When it comes to growing a lemon tree indoors, one of the most important things to consider is the size of the pot that you are going to utilize to grow the tree. The pot will be critical for the growth of your lemon tree, as it will be the container that holds the soil and water around the tree, and will ensure that the tree is getting adequate air flow and sunlight. In this article, we will go over some of the factors to consider when selecting a pot for a lemon tree, and provide some tips on how to get the best out of the pot selection.
The size of the pot that you select for a lemon tree is dependent on how big of a tree it will be when fully grown. If you are selecting a pot for a small lemon tree, then you want to make sure that it is big enough to provide adequate space for the roots to grow, yet small enough to comfortably fit indoors. Generally, a pot size of 8 to 10 inches in diameter and 8 to 10 inches in depth is considered to be optimal for a small lemon tree.
When selecting a pot for a larger lemon tree, size is of course going to be important. It is important to choose a pot that can provide enough space for the deep and wide roots of the tree as it grows to its full size. It is generally recommended that you choose a pot with a 16 to 18 inch diameter and 15 to 20 inches in depth.
Another important factor to consider when selecting a pot for a lemon tree is the material that the pot is made of. Generally, the best pots for a lemon tree will be terracotta pots, which are made from a porous and breathable material which allows the roots to get adequate air flow, while also serving to hold moisture in the soil. The terracotta also helps to evenly cool the root of the lemon tree, as heat is able to escape through the sides.
In addition to the material of the pot, the drainage capacity of it should also be taken into consideration. The pot you select should have at least one drainage hole at the bottom of it in order to ensure that excess water can easily escape and be drained away, preventing potential root rot.
Depending on the size of the pot, it is also important to consider the type of soil you are going to use for the lemon tree. If you are utilizing a small pot, it is often recommended to use a soil rich in nutrients, as the concentrated space in the pot will struggle to maintain optimal balance. However, larger pots can often utilize soils with fewer nutrients.
Light Requirements
How much light your lemon tree is going to require can also have an impact on what size pot you select. If the tree is going to receive adequate amounts of indirect sunlight, then you can have a smaller pot, as less water is going to be lost through evaporation. Whereas if the lemon tree was to require more direct sunlight, then a larger pot can help to provide more space for storing water to reduce the evaporation of it.
Location of Pot
The location at which you choose to place the pot can also have an effect on the size of the pot that you select. Placing the pot in a constantly dry or well-ventilated environment can allow you to opt for a smaller pot without having to worry about excess water loss, but if you are placing the pot in a damp or humid area, then you may want to select a bigger pot in order to maintain a larger water store.
Care Requirements
Finally, it should also be noted that the care requirements of the lemon tree can also have an effect on the size of the pot. If you are going to be frequently watering the tree then you may want to opt for a larger pot in order to provide your tree with more water store, whereas if the tree is going to require less frequent watering then you can choose a smaller pot.
Soil Acidicity
It should also be noted that different types of soil have different levels of acidity, and this can have an effect on the pot size selected. Generally, soils with higher levels of acidity can require a greater water store, as the extended level of acidity prevents water from being able to easily penetrate the soil. Therefore, when selecting a pot for an acidic soil, a larger pot may be required.
Fertilizing
When selecting a pot for a lemon tree, the amount of fertilizing that you are going to be doing should also be taken into consideration. If you are going to be fertilizing the tree frequently, then a large pot can help to provide more space for the tree to take in the additional nutrients. On the other hand, if you are not going to be giving the tree much fertilizer, then a smaller pot can provide a more suitable alternative.
Weight Considerations
Finally, it is important to also consider the weight of the pot when selecting a size for a lemon tree. Generally, terracotta pots are quite heavy even when empty, so when locating a suitable position for the pot it is important to ensure it will be able to be easily moved and supported if necessary.
