starting up

15 years ago

Hey i have recently become interested in growing citrus. I am doing my homework and have seen that most people begin with a meyer lemon tree. This seems to be the perfect fit for me. I would like to keep the tree small because i am in college. I also read about lighting conditions that the plant needs. I will be able to keep the plant outside for the remainder of the summer but I am returning to school in august. I would take the tree with me. Is a dorm room with say a growing light sufficient for such a tree? Do i have to worry about the humidity in the room when the ac and heat are on? What else would you recommend for this kind of set up? I have also looked at different nurserys on the internet that could ship it, any recommendations? Thanks a ton!

-caleb

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Comments (5)

User
15 years ago
As a true beginner, I would suggest that you start with either a kumquat or Calamondin (a kumquat/madarin hybrid of sorts). It's not that you couldn't grow the Meyer's--it's just that the two that I mentioned are easier and smaller. Calamondin
are readily available--you might have to shop around more for the kumquats. My tip is keeping them on the drier and cooler side over the winter months. You could get away with artificial light over winter but needs to be bright enough. Good luck!
birdsnblooms
15 years ago
Caleb..I wish you luck..I agree with Nj's advice on choice of trees since you're looking for something small. Most Calamondins bought locally are bushy..Though I normally don't prune, if a citrus happened to suddenly sprout up, pruning wouldn't do any harm, but it can halt flowering/fruiting, moreso in spring.
Is there any windows in the dorm? Normally, I suggest using plain old bulbs, but if you don't have any true sun source, invest in a Gro-bulb.
The light will need to be on at least 8 hours per day..
If there's a cooler spot in your room, set your tree there..Watering can be tricky..make sure soil dries well before rewatering. No fertilizer.
Since your tree will be kept outdoors in summer, spray using Fish Emulsion, (which has a fishy odor, though they now sell an odorless type) a few drops of dish soap, and to be on the safe side, a little finely chopped garlic and citrus rind or juice..Spray thoroughly. This concoction will prvent/kill most insects plants are likely to attract during summer months.
Fish Emulsion is actually an organic fertlizer, so if you spray in say Sept, it'll work as an organic insecticide, and a last foliar feed too.
If possible, purchase a small humidifer. They sell 1, 3 and 10 gallon types. I'd mist tree daily, too, and if possible, a weekly or bi-weekly shower.
Good luck, Toni..Good luck in school, too..
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littlelemon29
15 years ago
I would definitely not start with the lemon, or the kumquat for that matter- I second the calamondin..

If you search this forum you will find that the largest number of 'help me questions' are related to meyer lemons..

kumquats can be on the picky side also(being the owner of a meiwa myself)..

I also own 2 calamondins and they are absolutely delightful- they fruit and flower all year round and smell heavenly.. it will be easier to keep them smaller than any other choice in citrus trees..

Make sure you have a fast draining soil and keep an eye out for bugs and you will enjoy this tree a lot..

good luck :-)
rookiecookie
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks a lot. I found a disributer that sells calamodin online. In Pennsylvania there aren't many nurserys that sell citrus. I have a humidifier which should do the job. Thanks for all the help! The tree im am looking at getting right now is already potted. I was wondering if it would be good to repot the plant in soil i would make or just leave it alone? once again thanks for all the help.

ps do you know any books that i could get at the library on cirtus?
littlelemon29
15 years ago
The best way to kill a new tree is to repot it as soon as you get it home.. The following is what works for me:

Leave it in the pot it comes in for at least a week (I try to wait 2)..Let it get used to its new surroundings (change in lighting, humidity, temps, your water, etc)..

During this time you can hunt down a pretty new pot- I love clay (heavy but very beautiful). Don't go more than 1-2 sizes larger than the pot it's in. Make sure it has more than one hole for drainage- the more the better. Pot's with only one hole in the middle are usually the prettiest- but they are useless deathtraps.

You'll also need to pick up the ingredients you're going to need to make your own soil mix (I use a mix of citrus soil, turface, and an orchid mix that contains perlite and charcoal-this mix is very fast draining and all my trees are in it and thriving.

When your tree is acclimated- very gently -so you don't damage any roots- repot it into it's new pot and soil.

Water deeply when it gets dry (but not dried out)- then leave it alone till it needs it again (DO NOT OVERWATER)..
If you use a good, fast draining soil you won't have to worry as much about overwatering and root rot.

After repotting don't fertilize it for about 2 weeks- then fertize as normal..I use acidic miracle grow, fish fertilizer, bone meal, epsom salts, and iron (all at different intervals).

Be diligent about checking for bugs (scale, spider mites, aphids, etc)- it is easier to keep under control if you catch it early and stay on top of it..bugs can do deadly damage very quickly.

Hope this helps
Good Luck :-)