Tangerine tree: care at home, how to water and grow from seed? Indoor tangerine is a bright personification of a good mood in the house! How to properly care for a tangerine tree

general information

Of all the types of citrus plants grown indoors, only the indoor tangerine is second to the lemon tree in terms of prevalence and popularity. According to botanists, its homeland is China or Japan. The name “mandarin” was given to this plant by the Chinese, since for many centuries it was grown only in the gardens of wealthy dignitaries of feudal China - mandarins. Tangerine trees exported from China appeared in Europe only in the 19th century. The Italian Michel Tecor brought tangerine trees to Italy in 1840, and this citrus plant quickly spread throughout the Mediterranean. Probably, such popularity was caused by the fact that tangerine trees are early-fruiting and very productive, and the fruits are sweet and without seeds. Mandarin came to Ukraine from Japan at the beginning of the 20th century, during the mass country house construction in the subtropical zone of the Black Sea coast. This is where it became most common. citrus plant. Regardless of the variety, summer gardeners gave tangerine trees a common name - forged. Mandarin trees are relatively low-growing; on plantations they reach a height of 2-3 meters. The branches of the tangerine tree are mostly drooping. The leaves are dense, dark green, with small wings on the petioles. White fragrant flowers are collected in brushes. Mandarin fruits are spherical, flattened, 4-6 cm in diameter and weighing from 30 to 100 g. The fruit peel is thin, orange, and easily separated from the pulp. In the so-called “plump” tangerines, it almost does not touch the pulp, because it is separated from it by an air layer. The pulp is sweet, juicy, yellow-orange, easily divided into slices. The fruit of the tangerine tree contains a lot of sugar, organic acids, vitamins C and B1. Seeds are rarely formed in tangerine fruits. In an apartment, tangerine grows and develops with a limited amount of light and fresh air, therefore it is of paramount importance right choice variety of tangerine most suitable for room conditions. Early ripening tangerine trees of Japanese origin, characterized by low growth and unpretentiousness, meet these requirements. The most common is the indoor tangerine variety Unshiu (which means “Seedless”). This is a low (no higher than 1.5 m) tangerine tree with a spreading crown; without thorns on the branches; with wide, leathery, dark green leaves. The tangerine tree usually blooms once a year in the spring, very profusely. Tangerine flowers are small, white, exuding a pleasant aroma. The tangerine tree begins to bear fruit at the age of 3. At home, a well-groomed adult tangerine tree produces an average of 40-50 fruits per year.

Dwarf tangerines of the Vasya group.

These varieties of tangerine trees are low-growing and decorative. These include indoor varieties of tangerines: Kovano-Vase, Mikha-Vase, Miyagawa-Vase. The height of mature tangerine trees does not exceed 50-80 cm, so they are very convenient to keep on the windowsill. Indoor mandarin does not need to form a crown; only sometimes it is necessary to remove dried and improperly growing branches. Fruit dwarf tangerines begin already in the second year of life. The fruits of the tangerine tree are not inferior in size and taste to the fruits of the Unshiu variety.

Landing (transfer)

For this purpose, take a pot from any material, the main thing is that the upper diameter should not exceed 10-15 cm, the height is approximately the same. There should be one or several small holes at the bottom of the pot to drain excess water when watering. At the bottom of the pot, and this can be a plastic bucket, wooden, ceramic, glass container, place expanded clay or sand as drainage, and best of all charcoal, which can be taken from an extinct fire in the forest, in a city park. The thickness of the drainage should not exceed 3-5 cm. Then sprinkle the drainage with a little soil. To transplant a tangerine tree seedling, you need specially prepared soil of the “Mandarin” type; it is presented on our website in the section “Soils and fertilizers for indoor plants" - "Soils for indoor plants." Or prepare the soil yourself: the soil for replanting must be taken from a forest or park, under old deciduous trees, except oak, chestnut and poplar. It is necessary to take only the top, most fertile layer of soil, 5-10 cm thick. Add sand to this soil, preferably river sand, a little ash, and more humus, if available. The proportion is as follows: two glasses of deciduous soil, a glass of sand, three tablespoons of humus and one tablespoon of ash. Stir all this in any bowl, add a little water to get a thick, creamy mass that will well fill the entire volume of the pot, leaving no air voids near the roots of the tangerine tree. After six months, the tangerine tree must be transplanted into a larger pot 5 cm in diameter. Spray and water the planted indoor tangerine with a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate), and then place it on a previously prepared window sill, bay window or balcony so that the surface of the leaves is directed towards the light.

Reproduction

Indoor tangerines are propagated by grafting onto lemon and orange seedlings grown from seeds indoor varieties and by air layering method. Indoor mandarin is practically not amenable to cuttings under amateur conditions.

Lighting

The tangerine tree should be kept in a southern sunny window. In summer, indoor tangerine is recommended to be taken out open air- in the garden, on the veranda, on the balcony, placing it in a place protected from the wind. If an indoor tangerine stands on a south window, then summer time It is advisable to darken it a little from direct sunlight so that burns do not occur on the tangerine leaves and chlorosis does not appear from overheating of the entire crown and roots. For this, at the very window frame, according to the height of the tangerine tree, they make a gauze curtain and in the morning, before leaving the house, cover the glass with it if the day promises to be sunny.

