Why WIRED Spotlighted Via Citrus

When WIRED rounded up The 17 Best Gifts for Plant Lovers, they didn’t choose another pothos or a shelf-ready succulent. They chose something living, bright, fragrant, and deeply interactive: a real, fruit-bearing citrus tree from Via Citrus. Their reviewers tested multiple varieties: Meyer Lemon, Kumquat, and Calamondin and highlighted what makes our trees a gift that keeps growing, indoors or out.

The editors praised the freshness, the Florida sourcing, the fragrance, and the surprising resilience of our trees across different climates. Their verdict?Real citrus belongs in every plant lover’s collection.

What WIRED loved most

1. Fresh from Florida Fruit Trees

Each tree ships around two feet tall, already established, already thriving, and already scented with the possibility of its first fruiting season. WIRED’s reviewer received a Meyer lemon with full fragrant blossoms and a kumquat carrying green fruit on arrival.

2. A Living Gift (Not a Decorative One)

They highlighted exactly what makes Via Citrus special:

• These aren’t ornamental houseplants.
• They’re productive, flavorful, and satisfyingly hands-on.
• For plant people, it’s the difference between décor and daily ritual.

3. Indoor or Outdoor Friendly

From a sunny California patio to a cozy apartment kitchen, They emphasized how adaptable the trees are. Indoors, they flourish near a bright window or under a simple grow light (WIRED even linked to one they recommend).

4. Honest Citrus Behavior (Leaf Drop Included)

They appreciated the transparency in our care approach. Some citrus varieties, especially kumquats: may drop leaves after the shock of traveling to colder climates. The reviewer experienced exactly that in the Pacific Northwest, yet still saw fresh new growth within days. The message was clear: leaf drop isn’t decline; it’s adjustment.

Spotlight: The Trees WIRED Tested

Meyer Lemon

Soft floral aroma, glossy foliage, and fruit that tastes sweeter than standard lemons. WIRED’s tree arrived with blossoms ready to open—full sensory joy from day one.

Kumquat

Compact, prolific, and fun. WIRED received theirs with fruit already on the branches. Even after a climate-related leaf drop, the tree pushed new growth almost immediately.

Calamondin

A versatile citrus used for cooking, cocktails, and marmalades. WIRED’s reviewer has kept hers thriving outdoors for over a year on a sunny SoCal patio.

Why Plant Lovers Appreciate a Living Citrus Gift

It grows with them.
It scents their space.
It feeds their curiosity (and their kitchen).

Citrus is a uniquely rewarding plant category for enthusiasts because it blends beauty with function:

• Fragrant blossoms that fill a room

• Glossy evergreen leaves

• Fruit that ripens in color, aroma, and flavor

• Year-round engagement without being high-maintenance

Plant lovers want something they can nurture—and citrus has personality. It reacts, evolves, and shows visible progress every few days. It’s the kind of gift that becomes part of home life, not something that blends into it.

Super Easy Care

Even beginners succeed with citrus. WIRED’s review confirmed that despite initial leaf drop in colder areas, recovery is rapid and reliable. Here’s the three-step approach we recommend:

• Light: 6+ hours of sun or a grow light

• Water: steady moisture, never soggy

• Love: occasional citrus fertilizer and a bright spot

That’s all it takes to help your tree flourish.

More Living Gifts to Explore

If the WIRED picks sparked inspiration, plant lovers will also enjoy:

• Key Lime Tree → zesty, compact, cocktail-friendly

• Persian Lime Tree → classic lime flavor, highly productive

• Meyer Lemon Tree → floral, sweet, endlessly versatile

• Calamondin Tree → bright, bold, culinary favorite

(These represent natural internal linking opportunities.)

A Gift That Grows Into Their Home

They didn’t highlight Via Citrus because our trees are trendy; they highlighted them because they’re genuinely delightful to live with. For plant lovers, there’s something unforgettable about watching a small green globe turn into edible sunshine.

If you’re gifting someone who thrives on growth—literally—there’s no better companion than a living citrus tree.