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Citrus Mitis Care?


Question
Hi Leslie,
I have got a Citrus Mitis (Calamondin Orange) tree as a gift. This is the first time that I have a plant like this, so I do not know exactly how to take care of this plant.

Can you give me some info about basic needs of this plant (like fertilizing, pollinating, repotting, etc.).

And I would like to know about diseases or pests that may attack the plant. It is almost a week and my plant's tinny fruits started to get yellow and drop down but the big fruits are doing okay. I do not know why it is happining, too. Thanks
Derya  

Answer
Hi Derya
I have answered this question twice and have no idea why it is not going through-it keeps showing as 'not answered'.  
A Citrus Mitis is also known as Dwarf Orange Tree.  My understanding is that the fruits are not good to eat but can be used in recipes.
These plants like to have at least 4 hours of bright sunlight a day.  If you cannot supply the natural light, artificial light will be okay.  An acid type fertilizer is the best to use; look for a fertilizer with a higher 'second' number, i.e., 10-20-10.  Allow the soil to become slightly dry before watering; only repot every 3 years or so, that is what keeps the 'dwarfness'-keeping the roots bound.  
These trees are susceptible to scale, mealy bugs, and spider mites.  Your fruits that are tiny may not have 'set'.  You may need to do this by hand using a soft toothbrush or qtip. You do this by removing the pollen from the 'male' part of the flower and dusting it onto the 'female' part.  
I hope this has answered some of your questions Derya
Good Luck
Leslie

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