Dwarf citrus grows smaller than its regular counterparts, allowing growth in containers when soil conditions in the area are poor, or when weather outside in the winter does not allow proper citrus tree growth. Smaller dwarf citrus are also placed in the home as a decorative item, as some dwarf trees do not produce edible fruit. Dwarf citrus is not inhibited to container gardening, as it is possible to plant outside in more temperate regions.
Plant your dwarf citrus in a sandy, slightly acidic, all-purpose commercial soil. A peat-moss-based potting mix is usually suitable. When planting outdoors, use a soil rich in humus, with good drainage, burying the tree in a hole 30 inches deep, notes Four Winds Growers.
Place your dwarf citrus tree in a south-facing window if planted indoors, or plant it outdoors in an area that receives full sunlight. Citrus trees require around five to six hours of full sunlight a day, notes Colorado State University.
Water the soil regularly to keep it moist to the touch. Spray the leaves with a spray bottle and wipe them down with a sponge, or give it a light shower if planted in a container, suggests meyerlemontree.com.
Fertilize dwarf citrus trees with a heavy nitrogen fertilizer; an ideal ratio (noted on the packaging) is 2:1:1.
Add mulch to the base of a dwarf citrus tree to retain moisture in the soil. Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch, using redwood shavings, fir bark or compost.
Remove suckers from the bottom of the tree to reduce nutrient leeching. Suckers are off shoots from the original plant, showing up around the grafting area of the tree. The graft appears as a diagonal scar on the trunk 4 to 8 inches from the soil. Remove suckers that appear, using a pair of pruning shears.
