In the home of the orange trees it is warm, sunny and also very humid. Oranges come from the subtropical climate zone, even in the humid tropics they are still grown. Oranges cultivated in the Mediterranean region need additional watering, since the Mediterranean climate is actually too dry.

When and how often does the orange tree have to be watered?

Regular and even watering with low-lime water is particularly important during the growing season; it is best to water once a day. In winter, with almost frost-free hibernation and less light, the orange tree needs significantly less water - one watering per month is sufficient.

How do I fertilize properly?

Like all other citrus trees, oranges need a lot of nutrients during the growing season. In the case of potted plants, the first application of fertilizer should be given at the beginning of budding in spring (usually in March). After that, a regular supply of nutrients is provided until September. You can fertilize with a liquid fertilizer, which is applied once or twice a week with the irrigation water from the start of budding. At best, the fertilizer should contain a nutrient mixture with nitrogen / phosphorus / potassium in the ratio 3:1:2.

What to do if the leaves change color

If the leaves of the plant are slowly turning yellow, this can be due to pest infestation, root rot, lack of water or a lack of nutrients. The beautiful deep green leaf color only comes about through sufficient fertilization with nitrogen. Furthermore, watering with hard water can block the absorption of nutrients, which is why you should always water with low-lime water (e.g. rainwater).

Which pests can occur and what can I do about them?

On the orange tree, especially if it is kept in the room, occur particularly frequently

  • scale insects
  • aphids
  • Mealybugs and mealybugs
  • spider mites
  • and various fungal diseases.

Treatment is with a fungicide or, in the case of pest infestation, with potash soap.

What to do if the orange tree sheds its leaves

A complete loss of leaves during frost-free wintering is almost always the result of a location that is too warm and/or too dark. Another reason can be that the plant was once kept too dry, so that the leaves have already curled up at the outer edge. After subsequent good watering, all leaves are often shed, but the tree usually sprout again.

When and how do I best cut?

In principle, orange trees can be cut at any time. For large potted plants that are to be moved from their summer to winter quarters, a prior topiary is recommended. Remove any branches that don't fit into the desired shape (usually a spherical crown). In addition, twigs that grow into the interior of the crown are removed at the same time, and shoots that are too dense or lively are isolated. In addition, all dead wood should be cut out.

Overwintering Oranges

The amount of light available in German regions in winter is not sufficient to allow an orange to continue growing healthily. If you want to overwinter your orange tree indoors, the following should be observed: Choose the coolest room for this. If the room temperature is higher than 12 °C for at least 12 hours a day, plant lamps must be installed as additional lighting. The fewest problems arise when the orange trees cultivated in the tub are overwintered at temperatures of around 5 °C at night and up to 15 °C during the day.

tips and tricks

For the orange tree, so-called pinching is much gentler than a radical topiary. Simply remove the tips of the new shoots as soon as they have reached the desired length.

Category:

Vegetable garden