When you think of a fruit tree, the most normal thing is that the first thing that comes to mind is that you need a garden to plant it, or a lot of space to have it. But the truth is that the vast majority of them can be planted in a pot. Such is the case of potted mandarin. To expand your knowledge about different types of potted trees, we recommend you visit trees to plant in pots.
You do not know how to have a mandarin in a pot but the idea seems good to you? Do not worry, we are going to give you the keys so that the care you need (irrigation, fertilization, pruning, transplantation) is not difficult and, in addition, we will prepare you for pests and diseases that can affect you. Go for it!
Potted mandarin care
Source: cocinavital
A potted mandarin tree is just like a tree planted in the ground, albeit with a more limited space. But you could even get it to produce mandarins, and you'd enjoy eating them with much more pleasure (and better flavor) than those you buy at the supermarket. To do this, it's essential to know the specific care instructions for the tree. potted mandarin tree, including the type of land and the appropriate location for its development.
Which pot is the most suitable for a potted mandarin?
The first thing you need to know to have a mandarin in a pot is that not just any pot is worthYou need one that gives it depth because the tree has many roots and needs room to "breathe" and "stretch." For more information on the ideal types of pots, see potted trees for terracesIf you're looking for a bonsai, the first thing you need to do is get it used to that condition. You'll need to repot it little by little as you see the tree adapt to "making it small." We warn you that even the tangerines will become small and you won't be able to eat them.
This is the best soil for a potted mandarin
The next step is to choose the land you need. We recommend that you use one fertilized, and if possible with fertilizers high in nitrogen (in summer) and with potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron in winter. The correct choice of substrate directly influences the care of potted mandarin trees. If you want to learn more about this, visit Complete guide to growing fruit trees at home.
Where to put a mandarin?
Do you already know where you are going to put your mandarin in a pot? You must be clear that fruit trees, and in this case citrus, need a very well lit place, ideally with direct sun at various times of the day. Therefore, choose a suitable area for this tree; otherwise, it could wither and die if not given what it needs. We also recommend that you monitor the temperature. The mandarin tree is not frost-tolerant, so it easily dies outdoors. So, if you're going to keep it in a pot, monitor how cold it is and cover it with plastic or bring it indoors when temperatures drop significantly. For proper growth, learn more about the tree and how to place it.
How much to water a potted mandarin?
For a mandarin, irrigation is very important, but you must take into account the following: Caring for potted mandarin trees include proper irrigation.
- In winter, it does not require frequent watering, and neither does the water remain puddled because it rots its roots.
- In spring and summer it needs constant and daily watering, but without giving it too much water (we don't want to drown it).
- In autumn you have to reduce the waterings so that they are less and less and prepare it for the winter.
Also check that it has a good drainage system so that there are no water stagnations.
How long does it take for a tangerine tree to grow?
A tree takes years to grow, and it will be the same in a pot. In addition, by controlling the space more, it can slow down its development a bit but the normal thing is that, if you take good care of it, the potted mandarin tree It can already give you its first fruits within a year. But it all depends on how you buy it and how old it is, whether it's healthy, etc.
When does the mandarin plant bloom?
One of the most beautiful displays of a potted mandarin is when it blooms. It happens at the beginning of spring and you can see it full of white flowers with a very pleasant orange blossom smell. To learn more about the flowering cycle and other care, we recommend you consult plants that reproduce by cuttings to expand your knowledge, but also about mandarin tree care.
Of course, this only lasts a few days, weeks at most, and the flowers end up falling after opening.
How to prune a potted mandarin
As with other trees, pruning must be constant. And in a potted mandarin it was not going to be any different. Experts recommend that pruned in early spring, cutting off new shoots to make the tree bushier. You should also be guided by the tree's shape and how you want it to look. For more specific advice, you can consult and improve your pruning techniques.
What diseases and pests can affect the mandarin?
Source: Viverossoler
It's important to recognize that if you have a potted mandarin tree, it's usually more protected against pests and diseases. Unfortunately, however, they can also affect it, and you may find that, despite all your care, it becomes ill. Therefore, prevention is the best weapon. And knowing the symptoms that alert you is also important. On the mandarin tree's website mandarin diseases and pests You can expand your information on how to detect and treat these conditions.
En general, mandarin is very resistant to pests and diseases. But there are several to which it is more prone, such as: spider mite, mealybug, whitefly or citrus miner. Its elimination is based on using acaricides (for the spider mite), diatomaceous earth (for the mealybug), sticky traps (for the whitefly) and neem oil or using a bacterium (for the citrus miner).
Now, when it comes to diseases, one that has no cure is the "Sadness virus", psoriasis or exocortis, which makes the tree behave in a strange way (it starts to throw the leaves for no reason, it bears too much fruit, it becomes weak ...). Finally, you must control the Phytophthora, which is a fungal disease caused by excessive humidity and temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. In this case, fungicides (always rich in copper) can help combat it. To learn more, we suggest you consult and learn how to prevent them.
We can't guarantee that by following all these tips, your potted mandarin tree will be problem-free and thrive, but at least you'll have taken all the necessary steps to provide it with ideal conditions and ensure it offers you an incredible view every day.
Starting from a seed, at the moment I have a lemon tree and a small mandarin in a pot, the place where I have it is very sunny but at night I put it at home, how can I protect it?
Hello rosa.
How long have they germinated? If it's been less than three months, you can have them at home in a room where a lot of natural light enters.
But if it's been longer and winter is mild in your area (with minimum temperatures of 0 or even -2ºC), you can have them outside in an area a little sheltered from the wind.
Greetings.