Calamansi is a tropical citrus tree that produces a fruit similar to a lime and is native to the Philippines. The tree may grow up to 12 feet in height, so it is advisable to plant it outdoors in hardiness zones 10 or warmer. However, calamansi trees are often grown as houseplants or in containers on patios and decks in colder zones. Proper planting and care of calamansi trees can produce fruit throughout the year.
The fruit of these plants is similar in flavor to a tangerine, only smaller and firmer. Calamansi also tastes more tart and acidic than a tangerine. The juice of a calamansi can be used in cooking or mixed with water for a refreshing drink. Calamansi is also known by its scientific name, Citrus microcarpa.
The fruit is used in various ways: as an ingredient in cooking, and as a flavoring agent in various drinks, pastries, and other food products. It is also used as an alternative medicine for treating stomach problems, coughs, headaches, nausea, and other ailments.
It grows to a height of about 6 meters, and it has thorny branches and green oval leaves that can grow up to 5 centimeters long. Its fruits are small and yellowish-green, with thick skin and acidic flesh. Calamansi trees are known for their ability to adapt well in most types of soil and climate.
The calamansi (also known as calamondin) is a seasonal citrus fruit that is grown indoors or outdoors depending on region. This article will provide with all the information you need to successfully grow this adorable plant.
Planting Calamansi Plant: Time and Management
Growing calamansi plants requires a large container with depth more than width. The hole at the bottom of the pot should be large enough to allow excess water to drain out easily. Keep in mind that since Calamansi is a fruit tree, its roots are very thirsty for water and tend to spread farther than its branches do.
To improve drainage and maintain the proper pH level, fill the bottom of your pot with a layer of small stones, pebbles, or gravel, then fill the pot with a mixture of peat moss and perlite. If the soil you are using is acidic (with a pH between 6 and 7), that is great; if not, add some vinegar to the water when you water your tree to increase acidity.
When you are ready to plant your tree or seeds, dig a hole about 2 inches deep. After planting, water the spot thoroughly and keep the area moist. Plant your seeds or young tree somewhere that gets bright sunlight, at least 6-8 hours a day. Do not fertilize Calamansi trees at this stage.
The best time to plant your calamansi tree is early spring. The leaves are edible and are popular in Asian cuisine. During this time, cut back any branches that are too long. You should also trim the branches to 2/3 of their length if they are damaged or wilted. Fertilizing calamansi trees is an important part of growing a healthy tree.
After planting your calamansi tree, it will be able to bear fruit in two to three years. Depending on the variety, it may be in a semi-dwarf or standard root stock. Regardless of size, calamansi trees should have good drainage, sunlight, and soil pH that is between 5.5 and 6.5. Providing these conditions, your tree will produce delicious, sweet, and nutritious fruits!
Aside from its sweetness and flavor, calamansi is an excellent citrus fruit for people with high cholesterol and blood pressure. It increases the metabolism and helps eliminate unhealthy fats from the body. The sour, tart taste of the fruit is tempered by its sweet and sour skin. It’s a great addition to any tropical fruit dish or drink, as it is rich in vitamin C.
Watering calamansi tree
The most important part of caring for your calamansi tree is the proper watering regime. It grows best in sunny, tropical climates, and needs about one inch of water a week. Water your calamansi tree when the top layer of soil becomes dry. If the soil becomes too dry, water the tree more than once a week to keep it healthy and happy. Its leaves are also susceptible to mite infection. Mites will destroy the fruit on your calamansi tree, so it’s important to water it properly. Likewise, Mediterranean and Caribbean fruit flies can be a problem for your calamansi tree. Infestations can be treated with insecticide.
Watering your calamansi plant properly is a very important part of proper calamansi care. Although this fruit loves water, too much water can cause its roots to rot. Once the roots are rotten, the entire tree will die. Water your calamansi four to eight times a month. Watering too often can also kill it. Water your calamansi tree after fertilizing it.
You should water your calamansi tree frequently but not to the point where it gets soggy. Too much water can cause the roots to rot, which will affect the entire tree. Once the roots are decayed, it’s likely that the tree will die. A balanced fertilizer containing high amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus should be applied to your calamansi tree.
If you’re growing your calamansi indoors, make sure to follow the recommended watering schedule. The right temperature for your calamansi will depend on its location and climate. You’ll want to avoid temperatures too warm for it to flower. The best time to fertilize your calamansi is at the beginning of spring, but don’t worry – it’s still a beautiful plant!
Watering calamansi tree in sunny spot
If you are planning to plant your calamansi tree outdoors, then you have to plant it in a spot that gets direct sunlight and moist soil. It should be planted in a south-facing position. Make sure that your calamansi tree is not shaded by other plants, as partial shade will prevent it from bearing fruit. Heavy watering is important to induce flowering. Heavy watering can be done about a month or two before flowering, and this will increase the chances of a response from the plant.
Calamansi trees need regular watering, usually about one to two inches per week. Watering is necessary every four months or whenever the top two inches of soil are dry. A healthy tree needs approximately seven to ten and a half ounces of fertilizer every four months. For outdoor plants, you need to water it more frequently in the spring and summer. The calamansi tree needs more water than an indoor plant, but is drought-tolerant.
