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Complete guide to calamondin care

Cross a kumquat and a mandarin, and what do you get? A zesty calamondin!

A close up detail shot of a ripe fruiting calamondin on a white studio background

If you’re looking for an unusual citrus, a calamondin like Lionel might just hit the spot. Growing a potted calamondin tree is pretty easy and it needs just a little bit of care. In this article, we’ll give you our top tips on how to care for your potted calamondin tree. In a nutshell:

  • Give it plenty of sunshine. The more it gets, the more fruit it will grow.
  • Keep the soil moist, especially when the weather gets warmer. It’ll need less water in winter
  • Help it produce more fruit with a monthly feed in spring and summer
  • Bring your calamondin indoors for winter

About calamondins

A calamondin tree is a small, quirky citrus tree that’s perfect for growing in pots. It’s a hybrid of kumquat and mandarin orange, which produces heavily scented leaves, beautiful flowers and lots of edible fruit. These small, juicy fruits are similar to limes but have a sweeter flavour. They’re a very popular cooking ingredient in the Philippines and can be used when green (unripe) or orange (ripe). Even if you don’t eat the fruit, it will look really pretty on a patio or balcony.

A potted calamondin in a black fibrestone decorative pot outside on a patio

How much light does my calamondin need?

Calamondin trees are real sunbathers that love lots of bright, direct sunlight. Pop yours in a sunny window or outside in a sun-trap spot. If your tree isn’t getting enough light, it may produce fewer flowers and fruits.

How often should I water my calamondin?

Calamondin trees like to be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Water your tree when the top inch of soil feels dry. Use room temperature water and water thoroughly, allowing the excess water to drain out of the pot. You’ll find you need to water your calamondin much more frequently in summer. Don’t let the plant sit in water, as this can lead to root rot. Instead, use a decorative pot with drainage holes or tip any extra water out of the decorative pot.

What type of soil does my calamondin need?

Calamondin trees prefer well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. You can use a potting mix that is designed for citrus trees or create your own mix using equal parts of compost, perlite and sand. Avoid using heavy, clay soil, as this can hold a lot of water and lead to waterlogging.

Should I fertilise my calamondin?

Calamondin trees benefit from regular feeding with a balanced, citrus-specific fertiliser. You can fertilise your tree once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). You don’t need to fertilise your calamondin during the winter months when the tree is dormant.

Do I need to prune my calamondin?

Calamondin trees don’t need much pruning. However, you can prune your tree in early spring to get rid of any dead or damaged branches. You can also prune to shape the tree or to encourage more fruit production. Just take a pair of clean shears and trim the tree into a tidy shape.

A potted calamondin in a terracotta sandstone decorative pot outside on a black bench against a black wooden fence

Common calamondin pests and diseases

Calamondin trees are relatively pest and disease-free, but keep an eye out for spider mites, scale insects and mealybugs. If you spot them moving in, you can keep these bugs under control by spraying your tree with insecticidal soap.

How should I look after my calamondin in winter?

Calamondin trees are sensitive to cold temperatures, so bring yours indoors during the winter months. Move your tree inside gradually over a week so it can acclimatise, bringing it inside at night and outside during the day. Pop them in a sunny window and water sparingly during this time. You can also mist the leaves to increase humidity. When the weather starts to warm up you can put your calamondin back outside.

Growing a potted calamondin tree will add a fun pop of colour to your outside space. By following these care tips, you can enjoy the fruits of your - minimal - labour.

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