How to grow lemon trees indoors

Growing an indoor lemon tree can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only do these fruit trees add beauty to your home, but they also provide you with fresh, juicy lemons that you can use in your cooking and drinks. In this blog post, we will provide you with a detailed guide on how to grow lemon trees indoors successfully.


Step 1: Choose The Right Lemon Tree Variety

The first step in growing an indoor lemon tree is choosing the right variety. There are many different varieties of lemon trees, but the most popular one for indoor growing is the Meyer lemon tree. Meyer lemons are ideal for indoor growing because they're easy to maintain, producesweeter, juicier fruit fruits, and don't grow too large. If you prefer a more sour taste and want a morecold-hardy species, you can choose a Eureka or Lisbon lemon tree.

Consider the size of your container and the eventual size of the fruit trees when selecting a variety. Dwarf varieties such as the Meyer lemon are perfect for indoor growing in smaller containers, while larger varieties like the Lisbon may require a bigger pot or space to grow. By selecting the right variety for your indoor growing conditions, you can ensure a healthy, thriving lemon tree that produces bountiful fruit.

Meyer lemons vs. Eureka Lemon and Lisbon Lemons

So, how long does it take for a lemon tree to grow fruit indoors?

Meyer lemon trees typically take around 1 to 2 years to start producing fruit. It's recommended to allow the lemon trees to mature for at least 3 years before expecting a significant harvest. On the other hand, it can take around 3 to 5 years for a Eureka or Lisbon lemon tree to reach maturity and start producing fruit indoors. During the cultivation time, it's important to continue providing proper care and maintenance to encourage healthy growth and boutiful homegrown lemons.

Therefore, we recommend home growers choose the Meyer Lemon Tree to grow indoors.

Step 2: Select The Right Container

The next step is to select the right container for your fruit tree. When choosing a container, it's important to consider the size of the tree and its root system, as well as the drainage and aeration needs of the soil.

Ideally, the container should be large enough to accommodate the root system of the tree without being too big that it creates excess soil that can hold water and cause root rot. A container that is18-24 inches in diameter and12-18 inches deep is typically sufficient for planting a young potted Meyer lemon tree grown indoors.

The lemon plant container to grow indoors

The container should also have several drainage holes at the bottom to allow for proper drainage and prevent waterlogging of the soil. Adding a layer of gravel or small stones at the bottom of the container can help to ensure proper drainage.

In addition to drainage, aeration is also important for healthy root development. Consider choosing a container made from porous material such as terracotta or fabric that allows air to circulate around the roots of your potted lemon trees.

Lastly, it's important to consider the weight of the container, especially if you plan on moving the tree. A lightweight plastic container may be easier to move than a heavy ceramic or terracotta pot.

By selecting the right container for your Meyer lemon tree, you can provide a healthy growing environment for the tree's roots, ensure proper drainage and aeration, and make it easier to move the tree if needed.

Step 3: Choose The Right Soil

The type of soil you use is also crucial in growing a lemon tree indoors.

Meyer lemon trees are acid-loving plants that prefer slightly acidic, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. When selecting soil, avoid heavy, compacted soils that can retain water and lead to root rot. Instead, look for a high-quality potting mix that contains peat moss, vermiculite, or perlite to help promote drainage and aeration. You can also add some sand or small stones to the soil to further improve drainage.

Avoid using garden soil, which can contain pests, diseases, and weed seeds that can harm the tree.

You may also consider adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure to the soil to improve its fertility and provide essential nutrients to the tree.

The best fresh soil mix for growing lemon trees potted plants

By selecting the right soil for your Meyer lemon tree, you can help promote healthy root development and ensure the tree has access to the nutrients it needs to produce bountiful fruit. You can mix equal parts of sand, peat moss, and perlite to create a suitable potting mix for your lemon tree. Alternatively, you can purchase a pre-made potting mix from a garden center or nursery.

Step 4: Grow Meyer Lemon Trees

Once you've selected the right container and soil, it's time to plant your lemon tree.

Begin by filling the container with the potting mix, leaving a couple of inches of space at the top. Gently remove the tree from its nursery container and loosen the roots slightly. Place the tree in the center of the new container, making sure that the graft union is above the soil level.

Fill in the remaining space around the tree with the potting mix, taking care not to cover the graft union. Press down gently to remove any air pockets and ensure the tree is firmly anchored in the soil. Water the tree thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain out of the bottom of the container.

Finally, place the container in a location that receives bright, indirect light and is away from any drafty areas.

Step 5: Provide Bright Light

Lemon trees require a lot of sunlight to grow and produce fruit. Ideally, you should place your lemon tree in a bright, sunny location in your home, preferably by a south-facing window.

If natural sunlight is not available, you can supplement with artificial light using LED grow lights. LED grow lights emit the full spectrum of light that plants need for photosynthesis, making them an ideal choice for indoor lemon trees. When selecting LED grow lights, look for ones that have a high enough and dimmable output to provide at least 600 µmol/m²/s of light intensity. You can position the LED grow lights directly over the tree or at an angle to provide even coverage. Keep the lights on for 12-16 hours a day, depending on the tree's growth stage.

For young lemon trees, the PPFD requirement is relatively low, at around 100-150 µmol/m²/s, and they require 300-400 µmol/m²/s PPFD when branches and leaves thrive, while during the flowering and fruiting stage, the PPFD requirement increases to around 400-600 µmol/m²/s, and up to 800 µmol/m²/s at the end of fruiting.

