Origin and characteristics of the chinoto
Image - Wikimedia / Cassinam
His scientific name is citrus myrtifolia (formerly considered a variety of bitter orange), which is why it was called Citrus aurantium var myrtifolium, but as they have many differences, it is considered that the chinoto is of an independent species (citrus myrtifolia). In popular language it is known as dwarf orange, mirtifolia orange, chinoto, quinoto or Moorish orange. Leaving the taxonomy, let's now talk about the characteristics of this plant.
It can reach a maximum height of 4 meters, with a very, very dense crown, composed of branches from which evergreen leaves sprout. (they fall little by little throughout the year) small, about 2 centimeters long, lanceolate, simple and leathery. These are quite reminiscent of the myrtle (myrtle common) reason why your last name is precisely myrtifolia (Myrtus It is myrtle in Spanish, and revelry means leaf, with which, myrtifolia translates as "myrtle leaf").
The flowers are white, small, but very fragrant, like all citrus fruits. They give off a very pleasant aroma, which attracts various pollinating insects, including bees. The fruits are small, rounded, yellow or, more often, orange. Despite their appearance, they are not edible.
It has a fairly slow growth rate, which is why it is highly appreciated both in the bonsai world as for those looking for a relatively small plant for their garden or patio.
What are their cares?
If you dare to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:
Location
The chinoto is a plant that must be outside, in full sun.
Its roots are not invasive, so you can grow it without problems in all types of gardens. However, it is recommended that, if you are going to have it in the ground, you leave at least a meter between the wall and the plant so it can develop properly. For proper growth, it is also advisable to consult the potted dwarf orange care.
Irrigation
Irrigation must be frequent, especially in very hot and dry summers. As usual, you should water an average of 3 times in that season, and the rest a little less often.
If you have it in a pot, you can put a saucer underneath it during the summer, but it's not advisable to keep it in the pot during the winter, especially if there's frost, as the roots could be damaged. For more information, also check out watering the orange tree.
Use rainwater or lime-free water whenever you can; If you cannot get it, if you have very hard water, very rich in lime and with a pH of 7 or more, mix the liquid of half a lemon with 1 liter of this water, and water.
Earth
Image - Flickr / 阿 橋 HQ
- Flower pot: can be filled with universal substrate mixed with 30% perlite.
- Garden: grows in soils rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic (pH 5-6). It lives well in limestone, but in these it is common to have chlorosis due to the lack of iron, so if it is grown in them it will be necessary to add iron chelates from time to time.
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From the beginning of spring to the end of summer it is advisable to fertilize the chinoto with a specific fertilizer for citrus trees, following the instructions on the package. To improve their care, you may also be interested in how to fertilize an orange tree.
If you prefer to fertilize it with natural products, you can use guano, compost, mulch, cold tea grounds, egg shells, etc.
Pests
It is quite resistant, but can be attacked by Red spider, White fly o mealybugs in spring and summer. These three insects feed on the sap, especially on the tender shoots, and as the heat favors them, they must be watched.
Fortunately, can be treated well with insecticides approved for organic farming, such as diatomaceous earth or neem oil. If you see that the pests are spreading a lot, do not hesitate to use specific chemical insecticides, that is:
- Red spider: with an acaricide, like this one that you can buy from .
- Mealybugs: with a specific insecticide, like this one that you can get from .
- Whitefly: with systemic insecticides, like this one they sell.
Multiplication
The chinoto multiplies by seeds in spring. These are recommended to be sown in forest seedling trays or in pots filled with universal substrate, and placing a maximum of two in each socket or pot.
If you keep the seedbed outdoors in semi-shade and water it, it will germinate in about a month. For care and propagation, you can also consult the orange tree graft.
Pruning
When growing slowly, pruning must also be slow. I explain: You should not do drastic pruning, but rather cut a little each time (that is, every year). Even if you want to work it as bonsai, the ideal is that you give it the style you want little by little, always letting 4-6 pairs of leaves grow and cutting 2 or a maximum of 3.
Use tools that have been previously disinfected, for example with a little dish soap, and prune in late winter. For complete care, you can also delve into how to prune an orange tree.
Rusticity
Resists cold and weak frosts of up to -4ºCFor additional protection, review the different care options for orange trees and their varieties, including the Navelina orange tree, to ensure their protection in winter.
Image - Wikimedia / Nadiatalent
I would like to have a chinoto plant, but my soil is very sandy and nothing is going well for me because it does not have nutrients. I live in Nelson Bay Sydney, regards.