Citrus in Containers? Maintenance More Important

Q. A horticulturalist suggested to put my dwarf citrus trees in the biggest pot I have room for or can afford and they will be happiest there. A person at a local nursery said to not move a tree from a small pot to a much larger pot and suggested the new pot be no more than 2 inches bigger in diameter than the small pot. The two questions seem to be in conflict. What do you think?

The most important practice comes about three to five years after planting into the container; replacing soil and root pruning.

A. Both answers are acceptable and pot size is not an issue as long as it is big enough. What is more important is the maintenance needed every few years for plants growing in containers. The soil in the container gets “worn out” and the roots need to be trimmed. Perhaps think about these containers like an aquarium; every few years plants in containers need to be removed, fresh soil added, the roots trimmed, and the plant repotted. This maintenance practice reinvigorates the plant and helps it live longer with fewer problems.

Selecting Citrus for Containers

Calamondin, or calamansi in the Philippines where it is native, is a small citrus that is suitable for containers. But it is sensitive to winter freezing temperatures.

When selecting citrus trees for containers make sure the tree is a dwarf or smaller in size. Smaller citrus like lime trees, calamondin, and kumquat, although variable in how much cold they can tolerate, are naturally small in stature. Oranges, lemons and larger citrus on dwarfing rootstock can also work but may be difficult to find. Look for the word “dwarf” on the label.

Containers Get Hot in the Desert

Also important is the transfer of heat from the sunny side of the container to the roots. Temperatures in the summer can be 170°F on the exposed side of the container. Consider growing container plants inside another container so the inside container is protected from direct sun by a fancy decorative exterior container. The shade from the exterior container prevents the sun from heating up the interior container.