These flat, oval-shaped insects are pink with a white wax coat. They lay their eggs on the fruit, leaves, and twigs of citrus trees. As a result, they make the tree less vigorous. And they also produce honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold. Plant sizes are shown as the grow pot diameter x the total height of the plant. This means the diameter of the grow pot at the top of rim x the total height of the plant including the grow pot. It therefore includes the plant roots etc as well as the height or length of the plant. For plants in soil the key size in determining the maturity and fullness of a plant is the diameter of the grow pot. The larger the diameter, the more mature the plant. How do we size hydroculture plants?

To prevent insects from getting out of control, keep citrus away from other houseplants, vents, doors, and window screens, and always give them a thorough rinse before moving plants indoors for the winter. Diseases Important: The opening measurement of the decorative pot is the size of the access hole for inserting the plant's grow pot as well as an indication of the minimum liner size needed. It is not the same as the external diameter of the pot which is the overall outer size of the pot. Please note all measurements are approximate and can vary slightly due to the handmade nature of our pots. Light is also very important for citrus plants. For the best growing citrus plant, the plant needs at least 5 to 6 hours a day of direct sunlight. Try placing your plant on a south-facing window sill as this seems to provide the right amount of light.In taller planters they allow for the soil to be contained to an appropriate depth for the plant, without needing to fill the entire vessel with soil. This ensures the root system is surrounded in optimum moisture content rather than it draining to the bottom beyond the roots. Hydroculture plants are measured the same way as soil plants, however the grow pots are sized by diameter plus their standardised heights, which allows a water meter to be fitted. For example: an 18/19 grow pot has an 18cm diameter at the rim and is 19cm tall. When growing citrus in containers indoors, the trees aren’t as prone to disease as they are outdoors, but there are a couple of things to be aware of: Sooty Mold

Note: Liners are "squashy" so they can be pushed through the opening to expand and fit closer to the pot wall once inside. Liners can also be cut down to size with scissors for a neater fit if they bulge inwards slightly at the top. The larvae of these small, white, winged insects feed on the undersides of leaves, causing foliage to turn yellow and drop. Like aphids and mealybugs, whitefly larvae also excrete honeydew that can cause sooty mold. Gradually move them from a partly shaded spot to one with full sun, eventually setting them in the sunniest spot you can find. Provide protection from wind, and keep the pots in their saucers to maintain good drainage.You can also make a homemade insecticidal soap by filling a spray bottle with water, a couple of teaspoons of mild biodegradable soap, and a teaspoon or two of vegetable oil. Spray the foliage every few days, as long as the infestation persists. Citrus plants require a very similar watering regime as any other houseplant. In the winter, allow the soil to dry out between watering, as they do not like overwatering. However, in the summer, they need to be watered more regularly, possibly once or twice a week. Ideally water with rainwater if available. Westland’s Houseplant Watering Indicator is a great way to monitor whether your orange tree needs watering or not. Use a indoor watering can to water your orange tree that has a long stem spout for targeted watering. Keeping trees healthy by watering them well and providing adequate sunlight will also help to avoid stressing your plants, making them more readily resistant to problems as a result. Harvesting Fruits

Container plants are prone to similar pests and diseases as citrus grown in the garden, especially if they spend part of the year outside. Pests Plant pots are a great way to make your home look even more stylish and there's something for all tastes at Dunelm. From small plant pots to large ornamental planters, we have an extensive range that you'll need to keep an eye on! Citrus plants like an orange tree are generally easy to care for, however they can have some problems…

If your orange tree needs repotting into a larger pot or container, this is best done in the spring time before they start active growth but they can be potted on any time during the summer. Use a specialist citrus compost like Westland Peat Free Citrus Potting Mix that has free drainage and the perfect balance of nutrients for healthy citrus plants. During the winter, keep the lights on for about eight hours a day. You don’t want to overdo it, or plants may become stressed and their ability to set fruit will be compromised. The idea is to mimic the amount of natural light plants normally receive during the season. Temperature Orange plants and other citrus plants can make a beautiful houseplant for your home. They bring brilliant colour and scent to your home, with the flowers and fruit they produce. As long as the basic factors are met, caring for a citrus plant is relatively easily. Follow our top tips on how to care for an orange tree to produce a healthy plant with some healthy fruit. A spray of cayenne or jalapeno pepper and garlic mixed with water can also deter pests. A word of warning, however: this may make your house smell a bit strong for a while! Be sure to wear gloves when working with hot peppers and protect your eyes when you apply the spray. Move plants outdoors in the spring once low temperatures are above 50°F, and indoors when nighttime temperatures drop into the 40s.