Calamondin tree care: Enjoy fresh citrus indoors

Many fruit-bearing trees can be challenging to maintain because they require regular pruning, pest control, and careful soil management. Some plants are highly sensitive to climate changes and may not grow well in varying weather conditions, unlike the more adaptable calamondin trees.

Calamondin trees are a valuable choice for gardens and farms. They offer a range of benefits, including being easy to grow, requiring minimal maintenance, thriving in well-drained soil, and propagating easily. Their fruit peel is rich in flavonoids, which help support health and overall wellness.

Growcycle provides useful gardening tools and a helpful learning center for growing calamondin trees. This blog will highlight the essential care tips for delicious, homegrown calamondin fruits.

Origin and History 

Calamondin orange is a naturally grown hybrid fruit from China. It is the product of hybridization between a mandarin orange and a different-type kumquat tree. Calamondin originated in China and spread to Southeast Asia, India, Hawaii, the West Indies, and America.

Calamondin trees are now widely grown in the Philippines because they resist pests and diseases, making them a good substitute for lime. This resistance has made them an important economic fruit in the region. They are cultivated for both local use and export. The fruit is in high demand in the USA, Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Hong Kong.

Botany of Calamondin Tree 

The calamondin tree (Citrus microcarpa) is a small, evergreen shrub or tree in the Rutaceae family. It is also known as Philippine calamondin or golden lime. Here is a simple overview of the tree's features:

Physical Characteristics

• Size and Shape: The calamondin tree is usually small, growing about 10 to 16 feet tall. It has a bushy shape with lots of leaves.
• Leaves: The leaves are narrow, shiny, and shaped like a lance. They are dark green, aromatic, and smooth. They are usually 2 to 4 inches long and 0.8 to 1.6 inches wide.
• Flowers: The tree produces small, fragrant white or pale pink flowers with five petals. These flowers grow in clusters and attract pollinators like bees.
• Fruit: The fruit is small, about 1.2 to 2 in wide, and looks like a small orange or mandarin. Its thin, smooth skin turns orange or yellow when ripe. The inside is sour and acidic, with orange-colored flesh. Calamondin fruits are commonly used in drinks, sauces, and desserts.
• Roots: The tree has a fibrous root system, which helps it stay in the soil while taking in water and nutrients.

Types of Calamondin Tree

There are a few different types and varieties of calamondin trees. The differences usually come regarding fruit characteristics, size, and growing habits.

Benefits of Growing Calamondin

Growing a calamondin tree has many benefits, making it a great choice for gardeners and homeowners. Here are some of the main advantages of growing this tree:

1. Fresh Fruit at Home

One of the biggest benefits is having fresh fruit right at home. The small, tangy fruit of the calamondin tree can be used in drinks, cooking, and making sauces or jams. It adds a fresh, sour flavor to many dishes and beverages.

2. Saves Space

Calamondin trees are compact, so they don’t need much space. They grow well in pots and are perfect for small gardens, balconies, or even indoors. This makes them a good choice for people with limited space.

3. Easy to Grow Indoors

Calamondin trees can thrive indoors. As long as they get enough light and proper care, they will do well inside a home. This makes them a good option for people living in areas with harsh winters or little outdoor gardening space. They can also help clean the air inside a home.

4. Attractive Plant

The calamondin tree is beautiful. It has shiny green leaves and produces small, fragrant flowers attracting bees and pollinators. The bright fruit also adds color and beauty to any space, whether it’s indoors or outdoors.

5. Health Benefits

Calamondin fruit contains vitamin C, which is good for the immune system, skin health, and fighting free radicals. It can also help with digestion and detoxifying the body. The fruit is often used as a home remedy for sore throats and colds.

6. Versatile in Cooking

The sour taste of calamondin fruit makes it a great ingredient for many recipes. It can be used in drinks, desserts, sauces, salad dressings, and more. It’s often used in Southeast Asian cooking and can replace lime or lemon in recipes, giving them a unique flavor.

