Growing a mandarin orange tree as a potted plant is not only attractive, it also carries very good symbolism. Many families like to keep a potted mandarin orange tree at home. But if it is not managed properly, the mandarin orange tree can also easily develop various problems. Here, Xiaonong will share how to grow a potted mandarin orange tree well.

1. The growing habits of the mandarin orange tree

To grow a mandarin orange tree well, you must first know its growing habits, so that we can address the problem directly. The mandarin orange tree mainly grows in southern China and likes a warm and humid growing environment. The mandarin orange tree is an evergreen plant, so it is very ornamental. The mandarin orange tree usually blooms in spring, and the fruit does not ripen until after October. It likes fertile, well-drained acidic soil.

2. Care of the mandarin orange tree

Soil and flower pot. As mentioned above, the mandarin orange tree likes fertile, deep soil, so you can use leaf mold and garden soil, plus a little sandy soil. This kind of potting soil is acidic, which suits the needs of the mandarin orange tree, and the soil is relatively rich in organic matter, which is good for the mandarin orange tree's nutrient absorption.

Next is the flower pot. The mandarin orange tree has a relatively developed root system, so you need to choose a slightly larger flower pot. In addition, the flower pot must have good drainage, otherwise it can easily cause root oxygen deficiency and rot. You can use a clay pot or a terracotta pot.

Water and light. The mandarin orange tree likes a warm and humid growing environment, and the soil is best kept moist. In summer, the temperature is relatively high and evaporation is relatively strong, so at this time you can water twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. In spring and autumn, evaporation is low, so once a day is enough. In winter, you need to reduce the amount of watering further, once or twice a week is enough. In addition, in summer you can spray some water on the leaves of the mandarin orange tree to keep the leaves moist.

Light is a bit easier to manage. The mandarin orange tree likes sunlight, so usually you can place it in a courtyard or on a balcony with relatively sufficient light. Do not leave it in a place without light for a long time, as this will affect the growth of the mandarin orange tree's leaves and make it less likely to bloom. In summer, pay attention to proper shading in the afternoon.

Fertilizer and pruning. Fertilizer is a step for the mandarin orange tree to grow well. The mandarin orange tree likes fertilizer relatively much, so usually be sure to topdress in time. At home, you can usually make some decomposed cake fertilizer. Cake fertilizer contains a large amount of nitrogen, which is very good for the growth of the mandarin orange tree. You can apply decomposed diluted cake fertilizer once before the mandarin orange tree buds in spring. During the growing period of the mandarin orange tree, apply cake fertilizer again about once every week. In winter, you can reduce or stop fertilizing.

Pruning. Potted mandarin orange trees are generally used at home for ornamental purposes, so when pruning, you first need to consider the issue of appearance. This can be pruned according to the grower's personal aesthetic. In addition, you need to consider the issue of the mandarin orange tree bearing fruit. Generally, pruning is done in spring. Cut off the diseased and dead branches of the mandarin orange tree, cut off the branches in relatively poor growing condition, keep the branches in good growing condition, and also cut off some leggy branches, inward-growing branches, crossing branches, and adventitious branches.

In addition to the care points for the mandarin orange tree mentioned above, there are some other care points that need attention, such as flower thinning and fruit thinning, which help the mandarin orange tree's fruit grow better. There is also the summer "water withholding" to encourage the mandarin orange tree to bloom and bear more fruit.

The above comes from the original work of Kexue Xingnong. We hope your mandarin orange tree grows better and better!