Learn How to Grow Citrus Trees Indoors

I love citrus fruit, but living in the Vermont mountains, I don’t often have access to freshly grown lemons, limes, or oranges.

Fortunately, while perhaps not quite as impressive or fruitful as a tropical citrus orchard would be, it is possible to successfully grow citrus plants in pots indoors. Even here, in my USDA Hardiness Zone 4 climate, where snow coats the ground for practically half the year.

While growing citrus indoors can be a bit tricky, with just a few pointers, you can easily fill your windowsill with enough lemons to make lemonade!

A close up of a dwarf orange tree in a brown ceramic pot on a windowsill with bright fruits contrasting with the green leaves. In the background is a window letting in bright sunshine. To the center and bottom of the frame is green and white text.

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Here’s what’s to come in this article:

Let’s get to growing, shall we?

Getting Started With Citrus as Houseplants

First, you need to find an adequate pot. You will need a large pot with sufficient drainage holes.

A close up of an orange tree, laden with bright fruit and dark green leaves, in a pot on a stone surface.

You may want to consider starting the plant in a smaller pot, and moving up to a larger size as it grows so that the ratio of plant to potting mix isn’t too broad.

If there’s significantly more potting material than there are roots, the soil may remain overly moist after watering, increasing the chance of root rot.

To start out, look for a pot that is at least 8 inches wide and 10-12 inches deep. A 5-gallon pot is ideal.

As the tree matures, move it up to a container that is 18-24 inches deep.

A small orange tree in a terra cotta pot on a metal surface in front of a bright window.

Larger pots will prevent top-heavy trees from tipping over, while also allowing plants to grow larger roots and be more productive. Keep in mind, however, that the larger the pot is, the heavier the plant will be to move.

This could pose a problem when it comes time to move it outside with the return of warm weather, or from room to room.

Find a pot you like. Terra cotta, unglazed ceramic, plastic, fiberglass, wood, or resin containers are all fine choices. Just don’t use the black plastic pot that your plant comes in from the nursery, as this material will absorb and retain heat from the sun, and can cook the roots.

Whatever pot you choose, give preference to a lighter color, and be sure to place a deep saucer underneath to prevent moisture from seeping onto your floor. A plant stand or cart with wheels can also make a nice addition, for ease of movement.

An outdoor scene with several different varieties of citrus trees in small pots in bright sunshine against a metal container in the background.

Citrus plants also need well-draining soil.

Fill the pot with a citrus soil blend, or use regular potting soil mixed with perlite, small gravel, pumice, or expanded shale, which will help to ensure adequate drainage. Use two-thirds potting soil to one-third inorganic material.

Or you can make your own using equal parts peat, sand, perlite, and bark.

Don’t plant in soil devoid of inorganic material or use a commercial mix that is designed specifically to retain moisture, or it will end up getting waterlogged.

Planting Citrus Trees Indoors

For indoor growing, you want to choose a dwarf variety, as standard citrus trees will be much too large to contain in most indoor spaces, unless you have a high-ceilinged atrium available.

These dwarfs will be sold grafted onto roots which limit their growth size, and increase the speed of fruiting.

A close up of a green branch showing where one variety has been grafted onto a dwarf rootstock for indoor growing.

When transplanting into your chosen container, look for the graft union. This will look like a scar or bump where the fruiting stock has been grafted onto the rootstock. You’ll usually find it about 4-8 inches above the root ball.

Plant the root ball into the soil, making sure that the graft is at least 2 inches above the soil line.

A close up of a tiny citrus tree in a small pot on a windowsill. The leaves have droplets of moisture on them and the background fades to soft focus.

If any young green shoots are present below this graft area, prune them off, as they will use up valuable nutrients to grow but will not produce fruit.

Indoor Citrus Growth and Care

Citrus trees are tropical plants that require lots of light, warmth, and adequate moisture in order to thrive and produce fruit.

Though it varies by variety, citrus trees tend to bloom in spring, with fruit developing over the summer, and ripening slowly into the fall and through the winter.

A small fruiting mandarin tree in an orange pot on a windowsill with a pine bough in front of it. The background is red shutters and a glass window.

Growth does slow a bit during the winter, though trees will not go completely dormant when grown indoors. Therefore, they will need sufficient light and water year round.

