A standard citrus tree would be dwarfed due to the container it was growing in. As for growing in the basement full time....I am not sure that would work. Citrus need the heat and the humidity of the sun and outside air and it would not be cost effective (my opinion) to heat and humidify a basement. This would lead to really high electric and/or gas bills. Not to mention the mold condition that would likely occur. Those of us in the non standard citrus areas only keep our plants inside for a short time(winter) and have to work really hard to keep them alive and happy during this time.

I have never heard of anyone trying to grow citrus in the basement on a full time basis.

Andy, many plants are considered Clean Air Machines. I would think any citrus would fit in this catatory.

I've heard of ppl growing citrus in the basement in winter, but take them out during spring and summer. Is this what u plan on doing? Just keep an eye on plants..Some basements aren't as humid as others. For instance, I grow my seedlings in the basement and have no problem w/mold or bugs. Then again, this is a short time, until they grow large enough to go in their own pots. Toni

Several regular potted plants grown in the home will greatly improve the air quality of your home.ALL plants use carbon dioxide in their growth, they then give off oxygen. Plants in general are natures air cleaners. When citrus flower they greatly improve the scent of the home by the scent of the flower but I don't believe they are any more efficient than any other growing plant. I personally would not try to grow citrus full time inside my house they are just too hard to please. If grown inside citrus also need several changes of air per day.

To further realize what your up against,think about growing a citrus tree in Alaska during the dark period. You would essentially need to fashion your basement into a greenhouse. Proper heat,humidity,air exchange,air movement,etc. This is WAY more than I would want to undertake just for the sake of air quality. There are many other plants that would do the same job with a minumum amount of fuss. If I were you I would rethink this venture.

Hi there,
Yes, I think keeping citrus in house full time would be extremelly unwelcomed by the tree, which would sooner or later manifest it's displeasure through some kind of problem.
Personally, i'm big on indoor air quality as i tried with a few plants. Some Japanese gardeners told me that Aloe-vera and Sansilveria (long vertical leaves with stripes on it, also called a snake plant).
Apparently, due to thickness of their leaves and strong need for bright light, they use up about 30 times more carbon-dioxide compairing to some normal leaves (common leaves shape) plant of same size.
My aloe vera is placed next to my balcony door on a little table and keeps growing in width and height, while at the same time providing me some medicinal use if i ever need (treats stomack pain, stomack flu and many other symptoms as it works like a magic).
If you need tips on growing aloe vera let me know here and i will do my best to explain the strategy of growing aloe vera.
Good luck,
Anton

Snake Plant, (Sanseveria) grow tall, but takes a long time since they're slow-growing.
Aloe Vera, (also good for burns) is a succulent and likes much brighter light than the snake plant, but both are easy to grow. As long as you don't over-water either they'll be around for many years.

I agree w/GardnerDragon that there are other plants that will clean air and if that's the only reason a citrus is being bought it's for the wrong reason, but if Andy just wants to grow citrus for the sake of growing citrus, has the money to spend on lights, humidifer, etc, that shouldn't be too much of a problem..MN is a cold place, w/long winters, but there are a lot of ppl who talk on the forums in MN and even AK who grow plants including sun lovers such as cactus and succulents. Toni

Right on Toni,
That is exactly what I think too. Money and passion for the hobby can resolve even an issue of a dark/semi-dark basement lol.
If I lived in a basement thats what i would probably do, buy all needed equipment and enjoy my citrus hobby.
Cheers, Anton

Yep, Anton, I agree..if it came to only one area that had little sun, I'd buy lights..I couldn't afford thousands of dollars but you'd be surpriesed what ordinary lights to for plants. They really help. And they don't need to be on 24 hours a day either..12 hours is sufficient..actually plants need a rest period, so off would go the lights during night time..Of cousre a timer works best in situations we're discussing. But, thank God I don't have that problem..lol..Toni

Anton, please explain the strategy of growing Aloe Vera. Is it cold tolerant? Can I leave it outdoor during Winter time when the temp could go down below freezing? Thank you for your help. K.

Hello K. ,
There is lot to be said about growing aloe vera, but let me be as short as possible.
Aloe vera has to most crucial periods, summer time , when it should get fair amount of water (when first inch of soil drys up you should water it deeply until water drains through the bottom)from 2-4 times per month, depending on how fast your soil gets parched.
Aloe vera (at least my plants) cannot take direct sun light, they burn beyond recognition, but they do really well if sunlight penetrates through light foliage of some thinned down bush.
Depends on where you live, dry period should come from the begining of October all the way until the end of March, and during this time it should be kept real darn dry (to immitate nature), and you can give it only 250ml glass of water once per month.
Aloe vera cannot take outdoor freezing temperatures and will surely die in such conditions. My neighbour tried to overwinter his beautiful aloe vera just to see it wilting until nothing left above ground. Sometimes it may recuperate but i wouldn't experiment with it on account of this incredible plant that takes care of a household in which it is kept.
Check some info on the google search and search under: aloe vera care and you will get more links than you can read in a whole year haha.
On potting soil, the best soil to go for is a cactus mix. Once planted, try not to rub against it or accidently disturb it by walking by because it will severely slow down the growth rate. If plant is isolated properly it will "feel safe" and grow happily.
Cheers, Anton

Anton, I agree w/everything you say about Aloes. I've several and even though they live in a cool back room, south window in winter, freezing temps will kill the plant. They grow to be beautiful specimens and with the right care can flower..Have you ever seen the flower of an aloe?
My MIL grew an aloe and didn't do anything special..in fact, I'd say neglect was more in order..Yet, one late winter, early spring it flowered right from the center of the plant..the flower was gorgeous..My Aloe needs repotting this yr and then outdide it goes..I'm debating whether or not to plant in the ground in summer and see how it does. Toni

hi everyone 15 years later and still great advise, wish it was 15 years ago now though, I would of done so many things so much better and kindly differently for myself and others.. I hope everyone is ok, well and strong, I'm hoping my husband will let me buy some citrus tree's. Take care and stay safe. Best Regards, Tai and Ben., From Manurewa, Auckland, NZ 25 September 2021.

HU-133458594 Just remind your husband who where's the skirt in your family then go but your citrus tree.