Orange trees have been grown indoors for hundreds of years. They are evergreen, so they keep their leaves all year long. Indoor orange trees will even produce fruit, beginning in late fall. Their fragrant blossoms begin to form in early spring, perfuming your home with their rich citrus scent.
Pot your orange tree into a pot that is slightly larger than its root ball. Use rich indoor potting soil mixed with an equal amount of peat moss.
Position your orange tree in a south facing window. They need high light levels and will begin dropping their leaves if positioned in low light levels.
Water your indoor orange tree when the soil feels slightly dry to the touch. Do not let the soil dry out completely. Mist the foliage daily with warm water.
Feed during the spring and summer months. Use a water soluble fertilizer specially formulated for citrus trees. Feed every 2 weeks, following the manufacturer's recommended quantities.
Move your orange tree outdoors in spring after all danger of frost is past. Put it in the shade for 2 to 3 weeks to get acclimated to the higher light levels outdoors. Then, put it into a sheltered location that receives 6 to 8 hours of sun a day. In fall, before the first fall frost, move it into the shade for 2 weeks before bringing indoors .
Pinch the growth tips of branches when they're about 16 inches long. This will encourage it to branch out, forming a full, multi-branched tree.
Repot your indoor orange tree every 2 to 3 years, moving it to a pot that is only 1 to 2 inches larger.