Although they are self-fertile, when grown outdoors, citrus trees will be pollinated by insects or wind. It’s a good idea to hand pollinate your plants.

To do this, just take a Q-tip or small paint brush and move from flower to flower, brushing the center of each one.

Light

Look for a place in your house where the plant will get as much bright light as possible, such as a south or southwest facing window.

A close up of a young citrus tree, not yet fruiting in a black pot on a windowsill. Through the window are trees and vegetation in soft focus.

If your plants do not get at least 6 hours of direct light a day, which they likely won’t in more northern climates, you will need to provide a supplemental light source.

Though they can still survive in lower light conditions, they will be unlikely to flower or produce fruit.

Choose a tall LED grow light, which will give off a little warmth and replicate sunshine. Make sure not to place the light too close to the plant or it may burn the foliage.

Position your grow light about 18 inches above the canopy for best results.

A small potted citrus tree on a kitchen counter with tea cups and white ceramic containers behind it. In the background is a window in soft focus.

During the winter, keep the lights on for about eight hours a day. You don’t want to overdo it, or plants may become stressed and their ability to set fruit will be compromised. The idea is to mimic the amount of natural light plants normally receive during the season.

Temperature

Citrus is best grown in air temperatures between 55 and 80°F. Keep in mind that ideal temperatures vary between species.

Some cold-hardy varieties can tolerate temperatures approaching freezing for very short periods.

In order to flower, citrus requires 5 to 10 degrees of difference between day and nighttime temperatures, so turn your thermostat down a few degrees before bed.

When the weather warms up, you can move plants outdoors during the growing season to give them access to natural light.

Bring them outside once the air temperatures are consistently above 50°F, transitioning them to their new conditions over a period of a couple of weeks.

Gradually move them from a partly shaded spot to one with full sun, eventually setting them in the sunniest spot you can find. Provide protection from wind, and keep the pots in their saucers to maintain good drainage.

Never place them in areas with standing water.

A patio garden scene showing a lemon tree with a few fruits in a large terra cotta pot. In the bottom of the frame are small planters with yellow flowers. In the background is a stone wall covered in ivy.

Find a warmer microclimate in your yard, such as near a building where there might be some heat reflected from a walkway, driveway, or porch.

It is especially important to avoid any abrupt changes in light exposure or temperature. If you transition them too quickly, leaves could become sunburned and flowers and fruit may drop.

Move trees back indoors before nighttime temperatures drop into the 40s.

Water

Another key to successfully growing citrus in pots is appropriate watering. It is important that the soil should remain moist, without ever becoming waterlogged.

A close up of ripe yellow lemon fruits on the plant with dark green leaves surrounding them and in the background.

The exact amount of water required depends on a number of variables, including the size of the container, type of potting mix, air temperature, and humidity.

The most important thing is to water regularly to keep the soil moist, but never to let it become overly saturated.

It is better to do infrequent deep waterings rather than frequent shallow waterings. Let the soil dry to a couple of inches deep, and then water thoroughly until water seeps out of the drainage holes in the bottom of your pot.

During the spring and summer when growth picks up, trees may need daily watering. In the winter when plant growth slows, water only enough to maintain soil moisture.

Look for yellowing or curled leaves, which could be a sign of over watering.

Fertilizer

Citrus plants are heavy feeders. They need liberal quantities of nitrogen as well as essential trace minerals including iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc for adequate growth.

Excessive nitrogen can cause the plant to put more energy into leaf growth, and impede flowering and fruiting.

Citrus trees typically store nitrogen in their roots and wood, and utilize these resources during flowering and fruiting periods rather than taking up nitrogen from the soil. It’s best to apply fertilizer before the tree has begun to flower, and again after it has finished fruiting.

Since regular watering can leach nutrients, it is important to provide a source of fertilizer for indoor plants.

A close up of a packet of citrus fertilizer, blue coloring around the outside and a picture of different fruits on the front with black text on a light blue background.

FertiLome Citrus Fertilizer

Choose a product labeled for use on citrus plants, such as the one pictured above.

You can purchase citrus-specific fertilizers from Nature Hills Nursery.

The most important thing is to be sure to use a complete fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). You may also need to supplement with trace minerals including iron, magnesium, and zinc, though these are often included in multipurpose fertilizer mixes.

