How Do I Grow Container Citrus Trees Indoors?

Tart, high-acid citrus, such as lemons and limes, are well suited for indoor growing.


Citrus trees (Citrus spp.) are relatively easy to grow, but unless you live in a sunny climate with warm, non-freezing winters, you can forget the idea of growing citrus in your backyard. However, you can grow citrus fruit indoors the year around if you have adequate sunlight. Choose dwarf varieties because standard-sized trees tend to be too large for indoor growing. Citrus trees are suitable for growing outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11.


Plant a citrus tree in a large pot filled with a good quality commercial potting mixture. Be sure the pot has a drainage hole in the bottom. A pot with a diameter of at least 12 inches is best.


Place the container in a southern or southwestern window where the tree receives at least eight to 12 hours of sunlight per day. If you can only provide five to six hours of bright sunlight, available light can be supplemented with three or four fluorescent tubes or a high intensity grow light.


Keep citrus where the room temperature is consistently between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and about 55 to 60 degrees at night. They can take lower or higher temperatures, but don't perform as well.


Water the tree deeply whenever the top 2 to 3 inches of potting mixture feels dry. Water slowly until liquid drips through the drainage hole, then let the pot drain. Avoid overwatering and never allow citrus roots to stand in water.


Feed your citrus when new growth appears in early spring, then repeat every three months until autumn. Feed them a slow-release, high-nitrogen, granular fertilizer with a ratio such as 12-4-8. Apply a granular fertilizer at a rate of 1 1/2 tablespoons for a 12-inch container or 2 1/2 tablespoons for a 14-inch container. Always water immediately after applying granular fertilizer. Read the label carefully, as specifications vary depending on the brand.


Provide humidity by placing the pot on a tray or saucer with a layer of wet pebbles or gravel. Replenish water as needed to keep the pebbles wet, but never let the bottom of the pot stand in the water.

Things You Will Need

  • Pot with drainage hole
  • Commercial potting mixture
  • Fluorescent tubes or high intensity grow light
  • Slow-release, 12-4-8 fertilizer
  • Tray or saucer
  • Pebbles or gravel

Photo Credits

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