In most parts of the States, we grow orange trees in pots to keep them happy. Since these beauties grow like crazy—especially in their early years—you’ll need to move them into bigger homes regularly. Trust me, staying on top of repotting is the secret sauce to a thriving, fruit-bearing tree!
When is the Best Time to Repot?
You’ll know it’s time for a upgrade when you see those little root tips starting to peek out of the drainage holes. The sweet spot for repotting is right at the end of winter or the very beginning of spring, just as the growing season kicks off. This is when the roots are waking up and ready to dive into their new soil.
How often you need to do this depends on how fast your tree is stretching out, but here’s a good rule of thumb:
- Young trees in their “growth spurt” phase usually need a new pot once a year.
- Mature, established trees are usually fine staying put for two or three years at a time.
Getting Ready
Carefully lift your orange tree out of its old pot and gently shake off the old soil clinging to the roots. Take a second to snip away any dried-out or damaged roots, and keep an eye out for any pesky pests while you’re at it.
Choosing the Right Pot
You want a container that gives the root ball plenty of “elbow room” to grow. A good guide is to pick a new pot that’s about one-third larger than the old one.
The Perfect Soil Mix
Start by adding a layer of expanded clay pebbles, broken terracotta shards, or gravel at the bottom to ensure great drainage—citrus trees hate “wet feet!” Then, fill the pot with a loose, high-quality potting mix. I like to mix in a little fertilizer right away so the tree has all the nutrients it needs to hit the ground running.
Aftercare Tips
Once your tree is in its new home, give it a good, deep soak. This helps settle the soil and distributes the fertilizer so the roots can start soaking it up. If you’re working with a younger tree, you might want to use a stake for a little extra support until it feels nice and sturdy in its new soil.
Fixing a Leaning Tree
Is your orange tree looking a little lopsided? Repotting is the perfect time for a “straighten up!” Just tilt the root ball slightly when you place it in the new pot. This lets you realign the trunk and canopy so your tree stands tall and proud again.