Air temperature

If a pot of indoor tangerine will stand on a windowsill, then the window must be well insulated for the winter, and the pot itself must be insulated in winter and summer. Favorable temperature for budding and flowering of tangerine is +16 +18°C, air humidity is at least 60%, but do not be afraid of high temperatures, the tangerine tree can withstand and bear fruit up to +40°C.

Watering

Indoor tangerine should be watered as the top layer of soil dries, without allowing the lump of earth in the pot to completely dry out. To determine soil moisture, take the time to take a little of the surface layer of soil with three fingers every day and squeeze it. If the soil sticks together, then there is no need to water; if it crumbles under your fingers, then it’s time to water. You need to monitor the condition of the soil daily (especially in summer) so that the entire earthen lump in the pot does not dry out due to high temperatures and bright sun. The question of where to get water for irrigation and what it should be is also very difficult, and therefore we will dwell on it in detail. In a city apartment drinking water practically unsuitable for watering citrus fruits, since it contains a large amount of compounds of alkaline earth metals and chlorine, which together and individually cause great harm tangerine, causing spotting (chlorosis) of leaves, alkalizing the soil, disrupting metabolic processes. Many authors recommend boiling tap water, but this does not always immediately lead to the desired result, extra hassle often scare away potential lovers of window fruit growing, so I recommend taking hot water from the tap. This water contains less chlorine and is softer. In addition, water for irrigation must be left for at least 24 hours in an open container to completely remove chlorine, which is extremely harmful to citrus fruits. In a private house, water can be taken from a well, but it is better from a lake or stream and left in the room for heating. Rainwater now contains many harmful impurities, so do not collect it for irrigation. In any case, wherever the water is taken, it must be left for at least a day in an open vessel at room temperature and only then watered over the tangerine. In winter, to achieve better growth and fruiting of tangerines, it is advisable to heat the water to a temperature of +30 +35°C before watering. In the summer, you can put the water on a sunny window and not bother heating it.

Spraying

It must be well remembered that in addition to watering, indoor tangerines should be sprayed with water from a spray bottle or any other method at least once a day, especially in summer, to create humidity, to wash away dust from the branches, so that the leaves “breathe”. At least once a month, it is advisable to place the tangerine tree in the bathtub and cover it plastic film soil in a pot and treat the entire crown with cotton wool and soap suds. Then you won't have to deal with difficult pest control. Do not forget to tie the stem of the tangerine tree at the bottom with gauze or a bandage so that the soapy water is absorbed into the fabric and does not get into the soil.

Fertilizer

In winter, indoor mandarin is not fed, in spring and summer - once every two weeks. Any fertilizing should be done only the next day after watering, i.e. when the soil in the pot is wet, otherwise you can burn the roots. Pour fertilizer under the plant until the solution begins to flow out of drainage holes. To feed a tangerine tree seedling, you need fertilizer of the “Tangerine” type; it is presented on our website in the section “Soils and fertilizers for indoor plants” - “Fertilizers for indoor plants.” Feeding mature plants, at least one meter high, with fish soup once a month increases their fruiting. They do it like this: 200 grams of fish waste or small unsalted fish are boiled in two liters of water for half an hour. Then dilute the solution cold water and filter through cheesecloth. This fertilizer must be used together with the Mandarin fertilizer mentioned above.

Pests

The enemies of the indoor tangerine are sucking and gnawing pests, as well as fungi and viruses. The most common pests are: spider mites, scale insects (false scale insects). The fight against them is carried out with chemical and biological preparations, which are more acceptable in the conditions open soil subtropics and greenhouses. It is advisable not to use pesticides for an apartment. Signs of spider mite infestation are as follows: white dots appear on old tangerine leaves on the underside, and the reddish mite itself is visible to the naked eye. If you touch it, it starts to move quickly. Young leaves curl into a “boat” and become entangled in a white web. To combat mites, use tobacco dust, garlic, and laundry soap. Take 1 tablespoon of tobacco dust and pour a glass of boiling water, leave for 6 days. Add 10 grams to the resulting infusion laundry soap and spray the plant 3 times with an interval of 6 days. Garlic is used as follows: one head of garlic is crushed, poured with a glass of hot water and left for 2 days. The solution is filtered and spraying is carried out similarly to the above. When affected by scale insects, brown-gray shiny round formations with a diameter of 3-5 mm are visible on the surface of young and old leaves. They are placed along the veins at the top and bottom of the leaf, as well as on the branches themselves. In the initial stage, these growths are almost transparent, whitish in color and difficult to notice. With severe damage, sticky gum appears on the surface of old leaves, and in the late stage they become covered with a black sticky coating, which is very difficult to wash off with water. Water-oil emulsions effectively help against scale insects. One teaspoon machine oil stir in one glass warm water, add 40 grams of laundry soap, 2 tablespoons washing powder. Before processing, cover the soil in the pot with plastic film, and the stem is tied at the bottom with a bandage. This is done in order to prevent the emulsion from getting into the soil. Treatment is carried out using a cotton or gauze swab. A water-oil emulsion is applied to all surfaces of tangerine branches and leaves. After 3-4 hours, rinse everything off in the shower, making sure that the emulsion does not get into the soil. Process 3 times with an interval of 6 days.

