Citrus calamondin is a plant that is native to China and Vietnam. The plant is in the Rutaceae family, and its scientific name is Citrus microcarpa. The plant is a small, evergreen tree that can grow to be about 3-6 meters tall. The tree has glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers. The flowers bloom in the spring and summer. The fruit of the citrus calamondin is a small, orange-colored fruit that is about the size of a tangerine. The fruit has a sour taste and is often used in marmalades and jams.
Related plant:
Citrus Reticulata
Related plant:
Sunjoy Citrus Barberry
About soil condition, citrus calamondin grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.5. This citrus tree does not tolerate poorly drained, wet soil conditions well and may develop root rot. Be sure to plant your tree in an area that receives full sun for best fruit production.
Just like other citrus trees, the calamondin prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is a good idea to protect young trees from the hot afternoon sun in warm climates. The tree will grow slower in shade, and the fruit will be smaller and less tart.
The temperature condition that is best for citrus calamondin is warm to hot. This means that the plant will do best if it is kept in a location that has an average temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can tolerates temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is high. relative humidity should be around 70% or higher. this plant does not like low humidity and will start to drop leaves if the air is too dry. a good way to increase humidity for this plant is to use a humidifier or to put the pot on a pebble tray.
The fertilizer, this type of plant needs, should be high in phosphorus because it is vital to the development of new roots. A citrus plant, such as a calamondin, can benefit from a general-purpose fertilizer that has a slightly lower nitrogen level than phosphorus. The roots of a calamondin are relatively delicate and need to be protected from mechanical damage, so it is best to use a slow-release fertilizer that will not burn the roots.
Pruning your citrus calamondin is an important part of keeping your plant healthy. Pruning helps to remove dead or diseased tissue, and also encourages new growth. When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears. Make sure to prune in the early spring, before new growth begins.
Propagation is generally done by taking cuttings from mature trees. The cuttings should be about 6-8 inches long and taken from new growth. Cuttings should be allowed to callus for a few days before being planted in moist, well-drained soil. Once planted, the cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm environment until they develop roots and begin to grow.
Usually, the plant growth rate studies suggest that this plant grows relatively slowly. However, a study that was conducted in Taiwan in 2002 found that the average citrus calamondin growth rate was actually quite fast, with the plant growing an average of 1.2 centimeters per day. This study also found that the plants grew more quickly when they were exposed to more sunlight.
Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot, brown rot, and citrus canker. Root rot is caused by a soil-borne fungus and is the most common problem for this plant. Brown rot is caused by a fungal disease and can affect the fruit, leaves, and stems of the plant. Citrus canker is a bacterial disease that can infect the leaves and fruit of the plant.
Source:
calamondin | Gardening in the Panhandle
Physicochemical Characteristics of Calamondin (Citrus
Indoor Citrus Wisconsin Horticulture
