Hi, I’m a horticultural consultant, and today I want to share my experience with growing indoor fruit trees in low-light conditions. Many people express their desire to have a fruit-bearing tree in their dimly lit living rooms and often ask me for a list of indoor fruit trees that thrive in low light.
The truth is, there isn’t a fruit tree that can naturally thrive and produce fruit in low-light conditions. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty and bounty of a fruit tree in your low-light space. With the right grow light setup, you can successfully grow and nurture an indoor fruit tree, even in a room with limited natural light.
In this post, I’ll guide you on how to make it happen. Let’s dive in!
Let me illustrate it by a kumquat tree, it needs to thrive in full sun, meaning it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight on average. Even better is if you can give it eight to 10 hours of sun. However, if I want to grow a kumquat tree in my low-light living room, I’ll need to use a grow light to ensure it gets the right amount of light. Here’s my plan:
Choosing the Best Type of Grow Light to Grow Your Indoor Fruit Tree
I’ll use a full-spectrum LED grow light because it mimics natural sunlight, providing the blue light (for foliage growth) and red light (for flowering and fruiting) that kumquats need.
Other options, like HID lights or fluorescent grow lights, could work, but LEDs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and provide the best spectrum.
Providing Enough Light Intensity for Your Indoor Fruit Tree
To replicate sunlight, I’ll choose a grow light with a Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) of 300–600 µmol/m²/s. This will give my kumquat enough bright, intense light.
I’ll look for a light with a dimmer so I can adjust the intensity if needed.
Setting the Right Distance
I’ll place the grow light about 12–24 inches above the plant canopy:
- For high-intensity LEDs, I’ll keep it 18–24 inches away.
- For less intense lights, like CFLs or T5 tubes, I’ll keep it closer—around 12–18 inches.
If the leaves stretch, I’ll move the light closer. If the leaves start to curl or scorch, I’ll move it farther away.
Timing the Light
I’ll make sure my kumquat gets 8–10 hours of light every day. To keep things consistent, I’ll use a timer to automate the schedule.
Using the Right Light Spectrum
I’ll ensure the grow light provides a balanced spectrum of blue (400–500 nm) and red (600–700 nm) wavelengths for healthy growth and fruit production. A full-spectrum light should cover these.
Positioning and Reflecting Light
I’ll position the grow light directly above the plant to distribute light evenly.
To make the most of the light, I’ll use reflective materials like aluminium foil or Mylar sheets around the plant to bounce the light back onto the leaves.
Monitoring My Kumquat’s Health
I’ll regularly check the leaves:
- If they’re pale, yellowing, or dropping, it might mean the light isn’t strong enough.
- If the tips are browning, the light might be too strong or too close.
I’ll rotate the plant weekly if the light isn’t perfectly centred to ensure even growth.
Controlling Temperature and Humidity
I’ll keep the room temperature between 60–85°F (15–29°C) and the humidity around 40–50%. If the air is too dry, I’ll use a humidifier or a pebble tray with water to increase humidity.
Grow Light Options I’m Considering
- Spider Farmer SF Series (Full-Spectrum LED): High intensity and adjustable.
- GE Grow Light LED Bulbs: Compact and efficient.
- Roleadro 75W LED Grow Light: Affordable and great for citrus plants.
💡 By following this plan, I’m confident my kumquat tree will thrive in my low-light living room!
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.