Most florists agree that among the abundance of “house” plants, indoor mandarin occupies a special place. Ornamental shrub not only pleases the eye with the bright, cheerful colors of leaves and fruits, but also has a beneficial effect on the atmosphere in the home. It has been proven that the subtle, light aroma helps get rid of headaches, relieves irritation, anxiety, gives a feeling of cheerfulness, and improves mood. In addition, growing tangerines at home does not require a lot of effort, and this is also one of the important advantages.

How to turn a tiny seed into a flowering tree?

The simplest and easiest way to become the owner of a spectacular tangerine tree is to buy a ready-made seedling in the store. However, it is much more interesting and, importantly, economical to grow a tangerine tree yourself from an ordinary seed.

In order for the plant to take root well, you need to take seeds of ripe, juicy, large fruits. It is advisable to have more seeds (10-12 pieces), so the chance of success of the “event” will be much higher!

Before planting seeds in soil (purchased or “mined” from personal plot), you need to place them in a humid environment for several days (it is better to wrap them in clean gauze and lightly moisten it with water). During this time, the seeds will swell and tiny sprouts will hatch on them. When this happens, it's time to get busy direct disembarkation plants into the ground.

Despite the fact that indoor mandarin is unpretentious to the type of soil, experts still recommend approaching this issue responsibly. So, the optimal solution would be to independently prepare a special mixture (if possible), which will include the following components:

• leaf soil - 1 part;
• turf soil - 3 parts;
• rotted cow manure - 1 part;
• clay;
• sand.

Drainage is placed at the bottom of a clean, dry container (as a rule, small ordinary pebbles or expanded clay act as drainage), after which the pot is filled with a thoroughly mixed composition of the above components. The swollen seeds are placed in the soil to a depth of 5-7 cm. It is recommended to place the container with the planted seeds in a well.

Direct sunlight should be avoided, as newly emerging, fragile sprouts can simply burn!

Homemade tangerine - care and nutrition

About three weeks after planting in the ground, the first shoots should appear from the seed of the tangerine tree. From this moment you can start feeding the plant, since the mineral and organic substances originally contained in the soil are quickly washed out as a result of regular watering. In specialized flower shops you can easily select mixtures for fertilizing and feeding citrus fruits.

Particular attention should be paid to fertilizer spring period when indoor tangerine develops most intensively. Like most indoor plants, the tree needs to be fertilized in the first half of the day, and the temperature should vary between 18-20°C. The composition of the fertilizer may be different, but components such as phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen must be present.

Under no circumstances should you violate the recipe for preparing a nutritional mixture or solution. The manufacturer always indicates on the packaging in what proportions to use this or that product. An irrational approach to feeding tangerines can lead to burns of the stem, leaves, or even complete death of the plant.

The period of intensive growth of indoor tangerine is considered to be from March to September. The optimal frequency of feeding is 2 times a week. The plant will definitely “reward” with lush, fragrant flowers and beautiful fruits if the owner combines mineral and organic fertilizers (for example, rotted cow manure).

Basic rules for caring for a tangerine tree

All plants love care and attention, and tangerine is no exception. How to care for indoor tangerine so that the tree is healthy, strong and beautiful? Professional florists highlight several main points in the rules of care:

• Partial removal of flowers on a young plant. This is done in order not to deplete the tree during the process of intensive growth. Even if only a few flowers remain on the stem, they will later produce beautiful, large fruits.
• Timely removal of elongated branches and dried leaves.
• Pinching the tops of the branches. This is necessary for the tree to form a lush, dense crown.

When fruits are set on the branches of a tree, it is recommended to tie the stem and branches of the plant to a support.

What can pose a threat to the tangerine tree?

Good care is sometimes not enough for a long “life” of citrus fruits; in no case should such a threat as pests be ignored. Small, almost invisible red spider mites, citrus whiteflies or scale insects can cause great harm to the plant. To prevent the death of the tangerine tree, at the slightest suspicion of pests, you need to wipe all the leaves with special solutions (Fitoverm, Actellik, etc.). A few procedures are enough, and all unwanted “guests” will disappear.

Which varieties are suitable for growing at home?

Among the most popular varieties of tangerine tree, ideal for home grown, the following can be distinguished:

• Shiva-Mikan
• Unshiu
• Clementine
• Marcotte

Each of these varieties has its own specifics, but in any case, the owner of the plant will be provided with spectacular flowers with a pronounced aroma and sweet, ripe fruits.

How to grow a tangerine from a seed at home - video

Citrus reticulata) - evergreen flowering plant and its fruit. Tangerines belong to the dicotyledonous class, order Sapindaceae, family Rutaceae, genus Citrus.

The word “tangerine” has Spanish roots: mondar in Spanish means “to peel,” and the pulp of the tangerine, compared to other citrus fruits, comes off easily from the peel. The Spaniards gave this fruit the name mandarino, after which the word entered the Russian language.

Mandarin – description, characteristics, photo. How do tangerines grow?

Mandarin is evergreen tree, reaching a height of 4 meters, although the height of a 30-year-old tree can reach up to 5 m, and the harvest can range from 5 to 7 thousand fruits.

The tangerine has a rather spreading, rounded crown, the diameter of which can exceed 3.5 meters. The bark of the tangerine tree is light gray, and the young shoots are dark green. Tangerine leaves are small, leathery, pointed or ovate, and do not change color throughout the season. Each leaf lives about 4 years.

