Why Your Indoor Citrus Tree Is Dropping Green Leaves — And How to Fix It

If your citrus tree looks healthy but is suddenly dropping green leaves, don’t panic. Leaf drop is a natural way your plant tells you something in its environment has changed — and it’s more common indoors than most growers realize.

Why It Happens

Citrus trees are sensitive to changes in light, humidity, and watering. When you move your tree indoors for cooler weather, the environment shifts drastically: less sunlight, drier air, and more stable (but often cooler) root temperatures. Those green leaves aren’t dying from disease — they’re reacting to stress.

Common causes of indoor leaf drop:

• Light drop-off: A citrus that thrived outdoors may get only a fraction of the light indoors.
• Dry indoor air: Heat or AC reduces humidity, causing leaves to transpire faster.
• Overwatering or underwatering: The balance changes indoors; roots use water more slowly.
• Temperature swings: Even small nightly drops near a window can trigger leaf loss.

🌱 What To Do About It

You can help your citrus recover by creating a stable, light-filled environment:

1. Maximize Light Exposure
   Place your tree by a south-facing window or add a grow light 12–16 hours a day.
2. Feed Lightly, Not Heavily
   If you’re using GrowScripts Citrus Tree Fertilizer, apply a half-strength micronutrient feeding every few weeks to keep the roots active but not overstimulated during low-light months.
3. Mist and Hydrate
   Use Hydration Boost+ to keep leaves supple and reduce stress from dry indoor air. Light misting helps maintain humidity and prevent leaf curl.
4. Check Watering Rhythm
   Let the top inch of soil dry before watering again. Citrus roots need air — not soggy soil.
5. Keep Roots Cozy
   Avoid cold drafts and keep the pot off cold tile or concrete. Root temperature stability prevents additional stress.

🌤️ The Recovery Window

A healthy citrus will push new leaves once light levels and feeding balance improve — usually within a few weeks. Remember, leaf drop doesn’t mean decline; it’s just a recalibration to new indoor conditions.

🌿 Keep It Simple With GrowScripts

Our Citrus Tree Fertilizer Kit includes everything your indoor tree needs to stay balanced through the transition months — including slow-release nutrition, essential trace elements, and calcium for strong leaf regrowth.

→ Shop the Citrus Tree Fertilizer Kit
→ Add Hydration Boost+ to your weekly care routine