Meyer Lemon
Citrus × meyeri

Meyer Lemon

55–80°FComfort range
AverageHumidity
Direct sunFussyToxic to pets
Bloom windowJan–Mar · indoors, same in every zone
Winter
In bloom
Spring
In bloom
Summer
Not in bloom
Fall
Not in bloom
In bloom

The main flush comes in late winter, with smaller ones through the year. Hand-pollinate the open flowers with a soft brush to set fruit indoors.

Background

A Meyer lemon is the most rewarding hard plant on this list: get the light right and you get fragrant blossom and real, sweet-tart lemons in your living room. Get it wrong and you get yellow leaves and frustration. It is unapologetically demanding about sun - 6+ hours direct, supplemented with a grow light through dark winters.

Feed it a dedicated citrus fertiliser through the growing season, keep watering even (citrus drop leaves and fruit if they swing between drought and flood), and hand-pollinate the indoor flowers with a small brush to set fruit. Watch hawkishly for scale and spider mites, which love indoor citrus. High effort, high reward.

Needs 6+ hours of direct sun. A grow light is often necessary through winter to keep it fruiting.

The routine

Keep evenly moist; water when the top inch dries

every 5–7 days

Feed with a dedicated citrus fertiliser

every 2–4 weeksGrowing season

Hand-pollinate flowers with a soft brush to set fruit

Inspect closely for scale and spider mites

Yellowing leaves often mean inconsistent water or low light

Care at a glance
LightDirect sun
WaterEvery 5–7 days; keep evenly moist, never soggy or bone dry
How to waterWater deeply and drain; citrus hate both drought and wet feet
Drought toleranceLow - keep to a consistent rhythm and don't let it dry out hard.
Soil mixSlightly acidic, free-draining citrus mix
HumidityAverage
Temperature55–80°F
DifficultyFussy
HabitTree
Mature size3–5 ft in a pot
PropagationGrafting or semi-hardwood cuttings
Watch for
ScaleSpider MitesAphidsMealybugs