Is there a way to speed up growth?

[fuumarumota]

Hi guys,

I'm growing several trees in pots from seeds, most of them are citrus. I'd like to know if you have any tips and tricks to speed up the growth of young plants in pots. I know it's about providing the plant everything it needs in the proper amounts but still want to hear what you have to say on this topic .

Thank you in advance.

 

[Pat]

You maybe able to increase the growth speed by having the perfect environment for your plants at all times, just the right amount of water, temperature and food could help the plants to produce quicker and grow faster.

 

[Chuck]

There is no magic way to speed up growth if the plants are in the correct environment. And even if there was it would make no difference as to when the tree will start to produce fruit. Size is one thing and maturity another. The age of a tree determines its maturity not its size. An immature tree cannot produce fruit no matter how big it is.

 

[fuumarumota]

Yes, you got good points there. What I'm more interested in is size. I want them to grow fast in terms of size, so I can start working them faster as bonsai trees, don't really care if those trees produce fruit quickly.

Than you guys

 

[Chuck]

Yes, you got good points there. What I'm more interested in is size. I want them to grow fast in terms of size, so I can start working them faster as bonsai trees, don't really care if those trees produce fruit quickly.

Than you guys

You can over fertilize and speed up the rate of growth but only with organic fertilizers and doing this leads to a weak tree. If you use oil based or chemical based nitrates you will most assuredly damage the root system. Are you trying to bonzai citrus or dwarf them?

 

[fuumarumota]

I already have dwarf a pair of orange trees in large pots, and so far they're doing well. I'm trying to bonsai them. I know a fully done bonsai will take years anyway, but I'm looking to speed up the early stages of growth.

Thanks again !

 

[Vinaya]

In my experience if you water your citrus plants with water that has sour taste,it will speed up growth. I don't know whether there is any connection between the citrus plant growth and sour water, but I have grown citrus plants faster when I pour curd whey regularly on citrus plant..

 

[fuumarumota]

Thanks Vinaya, I think that is worth a try. I'll do it and see .

 

[bonsai_ninja]

I'd have to agree with Chuck. Gotta overfertilize with organic fertilizers! Will try out Vinaya's technique as well for my plants.

 

[Corzhens]

The only growth booster is, of course, none other than fertilizer. Depending on the plant, you can use guano or bat's waste, chicken manure, cattle manure, humus (decayed leaves) and not to forget compost. But I will bet on chicken manure for fast growth, Just be sure to dry it for one week before applying, best in the evening. Water it generously in the morning and afternoon for a week. That would ensure fast growth.... I think.

 

[Botanic vista]

Tips to Speed Up Plant Growth in Pots​

Growing plants in pots, especially from seeds, requires attention to several key factors to optimize growth. Here are some practical tips to help speed up the growth of your young plants, including citrus trees:

1. Optimal Environment​

• Light: Ensure your plants receive sufficient light. If natural light is limited, consider using grow lights to provide the necessary spectrum for photosynthesis.
• Temperature: Maintain a consistent and suitable temperature. Most citrus plants thrive in warm conditions, so keep them in a spot where they can stay warm, especially during cooler months.

2. Watering​

• Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can stress the plants and slow their growth.
• Drainage: Ensure that your pots have good drainage to prevent water accumulation at the roots.

3. Nutrition​

• Fertilization: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide essential nutrients. Citrus trees often benefit from additional nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with micronutrients like magnesium and iron.
• Organic Matter: Incorporate organic matter into the soil to improve its structure and nutrient-holding capacity.

4. Soil Quality​

• Well-Draining Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix that provides good drainage and aeration. Avoid using garden soil, which can be too dense for potted plants.
• pH Levels: Maintain the appropriate soil pH for your specific plants. Citrus trees, for example, prefer slightly acidic soil.

5. Pruning and Care​

• Regular Pruning: Prune your plants to remove dead or unhealthy growth. This encourages the plant to focus its energy on developing healthy, new growth.
• Pest and Disease Control: Regularly inspect your plants for pests and diseases and treat any issues promptly to prevent them from hindering growth.

6. Patience and Realistic Expectations​

• Maturity vs. Size: Understand that while you can optimize conditions for faster growth, the maturity of the tree, especially for fruiting, is determined by its age, not just its size. An immature tree won’t produce fruit regardless of its size.

By creating an ideal growing environment and providing consistent care, you can help your potted plants grow faster and healthier. While there’s no magic shortcut, these practices will maximize the potential for growth within the natural limitations of each plant.

