Love the idea of growing your own fruit but don’t have enough outdoor space for a tree? Don’t worry, you don’t need to give up on the idea of freshly-picked fruit – here are three fruit trees that can be grown indoors as houseplants.
Tahitian Lime Tree
Although citrus trees are popular houseplants, you need to pick your variety carefully. Some, such as the Native Australian Finger Lime, need a cold period each year, so would struggle to thrive in a home environment where the temperatures are more consistent.
However, the Tahitian Lime Tree makes for a fantastic houseplant. It’s commercially grown in warm countries, meaning that it loves a warm, indoor environment. So long as you make sure that your tree is receiving six to eight hours of sunlight a day, it’ll be happy.
Avocado Tree
The avocado has become a favourite fruit among many, and there’s nothing quite like the delight that comes from growing your own. It surprises many to learn that indoor avocado trees are able to produce fruit, but being a tropical plant means that they enjoy the consistent warmth.
A sunny windowsill that receives around six hours of light a day is all an avocado tree needs. That said, it’ll appreciate humidity, so give it a mist every once in a while.
Keep in mind that it can take up to 15 years for an avocado tree to produce fruit. If you’d like a head start, purchase an older tree from a nursery, rather than planting one from seed. You’ll also need to regularly feed your avocado plant during the warmer months. Outdoor-grown trees don’t need this because they have access to a huge reservoir of nutrients in the ground, but indoor trees will need a little extra help.
Pomegranate Tree
Pomegranate trees can reach up to 30 feet in height outdoors, but, just like with every other fruit tree, there are so many varieties now available that it’s now easier than ever to find one well-suited to being a houseplant.
However, it’s worth noting that the dwarf pomegranate trees commonly grown indoors aren’t loved for their fruit. While they do still produce a good crop, many gardeners find that the taste of dwarf pomegranate fruits don’t hold up to their larger counterparts. Not only are they smaller, but they’re also more sour in flavour.
If you do have some outdoor space, then you can get around this by moving your full-sized pomegranate tree outdoors in the summer, and then bringing it in each winter. If you go down this route, make sure that you pick a pot that’s large enough yet light enough. GRC is a good material to opt for, as it’s known for being sturdy yet lightweight, even when full.
Summary
If you enjoy filling your home with greenery, then it’s worth considering adding a fruit tree to your houseplant collection. Not only are they beautifully ornamental, but your annual harvests will make your efforts feel so much more rewarding!