The kitchen doesn't sound promising... ;-)

Can you put it in the basement but add some supplemental fluorescent lighting? They will, overall, prefer the cooler, more humid conditions of your basement. PS., I too have had citrus do almost nothing in full sun and heat outside to all of a sudden come into a growth and flowering in December--in the basement.--When they're ready, they're ready seems to be the message.

I might not be able to add lighting, so it just might be this small window with northern exposure. Even without additional lighting, is the basement still better? Neither place is optimal, I know. Also, should I put it outside on warmer days that are in the 50's? I know we have several of those in TN. Or, should I leave it in the basement until spring?

A lady who used to frequent these boards successfully used a halogen shop light. It provided heat and much needed light. It was one of the tripod stands with 2 or 3 light fixtures on the pole.

Without shop lights, the kitchen..You might be suprised at how at how "humid" your kitchen can be with all the cooking...Boiling water, dishes, near a bathroom? You will have at least more "light" up there than a teeny winndow in the basement..In the kitchen, it will also get sunlight facing east if not blocked by something.

If it were me and I had no choice, kitchen all the way if that is where it will get the most sunlight. It will still sulk though..Just don't over water...
You are right, niether are optimal without the light they require, more important than temps..

That shop light suggested can be bought at Lowes for about 35 dollars and puts out 1000 watts of light..

If you can afford it, go the shop light route in the basement...Your electric bill will skyrocket, but for some of us, not a bad price to pay to keep our trees alive. Then you will have heat, humidity, and light.:-)

If you don't do the lights and still use the basement, it will just get a delayed death sentence..If your basement is warmer what some store them at, like in the 30's - 50's, the roots will look for light to keep working in warmer conditions than that, will eventually shut down and die..

Sad to say I don't think it will make the the winter in either location without the extra needed light...:-(

Goodluck, and tell us what you did...

Definitely can't do the shop lights, but I do have a plant light in the kitchen that I could put it under. It does get humid in the kitchen, since there is condensation on the window every night when it is cold outside. My norfolk island pine winters there, and is very happy judging by the new growth it out forth last winter.

Would a fan help to keep the bugs away? Also, my plant really likes to be fed holly-tone, and I was wondering how often to feed the plant in the winter.

Should I expect leaf drop in the winter? I only water once per week now, do they require less in the winter?

Thanks for all the helpful replies!

Many will say that fans help keep bugs away, but it hasn't worked for me.
Cool air does..I suppose they may not like a fan though, but if their on your plant, they'll eat.lol
I don't suspect that is an issue for you at this time.
Relax..:-)
I wouldn't even be concerned with bugs because of the setting.

I would be concerned with fertilizer.If it were me and it was not actively growing, which I am assuming it won't be for you, I wouldn't fertilize at all.That's right, not at all. I would be concerned more with overwatering it...
But if you are still determined to do so, a very very weak mix is all that is needed..1/8 recommended dose than what the instructions call for, until you can put it in full warm sun again..:-)

No one knows if you will get leaf drop. It all depends on the enviroment you provide, and your watering habits, and the plant itself. I swear they all have a mind of their own, like pets..

Look at it this way, if it does well for a while, at least you might be able to enjoy the full beauty and fragrance of your plant up in the kitchen, before anything should happen to it. Let's hope it does well and you get it right. I am confident in you...:-)

Thank you! I will be more than happy to leave them in the kitchen, if only to smell their intoxicating blooms for a little while. I'll report back!

One other suggestion..I don't know how close your shower is to your plant, but when it's time to water, it would love it if you showered it once in a while in warm water..
From the sounds of it, this may be the only one you have.
For this reason it would'nt be to much work for you..:-)

greenpointmary,

No one has mentioned this --- Citrus do not go dormant - they grow year round. If you do find it necessary to put the Meyer in the basement with no light the tree might die.

DL

Will die..:-)

I have a ML tree that I would like to overwinter in a small greenhouse. Can I trim the tree without harming it. Does anyone know if it bears fruit on old wood or new? I also have a lime tree that I want to overwinter in the greenhouse. This is only my second year with an 8x8 greenhouse so I am just a novice.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

You can trim whenever you want..I prefer to cut before a flush of new growth, mostly in spring to keep a good shape.

Mine yield fruit and flowers both on the old wood, and the newer growth...

Good luck, greenpoitmary. Mike and others have given you some good advice. Still you have to experiment and see what works for you. Growing citrus in containers is a continuing learning process. There are so many variables that are different for each one of us that one hard fast rule for all just doesn't work. Follow the guidelines provided above and modify to your specific situation.

Next year at this time or even sooner, you will probably have advice to share with us.

Jerry

Thanks, everyone. I am looking forward to seeing how the winter goes, and hoping it doesn't end up like last winter. Last winter, the leaves on my two tiny trees turned yellow and dropped, and then as a final blow, I killed them with too much fertilizer in the early spring.

This year, I have the one plant that is much older and larger, so I am hoping it won't be as delicate. I don't have to bring it inside yet for the winter, as our nights are in the 40's-50's for at least the next 10 days. I want to wait as long as possible! This lemon tree is gorgeous, bushy, healthy, and covered with blooms that are now opening.

You are quite welcome..:-)

I am sure you will do fine! Caring for one can be a lot less of task than caring for several..

Just watch for spidermites and other pests..They are wicked this year in my area...
If it is not to heavy to lift, I would bring it to the shower or outside and shower it quite often, keeping the leaves sparkling clean...:-)

Mike..:-)