Birthday
HydrangeasCalamondin is one of the easiest citrus trees to grow indoors: this compact tree with glossy leaves bears fragrant white flowers and small orange fruit at the same time. The keys to success are plenty of light, a cool winter and careful watering.
Plants as gifts: potted plants and flower baskets.
What kind of plant it is
Calamondin (Citrus × microcarpa) is a natural hybrid of mandarin and kumquat from Southeast Asia. In the Philippines it is called calamansi and is widely used in cooking: the juice goes into sauces, drinks and marinades. The fruit, 2–4 cm across, is edible but very sour, with a thin, fragrant peel.
Care
- Light. As much as possible: a south or west window, and a balcony or garden in summer. Too little light is the main reason for poor flowering and leaf drop.
- Watering. When the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry, with soft, room-temperature water. Calamondin dislikes both a dried-out rootball and waterlogging.
- Soil. Slightly acidic, open and free-draining: ready-made citrus compost works well.
- Feeding. Every 2 weeks from spring to autumn with a citrus fertiliser containing iron and other trace elements.
- Humidity. It dislikes dry air from radiators; a humidifier helps.
Winter
Winter light is weak, so the best place for calamondin is somewhere cool, at 12–15 °C on a bright glazed balcony, with less watering. In a warm room without extra light it often drops its leaves. If you have no cool spot, keep it right next to a window and add a grow light.
Flowers and fruit
Calamondin flowers several times a year. Indoors, without insects, fruit sets better if you hand-pollinate with a soft brush, moving pollen from flower to flower. The fruit takes several months to ripen and stays on the branches for a long time, so one tree often carries flowers, green fruit and orange fruit together.
Why it drops leaves
- A sudden change of conditions, for example after purchase or a move.
- Too little light, especially in a warm room in winter.
- A dried-out rootball or, the opposite, overwatering.
- Draughts and hot, dry air from a radiator.
Avoid moving or turning the plant unless necessary, especially while it is flowering. If you enjoy fruiting plants in pots, read how to grow an olive tree in a pot.
For pet owners
Citrus leaves and peel contain essential oils that can upset the stomach of cats and dogs. Do not let pets chew the leaves or fruit.
FAQ
Can you eat calamondin fruit?
Yes, but it is very sour. Use it like lemon in tea, drinks, sauces and jam.
How often should I repot a calamondin?
Young plants every spring, mature ones every 2–3 years, into a pot just a little larger than the last.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
