Rules for growing and caring for a tangerine tree at home
Tangerine has long been popular with lovers of exotic fruits. But this plant can be found not only on store shelves, you can also grow a tangerine tree and care for it at home.
Description and characteristics of tangerine
A citrus fruit rich in vitamins and minerals. The plant likes a humid climate and high temperatures. Evergreen perennial tree. The tangerine houseplant produces up to 70 fruits. Also in the apartment it can be used as a decorative decoration.
Suitable varieties
There are many varieties of tangerine, but the problem is that not all hybrids can get along in mid-latitude climates.Many species grow in the Middle and Far East, which means that there is little chance that these same species can exist in our territories. Therefore, people have learned to breed hybrids that are more resistant to climate change.
Clementine
It is a hybrid of tangerine and orange. It was created in 1902 by Father Clemen (priest and breeder). The shape of the clementine is similar to that of the mandarin, but with a more pronounced sweet taste. The tree is 5 meters high. This tree is often used to decorate gardens. The diameter of the tangerine fruit is 6 centimeters. The leaves are very dense. The fruit always has a fresh appearance, a unique aroma, juicy pulp.
Dwarf varieties are chosen for home cultivation. This plant contains many vitamins, so it will be useful for colds. The clementine needs abundant sunlight. The soil is constantly watered and fertilized. In warm weather, the plant is taken out to the street or to the balcony.
Juices are prepared from tangerines or eaten fresh. It is also often used when cooking meat, as the taste of the fruit blends well.
Murcott
The variety was developed in the United States in the last century. Medium sized, upright plant. Egg-shaped leaves with a pointed end. Productive variety, but the fruits do not ripen at the same time. The fruit is medium in size, the skin is tight against the flesh. The tangerine has 11-12 slices and lots of seeds. The taste is honeyed with hints of mango. Also picky about sunlight. Watering is carried out 2 times a week. Make sure the soil absorbs moisture well. Fertilizers are applied under the tangerine at least 1 time per month.
shiva mikan
The tree is vigorous, height 6 meters. The thorns are small, the crown is spreading, the branches are straight.The fruits are small, the weight of one is 17-22 grams. The apex is flat, slightly sunken inwards. Mandarin pulp is juicy, sweet, loose. The skin is light orange in color. It separates easily from the pulp. The fruits ripen in October. Mandarin blooms in May-June.
Vasya
One of the most popular varieties of tangerines. In an apartment, its height is 0.5 meters. The leaves are dense, leathery. There are no thorns on the branches. The advantage of this hybrid is that you don't have to form a crown. Maturity begins in the third year of life. The fruit contains 8-12 lobules. The crust is very thin. Tangerine needs sun, otherwise the fruit will sing for a long time and there will be no seeds. Fruit weight 50-70 grams. The harvested crop can be stored for a long time.
Forge
It is considered one of the best indoor mandarin varieties. The shape is flattened, the leaves are large, pointed at the end. The crown is wide, does not require shaping. The petioles are long, narrow. The height of the tree is 0.5-0.7 meters. Fruit weight 50-60 grams. The rind is 3 millimeters thick, light orange in color. The tree needs a sunny day, so supplemental lighting is sometimes used. The fruit blooms in late spring, bears fruit in mid-October.
Micah
Abundant flowering, white flowers, sometimes tinged with yellow. The height of the tree is 50-80 centimeters. Thin skin, juicy pulp, 8-13 lobules in the fruit. The crown is not formed, because the branches are sufficiently flexible. Fruit weight 60-70 grams. Well suited to growing on a windowsill. The plant loves high humidity. Up to 100 fruits are harvested from one tree per year.
Miyagawa
Dwarf variety of tangerine, its growth does not exceed 60-90 centimeters. Fruiting begins in the second year. The plant needs sunlight, and it is also protected from drafts. The flowers are small, white in color, with 5-6 petals. Early fruiting, expected in September-October. There are 8 to 10 segments in the fruit. Tangerines are spherical, sometimes flattened. Weight 100-110 grams. The skin is bright orange, the flesh is very juicy, sweet and sour. The variety itself originates from Japan.