A granular slow release fertilizer will provide best results. Supplementing with a liquid feed is recommended if you notice yellowing foliage, which can be a sign of nitrogen deficiency.

A close up of a light green plastic bottle with fish emulsion fertilizer for use on citrus trees. The bottle has a green label with black text and a picture of healthy plants.

FertiLome Fish Emulsion Fertilizer

Try this 5-1-1 fish-based fertilizer, available at Nature Hills.

Apply fertilizer just as new growth is beginning to appear in the late winter or early spring, and continue through the summer until growth slows down in fall.

A hand from the right of the frame sprinkles small beads of fertilizer onto the soil around the base of a potted citrus tree.

Follow instructions on the product packaging for recommended application amounts and frequencies. Always use a fertilizer designed specifically for citrus.

Pruning

While pruning is not necessary for healthy growth and fruit production, it is useful to keep indoor trees compact and mobile.

Trees can be pruned at any time during the year except when blooming and developing fruit, as this diverts energy away from fruit production and into new foliar growth.

A small orange tree in a terra cotta pot on a metal surface in front of a bright window.

Start by taking note of the general shape of the tree, looking for areas that are off balance or branches that are damaged or broken.

Use clean, sharp pruners to make cuts, always with the blade pointing towards the tree to reduce potential damage.

You can regularly trim growing tips to maintain your preferred shape and size. For a neat and compact shape, look for new shoots and shorten them back to about half of their length, cutting just above a leaf.

You can also remove dead wood and thin out inside branches to let light penetrate to the center, and promote good air circulation.

Growing Tips

  • Provide at least 6 hours of direct light a day, supplementing with an LED grow light if necessary.
  • Keep indoor temperatures between 55 and 80°F, and lower the thermostat a few degrees at night.
  • Move plants outdoors in the spring once low temperatures are above 50°F, and indoors when nighttime temperatures drop into the 40s.
  • Avoid any abrupt changes in light exposure or temperature.
  • Water regularly, keeping soil moist but never waterlogged. Infrequent, deep waterings are best.
  • Feed regularly with a granular fertilizer to ensure a sufficient supply nutrients.
  • Prune foliage after fruiting, to maintain desired shape and provide balance to the tree.

Choosing Indoor Citrus Cultivars

If you have access to dwarf root stock and established citrus trees, it is possible to to propagate them yourself from stem cuttings taken during the spring or summer. Cuttings will need to be grafted to the root stock in order to be successful.

Most likely, northern growers will need to purchase potted plants from local nurseries.

A variety of different citrus trees, some small, some larger, all in terra cotta pots at a garden nursery. In the background is a wire fence and a stone wall.

Purchased cultivars will generally be grafted as well, meaning that the rootstock is different from the variety that is fused to the top, which will become the productive plant.

Look for dwarf cultivars for container growing, as non-grafted trees will typically be much too large to grow indoors. The size of the fruit will not be affected by grafting, and dwarf varieties still produce full-sized fruit.

There are many wonderful options available for growing citrus indoors.

A close up of a mandarin tree in a white pot in bright sunshine.

Citrus fruits with high levels of citric acid, such as lemons and limes, ripen faster than sweeter citrus varieties, making them a great choice to grow indoors in cool climates.

Less acidic citrus types such as sweet oranges tend to require more heat for fruit to ripen. While all types of citrus can be grown indoors, these heat-loving varieties may require more attention in order to achieve good yields.

Here are a few of our favorite cultivars for growing in containers:

Dwarf Meyer Lemon (Citrus meyeri)

This classic dwarf lemon is easy to grow indoors. It is a self-pollinating cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange.

Meyer Lemon Tree on a white, isolated background.

Dwarf ‘Meyer’ Lemon

It can flower and produce fruit throughout the year, increasing the likelihood that it will provide you with homegrown lemons that you can use in cooking or to make fresh squeezed lemonade. It can also remain outside in temperatures over 40°F.

One-gallon container Meyer lemons are available from Perfect Plants.

Of course, starting with a bigger tree means you’ll be that much closer to a fruitful harvest, right from the beginning. Improved dwarf Meyer lemons (C. x ‘Meyer Lemon Improved’) are adapted to a wide range of growing conditions, and this cultivar is disease resistant.

