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Multiple trees in one pot.

8 years ago

I have very little gardening experience but since I have always wanted to grow citrus trees, I bought my first ones earlier this year. I bought what I thought were 2 mayer lemon trees and 1 lime tree and didn'T put too much more thought into it.

They have been doing well but it's obvious that each pot appears to have a few different trunks in it.

Should I split the trees at the roots or leave them to grow as they are.

Thank you.

Featured Answer

kentc

8 years ago

I've seen some of these at my Lowe's here in the LA suburbs, they are 2 gallon pots and each one has three small citrus plants in it, they are about 12-15" high. I've never seen citrus grown like that or sold like that. I can't figure out what they're doing, maybe going after the disposable citrus buyer, like the miniature roses or holiday plants that are sold in supermarkets?

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Comments (9)

poncirusguy6b452xx
8 years ago
separate them into there own pot. Do it in the evening and keep them out of sun or moving air for a couple of days. Take your time to get all of the roots intact.
andrewtodd3 thanked poncirusguy6b452xx
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andrewtodd3
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you for the help. I'll separate them tonight.

I actually bought these from Lowes. They are 2 to 3 feet tall but when I separate them they'll be pretty thin. Surprisingly I'm already seeing some fruit which I did not expect.

What size pots should I put them in. I might actually have to throw some of them out as I don't know where I'll put 15 trees.
andrewtodd3
Original Author
8 years ago
I should also mention that all of the roots seem to be intertwined.
poncirusguy6b452xx
8 years ago
Take your time and separate the trees in water so you can spend an hour if need be. I would be inclined to use the same size pot that all 3 came in for each individual. Good luck.
andrewtodd3 thanked poncirusguy6b452xx
andrewtodd3
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you Steve. I may have been too eager to make a start and already separated the tees from one of the pots. I did it before seeing your post so didn't do it in water. I had to tear them apart but they still surprisingly had decent roots.

When I bought them I moved them from a 12 inch pot into a 7 gallon pot. This evening I moved the 4 smallest trees into 10 inch pots and left the 2 biggest trees i the big pot. I realize now that I should have bought bigger pots but I think I'll leave them in these ones for now rather than moving them again so soon.

I spoke to someone at Lowes and they claim they always sell young citrus trees in one pot and suggested I leave them. They suggested they would bond together but I didn't see how that would be possible. I've left the trees that have fruit on them alone to make sure the others survive first.

Thanks again for the help.
alizardstail
6 years ago
Just saw this post. I just bought a citrus with 4 trees in it, too - didn't realize until I got home because, like kentc, I've only seen them as a single plant per pot before. I'm thinking of separating them as well because I think they will be better off as they mature. I don't see how they can merge as they are almost 4" apart.

I've separated other types of plants before, but they are much younger, and never with citrus. How are yours doing? Were they able to handle the shock?
johnmerr
6 years ago
Different varieties in one pot, I would certainly separate them, as each will have different growth patterns and needs.
Laura LaRosa (7b)
6 years ago
Definitely separate.

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