Not sure which guide is right for you? Find step-by-step instructions tailored to your plant type:
• Welcoming Your New Plants Home – Unpacking, acclimating, and caring for outdoor plants.
• Welcoming Your House Plants Home – How to set up and care for your new fruit tree.
• Welcoming Your Fruit Trees Home – Special tips for unpacking and maintaining citrus trees.
• Welcoming Your Olive Trees Home – Everything you need to know to help your olive tree thrive.
CITRUS TREES
Your new citrus tree has arrived! Follow these steps to unpack, acclimate, and care for it to ensure a healthy start and future fruit production.
Step 1: Unpack with Care
Unwrapping Your Tree:
• Remove Packaging: Gently take your citrus tree out of the box and remove all packaging materials, including any plastic wrap around the grower pot, zip ties securing the soil, and paper or padding around the branches.
• Heat Packs: If your tree was shipped during colder months, you may find a small white heat pack attached to the box or insulation. Do not open it—simply dispose of it after unpacking.
• For Trees in Burlap Bags: If your citrus tree arrives in a burlap-wrapped root ball, carefully remove it and prepare to plant it directly in the ground or a suitable container.
📌 Timing Tip: Unbox your tree within a couple of hours to prevent stress from being in a confined space for too long.
Step 2: Assess and Acclimate
Check for Transit Stress:
• Inspect Your Tree: It’s normal for citrus trees to experience minor leaf loss or slight drooping after shipping. Look for any broken branches and prune if necessary.
• Acclimate Gradually: Citrus trees are sensitive to sudden changes in environment. If transitioning to outdoor planting, place your tree in a shaded, sheltered area for the first 24-48 hours before introducing it to direct sunlight.
🌿 Bringing Your Citrus Tree Indoors:
If you plan to keep your citrus tree indoors year-round or bring it inside for the colder months:
• Transition Slowly: If the tree has been outdoors, gradually move it inside over a few days to prevent shock.
• Find a Sunny Spot: Place it in a south-facing window where it will receive at least 6-8 hours of bright, direct sunlight daily. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with a grow light.
• Avoid Drafts: Keep it away from heating vents, radiators, and cold drafts, as temperature fluctuations can stress the tree.
Step 3: Find the Perfect Spot
Light and Location:
• Sunlight Needs: Citrus trees thrive in full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for healthy growth and fruiting.
• Outdoor Planting: Choose a warm, well-draining location away from strong winds. Avoid low-lying areas where cold air settles.
• Indoor Growing: Place your tree near a bright, sunny window (preferably south-facing). If keeping it indoors long-term, consider using a grow light during winter months when daylight is limited.
Step 4: Water and Soil Check
Hydration and Nutrition:
• Watering: Check the soil before watering. If the top 2 inches are dry, water deeply until it drains out of the bottom. Citrus trees prefer deep but infrequent watering rather than frequent shallow watering.
• Soil Quality: Use well-draining, sandy or loamy soil. If planting in a container, a high-quality citrus potting mix works best.
• Drainage: If growing in a pot, ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent root rot. Never let your citrus tree sit in standing water.
• Repotting: If keeping your tree in a container long-term, repot into a larger pot with fresh soil as it grows.
• Fertilizing: Wait at least a month before fertilizing. Use a citrus-specific fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) to support fruit production. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Step 5: Ongoing Care
Regular Maintenance:
• Routine Checks: Monitor your tree’s health, checking for yellowing leaves (a sign of watering issues) or pests like spider mites, scale, or aphids—especially when bringing it indoors.
• Humidity Needs (For Indoor Trees): Citrus trees prefer moderate humidity. If your home is dry, consider using a humidity tray (a shallow dish with pebbles and water) or lightly misting the leaves occasionally.
• Pruning: Light pruning helps shape the tree and encourage new growth. Remove any dead or crossing branches as needed.
• Mulching (For Outdoor Trees): If planted outdoors, add a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
🌱 Seasonal Tip:
• Winter: If temperatures drop below 32°F, move potted citrus trees indoors or protect outdoor trees with frost cloths. Indoors, keep them in a warm, sunny spot.
• Summer: Outdoor citrus trees need consistent watering in extreme heat. If growing in a container, check soil moisture frequently, as pots dry out faster.
By following these steps, your citrus tree will have a healthy start, whether it’s growing outdoors or thriving indoors.
