Fruit trees are a fantastic addition to any garden offering both decorative and edible benefits. Unfortunately, some climates aren’t suitable for all fruit tree varieties which makes outdoor growing difficult if not impossible. Luckily, many species can be grown inside, provided you choose the correct one and create the perfect growing conditions. We’ve picked the best 9 types of indoor fruit trees you can grow at home, so check out our tips for a bountiful harvest.
Quick Tips For Growing Trees Indoors
Fruit trees can grow quite large outdoors, so you won’t be able to place just any variety in your home. A dwarf tree will give you the edible fruit you’re craving in a more compact plant. You may also want to consider a citrus tree since these are easiest to grow, even with less-than-perfect growing conditions.
Of course, regardless of the tree type you choose, they’ll need plenty of light. If your home can’t provide at least 6 hours of sunlight each day, you may need grow lights to meet the tree’s needs. You may also need to raise your home’s humidity level, especially during the winter when the air is particularly dry.
During the warmer months, move the plant outside. The natural conditions and bright light strengthen the trees. Beneficial bugs also help pollinate plants that can’t do so on their own. Check the plant carefully before bringing it back in to ensure you aren’t introducing harmful insects into your home.
9 Indoor Fruit Tree Options
When choosing a fruit tree, it’s best to consider what the plant requires and whether you can recreate the conditions they need in your home. Picking one with a fruit you like to eat is also vital to be sure you’re getting the most from your tree. The following are fantastic options for any home.
Lemons
The best variety for indoor growing is the Meyer lemon tree since it is small, self-pollinating, and easy to care for. You won’t see any fruit until the second or third year, though the sweet lemons are worth the wait. To help offset this, it’s recommended to go with a sapling a few years old. These are more expensive than starting with seeds but will produce fruit much more quickly.
Lemon trees prefer damp soil and decent humidity. Well-draining, slightly acidic, loamy soil is best to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need. Give them at least six hours of sunlight each day.
Oranges
Oranges come in several dwarf varieties, so you can choose the size, flavor, and color of fruit to match your tastes. When planting your orange tree, use a larger container to ensure the roots can expand and create a strong foundation.
Like lemons, orange trees need lots of sunlight and well-draining, loamy soil. They also prefer humidity, so a humidifier or pebble tray near the plant is vital. You can move them outside during the summer but be sure to bring them in before the risk of frost.
Bananas
Though banana trees are massive when grown outdoors, dwarf varieties are perfect for indoor growing. Not all plants produce edible fruit, so choose carefully if you want to eat the fruit the tree provides. They all self-pollinate, so you only need one to enjoy the tasty rewards.
The huge leaves on banana plants require lots of moisture, though the soil needs to dry out between watering. Misting the leaves mimics the tree’s natural climate. Light, well-draining potting soil mixed with humus and 6 to 8 hours of sunlight are also essential.
Figs
Figs are hard to find when not in season, so having your own tree makes it possible to enjoy them year-round. The most popular option is Brown Turkey, which produces edible fruit and can handle regular pruning to maintain its compact size.
Fig trees prefer warmth, humidity, and lots of sunlight, so keep them close to windows and away from drafts. Water the loamy soil once a week until it leaks from the container’s drainage holes to ensure proper moisture.
Apricots
Only a few dwarf apricot trees are available, the most popular of which are the Moorpark and Goldcot. These compact trees only reach heights of 6 feet, though you can keep them smaller with regular pruning. With proper care, you may even see fruit within the first year.
Snug containers filled with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil are best for apricot trees. Keep the soil damp and give it at least 6 hours of sunlight each day for a thriving plant.
Peaches
Peaches aren’t normally associated with indoor plants, but self-pollinating dwarf varieties are the perfect addition to any home garden. Redhaven, Bonanza, and Honey Babe are compact plants boasting sweet, tasty fruit.
Peach trees require large pots, loamy soil, and regular fertilizer. They prefer their soil to stay damp, though not soaked, so don’t let it dry out completely. Dwarf plants also need at least six hours of light each day, so placing them near south-facing windows is best.
Goji Berries
Goji berry plants are technically shrubs, though they can still grow up to 10 feet if not pruned to a compact size. There are two main species but a few dozen varieties varying in size, taste, and fruit color, though all are self-pollinating and require similar indoor conditions.
These plants are drought-tolerant, so they prefer their well-draining soil to dry out before more moisture is added. Place it near a window that offers plenty of light. To harvest the fruit, place a sheet down and give the plant a shake.
Mulberries
The best indoor mulberry trees are the Everbearing or Issai varieties since they only reach heights of 6 feet and are easy to care for. The plants grow quickly, producing sweet fruit similar in appearance to blackberries.
Mulberry plants prefer well-draining potting soil, regular watering, and fertilizer twice a year. They also require 6 to 8 hours of light each day to produce fruit, so south-facing window placement is essential.
Avocado
Avocado trees are easy to grow indoors, though they need to be babied to get any fruit from them. Using a starter plant gives you a better chance, but even a seed can still be encouraged to become a healthy plant. The trees are lovely, even without fruit, so they are still a pleasant addition to any home. Avocados need loamy, well-draining soil kept damp but not soggy and plenty of sunlight. Regular pruning, even on the dwarf varieties, keeps them at a manageable size.
Indoor Fruit Trees
Growing fruit trees indoors ensures you have a consistent supply of your favorites, though you need to be picky about the variety and may not see fruit for a year or two. Of course, when those tasty treats are ready to harvest, the time and care you put in will be well worth the trouble.
