Genus guide
Citrus — 30 species
Part of the Citrus & rue family family (Rutaceae)
Citrus encompasses the fragrant fruiting trees and shrubs grown indoors and on patios worldwide — lemon, navel orange, sweet orange, and the compact calamondin (x Citrofortunella microcarpa) among them. They demand the most light of almost any houseplant: a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sun daily, supplemented by grow lights in lower-light climates. Water deeply and allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings; container-grown trees are prone to both underwatering and root rot. All Citrus species are toxic to cats and dogs — the essential oils limonene and linalool, plus psoralens found in the peel and leaves, cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.
All Citrus species we cover
- Blood Orange Moro
- Buddha's Hand Citron
- Calamondin orange
- Calamondin orange
- Citron
- Clementine
- Clementine
- Eureka Lemon
- Grapefruit
- Kaffir Lime
- Key lime
- Kumquat
- Kumquat Nagami
- Lemon tree
- Lemon Tree 'Eureka'
- Lemon Tree 'Meyer'
- Lime Tree
- Lisbon Lemon
- Mandarin orange
- Meiwa Kumquat
- Meyer lemon
- Navel orange
- Navel Orange Washington
- Persian lime
- Pomelo
- Satsuma Mandarin
- Seville orange
- Seville Orange
- Sweet orange
- Valencia orange
Citrus — frequently asked questions
Are Citrus plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Citrus are not pet-safe. Of the 30 Citrus species in the Growli library, 30 (100%) carry a toxic or mildly-toxic ASPCA classification and 0 are pet-safe. Always confirm the exact species on its pet-safety page before trusting it around cats or dogs.
How much light do Citrus plants need?
Most Citrus do best in direct sun. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Citrus easy to care for?
Some Citrus suit more experienced growers — several want strong light, sharp drainage or a specific seasonal rhythm. Check the individual species page for the exact regime.
How many Citrus varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 30 Citrus species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Citrus, the rest follow closely.
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