Unshiu
Native to far Asia. The leaves are large, leathery, dark green in color. The growth of a tree at home does not exceed 1.5 meters. The fruits are tasty, sweet and sour. There are 8 to 10 segments in the fruit. The plant loves high temperatures and humidity. The plant is protected from sunburn and is not left under the scorching sun. Tangerine blooms in spring, white flowers, 5 petals.
How to grow well from seed
Usually a tangerine is grown from a seedling, but if the budget does not allow, they take a bone. Of course, it will take more time, but the result is worth it.
Preparation of planting material
Before planting, tangerine seeds are soaked to absorb moisture. The bones are placed in moist gauze for several days. Several bones are taken, because not all of them will survive, perhaps they are sick. Hydrogel is often used instead of gauze, it protects the plant from heat.
Ground requirements
Seeds are transplanted into a pot or box, but this must be prepared in advance. Peat is not used for planting, as the plant will not benefit from it, and the soil will turn sour.As it is in all mixtures, they prepare the soil themselves. This will require:
- 3 parts of peat land;
- 1 leafy lot;
- rotten manure - 1 part;
- 1 part sand;
- a little clay.
If it is impossible to create a mixture yourself, buy neutral soil. Expanded clay or stones for drainage are placed on the bottom.
Landing scheme
You need to plant a bone faster. The bone is buried to a depth of 4 centimeters. The seed germinates on the 15th day, sometimes a month later, it depends on the quality of the planting material, weather, soil and air humidity, soil quality.
Seat selection
The place is chosen damp, but not dark. The plant must receive the heat of the sun. Do not place the jar in direct sunlight as this will damage the tangerine. You should not put the pot in a greenhouse, otherwise there will be problems adapting the plant to indoor conditions.
Maintenance Features
For the first 5 years, tangerines are grown only so that the plant acquires green foliage, only then it will be able to bear fruit regularly.
Priming
The soil should be moist, but not sour, as this will lead to the death of the plant.
At first it is not fertilized, only slightly loosened and mulched so that air has access to the roots.
Pot location
The pot is placed on the windowsill, but not from the northern part of the house, it is protected from direct sunlight and drafts.
watering mode
Water the soil as it dries out, only for leaves and fruit to develop. Sometimes tangerine is sprayed in order to create a natural habitat.
Temperature and lighting
The temperature all year round should not fall below +18 degrees, but it is advisable to maintain the higher rating, as this directly affects the development of the fruit. The same goes for lighting. But do not choose an open space. Partial shade is best suited for this. But then the pot is gradually turned over within a day so that the tangerines ripen evenly.
Humidity requirements
Keep the humidity in the room at 65-70 percent. For additional humidification of the air, the room is sprinkled with water. They also monitor soil moisture. The indicator will be the state of the leaves. Large, bright green leaves are considered healthy.
Top dressing and fertilization
During the first years of life, the soil is not fertilized, since all the necessary fertilizers have been applied before planting. Adult plants begin to feed with the onset of spring and continue to feed until autumn. This is done using special fertilizers for citrus or mullein tincture. Chicken droppings work well. Fertilized land is fertile for growing mandarins.
Training rules
The foliage changes on its own. The lifespan of the leaves is 3-4 years. Therefore, after falling, they are removed. Old or diseased branches are also cut. In general, tangerine does not need to form a crown.
Accompaniement
This is one of the ways to form a crown in the form of a bush, since there is little room for a tree in the apartment. To do this, remove bare branches. Pruning is done at the end of February. At this time, the tangerine is actively growing and gaining greenery. If the procedure is carried out in the fall, additional lighting is provided. The first pinching is carried out when the 5-6th leaf appears on the tangerine.
This is done with each branch. After the appearance of the fourth leaf on the branch, the tip is cut off. Also cut off strong shoots growing close to the root, as they take away strength and energy from the main plant.