Mandarin flowers are often single or collected in pairs and located in the axils of the leaves.

The tree blooms from April to early summer, when the tree looks especially beautiful: the crown of the tangerine is as if wrapped in a cloud of white or cream inflorescences, emitting a bright, pleasant aroma, somewhat similar to the smell of bergamot.

Tangerines are self-fertile plants and are pollinated by their own pollen, as a result of which many ovaries are formed and fruits begin to develop. Mandarin is a fairly early-bearing tree, and produces the first harvest 3-4 years after planting. The first growth of shoots occurs at the beginning of spring, the second wave of growth begins in mid-August.

Fruit formation occurs on the second growth of last year or on the first growth of this year. Tangerines ripen in October, and in December the harvest is completely harvested. Thus, tangerines grow and bear fruit within 7 months.

Mandarin differs from other citruses in its thin, easily peelable orange peel, and in a number of varieties the skin and pulp are separated by an air layer and practically do not touch each other.

The size of tangerine fruits ranges from 4 to 6 cm in diameter, and due to their flattened shape, the width of the fruit is noticeably greater than its height. Each tangerine fruit consists of several nests - lobules, usually 10-12, each of which contains 1-2 seeds.

Some varieties of tangerines contain no seeds at all.

The structure of the yellow-orange pulp of tangerine is similar to many citrus fruits (lemon, orange) and is represented by numerous juice-containing sacs - spindle-shaped hairs filled with juice.

This structure is called hesperidium - one of the forms of a berry-like fruit.

Approximately 600-800 fruits are obtained from one plant per year; with age, fruiting becomes more abundant.

On average, a tangerine tree lives about 70 years.

Where do tangerines grow?

The homeland of mandarin is southern China and Cochin China (southeast of the Indochina Peninsula). Currently, orange fruits are widely cultivated not only in their homeland, but also in India, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, Iran, USA, Abkhazia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Spain, the south of France, Italy, Brazil and other countries with a climate favorable for this crop.

Calorie content of tangerine

The calorie content of tangerine is 53 kcal per 100 grams of product.

Nutritional value of tangerine

Water – 85.17 g,

Proteins – 0.81 g,

Fats – 0.31 g,

Carbohydrates – 13.34 g,

Dietary fiber – 1.8 g.

Tangerines - benefits and harm

Beneficial features

Thanks to the rich chemical composition tangerine is considered very healthy fruit. Tangerines have long and firmly established themselves as the main source of vitamins needed by the body during the cold season. The juicy pulp of tangerine contains the following substances:

• vitamins B, A, C, E, rutin;
• organic acids (including citric and folic) and sugars;
• minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc.
• phytoncides with antifungal and bactericidal properties.

The pulp and juice of tangerine improve appetite, and due to its low calorie content, the fruit can be consumed without fear for your figure.

The peel of tangerines contains 1-2% tangerine essential oil, as well as biological pigments, including carotene. These substances stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, promoting better digestion of food. The peel also contains glycosides that have a beneficial effect on the condition of blood vessels.

A decoction of dried tangerine peel soothes nervous system, and also has expectorant properties and helps with lung diseases (bronchitis, tracheitis). Rubbing tangerine pulp into the affected areas of the skin and nails helps get rid of fungus.

Tangerine seeds have also found their use in medicine:

• Potassium and sodium, which are contained in tangerine seeds, strengthen the cardiovascular system.
• Vitamins B and C prevent the development of heart attacks and strokes.
• Vitamin A takes part in the formation of collagen and prevents the development of skin diseases.
• Tangerine seeds are rich in polyphenols, the main function of which is to suppress the development of cancer.

Contraindications

Be careful! People suffering from chronic diseases of the stomach and kidneys should consume tangerines with extreme caution. It is not recommended to consume tangerines for the following diseases:

• Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
• Gastritis with high acidity;
• Enteritis;
• Colitis;
• Cholecystitis;
• Hepatitis;
• Acute nephritis;
• Diabetes;
• Allergy to citrus fruits.

Types of tangerines, varieties and photos

There is currently no single generally accepted classification of tangerines, so below is one of the many classifications of this fruit. In 1955 V.P. Alekseev identified 7 main groups of tangerines:

1. unshiu or satsuma ( Citrus unshiu)

It is actively grown in Russia and Europe as a houseplant, and is also cultivated in Crimea. The main advantage of this citrus is its resistance to low temperatures and full ripening even with a lack of sunlight.

The Unshiu mandarin is a short tree that grows under open air up to 2-3 meters in height, and as a houseplant - no more than 1.5 meters in height. The shoots of the spreading crown are slightly drooping, the tangerine leaves are leathery, dense, elongated oval in shape, with visible veins. Unshiu fruits are distinguished by thin, yellowish-orange skin with green color. Unshiu tangerine begins to bear fruit at the age of 3 years. Flowering occurs in May, when the tree is covered with numerous clusters of white oblong flowers, collected in groups of 4-6 pieces. In October, flattened fruits with an easily peelable peel and a weight of about 70 g appear. The fruits of unshiu mandarin do not contain seeds, so the main method of propagation of these plants is grafting onto another plant of the citrus genus.

