Keeping a lemon tree in a pot can be an attractive and rewarding addition to any home. Pot-grown lemon trees are not only attractive but also easy to grow in the right conditions, meaning they make excellent houseplants. While potted lemon trees may be slightly smaller and less productive than those planted in the ground, they can still flower and bear fruit.
When grown in a pot, a lemon tree should be fertilized every few months with a slow-release fertilizer, providing the plant with the necessary nourishment and enabling it to grow and produce healthy fruit. To ensure the lemon tree gets enough water, you should check the soil every few days and water when the soil feels dry. The soil should be kept slightly damp but not wet. If the soil is allowed to become dry or soggy, the tree may suffer.
Lemon trees grown in pots are easy to move, which can be useful if you need to shift your tree during periods of extreme cold or intense heat. If you decide to move your lemon tree indoors, be sure to select a pot that is large enough to allow plenty of space for roots. You should also consider the amount of sunlight available, as citrus trees need plenty of it to grow.
To keep your lemon tree healthy, remember to prune it every now and then to maintain size. This will help keep the tree from becoming too large for its pot. Citrus trees fruits when grown in containers require manual pollination, which should be done with a cotton swab or small brush. Lastly, watch for diseases and pests, and if any are present, treat with appropriate products.
Pot size
The size of the pot you select to grow your lemon tree in is one of the most important factors for successful lemon tree potted growth. Select a pot that is slightly larger than the root ball of the tree and has ample drainage to prevent waterlogging. Citrus trees grown in a pot need to be watered more often than those planted in the ground, so a lightweight pot is essential as it will be easier to move and water as needed.
Providing suitable conditions
When caring for a lemon tree in a pot, it is essential to provide suitable conditions. Citrus trees prefer moist, tropical conditions and ample drainage. If your plant is situated outside, make sure the pot is placed in a sheltered spot where the roots do not receive direct sunlight and the soil has good drainage. If the temperature falls below 40°F, it is best to move the pot indoors.
Repotting
When your lemon tree grows, you will need to repot it in a larger pot. This should be done every year or two, to ensure that the root system can spread out and the tree can get enough food and moisture. Repotting should be done at the start of spring and should involve carefully removing the tree from its existing pot and transplanting it into the new one.
Fertilizers
Citrus trees grown in containers need regular fertilization, typically every three to four weeks. It is important to use a fertilizer specifically formulated for citrus trees grown in containers, as this will give the tree enough nutrients to produce its fruit. When selecting a fertilizer, be sure to read the label and choose one that encourages root growth and is low in nitrogen.
Protecting from pests and disease
It is important to regularly check for pests and disease when your lemon tree is growing in a pot. Aphids, fungus and powdery mildew can all affect lemon trees, and can be a problem when the plant is grown in a container as these issues are more difficult to control. Regular inspection is essential, and any disease or pests can usually be treated with appropriate pesticide or fungicide.
Regular pruning
Pruning is an essential part of keeping a lemon tree healthy, and it is especially important when the tree is contained in a pot. Pruning helps to control the size, shape and vigor of the tree, enabling it to produce more and better fruit. Regular pruning also helps to keep the tree from becoming too large for its pot and encourages new growth, both of which are important when keeping a lemon tree in a container.
