When it comes to having plants at home, trees don't even have to be exclusive to a garden. Actually, we can also have them at home. One of the most beautiful is the orange tree. But do you know how to care for a potted dwarf orange tree?
we are going to give you the keys so you know how to have a dwarf orange tree at home, from its characteristics to those care that can make it flourish and also have small oranges. Would you dare to do it?
Characteristics of the dwarf orange tree
La Citrofortunella mitis It is the scientific name that alludes to the dwarf orange tree. However, in the market it is easier to know it as Calamondin, Naranjito del Obispo, Naranjito de San José or Chinese orange.
It is characterized by having a small size compared to the normal orange tree. The most beautiful thing about this are its flowers, white orange blossom, which has a somewhat waxy appearance to the eye. when you get closer You see that the shape is star and also give off a very pleasant aroma. After these flowers comes the fruit, which are usually green and flattened at first, and then they become orange and more ripe. In fact, when they are ready you can pick them up and eat them, but it is not easy to do so as their taste is very, very acidic and bitter, and not everyone tolerates it.
Regarding its branches and leaves, it is quite leafy and keeps its leaves throughout the year (unless there are very low temperatures or frost, where they will fall off).
How to care for a potted dwarf orange tree
Now that you know a little more in depth what it means to have a dwarf orange tree, next we want to focus on the care that it will need and that you need to know so that it develops properly. They are the following:
Location and lighting
The best location for a fruit tree is outdoors and in full light. However, we know that when you have a dwarf orange tree, it is normal for you to have it indoors.
If this is so, you should choose an area where it receives the greatest amount of direct sunlight. In general, orange trees they need about 6 hours of sunlight. In the case of a dwarf one too, but it does not necessarily have to be direct since it does not need so much, as long as it has light, it is enough to give it a few hours of sun.
Regarding the location, if you can put it on a terrace or similar much better because it prefers the outside to being inside the house (where it can wither more quickly and easily).
Temperature
Fruit trees are quite resistant. But the truth is that when temperatures drop they can suffer a lot. To begin with, frosts do not take them very well. The ideal temperature for this dwarf orange tree will be between 15 and 18 degrees. It can withstand much higher temperatures, but in the case of low temperatures, it is not recommended.
Substratum
The soil with which you buy a dwarf orange tree may not be the best for them, or may be too compacted (and thus cause the plant to die). For this reason, we will always recommend that you use a substrate that has a pH of 5-6 and have drainage. In addition, it must be very rich in nutrients because it will demand it from you.
Irrigation
The dwarf orange is a tree that needs to have the land always humid, but not to the point of flooding it. Between waterings you can let the substrate dry a little but not too much.
Being small, it demands more attention in watering, and it is one of the problems from which you can die. This implies that in winter, and depending on where you live and the climate, you should water it 1-2 times a week, while in summer, if it is very hot, you have to do it almost daily.
Subscriber
It is important to take into account the subscriber of the dwarf orange tree. And it is that, unlike the orange trees, it will need more. The normal thing is to throw him once a month but, when he is a dwarf, if you can throw twice a month is much better Because being in a pot, and also demanding more nutrients and needs, this fertilizer will help meet its requirements.
Pruning
Like a normal orange tree, the dwarf orange tree will need to have any branches that overhang the formation trimmed that you want it to have, as well as those that dry up.
The same with the leaves, those dry or diseased is better to cut them to avoid affecting the entire plant.
When I throw oranges and you take them away, if you cut you will be helping to encourage it to bloom again and, with it, to have more oranges.
Of course, normally, these are very acidic and it is not easy to eat them (because of the strong flavor they have).
Plagues and diseases
The white fly, the Red spider or the mushrooms are the main problems that dwarf orange trees have. When taking care of them you must have some defense mechanism prepared for these problems.
For example, if you see that the leaves are yellowing and they have bites, it is most likely that you are facing the red spider mite and you should spray an acaricide to get rid of it.
If you notice that it has tiny white flies then we are talking about the white fly and you will need an insecticide.
Finally, in the case of fungi, they mainly affect the roots, causing rot. This can be caused by poor watering, and it is best to change all the soil and pot, as well as apply a specific product to try to save the tree.
Multiplication
In the case of the dwarf orange tree, the form of reproduction of this that is most successful is none other than seed. It is true that it is a long process, especially if we take into account that It can take 7 to 10 years to flower and bear fruit.
Also, during its growth, it can easily die if it is not given due attention.
Now that you know how to take care of a potted dwarf orange tree, do you dare with one?