http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/citrus.html
Growing Citrus Indoors In Cool Climates
By B. Rosie Lerner, Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist
If you’ve ever seen a citrus tree while traveling in warmer climates of the United States, you’ve likely admired the glossy leaves and fragrant flowers. Although citrus plants are not winter hardy in the Midwest, some species can be grown successfully as indoor foliage plants and, given the right growing conditions, can even produce edible fruit!
You can grow citrus plants just for fun from seeds found in fruits purchased at local produce markets. However, these plants are generally not good candidates for long-term houseplants. Some of the citrus types best adapted to indoor culture include Ponderosa lemon, Otaheite orange, Meyer lemon, Persian lime and Calamondin orange.
Citrus foliage can adapt to the relatively low light levels typical of our homes. However, if flowers and fruit are what you’re after, you’ll need to give the plants as much light as possible. If natural light is inadequate, you can supplement with artificial lights. A combination of cool white and warm white florescent lights placed close to the plants will help, as will the special “grow lights” that emit the wavelengths of light most important for plant growth.
Relative humidity is generally too low in the typical home, especially during the winter heating season. Running a humidifier will increase both plant and people comfort. Pebble trays with water evaporating from the surface also can be helpful. Hand-misting is generally ineffective at raising relative humidity, though it can help wash dust off of the foliage.
Soil, water and fertilizer needs of citrus are similar to other houseplants. A good-quality potting soil mix with blooming-houseplant food applied according to label directions should be sufficient. Water thoroughly at intervals that allow the soil to dry just a little between waterings.
Citrus flowering is dependent on the particular species of plant, as well as environmental conditions. Generally, best success with flowering is achieved by moving the plant outdoors to a protected, partially sunny location after all danger of frost is past. Similarly, the plant will need to be brought back indoors at the end of summer, before temperatures dip below 50 F. However, unless the plants are gradually exposed to these drastic changes of environment, they will often respond by dropping many leaves and, possibly, flowers and young fruit.
If citrus is kept indoors year-round, the plants will likely need a bit of pollination assistance when they do flower. Use an artist’s paintbrush or cotton swab to transfer pollen from one flower to another. You may need to consult a botany book at your local library to help you recognize the various parts of the flower.
If pollination is successful, fruits will develop, but can take quite a few weeks to ripen. It is not unusual for small, young fruits to drop off the plant shortly after they have formed, either from inadequate pollination or unfavorable environmental conditions.
Last updated: 10 April 2006
Questions about this page should be sent to homehort@purdue.edu
The URL for this page is http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/citrus.html
http://craftpals.com/holidays/xmas/printables/index.html#
Happy Holidays!
To Print: Go to File, preview, make adjustments and print at 100%.
- All of my stuff was made to fit on just one page. However, borders, headers and footers may have to be removed to print at 100% on some of the larger graphics.
Terms: My terms are easy.
You may use my printables with your crafts whether for fun or profit. However, my graphics can not be altered.
If you’re confused about my terms, please email me.
I hope you enjoy using these.
Last year’s graphics came from a plant that my husband bought me.
This year’s; the graphics came from a drawing that I did for the kids “Drag and Drop” script, except the “Drag and Drop” script is still here in pieces. :)
labels for Folger’s Coffee can *New*
-go to preview and remove all footers and headers
-should all fit on one page.
Christmas bookmark
bookmark with magnet || how to is here
bookmark calendar ( 2009 )
calendar ( 2009 ) for Carol.
Size is around 4-1/2 x 6-1/2” and it fits in a 6x7 Christmas card
Christmas bookplate
card || envelope ( go to preview & remove borders)
Christmas notepaper
Christmas coupon
recipe card || recipe index card ( sorry, these are last year’s)
santa’s wish list ( from last year )
envelope for coupons/checks/monies etc. || Sample is here
page of tags
page of small toppers
page of small hershey kisses or hugs box
-I pulled my kiss/hugs tags through the top of the small boxes.
page of name cards
chocolate wrapper ( 5-1/4” x 5-3/4” )
Christmas computer Wallpaper 1024x768 resolution
Christmas “To Do List” for the husband/kids :)
New additions for this year:
folding tags
cocoa packet ( go to preview and remove borders )
popcorn wrapper ( check on preview and remove borders)
page of small toppers Says: Happy New Year!
Please share my link with friends.
http://craftpals.com/directory.html
Thank you!