The PPFD for growing indoor lemons without natural light

Mars Hydro suggests using the TS3000 LED grow light and keeping it 20~24 inches from the top of the lemon tree canopy.

Advantages of growing lemon trees indoors with LED grow lights

There are several advantages to growing a lemon tree indoors with LED grow lights. These include:

  1. The spectrum of light: LED grow lights provide the right spectrum of light that plants need to grow and thrive. Experiment shows that with a full-spectrum led grow light, indoor lemons are juicier and richer in nutritional substances.

  2. Year-round production: Growing indoor lemons with LED grow lights allows you to produce lemons all year round, regardless of the season and the bad weather. This means that you can enjoy fresh, juicy lemons whenever you want, without having to wait for the fruit to ripen.

Step 6: Water Regularly

Proper watering is key to growing a healthy indoor lemon tree. You should water your lemon tree regularly, but be careful not to overwater. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. It's also important to note that lemon trees don't like to sit in water, so make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.

As a rule of thumb, you should water the tree when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Overwatering can lead to lemon trees' roots rot, while underwatering can cause stress and stunted growth. When watering, pour water slowly and evenly around the base of the tree until it starts to drain out of the bottom of the container. Allow the excess water to drain away completely before placing the container back in its spot.

In addition to regular watering, you can also mist the tree with water to increase humidity levels, which is beneficial for the tree's growth and fruit production.

Avoid using hard water, which contains high levels of minerals that can accumulate in the soil and damage the tree over time.

Step 7: Fertilize Regularly

To ensure your lemon trees grow healthy and strong, you need to fertilize them regularly. Use a citrus-specific fertilizer and follow the instructions on the label. You should fertilize your lemon tree every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (early spring and summer). However, you should not fertilize during the winter months, as the tree is in a dormant phase.

Of course, you can fertilize whenever you want when you have a grow room (tent) with a controlled environment for your lemon trees or other fruit trees.

Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive leaf growth and poor fruit quality. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season when the tree is not actively growing. Citrus-specific fertilizers are easy to find online or at any local nursery.

Step 8: Prune As Needed

Pruning is an important part of indoor lemon tree care. Regular pruning helps to remove dead or damaged branches or lemon tree leaves, improve air circulation and light penetration, and stimulate new growth.

You should prune your tree as needed throughout the year, but avoid doing so during the winter months when the tree is dormant.

Prune the lemon trees to ensure plant health

When pruning, use sharp and clean pruning shears to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the tree. Focus on removing any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other or growing inward towards the center of the tree.

You can also do occasional pruning to the tree to maintain its shape and size and plant health, but be careful not to remove too much foliage at once, as this can stress the tree and reduce fruit production.

Step 9: Control Pests and Diseases

Controlling pests and diseases is a crucial step in maintaining the health and productivity of your Meyer lemon tree indoors. Common insect pests that can affect indoor lemon trees include spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs, which can cause damage to the leaves and fruit.

To control pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil, which are natural and safe for use on citrus trees. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to apply the treatment, and apply it when the tree is not in direct sunlight. You can also prevent pests by keeping the tree clean and free of debris, and regularly inspecting the leaves and branches for any signs of infestation.

Diseases that can affect indoor lemon trees include root rot, citrus canker, and powdery mildew, among others. To prevent diseases, make sure the tree is planted in well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering. In case of disease, it is best to remove and dispose of any infected plant material and treat the tree with a fungicide, if necessary. Regularly disinfecting pruning tools and other equipment can also help prevent the spread of disease.

In summary, controlling pests and diseases is an important step in indoor lemon tree care. Regularly inspecting the tree, keeping it clean, and using natural remedies or treatments can help prevent or control pests and diseases, ensuring that your tree stays healthy and productive for years to come.

Step 10: Harvest Your Lemons After Fragrant Blossoms

Harvesting your Meyer lemon trees is one of the most exciting and rewarding steps of after steps of indoor lemon tree care.

Harvest the lemons after fragrant blossoms

Once your lemons are mature and fully ripe, it's time to pick them from the tree. Meyer lemons usually take about 6 to 9 months to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions. You can tell when your lemons are ready to be harvested by their bright yellow color and slightly soft texture when gently squeezed. It's important to not wait too long to harvest your lemons, as overripe fruit can lose flavor and become more susceptible to pests and diseases.

When harvesting, use a pair of sharp pruning shears to cut the fruit off the tree, leaving a small stem attached. Make sure not to damage the tree or the remaining fruit when harvesting. If the lemons are difficult to remove from the tree, gently twist and pull until they come off.

Once harvested, you can store your fruits at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to a month. Before using, wash the lemons with warm water to remove any dirt or debris. Meyer lemons can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet, and even in cocktails. The bright and tangy flavor of Meyer lemons adds a unique taste to any recipe.

Harvesting your indoor lemons is a rewarding experience and a great way to enjoy fresh fruit right from your own home. With proper care and patience, your indoor lemon tree will continue to produce delicious fruit for years to come.

Grow A Lemon Tree Indoors

Growing an indoor lemon tree is a fun and rewarding experience that can provide you with fresh, juicy lemons throughout the year. You start your first lemon tree by choosing the right variety, container, soil, and providing enough light, water, and fertilizer. With proper care and maintenance, your indoor lemon tree can thrive for many years, adding beauty and flavor to your home.

led grow light for indoor lemons

Need any artificial planting lighting recommendations? Grow a lemon tree with Mars Hydro full spectrum LED grow lights!