Guava Growing Indoors: Tips and Tricks

Do you love guavas but don't have easy access to them in your area? Or perhaps you want to try growing them yourself for the satisfaction of cultivating your own fruit. While guavas are typically grown in tropical and subtropical climates, it is possible to grow them indoors with the right conditions and care. In this article, we will explore some tips and tricks for successfully growing guava trees indoors.

Choosing the Right Variety

The first step in growing guava trees indoors is selecting the right variety. While there are many different types of guavas, some varieties are better suited for indoor growth than others. For example, dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties are more manageable in size, making them easier to fit into a smaller indoor space. Additionally, some varieties are more tolerant of indoor conditions such as lower light levels and drier air. Do your research and choose a variety that fits your indoor growing environment.

Providing Adequate Lighting

One of the biggest challenges of indoor guava growing is providing adequate lighting. Guava trees require full sun for optimal growth and fruit production, which can be difficult to replicate indoors. However, there are a few options for providing enough light to your indoor guava tree. One option is to use grow lights, which can be purchased at most gardening or hardware stores. Another option is to place your guava tree near a south-facing window where it can receive the most natural light possible. Keep in mind that you may need to supplement natural light with grow lights during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter.

Maintaining Ideal Temperature and Humidity

In addition to lighting, guava trees also require specific temperature and humidity conditions to thrive. Ideally, indoor guava trees should be kept between 60-85°F (15-30°C) with a relative humidity level of 40-60%. If these conditions cannot be met naturally, you can use a humidifier or mist your tree regularly to increase humidity levels. It's important to keep your tree away from any sources of drafts or temperature fluctuations, such as air conditioning vents or heaters.

Fertilizing Your Guava Tree

Like all plants, guava trees require nutrients to grow and produce fruit. While they may not need as much fertilizer as outdoor-grown trees, it's still important to provide your indoor guava tree with regular feedings of a balanced fertilizer. You can use a slow-release granular fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer that is specifically formulated for fruit trees. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leaf burn or other issues.

Pruning and Training Your Guava Tree

To keep your indoor guava tree healthy and manageable, it's important to prune and train it regularly. Pruning helps to remove dead or diseased branches, promote new growth, and maintain a desirable shape. Training involves directing the growth of your tree by tying branches to a trellis or stake. This can help to prevent overcrowding and ensure that your tree receives enough light and air circulation.

An indoor guava tree

Harvesting Your Guavas

With proper care, your indoor guava tree should begin producing fruit within 2-3 years. When your guavas are fully ripe, they should be soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma. To avoid damaging your tree, gently twist the fruit from the stem or use pruning shears to cut it off. Once harvested, guavas can be eaten fresh, used in recipes, or preserved for later use.

Ripe guava fruit

Growing guava trees indoors can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, provided you give your tree the proper care and attention it requires. By choosing the right variety, providing adequate lighting, maintaining ideal temperature and humidity, fertilizing, pruning and training, and harvesting your guavas at the right time, you can successfully grow guava trees indoors and enjoy their delicious fruit.

Indoor gardening, fruit trees, tropical fruits, homegrown fruit, houseplants, urban gardening