Autumn is a great time to consider bringing your lemon tree indoors. Lemon trees are subtropical plants, and generally don’t fare well in temperatures that dip below 50F. Therefore, when the temperature drops and your lemon tree begins to show signs of stress, you should bring it inside. In order to get the best performance from your lemon tree, you should plan ahead and understand when is best to bring it in.
When should you bring your lemon tree inside? The best time to bring your lemon tree indoors is in late summer, usually when the nighttime temperatures begin to dip below 55F. During this time, temperatures begin to fluctuate and your lemon tree may begin to become uncomfortable. In order to avoid a potential shock, you should plan to bring your lemon tree inside before the temperature drops below 50F.
When you bring your lemon tree inside, you should still give it plenty of bright light and air circulation. In order to preserve its health, your lemon tree should receive at least 8-10 hours of bright light per day. Although you may opt to put your lemon tree in a sunny south-facing window, you should also consider supplementing it with artificial light. Additionally, leave at least 2-3 feet of space between the window and your lemon tree itself, so that it can get proper air circulation.
Maintaining a consistent watering schedule is also important. The soil of your lemon tree should be slightly moist and should not be allowed to dry out completely. As such, it’s important to monitor the moisture levels of your lemon tree and ensure it’s appropriate for the type of soil you are using. You should water your lemon tree when the soil is dry to the touch, but not completely dry. If you are seeing signs of stress on your lemon tree, such as wilting or yellow leaves, you should adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
You should also monitor the humidity of the area your lemon tree is being kept in. Ideally, the air around your lemon tree should be kept between 30-50% humidity. You can adjust the humidity by placing a bowl of water next to your lemon tree, or using a humidifier. Finally, you should remember to regularly fertilize your lemon tree. Fertilizing should be done once a month during indoor months, and twice a month during outdoor months.
Winter Care
Once you have decided to bring your lemon tree indoors during the winter, you need to provide proper winter care in order to maintain your lemon tree’s health and vigor. During this time, you should monitor temperatures and make sure they don’t drop below 50F. You should also continue to water your lemon tree consistently and fertilize it at least once a month. Additionally, you should make sure to regularly mist your lemon tree to keep the humidity levels high. Finally, you should ensure you provide your lemon tree with plenty of bright light, either from natural sunlight or artificial light.
Spring Repotting
When the weather begins to warm up in the spring, you may want to repot your lemon tree. This is an important step in providing your lemon tree with the best possible care and keeping it healthy. To successfully repot your lemon tree, you should choose a quality soil and make sure to add the appropriate amount of fertilizer and other amendments. Additionally, you should be sure to provide proper drainage, as your lemon tree will not tolerate wet feet. Finally, you should be sure to use a pot that is large enough to comfortably fit your lemon tree and allow for further growth.
Pest Control
It’s important to monitor your lemon tree for pests throughout the year. If you notice any insects or other pests, you should take precautions to prevent them from affecting your lemon tree. The best way to control pests is to inspect your lemon tree regularly, preferably at least once a week. If you notice any pest activity, you should take steps to prevent the pests from progressing further. Additionally, you should use organic, non-toxic pesticides or other pest control methods.
Transitional Care
When the temperature begins to drop at the end of summer, you may want to think about transitioning your lemon tree from outdoor to indoor living. The best way to do this is to slowly introduce your lemon tree to indoor temperatures and light conditions. To do this, you should place your lemon tree in a shady spot and gradually move it to a brighter spot over the course of a few weeks. Additionally, you should increase the amount of water you give your lemon tree and make sure the temperatures stay consistent.
Monitoring Temperature
Your lemon tree should be kept in temperatures between 55-80F. Anything below 55F may cause damage to the tree, while temperatures above 80F may negatively affect the tree’s fruits. To keep the temperature in your house consistent, you should consider installing a thermometer and make an effort to keep the temperature in the range that is most comfortable for your lemon tree. Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to the outside temperature and make sure to avoid any drastic changes.
Protecting Your Lemon Tree from Cold Weather
If you live in a climate with harsh winter temperatures, you will want to take extra precautions to keep your lemon tree from getting too cold. The best way to do this is to cover your lemon tree when temperatures drop below 50F. You should use a heavy-duty cover or blanket to protect your lemon tree from cold temperatures. Additionally, you should keep your lemon tree away from any sources of cold air, such as vents or drafty windows.
