Top 7 Tropical Fruit Trees To Grow Indoors
Top 7 Tropical Fruit Trees To Grow Indoors
Take your indoor garden to the next level by adding in some fruit trees! There are several varieties of fruit trees that can easily be grown indoors. In this article, we’ll review the best fruit trees to grow indoors, tips for indoor gardening, and when you can harvest your homegrown fruit!
(Featured Image: Tropical Fruit Tree)
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Pick A Spot Before You Shop!
Before you choose what kind of tree you want to grow, consider the amount of space you have available. Most fruit trees want full light, so you’ll either need a south-facing window or a high-quality grow light to meet these needs.
Next, you’ll need to make sure you have easy access to water your fruit tree. Ensure you can reach the soil level with a watering can, and consider placing a waterproof mat under your tree to protect the floor.
Finally, select an appropriate container for your tree. Your container will need to be large enough to accommodate a growing fruit tree, but small enough to fit in your desired location.
The Best Tropical Fruit Trees To Grow Indoors
The “EasyPeel” Clementine tree, like other Clementine varieties, is a type of mandarin orange known for its sweet and easy-to-peel fruit. Here are some key characteristics of the EasyPeel Clementine tree:
Light Requirements:
Clementine trees, including the EasyPeel variety, require a significant amount of direct sunlight to thrive. They typically need at least 8-12 hours of direct sunlight per day. Place the tree near a south or southwest-facing window to provide the necessary light. If natural light is insufficient, you can use supplemental grow lights to ensure the tree gets the light it needs.
Mature Size:
The mature size of an EasyPeel Clementine tree can vary somewhat depending on factors like growing conditions and pruning. However, on average, indoor Clementine trees typically reach a height of 3 to 6 feet when grown in containers. It’s essential to prune and shape the tree to maintain a manageable size for indoor cultivation.
Time to Produce Fruit:
The time it takes for an EasyPeel Clementine tree to produce fruit can vary widely, but you can generally expect to start seeing fruit after 2 to 3 years of growth under optimal conditions. However, it’s essential to note that fruit production can be influenced by factors such as the tree’s age, health, growing conditions (including light, temperature, and humidity), and proper care. Some trees may take longer to produce fruit, while others may bear fruit sooner.
Promote Faster Fruiting:
To help your EasyPeel Clementine tree reach maturity and produce fruit more quickly, ensure that you provide the right conditions, including adequate light, proper watering, regular fertilization, and appropriate pruning.
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EasyPeel Clementine - http://fastgrowingtrees.sjv.io/Mmg4mo
The Meyer lemon tree (Citrus × meyeri) is a popular citrus tree known for its sweet and slightly tangy fruit. It is a favored choice for both indoor and outdoor cultivation due to its relatively compact size and adaptability. Here are some key characteristics of the Meyer lemon tree:
Light Requirements:
Meyer lemon trees require plenty of direct sunlight to thrive and produce fruit. They prefer at least 8-12 hours of direct sunlight each day. Place your Meyer lemon tree in a sunny location, preferably near a south or southwest-facing window. If you cannot provide sufficient natural light, consider using supplemental grow lights to ensure the tree receives the necessary light.
Mature Size:
Meyer lemon trees are considered small to medium-sized citrus trees. When grown indoors or in containers, they typically reach a height of 3 to 6 feet at maturity. The size can be somewhat controlled through pruning, making it well-suited for indoor cultivation. Proper pruning can help maintain a compact and manageable size for indoor spaces.
Time to Produce Fruit:
Meyer lemon trees are known for their relatively quick fruit production compared to some other citrus varieties. Under optimal conditions, a Meyer lemon tree can start producing fruit as early as 1 to 2 years after planting, although it may take slightly longer in some cases. Factors that can influence the time it takes to produce fruit include the tree’s age, growing conditions, care, and whether it was started from a seed or propagated from a cutting.
To encourage earlier fruit production, ensure your Meyer lemon tree receives the right amount of light, regular watering (keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged), and appropriate fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer). Pruning can also help the tree allocate more energy toward fruit production.
