Container

• Choose a sturdy container that matches your decor. Ceramic or terra cotta pots offer more stability for a tree. Start with a container that suits the current size of the tree, but plan to transplant to larger containers as it grows. Keep in mind that you may want to move the tree around, so keep the container light by using aluminum cans or other lightweight materials for drainage at the bottom instead of rocks.
  
  

Light Requirements

• Citrus trees require a sunny spot. A sun room or enclosed porch works well. Norfolk Island pines prefer an eastern or western facing window where it will get a couple hours of direct light per day. Most indoor trees require medium to bright indoor light and need turning every few weeks so all sides get sunlight exposure. A space close to the window works best; the diffuse light available farther away from the window likely won't be enough for a tree.
  
  

Water

• Trees with porous containers like terra cotta will require more watering since the pot will wick water away from the soil. As a general rule, keep the soil moist but not overly wet. Let the soil dry out in between watering, it won't hurt the tree. Since the tree will use all the available nutrients in the soil, fertilize on a regular basis. Norfolk pine only needs fertilizer every three or four months.
  
  

Considerations

• You may wish to enjoy your potted tree outside during the summer months. If you elect to do this, gradually introduce the tree to direct sunlight over a period of a couple of weeks. Protect from high winds that will dry out the tree or possibly tip over the container. With citrus trees, make sure they get back in the house well before a frost. If the tree outgrows the largest pot you have, you can prune the roots or, if the climate allows, plant outside in a permanent location and choose a new, smaller tree to grow inside.