successfully grown in containers. Similar to Meyer lemon trees, they require well-draining soil, direct sunlight, and regular watering. Keep the soil slightly acidic and provide liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Many lemon tree varieties can thrive alongside lemon and mandarin orange trees.

• Q7: How do I handle the growing season and fruit ripening for container citrus trees?

  • A7: During the growing season, which typically starts in early spring and continues through early summer, ensure your citrus plant receives ample sunlight and proper watering. As the ripening lemons change color, maintain consistent care and check for readiness to harvest. Be patient, as the process can take time, especially for young trees.

• Q8: Is it necessary to use a specific type of container for growing citrus trees?

  • A8: While you can use various types of containers, it's essential to choose one with good drainage holes. A container size that accommodates the tree's growth is important, and it should prevent waterlogging to avoid soggy roots. This is especially important when learning how to grow a Meyer lemon tree in a container.

• Q9: What are the best lemon varieties to grow indoors?

  • A9: Besides the Meyer lemon, popular lemon tree varieties for indoor growing include Eureka and Lisbon lemons. These varieties are well-suited for indoor lemon tree cultivation, as they adapt well to potting conditions and offer excellent flavor for culinary uses, such as lemon zest.

• Q10: How do I identify and treat plant diseases in my indoor citrus trees?

  • A10: Monitor your indoor citrus trees for signs of plant diseases, such as yellowing leaves or unusual spots. If you notice these symptoms, you may need to adjust your watering practices or inspect for pests. Treat any infestations or diseases promptly, and consider using organic solutions like neem oil to protect your plants.

• Q11: Can I find Meyer lemons at grocery stores, or should I grow my own?

  • A11: While grocery stores often carry Meyer lemons, growing your own ensures you have fresh, organic fruit readily available. Plus, cultivating your own trees allows you to enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own lemons right from your home.