Promote Faster Fruiting:
Keep in mind that while Meyer lemon trees can produce fruit relatively quickly, the quantity and quality of fruit will continue to improve as the tree matures. Over time, you can expect a bountiful harvest of sweet and fragrant Meyer lemons, making it a delightful addition to your indoor garden.
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Meyer Lemon Tree - http://fastgrowingtrees.sjv.io/g1Jzag
The Arabica coffee tree is the species responsible for the majority of the world’s coffee production and is highly prized for its superior flavor. Here are some key growing requirements of the Arabica coffee tree:
Light Requirements:
Arabica coffee trees thrive in bright, indirect light. They require moderate to high levels of indirect sunlight but should be protected from intense, direct sun, especially during the hottest parts of the day. In its natural habitat, Arabica coffee often grows under the canopy of taller trees, receiving filtered sunlight.
Mature Size:
The mature size of an Arabica coffee tree can vary depending on growing conditions and how it’s managed. In its native habitat and when grown outdoors in optimal conditions, Arabica coffee trees can reach heights of 6 to 15 feet. However, when grown indoors or in containers, they can be maintained at a smaller size, typically around 3 to 6 feet through regular pruning and shaping.
Time to Produce Fruit:
Arabica coffee trees are known for their relatively slow growth and maturation compared to many other fruiting plants. They typically take several years before they start producing coffee cherries. The exact time it takes to produce fruit can vary widely depending on factors like growing conditions, care, and the age of the tree when you acquire it.
In general, it may take 3 to 5 years or even longer for an Arabica coffee tree to produce its first significant crop of coffee cherries. The tree usually begins to flower in response to changes in daylight hours and temperature. After flowering, it can take several months for the green coffee cherries to ripen and be ready for harvest.
Promote Faster Fruiting:
During the initial years of growth, it’s essential to provide the Arabica coffee tree with the right conditions, including proper light, temperature, humidity, and fertilization. Be patient as you wait for your tree to mature and produce coffee cherries, as the quality and quantity of the coffee will improve with age.
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Arabica Coffee Tree - fastgrowingtrees.sjv.io/ZQqkJz
The Key lime is a small, bushy citrus tree that produces small, flavorful limes. Here are some key characteristics of the Key lime bush:
Light Requirements:
Key lime bushes thrive in full sun. They require at least 8-12 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow and produce fruit successfully. When grown indoors, place the Key lime tree near a south or southwest-facing window to provide the necessary light. If natural light is insufficient, consider using supplemental grow lights to ensure the tree receives adequate illumination.
Mature Size:
Key lime bushes are relatively small and bushy in nature, making them well-suited for both indoor and outdoor cultivation in containers. When grown in pots or containers, they typically reach a mature height of 6 to 10 feet and have a compact, bushy growth habit. With regular pruning, you can maintain a manageable size for indoor cultivation.
Time to Produce Fruit:
Key lime bushes can start producing fruit relatively quickly compared to some other fruit trees. In optimal conditions, you may see your Key lime tree producing fruit within 2 to 3 years after planting, although it can vary depending on factors like growing conditions, care, and the age of the tree when you acquire it.
Key lime trees usually produce fragrant white flowers, which are followed by small, round green fruit that gradually turns yellow when ripe. The time it takes for the fruit to mature and become ready for harvest can be several months after flowering.
Promote Faster Fruiting:
To encourage earlier fruit production, ensure your Key lime bush receives the right amount of light, regular watering (keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged), and appropriate fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer). Pruning can also help shape the tree and redirect energy toward fruit production.
