Origin
The Citrus mitis Blanco, commonly known as the calamondin or Philippine lime, is a citrus fruit native to the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries.
Common Names
Aside from calamondin and Philippine lime, this plant is also called calamansi, calamandarin, kalamunding, panama orange, Chinese orange, and acid orange, among others.
Uses
The calamondin is a versatile plant that is cultivated both for its fruit and ornamental purposes. The fruit is commonly used in the Philippines and Malaysia as a condiment, seasoning, or flavoring for dishes, especially for seafood and meats. It is also used to create jams, jellies, and marmalades, or as an ingredient in cocktails and other drinks. The juice of the calamondin is high in vitamin C and is known for its medicinal properties, as it is believed to relieve coughs, colds, and flu. The plant itself is also grown as an ornamental shrub, as it produces fragrant flowers that bloom throughout the year, and can be used as a hedge or potted plant.
General Appearance
The Citrus mitis Blanco is a small, evergreen tree or shrub that can reach up to 4 meters in height. It has a bushy and dense foliage, with glossy green leaves that are ovate, elliptical, or lanceolate in shape, and emit a citrusy fragrance when crushed. The plant produces small, round or oval fruits that are about 3-4 cm in diameter, with a thin, smooth, and shiny orange-yellow or greenish-yellow skin. The flesh of the fruit is juicy, acidic, and sour, with a tart flavor that is similar to a combination of lemon, lime, and orange. It has many seeds that are bitter and inedible.
Light Requirements
Citrus mitis Blanco requires full sunlight exposure to produce maximum growth and yield. It thrives in areas receiving direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours daily. Inadequate sunlight results in weak and spindly plants with poor fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Citrus mitis Blanco growth is between 55°F to 85°F (13°C to 29°C). The plant cannot tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature and frost.
Soil Requirements
Citrus mitis Blanco prefers well-draining, loamy soils with a pH range between 5.5-7.5. The soil should be nutrient-rich, with adequate organic matter to hold moisture. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged or sandy soils.
Water Requirements
The plant requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. Ensure the soil is evenly moist, but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. Overwatering and underwatering should be avoided to maintain healthy growth.
Fertilizer Requirements
Citrus mitis Blanco requires regular fertilization with a balanced blend of nutrients. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the essential macro-nutrients for healthy growth and fruit production. Fertilizer application should be done during the growing season, following the recommended rates.
Propagation
Citrus mitis Blanco can be propagated through seeds or vegetative means such as grafting or budding. Mature tree cuttings can also be rooted under misting conditions and later transplanted to pots or the field. However, propagating citrus through seeds is not recommended as it does not guarantee the characteristics of the parent plant.
Cultivation Methods for Citrus Mitis Blanco
Citrus mitis Blanco, commonly known as Calamondin or Philippine lime, is a fruit-bearing plant that can be grown in containers or in the ground. When planting in containers, choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep. When planting in the ground, choose a location that has well-draining soil and receives direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. Citrus mitis Blanco is hardy in USDA zones 9-11, so it's important to make sure the plant is protected from freezing temperatures.
Watering Needs for Citrus Mitis Blanco
Citrus mitis Blanco requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Make sure to check the soil moisture level before watering, and adjust watering frequency accordingly. Avoid getting water on the plant's leaves or fruit, as this can lead to disease.
Fertilization of Citrus Mitis Blanco
Citrus mitis Blanco requires regular fertilization to support healthy growth and fruit production. Use a citrus-specific fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients like iron and zinc. Fertilize every 6-8 weeks during the growing season, from spring to fall. Make sure not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to leaf burn and other problems.
Pruning Citrus Mitis Blanco
Citrus mitis Blanco requires minimal pruning, but it's important to remove any dead or damaged branches as soon as possible. This will help prevent disease and pests from taking hold. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This is also a good time to shape the plant and remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Avoid pruning in the fall, as this can stimulate new growth that won't have enough time to harden off before winter.
Propagation of Citrus mitis Blanco
There are several methods to propagate Citrus mitis Blanco, including seed propagation, grafting, and cutting propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the most common methods for Citrus mitis Blanco. The seeds should be extracted from ripe fruits, cleaned, and soaked in water for several days. Then, they can be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist. The germination process might take several weeks, and it is advisable to keep the pots in a warm and sunny location.
Grafting
Grafting is another popular method for propagation of Citrus mitis. It is commonly used to reproduce particular traits of a specific cultivar. The process involves joining two different parts of plants in a way that they grow together as one. In this case, a rootstock from a Citrus species is joined with a scion from a Citrus mitis Blanco tree. This method ensures the propagation of desirable traits and provides a reliable, efficient, and quicker method of reproduction.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation can be utilized as well. The cuttings should be done from healthy and actively growing trees, around 10 cm long. They should be free from any diseases and pests and placed in a rooting hormone solution to stimulate root growth. Then, they can be planted in a well-draining potting mix, and kept in a warm and humid environment. Rooting may take several weeks, and once the roots have developed, the new plants can be transplanted.
Disease and Pest Management for Citrus Mitis Blanco
Citrus mitis Blanco, also known as Calamondin, is a small citrus fruit tree that is grown for its fragrant flowers, ornamental value, and fruit production. Like other citrus crops, Calamondin is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests that can affect plant growth, fruit quality, and overall yield. To ensure the successful growth of this plant, it is important to monitor and manage these issues carefully.
Common Diseases Affecting Citrus Mitis Blanco
One of the most common diseases that affect Citrus Mitis Blanco is citrus canker, which is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas citri. This disease can cause leaf spotting, fruit lesions, and premature leaf and fruit drop, ultimately leading to reduced yield. To manage citrus canker, it is recommended to remove infected plant materials, disinfect tools and containers, and use copper-based fungicides as directed.
Another disease that can affect Calamondin is citrus greening, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB). This disease is caused by a bacterial pathogen that is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid insect and can cause stunted tree growth, yellowing of leaves, and fruit that is bitter and misshapen. Unfortunately, there is no cure for HLB, and infected trees must be removed to prevent further spread of the disease.
Common Pests Affecting Citrus Mitis Blanco
Several pests can attack Citrus Mitis Blanco, including aphids, spider mites, and citrus thrips. These insects can cause leaf curling, stunted growth, and can spread viral diseases that can impact fruit production. To manage these pests, it is recommended to regularly monitor plants for signs of infestation, prune heavily infested areas, and use insecticidal soaps or oils as directed.
Another common pest is the citrus leaf miner, which feeds on new growth and can cause twisting and distorted leaves. To manage this pest, it is recommended to prune heavily infested areas, regularly monitor plants for signs of infestation, and use Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) as directed.
Conclusion
Disease and pest management are crucial for successful Citrus Mitis Blanco cultivation. By regular monitoring, proper cultural practices, and early detection, gardeners can prevent pests and diseases from spreading and causing significant damage to their crops. If you suspect that your Calamondin is affected by any of the mentioned issues, consult with your local horticulturist or extension agent for appropriate control measures.
