New Caledonia Citrus Plant Care

New Caledonia Citrus (Citrus neocaledonica) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Citrus genus. New Caledonia Citrus is native to New Caledonia. New Caledonia Citrus is also known as New Caledonian Citrus.

New Caledonia Citrus displays a small to medium-sized evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. New Caledonia Citrus produces fragrant white flowers with waxy petals.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted New Caledonia Citrus every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

New Caledonia Citrus thrives in full sun.

Citrus neocaledonica tolerates temperatures of 55–85°F. New Caledonia Citrus prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for New Caledonia Citrus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed New Caledonia Citrus every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

New Caledonia Citrus is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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

New Caledonia Citrus can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune New Caledonia Citrus 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 tree in one year.

New Caledonia Citrus is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

New Caledonia Citrus can be propagated through seeds, grafting, air-layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lemon tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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New Caledonia Citrus is susceptible to citrus leafminer, citrus whitefly, 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.

New Caledonia Citrus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. New Caledonia Citrus is native to New Caledonia. In cooler regions, grow New Caledonia Citrus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.