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The Sugarloaf pineapple (Ananas comosus ‘Sugarloaf’) is a unique variety of pineapple known for its sweet, low-acid fruit and dwarf plant size. Here are some key characteristics of the Sugarloaf pineapple plant:
Light Requirements:
Sugarloaf pineapple plants require abundant sunlight to thrive and produce fruit. They prefer full sun, which translates to at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. When growing a Sugarloaf pineapple indoors or in a greenhouse, ensure it receives as much bright, indirect sunlight as possible. If growing outdoors, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
Mature Size:
The Sugarloaf pineapple plant is relatively small and compact compared to traditional pineapple varieties. It typically grows to a mature height of 2 to 3 feet and has a diameter of 2 to 3 feet as well. Its compact size makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation in containers.
Time to Produce Fruit:
The time it takes for a Sugarloaf pineapple plant to produce fruit can vary, but it generally takes about 18 to 24 months from the time of planting until you can expect to harvest the first pineapple. Several factors can influence the time it takes for the plant to produce fruit, including growing conditions, care, and the plant’s age when you acquire it.
Sugarloaf pineapple plants produce a central stalk with a rosette of leaves, and a pineapple forms at the center of the rosette. The plant will first produce a flowering stalk with purple or red bracts. After flowering, it can take several months for the fruit to mature and become ready for harvest. The fruit is typically ready when it turns golden yellow and gives off a sweet fragrance.
Promote Faster Fruiting:
To encourage fruit production, provide your Sugarloaf pineapple plant with well-draining soil, regular watering (allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings), and appropriate fertilization. If located on a porch or sunroom, make sure the pineapple plant is always protected from frost.
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Sugarloaf Pineapple Plant - fastgrowingtrees.sjv.io/9g21QE
The Achacha fruit tree is a tropical fruit tree native to the Amazon rainforest region of Bolivia. It produces small, round fruits with a sweet and tangy flavor. Here are some key characteristics of the Achacha fruit tree:
Light Requirements:
Achacha fruit trees thrive in full sun. They require abundant sunlight to grow and produce fruit successfully. If you’re growing an Achacha tree in a tropical or subtropical region, plant it in a location where it will receive full sun for most of the day. If you’re cultivating it in a cooler climate or indoors, make sure it gets as much direct sunlight as possible. Achacha trees are sensitive to frost and should be protected from cold temperatures.
Mature Size:
Achacha fruit trees are relatively small to medium-sized trees. When grown in optimal conditions, they typically reach a mature height of about 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters). The tree has a dense, evergreen canopy with glossy green leaves. The size can vary somewhat depending on growing conditions, pruning, and the specific cultivar.
Time to Produce Fruit:
The time it takes for an Achacha fruit tree to produce fruit can vary, but in general, it can take 4 to 6 years or longer after planting before you can expect to harvest the first fruits. The exact timing depends on several factors, including the tree’s age when planted, growing conditions, and care.
Achacha trees typically produce small, star-shaped, white or pale yellow flowers, which are followed by the development of the fruit. It can take several months for the fruit to mature and become ready for harvest. The fruit is typically ripe when it turns orange-red is slightly soft. The flavor is sweet and mildly tangy.
Promote Faster Fruiting:
To encourage fruit production, provide your Achacha fruit tree with well-draining, fertile soil, regular watering, and appropriate fertilization during the growing season. Pruning can help maintain the tree’s shape and health.
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Achacha Tree Fruit - fastgrowingtrees.sjv.io/9g21aW
Dragonfruit is a tropical cactus plant that produces exotic-looking fruits. “American Beauty” is a self-fertile variety with bright pink flesh. Here are some key characteristics of the American Beauty dragonfruit plant:
Light Requirements:
American Beauty dragonfruit plants thrive in full sun. They require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and produce fruit successfully. In areas with harsh sunlight or hot temperatures, providing some partial shade during the hottest part of the day may be beneficial. If you’re growing the plant indoors, place it in a location where it can receive ample sunlight, such as a south or southwest-facing window. Adequate light is crucial for flowering and fruit production.
Mature Size:
Dragonfruit plants, including the American Beauty variety, are vining cacti that can grow quite large when given appropriate space and support. They can reach a mature height of over 10 feet when grown in the ground or in larger containers. The plant typically develops multiple stems or branches that sprawl outward or climb on support structures, such as trellises or fences.
