Mandarin - what you need to know about caring for an exotic plant
Mandarin is not yet common among indoor plants. Many flower growers are scared off by the possible difficulties associated with caring for this exotic plant. And completely in vain, because there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Despite the overseas origin of the mandarin, it feels very good at home, and in order to ruin a pretty bush, you still need to try.
How to care for a tangerine so that very soon a lush chic bush with fragrant fruits grows from a nondescript sprout?
All care is as follows:
- choose the right pot and soil;
- provide good lighting;
- set a suitable temperature regime;
- regulate air humidity;
- adhere to the watering and feeding regime;
- transplant the tree periodically;
- regulate fruiting in young plants.
Soil and tangerine pot
The flower shops sell special substrates for citrus fruits. They can be used for indoor tangerine, paying attention to acidity when buying. Mandarin does not tolerate acidic soil.
The pot must match the size of the bush. For young tangerines, it is better to take small flowerpots with good drainage holes. In too large containers there is a risk of root decay.
Lighting, temperature and humidity
Mandarin requires good lighting and a warm room. South windows fit perfectly, but only if they are shaded. But in winter this is the best option, otherwise the plant will have to be supplemented.
The most optimal temperature for a tangerine in the spring-summer period is not higher than 25 degrees, and during the flowering period - no more than 20 degrees Celsius. In winter, you will need to move the flowerpot to a cooler room (up to 12 degrees).
For the summer, it is advisable to take the tangerine outside, but avoid drafts and bright sun.
The increased humidity is most consistent with the natural conditions for growing mandarin, therefore, next to the flowerpot you need to put a container with water, and spray the bush itself regularly, especially in summer.
Watering and feeding
In spring and summer, tangerines need daily watering, but little by little, but in winter you can water only when the topsoil dries out.
Curling mandarin leaves indicate a lack of moisture.
Fertilizers should be applied not earlier than June, using ready-made complex preparations or infusion cow dung... In the summer, you need to do two dressings a month, in the fall, one is enough. In winter, the plant does not need fertilization.
Transplant and features of fruiting
Young bushes need to be replanted every spring using the transshipment method so as not to disturb the root system. After the start of fruiting, a pot change can be done every two to three years.
It is recommended to remove the ovaries for the first 3 years so that the tangerine first gets stronger. Then just adjust the number of fruits, avoiding overloading the branches, at the rate of no more than 1 mandarin per 15 leaves of the bush.