How to grow a lemon tree at home: bringing freshness and clean air to the apartment
Citrus lovers, rejoice! SSPDaily reveals the secrets of successfully growing a lemon tree right in your apartment. This will not only decorate the living space with natural beauty, but also purify the indoor air and give you the joy of harvesting your own fresh lemons. Let's dive into the process of growing this wonderful indoor garden.
Why should you choose an indoor lemon tree?
Before we begin our journey of growing a lemon tree indoors, it is worth understanding the benefits of this endeavor. Indoor lemon trees are excellent at purifying the air, making them a great addition to the aesthetics and well-being of your home. In addition, they provide a wonderful bonus in the form of delicious, home-grown lemons for your culinary creations and refreshing drinks.
Planting a lemon tree: Basic rules
1. Prepare the right soil mixture :
Start by choosing a suitable pot and filling it with a suitable potting mix. For the perfect mix, mix 2 parts turf soil, 1 part deciduous soil, 1 part river sand and 1 part humus. This mixture will provide your lemon tree with the necessary nutrients and drainage.
2. Repot as needed:
Keep an eye on the growth of your lemon tree. If the roots outgrow the pot, repot it into a slightly larger pot once a year to ensure that there is enough space for the roots to develop.
Caring for the lemon tree: Tips for prosperity
1. Watering:
During the summer months, water the lemon tree every other day with settled water. Let the water drain into a saucer and then pour it back into the pot after about 2 hours. Repeat this process until the water stops running into the saucer. In addition to regular watering, use soft water to spray the plant in summer. In winter, reduce watering to 1-2 times a week to accommodate the tree's dormant phase.
2. Location:
Avoid moving the lemon pot to different locations frequently, as this can cause the leaves to fall off. To form the crown of the tree, prune the shoots during the first 2-3 years of growth. Remove all flowers during the first two years. In the third year and beyond, leave only 3-4 well-developed flowers on each cluster. Similarly, with fruits, leave one fruit for every 25 leaves, giving preference to those located closer to the trunk.
3. Fertilizing:
In the initial stages of growth, use ammonium nitrate as a fertilizer. After two years, switch to phosphorus-potassium mixtures and organics to feed the lemon tree. If you notice a deficiency of trace elements, use a weak solution of potassium permanganate or copper sulfate to remedy the situation.
4. Pest control:
Keep a close eye on your lemon tree to prevent pests such as scale insects and aphids from infesting it. In the event of pests, take appropriate measures as you would for other indoor plants.