Calamondin Orange
Citrus × microcarpa
📖 About this plant
A compact, prolific citrus tree prized for its abundant clusters of small, bright orange fruits. The calamondin is actually a hybrid between a mandarin orange and a kumquat, producing intensely tart, juicy fruits perfect for marmalades, beverages, and cooking. Its glossy green foliage, fragrant white blossoms, and colorful fruit make it a beautiful ornamental houseplant.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
Full sun (8+ hrs)
Every 1-2 weeks
Moderate (40-60%)
15-30°C
Well-draining, slightly acidic citrus potting mix (pH 5.5-6.5); sand, peat, and perlite blend
Citrus-specific fertilizer with micronutrients (iron, zinc, manganese) every 4-6 weeks during growing season
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- Southeast Asia — Philippines, China, Indonesia; naturalized throughout tropical and subtropical regions
- 📏 Max height
- 150-300 cm (5-10 ft indoors; up to 6 m outdoors in frost-free climates)
- 📐 Spread
- 60-90 cm
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Spring - Summer
- 🎨 Bloom color
- White
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Dark Green
- ⏳ Lifespan
- Perennial
- 📈 Growth rate
- Moderate
- ☠️ Toxicity
- Non-toxic to humans; mildly toxic to pets — essential oils in leaves, stems, and fruit can cause GI upset, vomiting, and depression in dogs and cats
- 🌱 Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer, air layering, or seeds (true to type from cuttings)
🛡️ Health & Safety
Non-toxic to humans; mildly toxic to pets — essential oils in leaves, stems, and fruit can cause GI upset, vomiting, and depression in dogs and cats
Common issues
- Leaf drop from sudden temperature changes, Yellowing leaves (chlorosis from nutrient deficiency — especially iron), Scale insects and spider mites, Flower/fruit drop from drafts or inconsistent watering, Sooty mold from honeydew-secreting pests
💡 Care tips
- Miniature citrus tree that produces dozens of tiny sour oranges,Fragrant white flowers bloom intermittently throughout the year,Needs excellent drainage to prevent root rot,Cross between a kumquat and a mandarin orange
