Dwarf orange trees: care

Dwarf orange trees: care

Either due to lack of space, or because you prefer trees that do not grow too large, one of the most appreciated citrus fruits is the dwarf orange trees. Its care is not difficult and in return you get a fruit season that saves you in the shopping cart.

But what are dwarf orange trees like? What care do they have? Can it be easily maintained? We talk to you about them.

How are dwarf orange trees

How are dwarf orange trees

Dwarf orange trees are considered shrubs. They are evergreen and there are many varieties. Perhaps the best known is the Calamondín, but there is another, the Kumquat that is also making a hole. Finally, another of the most striking is the Japanese orange.

Scientific name Fortunella daisy, comes from China. Its height, compared to normal oranges, is 4-5 meters. But depending on whether you have it in soil or in a pot it will grow more or less.

The most striking thing about dwarf orange trees is, without a doubt, their flowering. And you can have white, almost waxy and star-shaped flowers, with a very characteristic orange blossom aroma. After these, the oranges will appear, spherical and green in color that will turn orange. There are some varieties that offer sweet fruits but the vast majority will be very bitter.

Dwarf orange trees: the care they need

Dwarf orange trees: the care they need

Source: Agricultural University

After getting to know dwarf orange trees a little more thoroughly, you may consider having one, either indoors or in a pot outside. In this case, the dwarf orange trees have important care and you must provide it as well as possible to be able to enjoy it. Do you want to know what they are?

Location and temperature

Dwarf orange trees need sunlight. They love to be in the sun, although depending on the variety it is better to put it in a well-lit area rather than directly under the sun's rays.

If you have it outside the home in a pot, or on the ground, we recommend that you place it in a place where it gets a lot of sun but without it being direct; If you have it indoors, place it in a very bright place.

As for the temperature, it tolerates high temperatures well but not low ones. And it is that the best thing in winter is that it does not drop below 15 degrees because it can slow down its growth.

The ideal in winter it is that it is in a room that maintains a constant 15-18 degrees, and in summer you can take it out and withstand the temperatures well.

Irrigation

The watering of the dwarf orange trees must be different in winter than in summer.

In winter you will hardly have to water it, only when the earth is seen to be quite dry.

In spring and summer you do have to increase the amount of watering a lot, because you need it. Of course, make sure that the water you use to irrigate does not contain lime because it affects the tree very negatively. Also, if possible, try to spray it because it needs a little humidity to be healthy.

In other words, in spring and summer it is important that it be watered daily because the tree will also require it (if you are in a warmer or colder climate, you may have to let a day pass between waterings). And, in winter, watering it weekly, or every two weeks, will be enough.

If you notice that the soil is still damp or cold, it is best not to water it.

Watering dwarf orange trees

Source: Agriculturers

Pot and soil

Although dwarf orange trees are small, the truth is that they need a lot of space to thrive. Therefore, always opt for a pot that is large and deep.

As for the soil, in addition to being rich in nutrients, you have to make sure that it has a pH between 5 and 6 which is the ideal for citrus. And that is draining, or mix it with an adequate drainage.

Transplant

Every 1-2 years you will have to transplant it into a pot with more diameter and depth. This should always be done in spring and only in young specimens. Those older ones will no longer need the transplant as much.

At the time of doing this, and to ensure that it is not going to have problems, you could apply rooting hormones and fungicides to the roots to encourage them to develop roots and, at the same time, prevent the appearance of fungi.

Subscriber

The subscriber usually occurs in the growing season, that is, from March to August, but the truth is that you can also do it twice, once in early spring and once in fall. The latter should be done with a fertilizer that has iron, potassium or zinc because it is the one that helps the fruits not fall before they are ripe.

Of course, you do not have to go over with the subscriber, so you have the option of doing it at one time or another.

Another option you have is to maintain a quality soil throughout the year, which avoids having to add fertilizer every little time.

Pruning

There will come a time when you will have to prune the dwarf orange tree. It is inevitable because this it will start to grow and you will have to give it the shape you want. In general, pruning should be done in spring; but it is possible that, from time to time, you can cut off a branch, either because it has come out the way you want or because it is dead or sick.

Plagues and diseases

Unfortunately, dwarf orange trees also have significant pest and disease problems. In the first case, the Red spider It is one of the most dangerous pests, which will appear on its leaves and turn them yellow. Another plague may be White fly.

The diseases that can occur will affect the leaves, their growth or even the fruits.

Multiplication

The multiplication of dwarf orange trees is not at all easy to achieve. In fact, It is usually done through seeds and then grafted. However, it is a very slow process and many times it does not bear fruit, so some prefer to buy young specimens that have already been taken before trying.

Do you have doubts about dwarf orange trees and their care? Ask us.


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