Citrus trees are a great addition to the home and garden. They give off that pleasant citrus smell and are beautiful to look at since they stay green all throughout the year. Dwarf trees, in particular, are fantastic to grow indoors since you don’t have to worry about keeping them short and manageable.
To pot a dwarf lime tree, you’ll need to:
- Find the right space.
- Choose the best pot.
- Find the right soil.
- Plant the tree.
- Properly water the tree.
Let’s look at how exactly to pot a dwarf lime tree. You’ll find most citrus plants are fairly similar in their growing and caring requirements. But let’s look specifically at the lime tree and the needs for light, temperature, space, and more.
Choose the Space
You will want to set the dwarf lime tree pot in a location in your home or outside that receives plenty of sunlight. They will need approximately 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, specifically in a warm location protected from the wind.
Protect It from Cold Weather
Of the different types of citrus trees, lemons and limes are especially sensitive to low temperatures and frost. Be sure to move your lime tree indoors if the temperature outside drops below 35 degrees Fahrenheit at night. If the tree is kept inside for the winter, you will want to invest in grow lights to provide that additional sun exposure.
Use the Correct Type of Pot
It is suggested that you use a large pot to give the roots room to grow. A pot that is 28 inches or larger should be good. The pot should also have several drain holes spaced all around the bottom of the pot. You may need to drill extra holes if only one is in the middle. Often, terra cotta or wooden containers work best.
Consider an Indoor/Outdoor Pot
If your dwarf lime tree will spend time both outside and inside, consider how you plan to move it from place to place. If you are moving the tree regularly, a plastic container might be best since it’s the lightest weight, or you can put it on wheels. And remember, it is better for the tree, to keep the pot lifted off the ground on feet instead of sitting in a tray where pests tend to breed in the standing water.
Choose a Good Soil
A lightweight, inorganic potting mix is best because it won’t pack down as much, suffocating the roots. You want to give the roots plenty of room to breathe the air and be given good drainage. Using soil from your backyard, therefore, might not be best. Look for slow-release granular citrus fertilizers and add them to the pot every other month throughout March and September.
Planting the Tree
Remove the lime tree from the nursing pot and place it in the new pot with soil already added to the bottom.
Add more soil around the root ball until it is covered up between 4 to 8 inches above the roots, the same place it was in the nursery pot. Water the tree right away and once every other day for the first two weeks. If it is necessary due to settling, add more soil until it is about an inch or two below the pot. Keep from piling the soil up at the tree trunk. And make sure the roots aren’t exposed.
Watering the Tree
Citrus trees like to be kept moist. During the hot seasons, you’ll want to water a few times a week, but you can get away with doing it less in cooler seasons. Sometimes the topsoil is dry, but just underneath, it still holds plenty of moisture. You can test the soil more accurately with a moisture meter.
Check the Leaves
If the leaves appear to be to be wilted or shriveling, they may be drying out. If the problem goes away with more water, then your tree was just being allowed to dry out too much. If the leaves are yellowing and curling up, and the problem doesn’t go away after watering, then the problem is probably overwatering. Cut back on how often or how much you water.
Conclusion
To pot a dwarf lime tree, consider the location. Make sure there is plenty of sunlight and protect it from cold and freezing temperatures. Choose an appropriate container that is big enough and has good drainage. When moving the tree from one pot to another, add the soil and cover it all around, ensuring the roots are fully hidden. Purchase the right kind of soil and fertilizer, and pay attention to the leaves and the tree’s health as you water and care for it.