Question about citrus container soil mix for HOT climate

10 years ago

I have been reading multiple post on the subject of soils for citrus in containers and how drainage is what you are aiming for when growing citrus in containers. My question is, would it be to an advantage especially for those of us in warmer climate (Houston, TX) to maybe not make the soil so drain friendly in order to retain water a bit better during the hotter summer days? I recently purchased a Meyer Lemon and a Persian Lime which look very healthy and i intend on keeping them like so. I do plan on keeping them in containers so anyone with a bit of experience with citrus in container, can i hear your two cents on the matter. Thanks!

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Comments (6)

lou_spicewood_tx
10 years ago
See Al's 5-1-1 mix in the container forum. Well draining soil is what tree roots love the most. The only downside is that you will have to water it everyday during hot dry spell in the summer.

I take it that you don't have space to grow them in the ground? They do pretty well at my mom's in Houston. Too many oranges so we just give them away.
acharles331
Original Author
10 years ago
I did read about the 5-1-1 mix but my concern was that with better draining soil i would have to water a lot more often in the hot summer months. I do have the space to plant in the ground but i would like to have the luxury or moving the trees around and out of the hot sun whenever temperatures here in houston reach the high 90s and 100!
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Mike in OK, well done. You and I have to get creative with our mixes due to our weather issues (for me, very hot and completely dry for 9 months out of the year through summer), and the fact that I have no access to Farfard, sadly. Steve, using a ceramic pot with good bottom drainage or for those that have to move pots in and out, a good quality plastic, acrylic, fiberglass, composite pot will provide enough drainage for citrus, if you have a well enough draining potting mix. I think, while your potting setup might work, it's excessive, and not particularly duplicative for most folks, who would like a nice looking container in their home for the winter. I never use unglazed red clay pots here in S. California as they are simply way too drying for my climate with it's lower relative humidity and lack of any rain at all from about March through November. I couldn't possibly water my trees enough. So, a container that is not breathable is preferable. And, for many others as well. I'm not sure why you feel you need the "aerate" your citrus roots so much. Perhaps due to the amount of rain you receive?? And MeyerMike, not sure what to do with all those roots as of yet, lol! I was SO shocked to see so much root growth through the bottom hole, and those trees are just in the pots for about a year, maybe less. A real tribute to Four Winds doing such a fine job establishing their trees with excellent root growth. The pot they're in are big. Actually, they were rather over-sized for the size of the trees to start with, so I made sure that I added a bit more larger pieces in my mix, to make sure I didn't have any drainage issues. I would have expected this sort or rapid root growth in my potted blackberries and raspberries (and that's why their pots are set on pavers, lol!) but not so much citrus. So, I'm probably going to have to pot them up next year. I was really shocked, personally. Patty S.
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lou_spicewood_tx
10 years ago
Well, my mom's two citrus trees in the ground do get a lot of sun so and a lot less watering once established.

I use Roottrapper bags that has white covering that would keep media cool from sun exposure. They also have knitted fabric at the bottom that would let fine roots escape into the ground. Yeah, I've had to water dozens of containers once a day in the summer but I get good growth out of it. It doesn't really take much of your time if you only grow a couple trees. Maybe just a few minutes each day.

I know what you mean. I went through the same thing wondering about it when I started it years ago.
cynthianovak
10 years ago
I have about 6 citrus trees of various sizes in pots. I just used the potting soil I had. I also used the bagged orgainic citrus fert. I found at my local hardware store. I had about 30 lemons this fall and have meyer lemon flowers on a plan that was chewed down to the roots last winter. I also have had a nice yield of kumquats. All are in pots and they are in part shade because that is what I have. Then I put them on roller pot holders and roll them in and out of the garage in winter. It seems I water once or twice per week in the hottest driest part of summer.
texasflip
10 years ago
Citrus do great in the Houston heat and humidity and full sun is usually fine for them. They also do well with the heavy clay soils.

But for trees/shrubs in pots, my "philosophy" is to use faster draining soil, but keep the pots in a shallow tray of water. That way the roots stay aerated but the plant has access to water most of the time.
insteng
10 years ago
If you are keeping them in pots I would also use the recommended potting soil and just use a tray under them in the summer to help insure the water is available when they need it. I have mine planted in the ground now and once I planted them in the ground they grew twice as fast. I give away oranges and tangerines to all my neighbors and friends and still can't get rid of enough.

Question about citrus container soil mix for HOT climate

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Question about citrus container soil mix for HOT climate

Comments (6)

lou_spicewood_tx

acharles331Original Author

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acharles331
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