A close up of a 'Meyer' lemons ripe on the tree, with flowers and foliage surrounding them.

‘Meyer Lemon Improved’

This is one of the more dependably productive fruit trees for growing in containers.

More mature 1- to 2-foot trees are available from Nature Hills Nursery. You can expect them to start producing fruit in about three years or less.

Bearss Semi-Dwarf Lime (C. latifolia)

Also known as Persian lime, this common grocery store variety produces large quantities of juicy, seedless fruit. The green skins will turn yellow if left on the plant to fully ripen. This is the most cold hardy of limes.

A close up of 'Bearss' variety of lime fruits, with leaves in soft focus in the background.

‘Bearss’ Lime

You can purchase plants in one-gallon pots from Burpee.

Calamondin Orange (Citrofortunella microcarpa)

A cross between a kumquat and a mandarin orange, this tree will provide an abundance of flowers and fruit, beginning in the second year of growth.

Calamondin Orange

These bright orange fruits are very tart, and they’re wonderful for cooking.

Cold hardy, productive, and beautiful, this plant also grows well in containers.

You can order trees in gallon-sized containers from Via Citrus via Amazon.

Rio Red Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi)

This heavy-yielding plant produces large pink grapefruit with an incredibly sweet flavor.

A close up of bright yellow 'Red Rio' grapefruits, ripe on the tree with foliage surrounding them.

‘Rio Red’ Grapefruit

These naturally dwarf-size trees are perfect for growing in containers, and can be easily transferred back and forth between a porch and indoors.

You can purchase trees in 1 to 2-foot containers from Nature Hills.

Dancy Tangerine (C. reticulata)

This beautiful fruit-bearing dwarf has striking dark green foliage, abundant orange fruit, and fragrant flowers that will fill your house with a citrusy sweet fragrance.

A close up of ripe 'Darcy' tangerines on the tree with foliage in the background.

‘Dancy’ Tangerine

A popular option for container growing, this cultivar produces an abundance of juicy, delicious fruit that is easy to peel – ideal for fresh eating or juicing.

Plants in various container sizes are available from Nature Hills.

Indio Mandarinquat (C. citrofortunella)

Why not try something unique with the ‘Indio Mandarinquat.’

This bell-shaped cross between a kumquat and a mandarin orange tastes like an orange, but with a bit of a sour kick. It can be eaten whole, complete with the peel. The fruit is wonderful in marmalade, syrup, or juice. Try it in a cocktail!

A close up of 'Indio Mandarinquat' fruits with foliage surrounding the oblong, orange fruit.

‘Indio’ Mandarinquat

Wonderfully fragrant, this tree will be sure to cheer up your whole house. You can order three-year-old trees from Nature Hills.

For even more of our favorite varieties perfect for growing in containers, check out our roundup (coming soon!).

Managing Pests and Disease

Container plants are prone to similar pests and diseases as citrus grown in the garden, especially if they spend part of the year outside.

Pests

Contrary to what you might expect, pests can become especially troublesome with indoor growing. Since there are not many natural predators indoors to keep pests in check, populations can grow rapidly and cause significant damage.

Here are a few of the common ones that you may encounter:

Aphids

Trees can be susceptible to black citrus, cotton, and spirea aphids.

These pesky little insects can range in color from green to yellow or black. They feed on the buds and undersides of leaves, causing foliage to curl. Aphids also produce a sticky secretion called honeydew, which can cause a buildup of sooty mold on foliage.

Read more about aphids here.

Mealybugs

These flat, oval-shaped insects are pink with a white wax coat. They lay their eggs on the fruit, leaves, and twigs of citrus trees. As a result, they make the tree less vigorous. And they also produce honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold.

Get more tips on combating mealybugs here.

Whiteflies

The larvae of these small, white, winged insects feed on the undersides of leaves, causing foliage to turn yellow and drop. Like aphids and mealybugs, whitefly larvae also excrete honeydew that can cause sooty mold.

Read more about whitefly control in our guide.

Mites

These tiny pests are a common problem for indoor plants. They cause yellowing and dropping of foliage, as well as discoloration and shriveling of fruits.

If you are able to move plants into the bathtub or onto the porch, a strong spray of water can often be enough to remove pests, including any honeydew and accompanying mold. Make sure to spray the undersides of leaves.