Calamansi trees should be planted at least two inches deep. They also need six to eight hours of direct sunlight. Unlike other trees, calamansi trees don’t require fertilization at the planting stage. Watering should be done regularly to prevent the soil from drying out and rotting. If you overwater, the roots of the tree will be prone to disease.
You should prune your calamondin tree when the fruit is ripe. When pruning, do not prune more than 25 percent of the canopy. Instead, prune the tree’s outer branches to promote uniform foliage growth. Remember to prune off any dead branches or limbs. Proper pruning will allow the tree to take on a new shape. And a calamansi tree is best pruned if it has a sunny spot.
Fertilization of Calamansi plant
Applying fertilizer to your calamansi tree is an essential part of growing a healthy plant. This substance helps the roots grow, which are underground passages for nutrients. Fertilizer also improves the leaves, which are the main reason for the tree’s overall health. Aside from the roots, fertilizer also helps the branches, which support the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the tree.
During the growing season, your calamansi tree needs fertilization every couple of months. Fertilizing is a must as the tree takes between three and five years to reach maturity. Water your calamansi tree in the spring, summer, and fall, increasing the amount every couple of months to seven to 10 ounces of fertilizer each year. Also, be careful of pests and diseases – especially the fungus that causes disease in other plants.
When the soil is not fertile enough for your calamansi tree, you may need to apply a fertilizer. If you’re not sure which kind to use, citrus fertilizer is best for it. It also needs potassium fertilizer. Regardless of the type of fertilizer you use, it’s important to water and treat your calamansi tree with the proper amount of water.
During its first year of growth, apply fertilizer containing nitrogen. Once it reaches the second year, repeat the process. Apply three to four pounds of nitrogen-rich fertilizer to the soil every four months. The fourth-year fertilizer application should consist of two to three pounds of 16-20-0 fertilizer per tree. Applying complete fertilizer on a calamansi tree should consist of three to four quarts of fertilizer.
As a fruit tree, it needs to be fertilized during both its active growth and dormant period. To ensure a quick harvest, fertilize the tree in fall and winter. Don’t fertilize in the spring or early summer because it will delay growth and produce smaller fruits than expected. You can even time fertilization to coincide with the end of the rainy season. So, if you want your calamansi tree to produce large quantities of fruit in a relatively short period of time, fertilize the tree now.
Repotting calamansi tree
Repotting your calamansi tree is easy if you follow these steps. To begin with, remove the old leaves from the calamansi cutting. After cutting the tree, carefully plant it in a three-inch-deep hole in sandy soil. After planting, water the calamansi tree several times a week to keep the roots moist. Ideally, the calamansi tree should receive full sunlight.
It is necessary to avoid planting it in a cool or dry place where the temperature is lower than 70degF. However, in the winter, calamansi does not go dormant. During this time, prune the branches lightly to rebalance the silhouette and maintain a compact port. If the calamansi tree is not in direct sunlight, place it in a bright room. Remember that the calamansi does not take a vegetative break. However, a light mist on the flowers will help disperse the pollen more effectively.
Watering a calamansi tree is not difficult. It needs about six to eight hours of direct sunlight. You should plant it at least 2 inches deep. A citrus tree does not need fertilization in its early growth stages, but it should receive a couple of inches of water per week. In addition to watering on a daily basis, calamansi requires a regular supply of nutrients. Watering daily can lead to soil waterlogging and rot.
Upon receipt of a tree, repot it before it enters its growth phase in Spring. To remove the old soil, tip the pot upside down. Then, hold the tree while pulling it out of the pot. The roots should be firm and pale. If they turn brown, trim them back to healthy tissue. If you notice any brown roots, you should remove them with sterilized scissors. If the tree has roots that are too long, you need to cut them off.
If you’re not a tropical gardener, you can also try repotting a calamansi tree. A calamansi plant needs warm, humid, light conditions. You can grow it indoors using grow lights or in a pot in your garden. Just remember to water it well until the soil is moist. Then, water it thoroughly once a day to ensure it thrives.
Temperature & Humidity
Calamansi trees are hardier than most other citrus plants and can tolerate both dry and hot weather. While the tree cannot withstand extreme cold, its growth is stunted if temperatures drop below about 12°C; the tree’s optimum temperature for growth is roughly between 20-30°C. If you experience extremely cold winters, it is advised to bring your Calamansi inside to protect the tree against the low temperatures.
Pest & Disease Control
Citrus borer and aphids are the two primary pests that attack Calamansi plants. Fruit flies are also problematic for the plant. The two main diseases of Calamansi are crinkle leaf, which is similar to citrus exocortis, another disease affecting Calamansi plants. Neem Oil can be used to control both the insect pests and most fungal diseases.
In conclusion,
The Calamansi is often confused with the orange or the kumquat. However, it is neither of those things. The Calamansi has a thin peel that resembles the orange and can be used similarly to the orange in cooking. However, unlike the orange, which has a similar taste to other citrus fruit like grapefruit and lemons, the Calamansi tastes most like limes and kumquats—fruits to which it is most closely related.