How to Avoid Water Spots on Indoor Citrus Trees

You can prevent water spots on citrus trees grown indoors.

Growing citrus trees indoors allows those living in the colder regions of the United States the joy of caring for these sweet-smelling trees. Keeping the citrus tree water spot free, depends largely on how you water the tree. Often, indoor citrus growers take their trees outdoors during summer months, and spray them down with the hose. This form of watering, subsequently leads to water spots on the leaves. By learning how to properly water your citrus tree, you will no longer have to worry about spots.

Things You'll Need

• Water pitcher
• Water
• Vinegar
• Dish soap
• Humidifier
• Cloths
• Cotton ball
• Bowl

Instructions

1. Water the citrus tree with a water pitcher, pouring the water directly onto the soil. Water your tree only when the top two inches of the soil is dry. Pour the water slowly, until the water comes out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot holding your tree.

2. Place humidifiers in the room where the citrus tree is growing. This your tree needed humidity, without having to spray the leaves of the tree, which can lead to water spots.

3. Spray the leaves of the citrus plant with a solution of two to three drops of dish soap mixed with a quart of water. Dry the leaves with a clean, dry cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have hard water, it is important not to use it, unless you change the pH level of the water. This is done by adding a teaspoon of vinegar to one quart of water.

• If the root ball is abnormally dry, the water will run straight through the soil. This will not provide enough moisture for the citrus tree to grow properly. You can re-wet the dry citrus root ball by putting two to three drops of dish soap onto the soil, then water the citrus with slightly warm water.

• To rid your tree of spots, you also can mix equal amounts of water and vinegar. Dip a cotton ball into the solution, press out the excess water and wipe the leaves. Dry the leaves using a clean dry cloth.

References

• Ames True Temper: Growing Citrus in Containers
• Citrus Tree Care: Container-Grown Citrus Plants