Breeding methods
Several methods are used for reproduction. But during this process, gardeners try to create a strong plant.
Rootstock
To do this, take a plant 2-4 years old. Cuttings are grafted into it. Choose a smooth place. The corners of the bark on the rootstock are pulled apart with a knife, the eye is quickly inserted into the T-shaped incision, like a pocket, pressing from top to bottom. Then the vaccination site is wrapped with adhesive tape. A young plant serves as a rootstock.
Graft
Young but healthy cuttings are used as scion. Sometimes only the kidney is used for vaccination. First, the scion is cut into pieces, each of which has a petiole and a bud. The top cut should be 0.5 cm above the kidney and the bottom cut 1 cm below.
The scion is inserted into it, after which it is wrapped with tape so that no water gets into it. If after some time the petiole of the scion turns yellow and falls off, this means that the procedure was successful, but if it dries out and remains in place, the procedure is carried out from the very beginning.
Underwire
It is the cheapest way. Tangerine seeds are not dried, but immediately placed in the ground. If this is not possible, the seeds are soaked. This method takes more time, but does not require additional funds.
How to transplant
Tangerines are transplanted annually. As the tree grows, it needs more space. The plant is never planted immediately in a large container, as it will be more difficult to regulate soil moisture there. Each year, a new pot is selected, then the tangerine will gradually gain strength and dissolve its root system.
Make sure that the roots are intertwined with a piece of earth, otherwise transplantation is impossible. A bush that is already bearing fruit is transplanted no more than 2-3 times a year. Transplanting is carried out before the start of growth, they provide good drainage. Carefully move the tangerine to another container so as not to damage the ball of soil.
The collar is placed so that it is at the same level as in the old pot.
Possible growth problems
When planting a plant, gardeners monitor its health. Sick and weak seedlings will not be able to produce offspring, much less tasty fruit. The condition of the exotic fruit depends on the care and maintenance work. But tangerine is quite resistant to diseases and pests.
yellow leaves
Mandarin leaves can turn yellow if there is not enough nitrogen in the soil. Therefore, feeding is carried out regularly. Also, the reason may be sunburn, lack of moisture, so the bush should be sprinkled with water and do not forget to water. Damaged leaves are trimmed and destroyed for safety reasons. If the yellowing goes from young leaves to old ones, it means that the wood lacks iron.
Foliage
This happens in extreme cases if the plant needs watering. In addition, due to a lack of nutrients, the tree is "balding". Mandarin is an evergreen plant, so this is a big deal for him.
In older plants, this may be a biological problem.The reason may be insufficient lighting, so the tangerine is rearranged in a warm, bright place, or artificial lighting is provided for it.
If the soil is oversaturated with water, the leaves that approach the base will also fall off.
Spider
This pest is very small, its dimensions are 0.3-0.6 millimeters. Signs that the tree has been attacked are white dots at the bottom of the leaves. You will also notice a thin web. Combat begins immediately after detection.
To start, wash the tangerine with warm water and laundry soap. After that, for several days in an interval of 7-10 days, the tree is sprayed with "Fitoverm", "Intavir", "Aktellik" or another insecticide. The disease cannot be triggered, otherwise it will be very difficult to defeat it later.
Aphid
This insect is known to many gardeners, is small and breeds very quickly. This pest sucks the juice from the plant, thereby disrupting the metabolism and depriving the tangerine of energy. Subsequently, the foliage becomes deformed, the shoots dry out. If this problem is noticed, the plant is washed with laundry soap. The second wash is carried out after 7-10 days.
After the tangerine is sprayed with a solution of garlic or tobacco infusion. The procedure is important, because otherwise the plant will soon be exhausted and it will be impossible to return it to its former beauty.
cochineal
Insects that suck juice from shoots and leaves are kept in colonies. A white waxy bloom, orange-pink eggs, and black moldy spots appear on the tree. It is a warm environment which is an excellent factor for the reproduction of this parasite. Foliage is affected and falls off, plant growth slows down.
