Since the big planting and urban gardening boom, various types of plants and herbs have seen a rise in interest, one of such types is indoor fruit trees, it is fascinating to have one indoors with you, isn’t it?
Gardening is such an interesting activity, and one of the most interesting thing about gardening is that you can grow plants almost everywhere and everywhere (as long as the basic things are available) in recent times, gardening has been explored in various places like the water, on the rooftop, and even inside your house.
Did you read that last one right? Yes. Not just can you grow your plant indoors, you can even grow a fruit tree inside.
Of course, it is not every type of fruit tree that can be grown inside, however, there are specific trees that are perfect and they are known as dwarf trees. Dwarf trees are gotten from grafting or merging fruit trees to a dwarf rootstock, they grow to about 8 – 10 feet tall and wide and this makes them suitable for indoor planting.
They enhance the beauty of the home and besides this, dwarf trees help to circulate and create clean air.
Before we dig into the top 14 indoor fruit trees you can grow, you should know that these trees have needed to grow properly; hence you should know what you will be required of while growing these trees in your home. The following are some of their needs;
- A deep pot, preferably about 1 foot deep. The pot must have large drainage below it.
- Potting soil or mix for trees/ indoor plants
- Water and fertilizer.
- Light; most of these fruits prefer light, so you might want to place them where they can get enough of it.
These are the basic things you need to grow your tree indoor. A major problem that some people have is the choice of the tree to grow, we have identified this and this is why we decided to prepare this guide for you.
Table of Contents
The Best Indoor Fruit Trees to Plant Now
This guide will help you choose which indoor fruit tree to grow and how to care for them.
1. Peach Trees
The peach tree is one of the most amazing trees to plant indoors, you will be required to get a dwarf tree that is self-pollinating. One known peach tree that can be grown inside is called “Golden Glory”, this is because it is a natural dwarf variety.
Growing a peach tree requires large pots with loamy and compost soil, you must choose pots with large drainage holes, place the peach tree in a position where it will receive a lot of sunlight. The roots of the tree should be fit into the soil to enable fruiting. However, be careful so it doesn’t get too tight. You should fertilize the peach tree regularly.
2. Meyer Lemon Trees
This is the most commonly chosen indoor fruit tree; citrus trees like the lemon do very well indoor. Meyer lemon is self-pollinating; however, you may have to wait for two to three years before it begins to produce fruits.
The Meyer lemon needs moist, well-drained soil, and should be placed where it can get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. You may be required to prune it from time to time; this is because the tree can grow up to eight feet tall.
3. Calamondin Orange Trees
Calamondin oranges are quite easy to grow inside; they are a bit different from regular oranges. They are sweet and are suitable for cooking, they also have thin skins. Growing this tree requires a larger pot and slightly acidic loamy soil.
You should water when you notice the topsoil is dry, the soil should be left moist and not completely dry. Like other citrus trees, they also require long hours of sunlight. You should also get the variety that self-pollinates.
4. Passion Fruit Trees
Passion fruits not only provide fruits but also beautiful flowers to make your room more beautiful. Passion fruits need a trellis to grow up, hence you might need to get that. It requires well-drained soil and full sunlight; a minimum of 6 hours daily. You will be required to water it frequently, however, be careful not to make it soggy.
5. Lime Trees
Lime is a great choice to grow indoors, however, there are two known options for dwarf lime that you can pick from. They are key lime and kaffir lime. While they are both good for indoor planting, they have slight differences and we think you should know about them before deciding which one to plant.
- Kaffir lime trees are not so known as the others, however, they are great for cooking, they have a slightly bitter taste. They also come with a lovely scent.
- Key limes are small, this is the most known of them both and a dwarf variety of it grows well indoors, you will have to hand pollinate the blossoms. Regardless of which variety you choose to plant, they are from the citrus family, hence they are sensitive to cold and require full sunlight.
6. Apricot Trees
These apricot are fresh and they are as amazing as the dried ones you buy at the store they taste much better. The Moorpark tree is the most popular dwarf variety and it grows to about six feet tall. You have to prune it regularly to maintain a small size and space.
You need well-drained soil in a container, you may want to place the tree where it will get the most sun, also, you should be careful so the soil doesn’t dry out completely. Water the tree regularly.
7. Ground Cherries
These are also known as cape gooseberries, they are of the same family as tomatoes and pepper, hence they are not trees, but bush. They are quite easy to grow both indoors or in the garden. They have a taste of both pineapple and tomatoes, they can also be used for desserts.
Like tomatoes, they are annual plants, so if you are really in love with this lovely, you may have to plant them over again every year. It requires well-drained soil, together with compost which will serve as additional nutrients, these should also be placed where it can get full sunlight.
8. Fig Trees
This is also one easy tree you can grow inside! Figs require a humid environment to grow properly, there are varieties of figs that can be grown inside the house i.e. brown turkey fig, a self-pollinating fig. Fig tree requires some loamy soil with access to full sunlight as they are quite sensitive to cold.
You may be required to get a large pot because the size of your pot will determine the size of your tree and its produce. If you want the tree to stay small, then a small container it is. water frequently and prune the tree.
9. Banana Trees
The first thing you need to know about growing bananas indoors is that although they are beautiful to grow, they can become really big and you will be required to prune as often as possible.
The most known dwarf variety for your home is the ladyfinger banana tree, they can grow up to four feet. They require a humid environment and full sunlight. You should mist the trees as often as possible.
10. Nectarine Trees
Growing nectarine indoor requires sunlight like many others, with moist soil. You will be required to use a large pot to plant this tree, alongside loamy soil. However, make sure the pot is the right size for the tree.
11. Olive Trees
An olive tree is an excellent option for indoor fruit tree planting, besides this; they are also quite easy to grow as they are not so needy. Olive trees require well-drained soil and full sunlight, preferably, 6-8 hours daily. You can water this tree when you notice the topsoil is dried. A good variety of olive that can be grown indoors is the Arbequina.
12. Mulberry Bushes
Growing mulberry bushes require good quality potting soil, similar to all other fruit trees, they require plenty of sunlight every day to properly produce fruits. Two popular dwarf varieties are “Everbearing” and “Issai”. They require fertilizing at least once, in six months, you should also prune them regularly.
13. Kumquat
Ever heard of this? Kumquat is a very delicious fruit; it is of the citrus family. The fruit and peel can be eaten together; it has a sweet skin and a sour fruit. Like every other citrus fruit, kumquat requires full sunlight to grow properly, they also require water and a humid environment; sometimes, a higher humid environment than others. It is an excellent choice for indoor fruit planting.
14. Goji Berries
Goji berries are known for their vitamins. They require full sunlight, hence should be placed where they can get access to one. You should wait until the soil is completely dry before you water again. They are regarded as drought tolerant. Goji berries are also easy to harvest.
Final Thoughts
Fruit tree planting has never been easier; you do not have to own a garden in your compound before you grow your trees or get fruits of your own. Although dwarf trees are perfect for indoor, they may not always remain small. You might find some of them growing bigger than expected.
You should prune them regularly to maintain an appropriate indoor size.
