Lately, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of people who growing Calamondin trees in the confines of their own homes. This shift can be attributed to a number of major reasons.
First, many people have considered growing fruit trees indoors. This is due to the rising interest in indoor gardening and the need to feel closer to nature. If you don’t have a lot of room in your garden but still want an orange tree, consider a Calamondin.
The versatility of the Calamondin plant, which you can use in everything from cocktails to sweets, is another reason for its popularity.
It is beneficial to cultivate a Calamondin tree indoors because this extends the growing season of citrus trees.
Additionally, it makes it possible for families to have access to fresh fruits throughout the entire year. In this article, you will learn how to grow Calamondin trees indoors.
Here’s how to grow Calamondin trees indoors
- Deciding on the best location
It’s important to pick the ideal area in your home or office to grow Calamondin trees. Calamondin trees require a lot of bright, indirect sunlight, so be sure to plant them in an area that gets plenty of it.
These trees thrive in a warm, draft-free environment with temperatures between 55 and 85°F, so make sure you provide that for them.
It is also important to safeguard the tree by keeping it away from any sources of air conditioning or heating vents that could dry out the soil.
- Selecting the ideal container and soil
Soil and container conditions are critical to the growth and well-being of your Calamondin trees indoors. Ensure the root system will fit into the pot before purchasing a tree.
A very small container can stifle a tree’s root system, which can be detrimental to the tree’s overall health. Make sure there is adequate drainage in the pot so that water doesn’t pool at the bottom and cause root rot.
Calamondin trees do best when you plant them in slightly acidic, well-drained soil. This tree requires a potting mixture of vermiculite, perlite and peat moss.
Organic materials, such as old manure or compost, should also be added to the soil to supply the tree with nutrients.
- Buying plants or planting seeds
You can either buy a seedling already established or create one from scratch to care for your Calamondin tree. When selecting a young plant, check for signs of diseases and pests. It needs to have a robust root system and multiple strong leaves.
Though it takes more work, growing plants from seeds may be a satisfying hobby. After soaking the seeds in warm water, place the seeds in a pot with moist soil to help them sprout.
Place the container in a light, warm spot and watch for the seeds to sprout. Plants should be repotted into larger containers with well-draining soil once they have produced at least two sets of leaves.
- Fertilizing
Fertilizing your Calamondin tree is an essential aspect of its care. Fertilizing the tree once every four to six weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) will promote healthy growth and fruit production.
Choose a citrus-specific fertilizer that contains potassium, phosphate, and nitrogen, among other essential nutrients. Use the fertilizer exactly as directed on the package to prevent leaf burn and other issues.
- Watering
The vitality of your Calamondin tree is dependent on regular watering. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can cause the tree to become stressed and drop its leaves.
When you touch the top inch of the soil and find it dry, water your tree deeply until water drips from the bottom of the pot.
Do not leave the pot to sit in water, as this can cause root rot. The tree needs less water throughout the winter because it is dormant.
Can you grow calamondin in pots?
Calamondin is hardy and pest-resistant and may thrive in pots and large containers. It flowers multiple times a year, so there is usually a consistent supply of fruit throughout the year.
Is it possible to grow calamondin from a cutting?
Softwood cuttings taken in the spring can be used to spread the calamondin orange. Gather 20-centimeter-long stem cuttings from bare branches.
Take off the lower leaves and put the plant in a pot of well-draining compost. Place on a sunny windowsill and cover with a plastic bag or pot to make a miniature greenhouse.
Your cutting will root when it develops new leaves, usually within 4 weeks. Take the plant out of the plastic bag and treat it like a mature tree by repotting it as the root-ball grows.
How often do you repot calamondin?
Every two years, you should repot your plant. This aids in restoring soil nutrients that the plant has used up. Nutrients are typically lost when you water the plants. This is best done in the spring or fall, after flowering and fruit production.
You can add some topsoil when the pot gets too big to repot. It will do in a pinch, but remember to choose a soil mixture richer than you normally use for repotting.
How big do calamondin trees get?
A calamondin tree can reach a height of 7 meters and live for over five decades. To make it simple to transport your container tree to its winter quarters and get the fruit, prune it to a manageable size.
How and when to prune my Calamondin
Pruning also encourages fruit and flower production on the remaining branches. Remove dead, diseased or otherwise unhealthy branches and thin out the plant’s center in the spring.
Remove the suckers if they appear at the plant’s base. Trim the plants once more in September to maintain the appropriate size.
Best time to water calamondin when planting indoors
When the soil in your house has dried out, water it lightly. In the spring and summer, you can use more water when temperatures are higher. Wait until the top inch or two of soil has dried up before you water again in the winter.
Conclusion
Although the calamondin orange tree is hardier than other citrus varieties, it still requires a sunny, protected location with neutral to acidic soils to flourish.
If the plant is losing leaves, has discolored or yellowed leaves or shows evidence of pest damage, you should reject it.