GENERAL INFORMATION
- Mandarin oranges have always been considered a traditional symbol of good fortune.
- This is mainly because the word orange, when spoken in mandarin, sounds similar to the word “wealth”.
- The orange hue of the fruit is also said to symbolize “gold”, which makes it a very auspicious fruit.
- Mandarin oranges (Citrus reticulata) are a group of oranges often known as tangerines that have thin skin and are easily peeled.
- Because of their small size and compact growth habits, dwarf mandarin orange trees readily adapt to growing indoors.
- Dwarf mandarin trees grow to 5 to 6 feet tall at maturity, depending on the container size and nutrition.
- The mandarin orange, also known as the mandarin or mandarine, is a small citrus tree with fruit resembling other oranges, usually eaten plain or in fruit salads.
- This plant symbolizes unlimited prosperity and happiness and will be ideal as gifts as well as home decor for this festive season.
SOIL REQUIREMENT
- Include a roomy pot filled with rich, well-drained soil.
- Peat moss, sand, and vermiculite in equal portions make a nice loose potting mix for Mandarin oranges.
FEEDING/FERTILIZER REQUIREMENT
- Fertilize mandarin orange trees in the spring, once new growth is observed, using a fertilizer that has been specially formulated for citrus trees.
- Though specially formulated citrus fertilizer is preferred, you can use 21-0-0 or 20-10-10 fertilizers.
- Apply the fertilizer to the soil around your mandarin orange tree according to package directions.
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
- A sunny location is best and grow lights can be used to provide light to unexposed areas.
- Rotating the plant regularly also helps provide even light to all sides.
WATER REQUIREMENT
- Water your mandarin orange tree using the watering ring method once or twice a week for the first month after planting.
- Decrease the frequency of watering to once every seven to 10 days until the entire watering ring is absorbed into the surrounding soil.
- Provide established mandarin orange trees with at least 1 inch of water each week in the absence of rain.
