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  • Potting mix for citrus

    Created by Isaiah on March 15, 2016 at 10:19 pm

    I just got my first potted plant, a Calamondin. I am still trying to figure out how to water it properly as it is an indoor only plant. Its location will have huge amounts of ambient sun light but no real direct rays. I am an avid aquatic gardener so I have some experience artificially lighting plants. I will be supplementing lighting with a little over 100 watts of LEDs specifically meant for growing indoors, equal to about 1000 watt HID. With all of that said my question is really about what will make the best soil for my little citrus tree? I have seen a lot of stuff on the web that seems to contradict itself. So, I would love as much detail on; what I want to see in a potting soil mix for Calamondins, and each ingredient’s function/value, that you are willing to provide. Also, will you please share an effective watering method for the soil mix you recommend. Thank you very much for your time.

    V/r
    Isaiah Hurt

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  • March 17, 2016 at 6:44 am #191250

    Eric Vinje
    Keymaster

    Hello Isaiah!
    It is recommended to use a well drained soil mixture that does not contain any sort of fertilizer or wetting agents. If you would like to mix a soil substrate yourself I would recommend a mixture of 10-30 percent clay, 10-40 percent silt and 30-60 percent sand. This image should give you a little bit better idea of ratios. http://www.oneplan.org/Images/soilMst/SoilTriangle.gif
    I would suggest a ratio similar to Sandy Clay Loam, Medium Loam or Sandy Loam to fit your needs best. Once you’ve got your soil mixture, I would suggest adding cedar chips or other hardwood shavings. These wood shavings should account for about 1/3rd of your growing medium. If you would like to purchase a soil I would recommend Roots Original Potting soil with Black Gold Sand and cedar chips added to the mix. Both can be found here!

    https://www.planetnatural.com/product/roots-organic-soil/
    https://www.planetnatural.com/product/sand/

    Watering timing and amounts will depend heavily upon the environment, pot size and how big your tree is. Citrus do not like to stay wet, the best way to figure out when to water would be to check by hand. This can be done by sticking your finger in the soil up to the second knuckle. If you feel any moisture I would refrain from watering until the soil is nearly bone dry. A wilting tree often means too little water, whereas yellowing or folded leaves may indicate too much water. It should be noted that at higher latitudes citrus plants will often go dormant in the winter and may often drop leaves or stop growing entirely for a month or two. Do not fret if this happens! Patience and consistency are key to a happy citrus plant.

    Hope this helps!

    June 6, 2016 at 12:30 am #200175

    razibpaul126
    Member

    Thank you for your helpful post.

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