Calamondin Orange Plant Care

Calamondin Orange (Citrofortunella mitis) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Citrofortunella genus. Calamondin Orange is native to the Philippines, parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, as well as Taiwan, and parts of southern China. Calamondin Orange is also known as Calamansi, Philippine Lime, Acid Lime.

Calamondin Orange displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Calamondin Orange produces fragrant white flowers with a hint of citrus.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Calamondin Orange every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Calamondin Orange thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Citrofortunella mitis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Calamondin Orange prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Calamondin Orange to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Calamondin Orange every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Calamondin Orange is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Calamondin Orange can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Calamondin Orange while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Calamondin Orange is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Calamondin Orange can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Calamondin Orange is susceptible to citrus leaf miner, aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Calamondin Orange grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Calamondin Orange is native to the Philippines, parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, as well as Taiwan, and parts of southern China. In cooler regions, grow Calamondin Orange as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.