Can a Meyer lemon tree grow indoors
John Parsons
Updated on April 20, 2026
Did you know you can grow citrus indoors no matter where you live? The easiest citrus to grow indoors is the Meyer lemon. Meyer lemons are prized for their sweet flavor, a cross between a mandarin orange and a lemon. … Here are some tips to help your citrus tree thrive and produce fruit indoors.
How do you care for a Meyer lemon tree indoors?
- Pot in a container using a well-drained, light potting mix.
- Place near your sunniest window indoors. South or southwest window exposure is best.
- Do not overwater. …
- Mist every day, since the trees like humidity.
- Prune by cutting spindly branches from the top.
How much sun does a Meyer lemon tree need?
Caring for a Meyer lemon tree involves watering the soil deeply but infrequently and misting its leaves, promoting good soil drainage, allowing your tree to get at least 8 hours of direct sunlight, and more.
Can you keep a lemon tree indoors?
Citrus need a bright sunny position. Most only reach 1–1.5m (3–5ft) tall in a pot but can grow larger in good conditions, depending on the rootstock. They are better grown in pots in a cool climate so they can be moved indoors.Do indoor lemon trees need sun?
Light: For peak performance — from blooms to fruit — your indoor lemon tree needs close to eight hours of sunlight each day. The more light it gets, the better your results will be. … Temperature: Indoor lemon trees grow best with nightly temperatures near 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which suits most homes fine.
Can lemon trees grow in pots?
When growing lemon trees in containers, the needs are very similar to lemon trees growing in the ground. The lemon trees will need good drainage, so make sure the pot has drainage holes. They will also need consistent and regular watering. … Fertilizer is also key to growing a healthy lemon tree in a pot.
How long does it take for a lemon tree to bear fruit indoors?
Most lemon trees take 6-9 months to harvest after being successfully pollinated. Your lemon tree may produce fruit even if you don’t pollinate it, but the fruit will be larger if it is pollinated.
How much does a Meyer lemon tree cost?
SizeAgePrice1 Gallon1 Year$50.96Do indoor lemon trees lose their leaves?
Indoor lemon trees lose leaves because of transplant shock due to a contrast in humidity, temperature, sunlight and watering frequency when moved from outdoors. Both indoor and outdoor lemon trees lose their leaves as a sign of stress usually, due to a change in their growing conditions.
How long does a Meyer lemon tree live?Typical Lifespan. If your Meyer lemon tree is grown in ideal conditions, it is possible for it to live 30 or more years.
Article first time published onHow long does it take for a dwarf lemon tree to bear fruit?
Despite their small proportions, dwarf lemon and lime trees produce full-size fruit. Usually it will take up to three years for a tree to reach mature fruit production. Younger trees may flower and produce small fruits, but this often inhibits root and foliage development.
How hardy is a Meyer lemon?
Meyer Lemon Trees are very cold hardy and can withstand temperatures down to about 20 degrees. If your area gets colder than that, your tree will need to be brought inside. But when they’re inside, winter heat can dry them out.
How often do Meyer lemon trees produce fruit?
Meyer lemon trees typically flower and fruit all year (and heavily in fall and winter), starting when they are about 3 to 5 years old.
Are lemon trees toxic to dogs?
Both lemon (citrus limon) and lime (citrus aurantifolia) trees produce phototoxic compounds called psoralens as well as linalool and limonene. Although safe for humans, these substances are potentially toxic to canines in large amounts. … Get the pawfect insurance plan for your pup.
Do lemon trees smell good?
Lemon Trees If you want to have even more fun, you can grow it yourself from a seed. … In the meantime, you’ll have a pretty plant that puts off a nice lemony scent. As an added bonus, you can eat the lemons (though you might be waiting a few years on those too).
Why is my lemon tree leaves turning yellow?
Very often the yellow leaves or chlorosis on a citrus tree is caused by over watering or a nutrient deficiency. Citrus need regular water especially in the warm months but over watering can leach nutrients from the soil and cause root rot. … Often the leaves on an over watered tree will turn yellow and drop.
Can I leave my lemon tree outside in winter?
Temperatures below 30 degrees typically ruin most citrus fruits, with the exception of Lisbon and Eureka. These lemons have thicker protective rinds and can remain on the tree down to 28 degrees without sustaining damage. Water outdoor lemon trees during the winter to protect the roots from damage.
How often should you water a potted lemon tree?
Though it varies dependent on factors such as relative humidity, temperature, and plant maturity or size, a potted lemon tree should be watered thoroughly about once every 5 days, or when the soil is dry to the touch 2-3 inches below the surface.
Why is my potted Meyer lemon tree dropping leaves?
Leaf drop can be caused by soggy soil and water that stagnates in the tray. So make sure to dump it out after a good, long soak. You’ll know it is time to water when the soil is dry a couple of inches down into the pot.
Why is my Meyer lemon tree dropping fruit?
Generally, you may see lemons falling from trees if the tree sets more fruit than it can support. … In many cases, lemon tree fruit drop is due to environmental factors that you can’t control. Sudden changes in temperature and heavy rains can often cause premature fruit drop.
How fast do Meyer lemons grow?
Meyer lemon trees grafted on to a rootstock will produce fruit in about two years. Seed grown Lemon tree plants can take 4-7 years to start bearing fruit. These fruit trees can grow as an indoor cold tolerant plant in colder zones but grows well outdoors year-round in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11.
How big is a 2 year old lemon tree?
2-3 Year Old (Approx. 2-3 Ft) Meyer Lemon Tree.
How big does a semi dwarf Meyer lemon tree get?
Growing Conditions Improved Meyer Semi-Dwarf Lemon trees can grow up to 8′-12′ when planted in the ground, but are easily kept smaller if grown in a container or with judicious pruning. Citrus trees (grown indoors or out) are self-fruitful and do not require pollination.
Where is the best place to plant a Meyer lemon tree?
All citrus trees love the sun, and the Meyer lemon tree is no different. It will grow and fruit best when located in full sunlight, though it can survive in a slightly shady spot. This tree prefers at least eight hours a day of direct light.
How do you take care of a dwarf Meyer lemon tree?
Allow soil to dry out only slightly between waterings. Fertilize regularly when growing Meyer lemons. A high nitrogen fertilizer, such as one designed for citrus trees, is best fed monthly between April and September. Withhold fertilizer during autumn and winter months.
Can dwarf lemon trees grow in pots?
Dwarf Meyer lemon trees grow well in pots, where they will grow to 4 feet or so. And they do well in the landscape, too, in zones 9 and 10. Dwarf Meyer lemon trees can reach 10 feet, but will easily adjust to less than four feet indoors.
How cold can Meyer lemon trees take?
Meyer lemons, satsumas, and some kumquats have the highest tolerance for cold among the commonly grown citrus, reportedly surviving down to 20 degrees.
Which dwarf lemon tree is best?
If you want a smaller tree that would not require a lot of space and can be taken indoors, the dwarf eureka lemon tree is a good choice. The dwarf eureka lemon tree’s size is just 10 to 15 feet when planted directly in the ground. However, they tend to be just around 3 to 5 feet when planted in a pot.
When should I plant a Meyer lemon tree?
Zone 9 Planting Time The best time to plant a Meyer lemon in USDA zone 9 is in the late winter or early spring. That gives a tree time to establish itself in the warm growing season. You could plant one in the fall but a winter freeze might kill it before it has a chance to grow.
Can citrus trees grow indoors?
Citrus plants grow best indoors with 65° days, dropping five to ten degrees at night. They need some direct sun for at least part of the day. During the summer, put citrus plants outside to take advantage of better growing conditions and extra light.