How to Grow Calamondin
Orange Tree Indoors

Botanical Name: Citrus x citrofortunella mitis hybrid

Calamondin orange tree is one of the best indoor fruit trees.

This perennial shrub is actually a cross between a kumquat and a tangerine. Woody stems of this dwarf citrus tree are densely covered with oval, glossy green leaves that have a citrusy aroma.

You can expect an abundance of flowers and fruits, beginning in its second year. Fragrant, white, star-shaped flowers will appear at the tips of branches in summer, followed by 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm) fruits. Ripening slowly, the fruits change from deep green to bright orange. You'll usually see flowers and fruits on the tree at the same time, making calamondin tree a fresh, colorful accent for a sunny room.

There is no hurry to pick calamondins. They're long-lasting, so you can enjoy them for months on the tree. These oranges are tart, to say the least. Sample one for sourness before using any in cooking. You can use them in place of lemons in a recipe. I've heard they do make delicious marmalade.

Repot young plants every couple years. Plants won't bloom if they are overpotted, so keep them in small containers. Use a pot that's about 6 in (15 cm) in diameter until plants are 3 or 4 years old, then move up to an 8 in (20 cm) container. Always use a pot with a drainage hole to prevent root rot.

Pollinate your plant. Calamondin orange trees that are grown indoors will need to be hand-pollinated to trigger fruit production. Relax, it's easy to do. Use a small, dry paintbrush to dab each flower. Wiggle the brush around the center of each flower, moving from flower to flower. This carries the pollen from male to female flowers, just like bees do it.

Origin: China

Height: 3-4 ft (90 cm - 1.2 m)

Light: Bright light with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day. Turn the plant a quarter turn every week because it will tend to grow toward the light source.

Water: Water thoroughly, allowing the surface of the soil to dry between waterings.

Humidity: Moderate humidity. Put the container on a tray of wet pebbles and mist the foliage to increase humidity.

Temperature: Average room temperatures 65-75°F, 18-24°C.

Soil: Any good potting mix.

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Take stem cuttings in early summer. With a sharp knife or razor blade, take 4 in (10 cm) stem tip cuttings with at least 2-3 leaf nodes without flowers or fruit. Dip cut end in hormone rooting powder before inserting in moist potting mix, then enclose in a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Stem cuttings will root in about 6-8 weeks.