Apogamous seedlings of unshiu mandarin gave birth to the following released varieties:

• • Pioneer 80 - a cold-resistant variety of tangerines intended for growing in Krasnodar region. A tree up to 4.5 meters high with a spreading pyramidal crown produces a harvest in the second half of November. The fruits are distinguished by thin, easily peelable orange skin, tender pulp and a sour-sweet taste. The shape of the fruit is round-flat, and the weight is about 60-80 g;
  • Sochinsky 23 - an early-ripening, productive variety of tangerines with large, fragrant fruits orange color having sweet flesh with a slight sourness. The weight of the fruit is 65-80 grams. The shape of the fruit is pear-shaped or flat or rounded. This variety of tangerines is grown in Georgia and the Krasnodar region.

1. Citrus austere

a group of tangerine varieties of Chinese origin, which are distinguished by their rich red-orange peel color and sweeter taste than unshiu tangerines. All varieties of the Chinese group are characterized by a high sugar content (up to 13%) and low acid content.

One of the most famous varieties of this group is tangerine(lat. Citrus Tangerina)- a low compact tree with a dense crown and narrow leaves. Tangerine ripens earlier than unshiu tangerine, has a thicker peel and, like unshiu, does not contain seeds. The fruiting period lasts from October to April. In addition to the red-orange fruits, tangerine varieties with green peel color have been developed. Compared to mandarin, the citrus aroma of tangerine is weaker. The taste of the fruit is sweeter than that of an orange. The fruits themselves are easy to peel and divide into slices. Today, the main supplier of tangerines is the United States, where this plant is cultivated to produce oil from the peel of the fruit. A small number of tangerines are grown in Italy, on the island of Sicily.

1. Citrus deliciosa

Sino-Mediterranean group, whose representatives have a similar morphology to the Chinese group. One of the famous varieties is mandarin orange- a tree with a compact crown and dense dark green lanceolate-shaped leaves, up to 8 cm long and about 3 cm wide. The fruits are medium-sized, about 6-7 cm in diameter, have an oval-flattened shape.

1. Citrus reticulata

Sino-Indian varietal group of tangerines of great industrial importance in China and India. The most popular is considered golden mandarin or ponkan ( Citrus chrysocarpa), known in India as suntara (Suntara, Ponkan)- a variety of large orange tangerines with a round or oblong shape, some specimens have a navel. The peel is of medium thickness, easily peels off, the flesh is juicy, tender, sweet and sour, the seeds are small and few in number. The fruiting period is December and January. Grows in China, India, Brazil, Taiwan and the Philippines.

1. Mandarin noble (royal) ( Citrus nobilis)

Indo-Chinese-Malay group. Distinctive features of the varieties are large fruits, thick lumpy skin and excellent, sweet taste of the pulp. The best varieties of tangerines:

• • Siamese King (King);
  • Uvatin-mikan;
  • Tsao-tse.

1. A group of small-fruited tangerines, or Chinese-Japanese varietal group, includes varieties popular among those who like to grow tangerines at home:
   • Shiva-mikan (with sour taste);
   • Mukaku-kishiu (sweet);
   • Kishiu (sweet).

1. Mandarin hybrids

This is a group of hybrid forms, including many varieties bred by selectively crossing mandarins with different species and varieties of citrus fruits. Below is a description of some tangerine hybrids.

Mandarin hybrids, photos, names and descriptions

Calamondin or citrofortunella(Citrofortunella mic rocarpa )

a hybrid of tangerine and kumquat (kincana, fortunella). This is a highly decorative plant with small leaves and white fragrant flowers that attract. The height of calamondin can reach 6 meters. At home, the tree grows up to 60-150 cm. Calamondin fruits have a diameter of 25-45 mm, they are orange, similar to tangerines, but with a thinner, sweetish-tasting peel and sour pulp that contains the seeds. Calamondin fruits are edible.

Rangpur ( Citrus rangpuriensis)

a hybrid of tangerine and lime, according to other sources - a hybrid of tangerine and lemon, called limandarine. The supposed homeland of this citrus is India, and due to its high drought resistance and productivity, rangpur is cultivated in some regions for its fruit. The tree, 2.5 to 5 m tall, produces small fruits about 5 cm in diameter, with thin dark orange skin and very sour orange pulp.

Clementine (Citrus clementina)

a hybrid of mandarin and king orange from the subspecies quinotto (orange), is a tree up to 5 m high, grown in long dense alleys. The shape of the clementine fruit is similar to the tangerine, but has a sweeter taste. The second variety of clementines is a product of hybridization of mandarin and bitter Seville orange, characterized by small fruits with a hard, poorly peeling peel.

Clementines are divided into 3 main types:

• Corsican, seedless, is easily recognized by its bright, orange-red color and the pair of leaves that adorn each fruit.
• Spanish presented in 2 varieties: with relatively small and rather large fruits containing from 2 to 10 seeds.
• Montreal- the rarest clementine, grown in Spain and Algeria, the pulp of which contains from 10 to 12 seeds.

a hybrid of tangerine and grapefruit (or pomelo). Tangelo trees are different strong growth and good frost resistance. The rounded fruits, reminiscent of a medium-sized orange, have an orange peel that peels off easily, yellowish-orange flesh and a pleasant taste with a slight sourness. The most famous tangelo variety is Mineola.