Time to Produce Fruit:
The time it takes for an American Beauty dragonfruit plant to produce fruit can vary widely based on various factors, including growing conditions and care. Generally, you can expect the plant to start producing fruit within 1 to 2 years after it is established from a cutting or a young plant. Some plants may produce fruit sooner, while others may take a bit longer.
Dragonfruit plants typically produce large, white, night-blooming flowers that are pollinated by night-flying insects or bats. After successful pollination, it can take several weeks to a few months for the fruit to develop and become ripe. The fruit is ready for harvest when it reaches its full size, has vibrant skin color, and yields slightly to gentle pressure. The flesh inside is sweet and often described as similar to kiwi.
Promote Faster Fruiting:
To encourage fruit production, provide your American Beauty dragonfruit plant with well-draining soil, regular watering, and appropriate fertilization during the growing season. Proper support, such as a trellis or stakes, will help the plant grow upward and prevent the sprawling growth from taking over your garden.
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Dragonfruit - fastgrowingtrees.sjv.io/Qy0q3A
Create The Ideal Space For Your Indoor Fruit Tree
Indoor fruit trees have specific needs to thrive, and providing the right conditions is essential for their growth and fruit production. Here are the key factors to consider:
Light
Adequate light is crucial for indoor fruit trees. Most fruit trees require at least 8-12 hours of direct sunlight each day. Place your trees near a south or southwest-facing window to maximize natural light. If natural light is insufficient, consider using grow lights designed for fruit-bearing plants to supplement illumination.
Temperature
Indoor fruit trees prefer stable temperatures. They typically thrive in temperatures between 60°F to 75°F during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night. Avoid placing your trees near drafts or heating/cooling vents, which can lead to temperature fluctuations. Some rooms may need humidifying heaters – like this model by Geek Heat – to keep tropical plants thriving.
Humidity
Fruit trees often require higher humidity levels than what’s found in most indoor environments. To increase humidity, you can use a humidity tray filled with water and mist the tree’s leaves regularly, especially during the winter when indoor heating systems can dry out the air.
Pot and Soil
Use a well-draining pot with sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A pot that is slightly larger than the root ball is ideal. Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix appropriate for fruit trees. You can also consider adding organic matter like compost to improve soil fertility.
Watering
Proper watering is crucial. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and be sure to allow excess water to drain from the pot. Use a saucer to catch any drainage to avoid root rot.
Fertilization
Indoor fruit trees benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for fruit trees. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the dormant season (fall and winter). We love Jobe’s fertilizer spikes for fruit and citrus trees because they deliver a gradual but consistent level of nutrients which is especially important for indoor plants!
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the size and shape of the tree, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage fruit production. Prune during the dormant season to minimize stress on the tree.
Pollination
Some fruit trees, like many varieties of citrus, are self-pollinating and can set fruit without cross-pollination. However, others, like apple and pear trees, benefit from cross-pollination by another compatible tree. You may need to hand-pollinate or provide a fan to help with air circulation and pollination.
Pests and Diseases
Keep a close eye on your indoor fruit trees for signs of pests (e.g., aphids, mealybugs) and diseases (e.g., powdery mildew). Treat any issues promptly with appropriate treatments, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Support and Training
Provide support for branches that bear heavy fruit and use training methods like staking or pruning to shape the tree and encourage healthy growth.
Remember that growing fruit trees indoors can be challenging, but with the right care and attention to their specific needs, you can enjoy fresh fruit from your indoor garden. Be patient, as it may take some time before your trees start producing fruit.
Expand Your Indoor Garden
Different types of fruit trees and tropical plants can truly make your indoor garden a magical place. Investing in plants like those mentioned above can add beauty to your home, fruit to your table, and peace to your mind.
If you want to continue to expand your indoor garden, consider hydroponic gardening as another good option for indoor growing. Check out these complete guides on hydroponic gardening for more info:
