Indoor lemon tree is a perennial citrus plant that can be grown indoors, in a container. It typically grows to 3-6 m (10-20 ft) tall and bears fragrant white flowers and round, yellow fruit.
Related plant:
Indoor Bonsai Tree
Related plant:
Indoor Palm
About soil condition, indoor lemon trees need well-drained, loose soil that's high in organic matter. The ideal pH range for lemon trees is between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too heavy, amend it with perlite, vermiculite or coarse sand to improve drainage. If your soil is too sandy, add organic matter such as compost or manure.
Just like other citrus trees, lemon trees need a lot of sun. If you live in a colder climate, you can grow your tree indoors near a south-facing window. Lemon trees need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, so make sure to place it in a bright spot.
The temperature condition that is necessary for an indoor lemon tree is one that is bright, warm, and humid. The tree should be located in an area where it will receive direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. The ideal temperature for the tree is between 68 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 68 degrees, the tree will become dormant and will not produce fruit.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40-50%. You can maintain the humidity by setting the tree on a tray of pebbles and water or by misting the leaves with water. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between watering. During winter months, when the air is drier, you may need to water a bit more frequently.
Discussing fertilizer, this family of plant food is important to consider when growing an indoor lemon tree. The main nutrients found in fertilizer are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Each of these play an important role in the health of your tree. For example, nitrogen helps with leaf growth, phosphorus encourages root growth, and potassium helps the overall plant to resist disease and pests. There are different types of fertilizer, such as chemical or organic fertilizer. Many nurseries and garden centers will have different recommendations for what type of fertilizer to use on your lemon tree.
Pruning a lemon tree is important to maintain its shape and size, as well as to encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches. It is also important to thin out the canopy to allow light and air to reach the inner branches. Be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the bark or branches.
Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. Lemon trees can be propagated from seed, but it is more common to propagate them from cuttings. To propagate a lemon tree from a cutting, take a 6-8 inch cutting from a healthy branch and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, bright location and keep the soil moist. After 6-8 weeks, the cutting should have rooted and can be transplanted to a larger pot or into the ground.
Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to moderate. However, with proper care, your lemon tree can reach its full potential. When selecting a lemon tree for your home, make sure to pick a variety that is known to produce high-quality fruit. If you provide your lemon tree with the proper amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients, it will continue to produce delicious fruit for many years to come.
Common problems for this kind of plant are pests, lack of sunlight, and too much or too little water. Most pests can be controlled with a combination of mechanical, such as traps and sprays, and biological controls, such as using beneficial insects. Lemon tree also need at least six hours of direct sunlight everyday, and too little sunlight can cause the lemon fruits to be small and the leaves to be yellow. Watering indoor lemon tree properly is also important, too much water can cause the roots to rot and too little water can cause the leaves to drop.
Source:
Growing Citrus Indoors - Master Gardener Program
Growing Dwarf Citrus Trees Indoors - North Dakota State University
Lemon Tree | Dietetics and Human Nutrition - University of Kentucky