Thornton (eng.Thornton tangelo)

One of the varieties of tangelo, is a hybrid of tangerine and grapefruit. First grown in 1899. Almost round and quite large fruits have a diameter of about 8 cm and are covered with a bright orange peel. The peel of the fruit is quite thick. Thornton pulp is yellow-orange, tender, juicy, sweet, with a slight sourness.

the closest relative of the tangelo, a hybrid of the tangerine variety “Dancy” and the grapefruit variety “Duncan”. Mineola fruits are distinguished by their round, slightly flattened shape with an elongated neck, up to 8 cm in diameter and thin skin of a rich reddish-orange color. The juicy pulp contains from 7 to 12 small seeds. Mineola has an excellent citrus aroma and a refreshing sweet and sour taste. The main suppliers of mineola are Israel, Türkiye, China and the American state of Florida.

Tangor

a hybrid of tangerine and sweet orange. Tangor is quite large fruit with a diameter of up to 15 cm. It is distinguished by a slightly flattened shape, a dense porous red-orange crust and aromatic sweet and sour pulp. One of the varieties of tangor is Ellendale.

Mandor (mandora) (eng.Mandora)

natural tangor, a hybrid of mandarin and sweet orange. It grows in Cyprus, but originally appeared in Jamaica. The fruit is similar to a tangerine and a clementine, but unlike a clementine it contains seeds. The shape of the fruit is round, slightly flattened. The peel is thin, bright orange, and peels off easily. The pulp of the fruit is tender, very juicy, sweet, with a slight sourness. The plant bears fruit from January to mid-April.

a hybrid of mandarin, tangerine and orange. The large orange-red fruit has a thin, easy-to-peel skin, few or no seeds, a refreshing taste and a subtle citrus aroma. The juicy pulp of ellendale has a rich dark orange color and a pleasant sweet taste.

a hybrid of tangerine and poncirus trifolia, the small fruits of which are unsuitable for consumption due to their unpleasant taste, but are used for industrial production vitamin drinks. The peel of the fruit is quite thin, rough, and orange in color. The pulp is orange, juicy. Some citrandarines do not have seeds.

a hybrid of clementine and orlando, the fruits of which are characterized by a rich orange color and tasty sweet pulp. The fruits can have both medium and large sizes.

Agli, aka agli-fruit

a hybrid of tangerine, orange and grapefruit, the name of which is translated from English as “ugly”. The not particularly beautiful agli fruit, up to 15 cm in diameter, is distinguished by a rough, wrinkled peel of a greenish-yellow or reddish color, easily separated from the pulp. Agli has a light grapefruit flavor and an excellent citrus aroma. Cultivated in the USA and Jamaica.

Ichandarin

It is a tangerine crossed with a citrus fruit called Ichang papeda. The fruits of the hybrid have a rather sour taste. Among the inchandarins, there are several varieties, for example, yuzu and sudachi.

• Yuzu. Ripe yuzu fruits yellow color, from 7 to 10 or more cm in diameter, sour, with a small amount of dryish pulp, the smell resembles a combination of the aroma of grapefruit and tangerine.
• Sudachi. Ripe sudachi fruits are yellowish-orange in color and have a lime or aroma, but with a “softer” citrus note. Sudachi is not consumed as a delicacy fruit; its green fruits are used as a seasoning when preparing fish, mushrooms and national Japanese dishes.

On the left is an inchandarin yuzu, on the right is a regular tangerine. Photo credit: Mycomp

OrangequatNippon orangequat)

a hybrid of unshiu mandarin and kumquat that grows in Hawaii. Slightly elongated fruit average size, smaller than a tangerine, but larger than a kumquat. The circumference of the fruit is 2-4 cm. The thick, spongy skin has a sweet taste and an orange or red-orange color. The orangequat pulp is juicy, sour, with a slight note of bitterness. Contains seeds. The plant can withstand temperatures down to -12 degrees Celsius.

Pomeranian (bigaradia, cinotto) (Citrus aurantium )

hybrid of tangerine and pomelo. The medium-sized, 6-7 cm in diameter, slightly flattened fruits are practically not consumed fresh due to their very strong, pungent aroma and bitter-sour pulp. The orange peel is bright orange and lumpy. Used in perfumery essential oils From the flowers and leaves of orange blossom, the zest and juice of the fruit are used in cooking, as well as in the production of tinctures and liqueurs.

Meyer lemon (Citrus meyerii )

a hybrid of lemon and orange or lemon and tangerine. The fruits are quite large, round, with a thin peel of a rich yellow color, which when ripe acquires a light orange tint. The pulp is juicy, less sour than a regular lemon, dark yellow in color and contains seeds.

Kabosu (kabusu) (eng.Kabosu, Citrus sphaerocarpa )

This is the result of crossing the Ichang Papeda and the Pomeranian. The fruit is grown in China and is popular in Japan. national cuisine. The fruits are medium-sized, about 5.2 cm in diameter, yellow when ripe with dark yellow flesh, with a sour, tart taste and lemon aroma. One fruit contains about 17 seeds. Used as a seasoning, often unripe when the kabosu peel is still green color. Gives dishes a unique aroma.

tangerine tree In terms of its popularity among gardeners, it is only slightly inferior to the lemon laurels. And this is not surprising: its bright fruits delight the eye, and its subtle aroma has a healing effect, improving mood and giving vigor. Tangerine trees decorate the windowsills long years– the main thing is to properly care for them. Moreover, it is not so difficult - the mandarin is not capricious.

