Are you looking to grow an indoor lemon tree but aren't sure which soil to buy? Read on to learn about soil requirements for indoor lemon trees.

Growing lemons inside gives you access to fresh, delicious citrus fruit all year long. And, it fills your home with a refreshing and fragrant aroma that is better than any air freshener you can buy. Plus, lemon trees make beautiful decor in your indoor space.

There are so many benefits to growing indoor lemon trees. Read on to learn about the right soil for your indoor lemon tree.

Best Soil for Indoor Lemon Tree

Many people think that garden soil will work well for potted lemon trees, but that is not true.

Regular garden soil will not drain well and will likely become compacted and dense.

Select a potting mixture from your local garden store. The pH level of the soil can make a difference in the health of your lemon trees.

The perfect pH level for indoor lemon trees is between 5.5-6.5. You can get a pH testing kit from most garden stores to verify that your soil is right for lemon trees.

You can lower the soil's pH by adding lime. Or, if your soil is too acidic, you can use sulfur to raise the pH level.

Always use free potting mix when your lemon tree outgrows the pot it is currently growing in. This will happen every three years or so.

Make Your Own Potting Mixture

If you have your heart set on making your own potting mixture for your Meyer lemon tree or dwarf lemon tree, you can.

You will need equal parts sand, peat, perlite or bark. Just make sure to test the pH level of your soil.

Ensure Enough Soil Drainage

Caring for a potted lemon tree requires having adequate drainage.

Opt for a pot with lots of drainage holes along the bottom. This prevents the extra water from choking the roots of your lemon tree.

Put some gravel in the tray your pot will sit in. That prevents the roots from sitting in water.

You can add in a layer of screen to keep the soil in if your pot has very large drainage holes.

It's best if you raise your lemon tree pot off the ground with bricks so that your soil can get enough air circulation.

Nutrient Requirements for Lemon Trees

Indoor lemon trees have different nutrient requirements than outdoor ones.

Choose a slow-release citrus fertilizer for your indoor lemon tree soil. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations to know how much fertilizer to give and when.

Generally, if your lemon tree has nice, green leaves, you are providing the right amount of fertilizer. Yellow leaves are a warning sign that you are either over watering your tree or that the soil is lacking iron.

Remember, you need to water indoor plants more than you would water a tree growing in your yard. But, you want the soil partly dry in between watering.

Final Thoughts

Growing indoor lemon trees can be rewarding and successful. You can enjoy delicious, home-grown lemons regardless of the climate you live in.

Visit the US Citrus blog for more helpful articles, including how to care for citrus trees, recipes, health benefits and more.

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