🌿 General Citrus Planting & Care Guide 🌿
Whether you’re growing lemons, limes, oranges, or other citrus varieties, following a few key steps will help you keep your trees healthy and productive. Here's a pro-level straightforward guide to planting, potting, and caring for your citrus tree.
1. Pot Size Matters!
If you’ve already got your citrus tree and are repotting, don’t jump to an oversized pot. While it may seem like a good idea to give the roots more room, too much soil can stay wet for too long, increasing the risk of root rot.
👉 Tip: Go up 1 to 2 inches in diameter from your current pot size when stepping up.
For example, if your pot is 12 inches wide, the next size should be about 13-14 inches. A gradual size increase helps maintain proper soil moisture and root health.
2. Choosing the Right Soil Mix
Citrus trees hate sitting in soggy soil!
If you’re not comfortable making your own "5-1-1 +" soil mix (which is typically 5 parts fine (micro) pine bark or a premium fir "repti-bark", 1 part perlite, and 1 part peat moss, plus garden lime for pH balance), there are good off-the-shelf options.
👉 Recommended: Making your own is ideal, but if you feel nervous about mixing your own 5-1-1 soil mix look for a Well Draining citrus or succulent mix like our (like our Rosy Cactus & Succulent Potting Soil).
Unfortunately, we're sometimes sold out of this mix, so if we don't have it in stock try to look for something similar. These mixes are usually well-draining, which citrus trees love.
3. Watering: Less is More (Most of the Time!)
Overwatering is the #1 cause of citrus problems. The roots need oxygen as much as they need water.
- Signs of overwatering: Drooping leaves, yellowing, leaf drop.
- Signs of underwatering: Wilting, dry crispy leaves.
The Wooden Skewer Test
- One of the simplest ways to know when to water is with the wooden skewer test:
- Take an unwaxed wooden skewer or chopstick.
- Insert it into the soil halfway between the trunk and the edge of the pot.
- Wait 15 minutes, then pull it out.
- If it’s dry, it’s time to water.
- If it’s damp or moist, wait another day or two and test again.
Do this every 2 days for the first couple of weeks to learn how quickly your soil dries out, especially if you’re adjusting to new conditions (indoors, outdoors, different seasons).
4. Seasonal Care: Bringing Citrus Indoors for Winter
Citrus trees can handle some chill, but they don’t like freezing temperatures.
- Bring them inside if temperatures dip below 35°F, and sooner if there’s a wind chill that makes it feel colder.
- Indoors, they’ll need as much light as possible—preferably near a south-facing window or under grow lights for 10-12 hours per day.
5. Fertilizing for Healthy Growth
Citrus trees are heavy feeders, especially in the growing season (spring through early fall).
- A good balanced citrus fertilizer works well.
- If you’re using Foliage Pro, try 1.5 teaspoons per gallon of water to support lush green leaves.
- Don’t forget Garden Lime in bark-based mixes like 5-1-1 to help with calcium and pH balance.
Watch for yellowing leaves—it can be a sign of nutrient deficiency or watering issues. Adjust accordingly.
6. Root Health: The Foundation of a Healthy Tree
Healthy Roots = A Healthy Tree!
Over- or under-watering stresses roots and can lead to serious problems like root rot. Once roots are compromised, no fertilizer or light can fix the problem until the roots recover.
Prevent root rot by using well-draining soil, avoiding overwatering, and monitoring root health. If your tree is struggling, check the roots for mushiness or rot and prune back any bad spots.
7. Final Tips & Encouragement
- Lemon trees are often the hardiest and can tolerate a bit more neglect than other citrus varieties.
- Consistency in watering, light, and temperature is key.
- Don’t worry if you make mistakes—citrus trees can be pretty forgiving once you get the basics down.