Maintenance Landscaping Design

Calamondin orange tree is a tart and tangy citrus fruit that is popular in Asia and the Philippines. The tree is believed to be a hybrid of a mandarin orange and a kumquat, and it is often used in jams, marmalades, and beverages. The fruit is also used as a natural cleaning agent.

Also known as

• Citrus mitis
  
• Calamansi
  
• Calamondin
  
• Calamansi orange
  
• Citrus x Citrofortunella microcarpa

Good to Know

• Calamondin orange trees are small, citrus trees that are native to China.
  
• The fruit of the calamondin orange tree is small and tart, and is used in many Asian dishes.
  
• Calamondin orange trees can be grown in pots, and do not need a lot of space.
  
• They are relatively easy to care for, and prefer warm, humid conditions.
  
• Calamondin orange trees are susceptible to pests and diseases, so regular monitoring is necessary.
  
• The fruit of the calamondin orange tree can be used to make marmalade, jelly, and other preserves.
  
• Calamondin orange trees can also be used as ornamental plants in the home or garden.
  
• They are relatively drought tolerant, and can withstand periods of neglect.
  
• Calamondin orange trees can live for many years, and often produce fruit for several decades.
  
• The calamondin orange is the national fruit of the Philippines.

Related plant:
Citrus Calamondin

Growing Steps

1. For calamondin orange tree, first step is to choose a location. The tree should be planted in an area with full sun and well-drained soil.
   
2. Then, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
   
3. Place the root ball in the hole and backfill with soil.
   
4. Water the tree deeply at planting time.
   
5. Apply a layer of mulch around the tree, but keep it away from the trunk.
   
6. Water the tree regularly, especially during the first growing season.
   
7. Fertilize the tree twice a year, in spring and fall, with a citrus fertilizer.
   
8. Prune the tree as needed to maintain its shape.
   
9. Protect the tree from frost during the winter months.
   
10. Enjoy the fruit when it is ripe!

Related plant:
Calamondin

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the calamondin orange tree prefers acidic, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. If the soil is too alkaline, it can cause the tree's leaves to yellow. The tree also doesn't do well in soggy soils, so be sure to plant it in an area that drains well.

Light condition

Not too different with other citrus trees, the calamondin orange tree needs a lot of sun. In fact, it needs about 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce fruit. If you live in an area with limited sunlight, you may need to supplement with artificial light.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for a calamondin orange tree is warm weather. This type of tree does not like cold weather and will not thrive in it. The best place to plant a calamondin orange tree is in an area where the temperature stays above freezing.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant are 60-70%. However, it can survive in lower humidity but not for long periods of time. The leaves of the plant will start to drop and the fruit will start to shrivel.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this kind of plant need high phosphorus and potassium fertilizer during the blooming and fruiting season. The best time to fertilize your calamondin orange tree is early spring and mid-summer. However, you should avoid fertilizing when the weather is hot or the tree is stressed. To help the tree take up nutrients, water it deeply a day or two before fertilizing. As for watering, calamondin orange trees need regular watering, especially when they are young. They should be watered deeply and allowed to dry out somewhat between waterings. Once they are established, they can be watered less frequently. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure not to water too often.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your calamondin orange tree is important to encourage new growth and maintain its shape. You can prune your tree in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to remove any dead or diseased branches, and cut back any overgrown branches. Be sure to make your cuts at a 45-degree angle, just above a leaf bud.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is typically done by rooting cuttings taken from the branches of the parent tree. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from new growth. They can be planted in a pot or directly in the ground. Be sure to keep the cutting moist and in a warm, sheltered spot until it has rooted.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is fast when the tree is young. After the tree matures, the growth rate slows down. However, with proper care, a calamondin orange tree can continue to produce fruit for many years.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are pests and diseases. Pests include whiteflies, scale, and mealybugs. Diseases include citrus canker and greasy spot. Whiteflies and scale can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Mealybugs can be controlled with insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil. Citrus canker can be controlled with copper fungicide or sulfur fungicide. Greasy spot can be controlled with fungicides such as propiconazole or myclobutanil.

Growing Tips

• If growing calamondin orange trees indoors, make sure to choose a well-lit location.
  
• Calamondin orange trees prefer acidic soils, so be sure to use a soil mix that is high in organic matter.
  
• Water regularly, but do not over-water as this can lead to root rot.
  
• Fertilize regularly using a citrus fertilizer.
  
• Prune trees regularly to encourage new growth and to maintain shape.
  
• Calamondin orange trees are susceptible to several pests and diseases, so be sure to monitor your trees carefully and take appropriate steps to control any problems that arise.
  
• Harvest fruits when they are ripe and use them fresh or in recipes that call for calamondin oranges.
  
• Calamondin orange trees can be propagated from seed, but it is easier to propagate from cuttings.
  
• If you live in an area where

Alternative Plants

• Orange Tree
  
• Orange
  
• Lemon Tree
  
• Orange Blossom
  
• Orange Blossom Trail
  
• Orange Blossom Tea
  
• Orange Blossom Honey
  
• Orange Blossom Festival
  
• Orange Blossom Special
  
• Orange Blossom Farm

Source:
calamondin | Gardening in the Panhandle
Mandarin oranges | Diseases and Pests, Description, Uses, …
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