Citrus plants at home

Citrus plants are shrubs with refreshing, delicious fruit. They come from the genus Citrus and are popular for their high nutritional value and rich vitamin content. In this article, we look at the history and origin of citrus plants, how to care for them, how they get along with pets, how demanding they are to grow, correct watering and the right conditions for growing them at home. We also focus on the signs of pests and poor care that can affect the health and yield of citrus plants.

 

History and origin of citrus

Citrus plants originally come from Southeast Asia, specifically from regions such as northern India, Myanmar and China. The history of citrus growing goes back to ancient Egypt and Greece, where citrus was prized for its exceptional qualities and nutritional value. During the Age of Discovery, citrus spread around the world, and today it is grown in many tropical and subtropical regions.

 

Caring for citrus plants

Citrus plants are generally considered moderately demanding to grow. They need plenty of light, correct watering and temperature, and regular fertilizing. It is also important to give the plants enough room for their root system to grow.

Citrus plants need proper care and the right conditions to grow and fruit as well as possible. The most important factor for healthy growth is to find the right spot with enough sunlight and then not to move the plant again, unless you have a greenhouse.

 

  1. Light and temperature: Citrus plants need a lot of light and prefer sunny spots. The ideal temperature for their growth is around 21 to 29 °C. It is important to place them where they get enough sunlight while being protected from direct hot sun.

  2. Watering: Citrus plants need regular watering. It is important to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water the plants when the top layer of soil starts to dry out slightly. In summer, they may need watering more often than in winter.

  3. Fertilizing: Citrus plants need regular fertilizing, especially during the growing and flowering season. Use a fertilizer developed specifically for citrus plants and follow the instructions on the package. Keep in mind that overfertilizing can damage the plant, so stick to the recommended doses.

  4. Humidity: Citrus plants like higher humidity. In dry conditions, you can mist the plants with water or place containers of water next to them to raise the humidity.

  5. The right potting mix: For citrus plants, a special potting mix adapted to their needs is recommended. The ideal potting mix for citrus should let water and air through well and also contain enough nutrients for healthy growth and development. Ideally, get a ready-made potting mix made especially for citrus plants

 

What is the difference between growing in a greenhouse and at home? Keep in mind that if you have a greenhouse, it gives citrus the best possible conditions for the shrub to bear fruit and to get enough humidity, light and warmth. There is a very high chance that your citrus will bear fruit every year and the shrub will thrive. In ordinary home conditions, on the other hand, the chances of fruiting drop considerably if we choose the wrong spot, keep the apartment too cold and do not give the plant enough sunlight. Winter is also a critical period, when citrus plants may drop leaves, overwatering can happen, or the plant may die from cold drafts or lack of light.

Photo: In tropical regions, citrus trees are as common as apple or pear trees are here.

 

Citrus plants and pets

Citrus plants are generally not considered toxic to pets. However, some pets, especially cats, may take an interest in plants and chew their leaves. In that case, it is a good idea to place the plants somewhere safe, out of the animals' reach.

 

Signs of pests and poor care

Improper care and unsuitable conditions can cause problems with citrus plants. Common signs of poor care include yellowing and dropping leaves, weak growth, loss of flowers and fruit, and susceptibility to pests such as aphids or whiteflies. It is important to check the plants regularly, give them proper care and respond to signs of trouble.

If pests attack, you can use natural or chemical products designed to get rid of the specific type of pest. When using chemical sprays, make sure they are meant for citrus plants and follow the instructions on the package. You also need to watch out for harsh midday sun, which you should avoid when growing these plants, because it can scorch the leaves in a single day and the plant then takes longer to put out new growth.

 

Photo: Citrus Kumquat fruit

 

Common citrus species for the home

The most common citrus plants are without a doubt the lemon tree (Citrus Lemon) and the mandarin (Citrus Calamondin). But there are other species too, such as lime, red lime and others. One interesting species is Citrus Kumquat, which is especially popular in Asia. Citrus Kumquat produces small orange fruits (2 to 4 cm). Both the peel and the flesh are orange and edible. The plant is also adorned with small, elongated, fresh green leaves. The plant usually has many flowers and fruits, which need to be thinned out. In our climate, we grow it as a houseplant, but it will appreciate spending the summer outdoors on a balcony or terrace.

 

Author: Martin Seidl

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