A tangerine tree can be grown from a seed at home. To do this, seeds are selected from the tangerines you like. In order for seedlings to appear for sure, it is better to plant at least 10 pieces.

The seeds are pre-soaked for several days. For this purpose, they are wrapped in damp gauze and placed in a warm place. The main thing is that the gauze does not dry out. After a few days, the seeds will swell.

As soon as sprouts appear, the seeds can be planted. Stores sell special soil for citrus fruits. But you can make an earthen mixture yourself.

Soil for tangerine trees:

• Turf - 3 parts;
• Earth -1 part;
• Humus -1 part;
• A little sand or clay.

Expanded clay is placed at the bottom of the pot, then the prepared soil mixture is poured. The seeds are planted to a depth of 5 cm. The soil is well moistened and the pot is placed in a bright place. But the hatched sprouts must be protected from direct sunlight in the first weeks. Otherwise they will dry out.

It is worth knowing that trees grown from seeds will not themselves produce cultivated, juicy fruits. In order to get tasty tangerines, you will need to graft a shoot from a cultivated fruit-bearing plant onto the tree.

Video instructions for growing tangerines from seeds

Lighting and location

Mandarin is a southern plant, so it loves light and warmth. For it, you should choose windows facing south, southeast, southwest. It is important that the location is well lit.

However, direct sunlight, especially in summer heat, I don’t really like tangerine. They can cause leaf burns. If the tree overheats under the rays, chlorosis may begin - the plants will begin to wither and lose strength. Therefore, on too sunny days, the south window is covered with a gauze curtain. IN summer period You can take the tree out onto the balcony. In a private house they even take it outside. However, in this case, the transfer is carried out gradually - first the pot is placed in the shade. When he gets used to the new conditions, he is taken out to the site. If you immediately expose the pot to the sun, the tangerine may begin to hurt.

In autumn and winter, tangerines need to be artificially illuminated. To do this, place lamps on the windowsill and turn them on during the day. Without this, the tangerine may begin to hurt.

Temperature

Mandarin does not like cold. Optimal temperature air temperature for it is +20 degrees in summer, +12-14 in winter. Buds and ovaries on the tree appear only at a temperature of +16-18 degrees. If the room is always colder, then the tangerine will not bloom and the gardener will wait in vain for bright fruits.

Humidity

In nature, tangerines live in a humid subtropical climate. Therefore, for a comfortable existence, they must be constantly sprayed with water from a spray bottle. And you will have to do this several times a day. In winter, you will have to spray the tree more often, since central heating makes the air very dry. But under no circumstances should you spray tangerines with cold tap water. It must be heated to room temperature.

Additionally, you can place a bowl of water near the plant. You can also pour water into the tray on which the pot with the plant stands. In dry air, the tangerine tree is affected by pests - scale insects and spider mites.

Watering

In summer, the plant is watered frequently and abundantly. In winter, it is enough to water it 2 times a week. The soil in the pot should not dry out completely - the drying of the top layer of soil indicates that it is time to water.

A simple experiment can tell you whether it's time to water. It is enough to take a pinch of earth in your fingers and squeeze. If it crumbles, it’s time to go get a watering can.

Do not use tap water. The chlorine and other compounds it contains alkalize the soil and cause chlorosis, which causes spots to appear on the leaves. Pre-boiling does not give a positive result either. tap water. Firstly, this complicates maintenance, and secondly, harmful elements still remain in the water. Some gardeners recommend using hot water supplied centrally for irrigation. It is less chlorinated and has greater softness. It must first be cooled and left for 24 hours. However, it is recommended to do this procedure with any water for watering the tangerine tree.

In winter, water for irrigation is heated to +30-35 degrees. Otherwise, you can overcool the roots of the plant and it will wither. In summer, the water naturally heats up as it sits.

Additional care

Every month the mandarin needs to have a bath. The soil in the pot must be protected with an impermeable film. The leaves of the tree are washed with soapy water. This will help protect the plant from pests.

Important: to prevent soapy water running down the trunk from saturating the ground, it is wrapped with a bandage.

Nutrition

Trees need to be fertilized periodically. This is done for the first time a year in April. Then, until winter, the tangerine is fed every two weeks. This is done so that the tree develops well, buds and bears fruit. Summer feeding prevent bitterness of fruits. There is no need to feed the plant in winter.

For feeding, use any complex fertilizers that are sold in stores. There are special fertilizers for citrus fruits.

You can enhance fruiting with the help of the so-called fish soup. 200g of small fresh fish are boiled in 2 liters of water for 30 minutes. The strained broth is cooled and added to the complex fertilizer.

Trimming

Pruning not only allows you to form a beautiful crown, but also speeds up the onset of fruiting. All weak branches must be removed. The apical shoots are periodically pinched. Then the tree begins to bush, the crown becomes denser and more beautiful.

In young trees, in the first years of flowering, it is necessary to pinch off some of the buds. This will preserve the vitality of the plants. Otherwise, they may become exhausted and bear fruit poorly. The fewer flowers there are, the larger and more beautiful the fruits will be.

Transfer

The plant is replanted once a year in the first years of life. Then, when the fruiting period begins, the trees are replanted every 2-3 years. This is done before the plant begins to grow. Perfect time- March. If time is lost, it is better to miss the deadline. A transplant carried out at the wrong time can lead to the tree being sick for a long time or even dying. If there is room in the pot, sometimes it is enough to replace upper layer soil and drainage.

