Temperature, Light and Humidity
Citrus plants are good to grow as a houseplant because they thrive in the stable warmth that is provided indoors. Citrus plants grow best with temperatures at 18°C during the day, and between 5°C and 10°C at night. In summer, these houseplants can be moved outdoors once the risk of frost has passed. However, as soon as it becomes cold they need to be moved indoors. Also, some citrus plants are more fragile than others. For example, lemon trees can tolerate temperatures down to 5°C, whereas limes can only tolerate temperatures down to 10°C and Calamondin oranges only 13°C. Depending on the type of citrus plant, determine when or if you should move it outdoors in the summer, based on this information.
Light is also very important for citrus plants. For the best growing citrus plant, the plant needs at least 5 to 6 hours a day of direct sunlight. Try placing your plant on a south-facing window sill as this seems to provide the right amount of light.
Citrus plants like quite humid environments. Try to place the plant in a room which is naturally humid, such as a bathroom or kitchen. You can also place the plant on pebble trays and mist the leaves as this helps to raise the humidity. Misting the leaves helps keep them cool and encourages pollination of flowers.
Watering
Citrus plants require a very similar watering regime as any other houseplant. In the winter, allow the soil to dry out between watering, as they do not like overwatering. However, in the summer, they need to be watered more regularly, possibly once or twice a week. Ideally water with rainwater if available. Westland’s Houseplant Watering Indicator is a great way to monitor whether your orange tree needs watering or not. Use a indoor watering can to water your orange tree that has a long stem spout for targeted watering.
Feeding
Citrus plants are hungry plants and need regular feeding during the growing season (spring and summer). In this growing period it is best to feed the plants every second watering. They should be fed with a high potassium feed to produce good fruit. We advise Westland Citrus feed as it boosts fruit set.
- Feed every second watering during the growing season (Spring/Summer)
- In winter, use every fourth watering as citrus plants will require fewer nutrients
- Avoid overdosing and applying to foliage