7. Low Maintenance

Calamondin trees are easy to care for. They don’t need a lot of attention. They will grow well with little effort with the right light, watering, and occasional fertilizing.

8. Environmentally Friendly

Growing a calamondin tree is good for the environment. By growing their own fruit, people don’t need to buy imported citrus fruits that travel long distances, which reduces the carbon footprint. The tree also supports pollinators like bees, helping the environment.

9. Helps Reduce Stress

Gardening, including growing Calamondin trees, can help reduce stress and improve mental health. Taking care of plants and watching them grow can be relaxing and enjoyable. It provides a connection to nature, even for people who live in cities.

How to Grow Citrus Indoors with a Calamondin Tree

Here is a simple guide on how to grow a Calamondin tree and other citrus trees indoors. By following these easy steps, anyone can have a successful indoor citrus garden.

1. Choose the Right Type of Tree

For indoor growing, it is best to choose dwarf citrus trees. These trees are smaller and grow well in containers. The calamondin tree is a great option, as it is naturally compact, but other indoor-friendly citrus trees, such as Dwarf Meyer lemons, Dwarf limes, and Dwarf oranges, can also be grown indoors.

2. Pick the Right Pot

Choose a large pot at least 18 to 24 inches wide to give the roots plenty of space to grow. Make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom to allow water to escape. This helps prevent root rot. The pot should be heavy enough to prevent it from tipping over as the tree grows.

3. Use the Right Soil

Citrus trees like well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Gardeners can use citrus-specific potting soil or make their own mix by adding sand, perlite, or coconut coir to regular potting soil. This helps the soil drain well and keeps the roots healthy. The pH of the soil should be between 5.5 and 6.5.

4. Provide Plenty of Light

Citrus trees need a lot of sunlight. Place the calamondin tree near a south facing window or any spot that gets at least 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight a day. If natural sunlight is not enough, growers can use grow lights. These lights can help the tree get the light it needs, especially during winter when there is less sunlight.

5. Maintain the Right Temperature and Humidity

Calamondin trees prefer warm temperatures between 59°F to 90°F. Keep the tree away from cold drafts, air conditioners, or heating vents.

Humidity is also important. If the air is too dry, especially in the winter, using a humidifier near the tree is a good idea. Alternatively, gardeners can place a tray of water with small pebbles under the tree’s pot to increase humidity.

6. Watering the Tree

Water the calamondin tree regularly, but avoid over-watering. Water the tree when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. Be sure that the pot has proper drainage so the excess water can escape. In the growing season (spring and summer), growers will need to water the tree more often, but in fall and winter, reduce watering since the tree needs less water during this time.

7. Fertilizing the Citrus Tree

Citrus trees need nutrients to grow strong and healthy. Use a citrus-specific fertilizer or one with higher nitrogen content. Fertilize the tree once every 4 to 6 weeks during the spring and summer. When the tree is resting in the fall and winter, stop fertilizing. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the tree.

8. Pruning the Tree

Pruning helps the tree stay in shape and encourages healthy growth. Cut off any dead or damaged branches and trim the tree to keep it compact. It is also important to shape the tree so sunlight and air can reach the center of the tree. The best time to prune is in early spring or late winter, just before the tree starts growing again.

9. Pollination

In an indoor environment, calamondin trees may not get pollinated naturally because there are no bees or other pollinators. Gardeners can help by gently shaking the branches or using a small paintbrush to transfer pollen from one flower to another.

10. Repotting the Tree

Citrus trees must be repotted every 2–3 years to ensure the roots have enough space to grow. Repot the tree in early spring, before the growing season starts. Choose a pot that is 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

11. Harvesting Fruit

Calamondin trees will usually begin to bear fruit after 2 to 3 years of growth. The fruit is ready to harvest when it turns orange or yellow. Gently twist the fruit off the tree to avoid damaging the branches.

General Tips for Growing Citrus Trees Indoors:

• Rotate the tree regularly so that all sides receive even sunlight.
• Clean the leaves gently with a damp cloth to remove dust and help the tree absorb more sunlight.
• Be patient! Indoor citrus trees can take time to bear fruit, but with proper care, they will reward homeowners with beautiful flowers and delicious fruit.

