Tropical fruit trees absolutely need to enter a dormant phase during the cold season. They go dormant to regain their strength for good growth, flowering, and fruiting during the summer months.
To rest properly, frost-sensitive fruit trees like pomegranate or citrus trees need a temperature no higher than 7 or 8°C, and air that is not too dry, so they don't dry out. Therefore, our warm, dry indoor environments are not suitable for them. A cool, frost-free room is preferable, but one that is still bright enough for them to continue photosynthesis. This room must also be ventilated to avoid excessive moisture stagnation, which would rot the plant.
Orangeries were invented for this purpose, but an unheated veranda, a frost-free greenhouse, or even a bright garage, works perfectly.
Plants can, of course, sense falling temperatures, but even more so through shortened daylight periods, to know that it's time to rest. As long as frost is not expected, you can leave them outdoors, preferably protected from the wind which intensifies the feeling of cold, for example, shielded by a south-facing wall which can both protect them and extend stored heat from a winter sun. Then, as soon as frost arrives, they can return to their winter resting place, only to re-emerge in spring. Above all, be careful with species that have just sprouted or your young plants, as it's easy to be caught by surprise.
Water sparingly. First and foremost, you must avoid excess moisture, both in the substrate and in the surrounding air, at the risk of rotting your Mediterranean tree. If the room does not have natural or artificial ventilation, you must ventilate the ambient air regularly. Water the substrate only when it is thoroughly dry. You can stick your finger into the potting soil to measure its moisture content; you can also weigh the pot: a heavy pot means the substrate is still quite moist.
But still water them! You must not forget to water your fruit and citrus trees during the winter. They don't need to thirst to death, but they do need a minimum supply of water!
In summary, tropical fruit and citrus trees need warmth, but not too much (no frost, but no more than 8°C), and need water, but not too much (no drought, no rot)!
Conservatories provide a perfect playground for growing tropical potted plants. They offer ample light, good height, and, provided it is heated, an ideal temperature. In addition to the plants mentioned above, you can try growing larger plants like banana trees or one of our varieties of baobab. They are also the place where desert plants like Adenium obesum, the desert rose, reach their full potential.
However, make sure to adapt your choice to the exposure of your conservatory. A vanilla plant will thrive in a north-facing conservatory but will suffer if it faces south. Buy Mediterranean plants for conservatories online!
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