Before planting, the plant should be examined, all fallen leaves are immediately destroyed. Sometimes ladybugs are used as a fight. Their larvae are almost indistinguishable from scale insects. These larvae will eat the parasites. In addition, these insects are afraid of insecticides, which is why tangerine is treated from time to time.
Shield
A small brown insect is covered with a shield on top. A bloom appears on the plant, the growth of the tree suddenly stops, the leaves turn yellow and fall off. The plant is isolated to avoid contamination. Pests are removed with a stick soaked in kerosene. You can also use oil or alcohol. This is done carefully so that the plant is not burned. First, the tangerine is treated with soapy water. You can use a brush, it is easier to remove insects that are not yet attached.
The tree is allowed to dry out. After that, the plant and soil are sprayed with insecticide and covered with polyethylene for 30-40 minutes. The procedure is repeated after 2 days. Sometimes tangerine is treated with tinctures of onion, bell pepper, garlic, and for six months they monitor the condition of the plant, since pests may reappear from time to time.
How to get vaccinated
Inoculation is done using a 2-3 year old plant. Inoculate either a rod or a kidney. The branch to be grafted is inspected for damage and ensured that there are several leaves on it. First, the scion is cut into pieces, the upper cut is made 0.5 centimeters higher than the kidney, and the lower cut is 1 centimeter lower. The bark is pushed aside, a peephole is inserted into it. After that, everything is fixed with plastic tape.
In the slot
Thanks to this method, the immunity of tangerine increases.This method is considered the easiest to implement. The procedure is carried out in the spring, in the second half of March. If vaccinated at this time, the plant will thrive in the summer.
To start, prepare the broth and the scion. They try not to insert the scion wedge deep into the slot, but do it closer to the surface. A rod is inserted into the slot, and at the same time you must have your back to the sun. The procedure is carried out quickly so that the cut does not oxidize or dry out. Then, as a protection, the graft is bandaged with clean material. To do this, take cling film or electrical tape. The open spaces are covered with garden land.
under the bark
The method is very similar to the previous one, but for this they take a thinner rod. To begin with, a graft is prepared, then cuts are made and the bark is separated from the wood. A cut is made at the bottom of the cut. The pointed end is placed closer to the trunk, and the cup itself is covered with bark. The vaccination site is tied with electrical tape. Open areas are covered with garden varnish or plasticine.
Budding
One of the easiest ways to get vaccinated. Budding is carried out in the first half of August. Vaccinations are carried out with a peephole, which is cut from an annual plant. You need to take a piece of bark and a thin layer of wood with them. Only fresh cuttings are used in this method. After being introduced under the bark of the kidney, it is also wrapped with fabric or electrical tape.
About fruiting
Fruits on tangerines are expected in the fall. The earliest varieties give their first fruits at the beginning of October. Depending on the variety, the size and quality of the tangerines will vary.Fruiting begins in the 2-3rd year of life, but at this time the flowers are cut so that the young plant can dissolve the foliage and develop the root system. Fruits can be harvested in the 5th year of life, when the tree is strong enough.
Common Mistakes
Caring for a tangerine is not difficult, but you need to follow the rules and try to create an ordinary, natural environment for the exotic fruit. Watering is an important part of maintenance, but remember to water again later than overwatering the soil. This will lead to acidification and negatively affect the health of the tree.
Also, do not place the pot in a place where direct sunlight falls. The plant can burn and damage the foliage. Don't forget about disease prevention.
Tips & Tricks
The plant is transplanted as it grows. Each time the pot is taken 2-3 centimeters more. The root ball must remain on the roots.
Watering is carried out regularly. Top dressing is applied in the 2-3rd year of life. Diseased leaves are removed. They maintain a stable temperature in the apartment all year round. In hot weather, a container with tangerine is taken out to the balcony or, if possible, outside. You should not accustom the plant to the greenhouse, as the conditions in the apartment will not suit it.