You can also make a homemade insecticidal soap by filling a spray bottle with water, a couple of teaspoons of mild biodegradable soap, and a teaspoon or two of vegetable oil. Spray the foliage every few days, as long as the infestation persists.

A spray of cayenne or jalapeno pepper and garlic mixed with water can also deter pests. A word of warning, however: this may make your house smell a bit strong for a while! Be sure to wear gloves when working with hot peppers and protect your eyes when you apply the spray.

To prevent insects from getting out of control, keep citrus away from other houseplants, vents, doors, and window screens, and always give them a thorough rinse before moving plants indoors for the winter.

Diseases

When growing citrus in containers indoors, the trees aren’t as prone to disease as they are outdoors, but there are a couple of things to be aware of:

Sooty Mold

Sooty mold is a fungus that can impact indoor citrus trees.

Caused by infestations of sap-sucking insects, sooty mold is characterized by a black powdery coating on leaves and twigs.

A close up of a citrus tree with its leaves covered in sooty mold. Areas of the leaves and branches are dark contrasting with the green of the healthy parts of the plant.

The good news is, it is usually not a huge problem in terms of plant health, though it is not the prettiest. In severe cases, it can block light, stunt growth, and cause yellowing of foliage.

More than anything, the presence of sooty mold is a sign of an underlying pest issue. Get rid of the insects and you will prevent new mold from being introduced. Be sure to wash off what’s already there, after dealing with an infestation.

Root Rot

Usually caused by fungi from the Phytophthora genus, root rot is often a result of overwatering or allow your tree to sit in waterlogged soil. Pot size is also a consideration – if small trees are planted in a pot that’s too big, this can lead to excess moisture remaining in the soil.

To read more about managing root rot, read our guide.

Keeping trees healthy by watering them well and providing adequate sunlight will also help to avoid stressing your plants, making them more readily resistant to problems as a result.

Harvesting Fruits

Patterns of flowering and fruiting vary depending on the cultivar, though many citrus plants tend to bloom and set their fruit during the spring. The fruits then develop through the summer, and are generally ripe and ready for harvest from sometime during the fall through the winter.

A close up of a fruiting lime tree in a dark green plastic pot on a tiled surface.

If you have space for more than one, why not grow several different types that produce fruit at various times of year?

Remember to be patient. It usually takes at least a few years for trees to bear fruit, depending on the variety and their age at the time when you plant them.

During the first few years of fruiting, harvests will tend to be small and inconsistent. At this point, trees are focusing their energy on developing strong roots and branches, creating a healthy foundation that will lead to larger harvests later on.

A close up of an indoor citrus tree with a couple of fruits and lots of foliage in a dark spot with sun shining through a window to the right of the frame.

When the time does come to harvest, all you have to do is pick fruits when they are ripe. Taste testing is the best way to gauge ripeness, as the rind color doesn’t always indicate how ripe a fruit is. You can harvest over several months as fruits continue to ripen.

Bring the Tropics to You

While it may take a little extra love and care, growing citrus indoors can be seriously rewarding. I mean, what could be better than rolling out of bed and stumbling into your living room to pick a fresh lemon for your morning tea?

A vertical picture of a lemon tree, heavy with fruit in a terra cotta container on a wooden surface.

It may be cold and snowy outside, but inside is a little slice of paradise!

Have you had success growing citrus trees indoors? Share your advice and questions in the comments section below.

Interested in other fruit trees? Check out these growing guides next:

Photo of author
Heather Buckner hails from amongst the glistening lakes of Minnesota, and now lives with her family on a beautiful homestead in the Vermont Mountains. She holds a bachelor of science degree in environmental science from Tufts University, and has traveled and worked in many roles in conservation and environmental advocacy, including creating and managing programs based around resource conservation, organic gardening, food security, and building leadership skills. Heather is a certified permaculture designer and student herbalist. She is also a fanatical gardener, and enjoys spending as much time covered in dirt as possible!
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A B (@guest_12307)
2 years ago

Thank you. It’s hard to find such helpful advice for growing my indoor citrus.

Shireen
Shireen (@guest_34737)
6 months ago

Thanks a lot.

Clare Groom
Clare Groom(@clareg)
Editor
Reply to  Shireen
6 months ago

You’re welcome Shireen, thanks for reading Gardener’s Path!