Citrus plants are not allowed to spend frosty days outside. Greenhouses and so-called orangeries offer the best living conditions for the essential wintering. But only a few owners are lucky enough to have such premises. They will still get their citrus plants safely into the new spring.
How can citrus plants overwinter properly?
To overwinter citrus plants successfully, ensure frost-free, bright rooms with temperatures between 5-15 °C. Place the pot on an insulating surface, pay attention to the moisture content of the soil and reduce fertilizing.
Begin wintering
From autumn you can start thinking about overwintering your citrus plants, because the thermometer can show values in the minus range surprisingly quickly. But the weather gods can just as easily give us many more sunny days.
The plant benefits from every ray of sunshine it is allowed to experience outdoors. Its shoots harden and it becomes more resistant to pests. So stay flexible! The move should only take place when the ground and air temperatures tend to zero.
Overwinter citrus plants at a comfortable temperature
Citrus plants can be overwintered warm, with warm meaning values between 10 and 15 °C. However, such a winter quarters must also be bright at the same time. If the plant starts to lose leaves after putting it away, then the ratio between light and heat is not right. Reduce the temperature or install a grow light.
Only in exceptional cases can a citrus plant overwinter in a warm living room. Make sure you have enough light here.
Tip
If possible, avoid a very warm winter, as pest problems can then occur more frequently.
Overwinter citrus plants cooler
Citrus plants can overwinter colder than previously described, but such a winter quarter must remain frost-free throughout. Constant temperature values of 5-10 °C are optimal. The following rooms are suitable for cold winter storage:
- Garages
- unheated rooms
- Stairwells
- Garden houses
- Basement rooms
In cooler places, citrus plants can get along with less light, but they can't do without it completely. Move the plants closer to the window or use a plant lamp (€89.00 on Amazon).
Protect from cold ground
If a citrus plant stands on a cold surface such as concrete floor or tiles, the root ball can quickly become overcooled. Then their leaves turn yellow. Place the pot on an insulating Styrofoam plate or a coconut mat to prevent this.
Care in winter
Even in winter, a citrus plant requires a minimum of care.
- the warmer, the higher the water requirement
- water with lukewarm water
- the upper third of the soil should be dry
- if applicable. Use moisture meter
- do not fertilize or only fertilize a little in warm places
Check the soil regularly for mold. Particularly in spring, care must be taken to ensure that the room is adequately ventilated. The relationship between light and temperature must also be kept in mind at all times and adjusted if necessary.be balanced. If the plant receives too little light for a long period of time, this can negatively affect subsequent flower and fruit formation.
End of wintering
In mild regions of the country, a citrus plant can go outdoors from around April, otherwise only from mid-May. If repotting is necessary, this should be done in February or March.
