The Watering Mistake Everyone Makes When Growing A Lemon Fruit Tree Indoors

Having access to a year-round supply of fresh lemon might seem like a luxury, but with the right indoor conditions, it is entirely possible. Caring for a potted lemon tree requires attentive consideration for its sunlight intake, temperature, and of course, a consistent watering schedule. While it might sound like a simple venture, there are a number of watering mistakes that make growing a lemon tree indoors difficult, particularly over- and underwatering your plant. It is crucial to find the perfect balance within your watering regimen in order to foster a healthy growing environment.

So why is watering particularly important for indoor lemon trees? Like most plants, citrus trees rely on water for essential nutrients that aid in their growth. It is also a key component of photosynthesis, allowing your plant to maintain healthy leaves, continue growth, and eventually bear fruit. For young lemon trees in particular, a proper watering regimen is essential in establishing a healthy system of roots. Without this schedule, your small plant may become stressed, preventing further growth and the development of any fruit. Check your lemon tree frequently to determine how often you need to water your indoor plant.

One of the most common mistakes when growing indoor lemon trees is overwatering your plant. While they do tend to thrive in soil that is evenly moist, you don't want to drown your plant, as it can lead to a number of health issues that prevent fruit growth. Overwatering can cause your tree to quickly develop root rot, leaf droop, and a decline in your plant's health. It can also hinder further growth, halting fruit production in the process. This issue can be compounded by the use of pots without sufficient drainage, often trapping water at the bottom of your planter. It's important to let the top 1 to 2 inches of the soil dry out between waterings. Additionally, you should ensure that your pot has enough drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. 

Underwatering your lemon tree is another common issue when growing these plants indoors. If the plant isn't getting enough water, it will show distinct signs of stress, ranging between yellowing, wilting or dried leaves. Underwatered lemon trees may also struggle to produce fruit, as they rely on water to be able to absorb the nutrients from the right soil for your fruit-bearing tree. The key to avoiding underwatering is to ensure that the water is reaching the bottom of the planter. Again, drainage holes are an essential tool in this process, as you can see water coming out of the bottom of your pot.

In order to successfully grow a lemon tree indoors, you will need to create the perfect environmental conditions for your plant to thrive, and it all starts with choosing the right variety of lemon. Meyer lemons are an ideal choice as they are a semi-dwarf variety that remains compact while still bearing fruit. Other notable indoor lemon varieties include dwarf ponderosa and dwarf variegated pink lemonade. You will also need a properly sized pot that corresponds with the size of your plant. Additionally, you don't want to choose a pot that is too large for your plant as this can cause the soil to retain excess moisture. With the right pot, choose a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix that is specifically designed for citrus plants.

Proper lighting is also crucial in successfully maintaining an indoor lemon tree. Your plant should receive around 8 to 12 hours of sunlight each day, supplementing natural sunlight in the winter with a grow light, if necessary. Maintaining the right temperature for your plant is also extremely important. Lemon trees thrive in areas where the temperature doesn't drop below about 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Drastic temperature fluctuations can stress the plant out and prevent it from growing additional fruit or leaves. Lemon trees enjoy high humidity supplied by a humidifier, or you can create a trendy humidity tray to help retain moisture.