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?
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| 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
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| 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.