Indoors, citrus plants will need a nice bright spot, ideally with a bit of direct sunlight if possible. They will do best in south-facing windows but can also grow in east-facing or west-facing windows too. When you bring them outdoors in late May or early June (after the risk of frost has passed), do not put them in full sun right away. This is because your plant is used to indoor lighting and will need to be acclimatized before going in full sun outdoors. Otherwise, you’ll cause a big shock to your plant. Start by placing it in a more sheltered spot with a bit more shade, and slowly move it in a spot with more sun over the course of a couple weeks, so that they can get used to the sunny conditions.

Let’s start with the basics. Citrus plants grow naturally in warm tropical climates, so they won’t be able to survive our Ottawa winters outdoors. Don’t make the mistake of trying to plant them in your outdoor garden! Instead, keep your citrus plant potted. You can bring them outside in the summer months when the temperatures are warm, but make sure to bring them inside at the end of the summer, to protect them for the cooler months.

indoors, citrus plants will need a nice bright spot, ideally with a bit of direct sunlight if possible. They will do best in south-facing windows but can also grow in east-facing or west-facing windows too. When you bring them outdoors in late May or early June (after the risk of frost has passed), do not put them in full sun right away. This is because your plant is used to indoor lighting and will need to be acclimatized before going in full sun outdoors. Otherwise, you’ll cause a big shock to your plant. Start by placing it in a more sheltered spot with a bit more shade, and slowly move it in a spot with more sun over the course of a couple weeks, so that they can get used to the sunny conditions.

This one is key. Make sure you allow most of the soil to dry in between each watering. Citrus don’t like to be constantly wet or sitting in water. We always recommend using a moisture meter, which can really help you identify when your plant needs water. Wait until your meter reads #3 (dry) before giving the plant a good watering. Make sure that you allow the water to drain through the bottom holes of your plant’s pot and empty any excess water if you have it sitting in a decorative pot or saucer.

Keep your citrus plants in areas with even temperatures. You’ll want to avoid drafts, whether hot or cold, so keep them away from doors and heat registers. Since they come from tropical climates, they do appreciate a bit of humidity. They thrive in around 50% humidity levels. Our homes often have very dry air during the winter months, so there are several things we can do to increase humidity levels. You can frequently mist your plant, add a humidifier nearby, or use the pebble tray trick. A pebble tray is very simple and effective: take a shallow plant saucer, fill it with a thin layer of pebbles, and fill it with water just to reach the top of the pebbles. Then, sit your plant on top. The water will evaporate around your plant, creating a sort of mini micro-climate with added humidity.

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