Common Problems and Solutions of Calamondin Tree

Here are some of the common problems and their solutions to help keep this tree healthy and thriving:

1. Yellowing Leaves (Chlorosis)

Problem: Yellowing leaves are a common issue, often caused by nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or poor soil drainage.

Solution:

• Ensure the tree is planted in well-draining soil and the pot has proper drainage holes to avoid root rot.
• If the soil is compacted, repot the tree with fresh, well-draining soil.
• Yellowing leaves may also indicate a lack of nutrients, especially nitrogen. Fertilize the tree with a citrus-specific fertilizer or one that is high in nitrogen.
• Check the tree for any pests that may be damaging the leaves.

2. Leaf Drop

Problem: Leaves falling off can occur for several reasons, including temperature changes, under-watering, or pests.

Solution:

• Make sure the tree is not exposed to cold drafts or extreme temperature changes.
• Check the soil regularly and water when the top 1–2 inches feel dry, but avoid overwatering.
• If the tree is indoors, ensure it’s receiving enough light (at least 8–10 hours of sunlight). If the light is insufficient, use a grow light.
• If pests like spider mites or mealybugs are present, treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

3. Brown Tips on Leaves

Problem: Brown or crispy leaf tips usually indicate low humidity or over-fertilizing.

Solution:

• Increase humidity around the tree by using a humidifier or placing a shallow tray with water and pebbles under the pot.
• Avoid over-fertilizing the tree. Stick to a proper fertilizing schedule and don’t apply fertilizer too frequently, especially in winter when the tree is not actively growing.

4. Pests

Problem: Common pests like mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and scale insects can damage the tree by sucking sap from the leaves and stems.

Solution:

• Regularly inspect the tree for signs of pests, especially under the leaves and along the stems.
• To remove pests, spray the tree with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Gardeners can also physically remove pests by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth.
• Maintain good air circulation around the tree to reduce the risk of pest infestations.

5. Poor Fruit Production

Problem: Calamondin trees may sometimes fail to produce fruit, or the fruit may be small and unripe.

Solution:

• Ensure the tree gets enough sunlight (at least 8 hours per day). Lack of sunlight can affect fruiting.
• Make sure the tree is properly pollinated. If it is indoors, help the tree by using a paintbrush to transfer pollen from one flower to another or gently shaking it.
• Ensure the tree receives proper fertilization, especially during the growing season, as fruit production requires a lot of energy.
• Prune the tree to encourage healthy growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.

FAQs

What is the best fertilizer for Calamondin plants?

A citrus-specific fertilizer is best, as it balances nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It should be applied every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.

How many years does it take for Calamondin to bear fruit?

Calamondin trees usually bear fruit after 2–3 years if they are grafted. If they are grown from seeds, it may take 4–5 years.

Can calamondin be in direct sunlight?

Yes, calamondin trees can thrive in direct sunlight. They require 8–10 hours of sunlight per day to grow healthy and produce fruit. However, if grown indoors, make sure they are placed near a sunny window to get enough light.

The Bottom Line

Growing a calamondin tree indoors can offer fresh, fragrant citrus fruits. These trees are easy to care for and do well in sunny spots with proper watering, humidity, and soil. Regular pruning, hand pollination, and pest control help the tree to stay healthy and produce fruit.

Calamondin trees are beautiful, great for cooking, and offer health benefits, making them perfect for urban gardening. Explore Growcyle for plant care tips, such as choosing the right pot, fertilizing correctly, and providing the right conditions for homegrown citrus to grow all year long.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, where he covers the latest news, trends, and innovations in sustainable agriculture. He has a deep passion for storytelling that emphasizes ecological balance and responsible farming practices.

Before joining Growcycle, Victor worked for several agricultural and environmental publications, reporting on significant environmental issues and interviewing key figures in the sustainability sector. His work has been featured in various industry journals and online platforms.