Orange Tree Plant Care

Orange Tree (Citrus sinensis) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Citrus genus. Orange Tree is native to North West India, Vietnam, Southern China. Orange Tree is also known as Orange, Sweet orange, Citrus aurantium var. sinensis.

Orange Tree displays a compact, upright growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Orange Tree produces white, fragrant flowers with five petals that grow singly or in small clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Orange Tree 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.

Orange Tree thrives in full sun.

Citrus sinensis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Orange Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Orange Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Orange Tree every month 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 acidic soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Orange Tree is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 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.

Orange Tree can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Orange Tree 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.

Orange Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Orange Tree can be propagated through propagate through stem cuttings or air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lime tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Orange Tree 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.

Orange Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Orange Tree is native to North West India, Vietnam, Southern China. In cooler regions, grow Orange Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.