Sat 18 Oct 2008
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There are a few important care instructions for indoor fruit trees as they navigate through the winter months. Their growth cycle slows somewhat, which is very normal and natural. The main issue with indoor fruit trees is making sure they’re prepared for the warmer months, when their normal growth cycle resumes and when they typically produce crops of fruit.
Pests - The Enemies of Your Indoor Fruit Tree
Most experienced gardeners know that winter is often the best time to help eliminate pests that feast on their plants come spring and summer. With an indoor fruit tree, it works exactly the same way. The old adage definitely applies - an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Pests can unfortunately thrive in a warm home just as they do outside in summer months. Some specific fruit tree pests to look for are spider mites and vinegar flies.
Spider mites will cause damage to the leaves of your tree, causing them to turn yellow and sometimes deforming them. If you suspect spider mites, use a horticultural oil, sprayed directly on the leaves. A citrus based oil product is equally efficient.
Vinegar flies are fairly common around any decaying matter, especially anything fermenting. Swarms may cause some damage to your tree, so it’s best to remove any dead fallen leaves, fruit which may have split, or dead wood. Also, to prevent vinegar flies, it’s best to avoid excess watering, which causes overly moist soil.
How To Water During Winter Months
Due to its slower growth cycle during winter, it’s quite possible your tree will need less water. However, it’s important you monitor soil conditions. Check the soil weekly. If the soil is completely dry, it’s time to water. However, make sure you avoid over watering, as this is probably the worst thing for an indoor fruit tree. If the soil is still moist 10 days after your last watering, check for a drainage problem. Proper draining is critical for your tree.
Other Important Tips
There are just a few other tips to help your indoor fruit tree survive and thrive during the winter. First, make sure to remove any blooms which are wilting or brown. Next, prune any dead branches or stems. Finally, do your absolute best to keep the container temperature at or above 65 degrees. Sometimes rooms get colder than you think, and soil tempertures in containers are usually 10 degrees lower than air temperatures. There’s nothing wrong with using slightly warm water to help raise the soil temperature, if necessary.
With just a little care, your indoor fruit tree will happily exist during winter, and be ready for a vibrant, thriving spring and summer. Monitor the condition of your tree, and be sure to treat any condition that may occur. Caring for your tree in the winter is critical for a healthy, productive tree bearing you generous fruit for years to come.
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