 

[Botanic vista]

Tips to Speed Up Plant Growth in Pots​

Growing plants in pots, especially from seeds, requires attention to several key factors to optimize growth. Here are some practical tips to help speed up the growth of your young plants, including citrus trees:

1. Optimal Environment​

• Light: Ensure your plants receive sufficient light. If natural light is limited, consider using grow lights to provide the necessary spectrum for photosynthesis.
• Temperature: Maintain a consistent and suitable temperature. Most citrus plants thrive in warm conditions, so keep them in a spot where they can stay warm, especially during cooler months.

2. Watering​

• Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can stress the plants and slow their growth.
• Drainage: Ensure that your pots have good drainage to prevent water accumulation at the roots.

3. Nutrition​

• Fertilization: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide essential nutrients. Citrus trees often benefit from additional nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with micronutrients like magnesium and iron.
• Organic Matter: Incorporate organic matter into the soil to improve its structure and nutrient-holding capacity.

4. Soil Quality​

• Well-Draining Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix that provides good drainage and aeration. Avoid using garden soil, which can be too dense for potted plants.
• pH Levels: Maintain the appropriate soil pH for your specific plants. Citrus trees, for example, prefer slightly acidic soil.

5. Pruning and Care​

• Regular Pruning: Prune your plants to remove dead or unhealthy growth. This encourages the plant to focus its energy on developing healthy, new growth.
• Pest and Disease Control: Regularly inspect your plants for pests and diseases and treat any issues promptly to prevent them from hindering growth.

6. Patience and Realistic Expectations​

• Maturity vs. Size: Understand that while you can optimize conditions for faster growth, the maturity of the tree, especially for fruiting, is determined by its age, not just its size. An immature tree won’t produce fruit regardless of its size.

By creating an ideal growing environment and providing consistent care, you can help your potted plants grow faster and healthier. While there’s no magic shortcut, these practices will maximize the potential for growth within the natural limitations of each plant.

Here are some additional insights and tips:

Right Pot Size
Ensure the pot is appropriately sized for the plant. Too small limits root growth, while too large can retain excess moisture.
Mulching
Add organic mulch to retain moisture and stabilize soil temperature, reducing watering needs.
Root Pruning
For established plants, trim the outer roots and repot with fresh soil to encourage new growth.
Humidity Boost
Increase humidity with plastic covers or water-filled trays with pebbles, especially for tropical plants.
Companion Planting
Use beneficial companion plants to repel pests or enrich the soil.
Rotate Pots
Rotate pots regularly for even light exposure and uniform growth.
This maintains clarity while offering actionable tips.

 

[zigs]

O dear

I was a moderator on this forum for 10 years. Unpaid volunteer...

Ian didn't even tell me he was selling the forum until after he'd sold it, not so much as a by your leave.

He didn't sell it to someone that was interested in gardening, or even looking after forums for that matter.

I tried to talk to the new owner, but the few replies I did get made it quite obvious he wasn't interested and that he just buys forums for the advertising revenue.

He would have got email alerts about the reports people have been sending in about porn, obviously has better things to do than come on here and deal with it though.

I don't work for nothing for people I don't know or like, which is why I took myself off staff.

You know where our new forum is if you want to come along, and if you don't then it's because we didn't invite you.

 

[Plantove]

Growing citrus trees in pots from seeds is such a rewarding experience! While patience is key with citrus trees, there are definitely a few things you can do to speed up their growth and keep them healthy.

First off, make sure they’re getting plenty of sunlight. Citrus trees thrive in full sun, so aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct light each day. If you’re indoors or in an area with limited sunlight, you might want to supplement with grow lights, especially in the winter months.

Watering is also crucial but can be tricky. Citrus trees like consistently moist soil, but they don’t like sitting in water. Make sure your pots have good drainage and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which will slow down growth.

When it comes to soil, citrus trees prefer a well-draining, slightly acidic mix. You can either buy a potting mix specifically for citrus or create your own by mixing standard potting soil with perlite or sand. This ensures that the roots have access to oxygen and don’t get waterlogged.

Fertilizing is super important, especially for potted citrus trees. They can deplete the nutrients in their pot much faster than if they were planted in the ground. Use a fertilizer that’s rich in nitrogen, as this will encourage foliage growth, but also make sure it has a balance of phosphorus and potassium to support root and fruit development. Fertilizing every 4-6 weeks during the growing season will give them the nutrients they need to thrive.

One last thing don’t forget about repotting! As your citrus trees grow, they’ll need more room for their roots to spread. Plan on repotting them every couple of years into slightly larger containers to avoid them becoming root-bound, which can stunt their growth.

With the right balance of light, water, nutrients, and space, your young citrus trees will be on their way to thriving! Keep up the great work, and feel free to share updates I’d love to hear how they’re doing!