Pest Control

The fact that the tangerine has been infected by a mite is indicated by white dots on the underside of the leaves and curled leaves in which cobwebs can be seen. To destroy it, you can use garlic tinctures, tobacco dust, and laundry soap.

1 tablespoon of dust is infused in a glass of boiling water for 6 hours, then mixed with 10 grams of soap. The plant is sprayed with this solution. It is enough to carry out 3 procedures every 6 days.

To prepare garlic tincture, chop the head of garlic and leave it in a glass of boiling water for 2 days. Then they act in exactly the same way.

When attacked by scale insects, brownish spots-growths appear along the veins on the leaves. They fight scale insects with the following solution:

• 1 tsp machine oil;
• 2 tbsp. l washing powder;
• 40 g laundry soap;
• 1 glass of water.

This solution should not get on the soil. It is applied to leaves and branches. After 4 aces it is washed off in the shower. The tree is treated 3 times every 6 days.

At good care the tangerine tree will bear its first fruits in the third year and will then produce up to 50 tasty and juicy tangerines. Caring for it is not that difficult. The main thing is that it must be regular and constant. And then the tangerine tree will definitely reward you with beauty and harvest.

Tangerine tree for last years has gained particular popularity among amateur gardeners. For its cultivation, not only greenhouses, greenhouses, winter gardens, but also the most regular balconies and window sills in the apartment.

Peculiarities

Indoor tangerine attracts with its lush greenery, beautiful flowers and bright sunny fruits. It does not shed its leaves, so it will remain green even in winter. The light aroma of the plant helps relieve headaches, irritability and lifts your spirits. And when the tree blooms, an even more extraordinary smell emanates from it. The flowering period can last from spring until autumn. At the same time, growing a tangerine tree at home does not require special effort and skills - even a beginner can properly care for it.

The usual tangerine variety grows up to 5 meters high. But modern breeders have bred a huge number of special dwarf and low-growing varieties plants in the form of small trees or bushes.

The height of an adult plant is no more than one and a half meters, and to maintain beautiful shape less effort will be required. With the right approach, the tangerine tree in the apartment grows quite quickly and begins to bear fruit.

Varieties for growing at home

Breeders bred big number various varieties of tangerine trees. They differ from each other in the appearance of the crown, foliage, flowers and fruits, as well as in size, fertility and taste. Not all of them are suitable for home growing. Among the many indoor tangerines, it is worth highlighting the most popular types.

• "Kovano-Vase" is an ideal option for an apartment. This dwarf variety, up to 50 cm in height, so you can even grow it on a windowsill. The leaves are dark green and arrow-shaped. A distinctive feature is that the bush does not have to be pruned to maintain its shape. “Kovano-Vase” begins to actively bloom in the spring, and bright orange fruits ripen in the fall. The fruits appear within a year and do not fall for a long time.
• "Unshiu" It is an unpretentious variety and is not difficult to grow. This variety tolerates low temperatures and lack of sunlight. In apartment conditions, the height is usually about 80 cm, sometimes up to one and a half meters. The first fruits appear in the third or fourth year. "Unshiu" has lush greenery, blooms beautifully and bears fruit well. Flowering begins in spring, lasts several months, and by the end of autumn the fruits ripen. They are slightly elongated pear-shaped, sweet and contain almost no seeds.

"Kovano-Vase"

"Unshiu"

• "Pavlovsky" Mandarin has also proven itself well when grown at home. The height of an adult tree does not exceed one meter. Its leaves are similar to an ordinary tangerine - large, shiny, dense. There are many fruits, they are round in shape, up to 7 cm in diameter, and have a sweetish-tart taste. The skin is bright orange, thin, and easily peels off. The flowers of the “Pavlovsk” mandarin are large, about 3 cm, and are collected in whole inflorescences. They are white in color, but the buds are pinkish. The flowering period begins in April-May, and the first fruits may appear as early as September.
• "Clementine"– the most delicious and sweet hybrid. A plant with dense elongated leaves, fragrant flowers and bright flattened fruits. The first tangerines ripen within 1.5-2 years. In an apartment, the harvest is small, about 40-50 fruits per season.
• "Shiva-Mikan" refers to early varieties. At home, it is more of an ornamental plant - this variety grows quickly, has a compact size and small fruits weighing no more than 30 grams.
• "Marcotte"– translated as “honey”. This variety has surprisingly sweet fruits. Plant small size, with a neat crown of elongated leaves and yellow-orange fruits. The skin is smooth and tight; the pulp contains many seeds.

"Pavlovsky"

How to plant?

If you decide to grow a tangerine tree at home, you can either buy ready-made seedlings in plant growing stores, or germinate them yourself from a seed.

The first method is simpler and faster. Plant seedlings are sold immediately in a pot or in a packaged earthen coma. After purchasing, they must be transplanted into a suitable container.

The second method is more economical and interesting. Indoor tangerine can be grown from an ordinary seed of a ripe fruit. It is recommended to germinate several pieces at once, in which case the probability of obtaining the desired result will be higher. The seeds must first be soaked for several days until they swell and sprout. To do this, they are placed in 3-4 layers of damp gauze. Be sure to ensure that the gauze does not dry out and add water periodically.

If you don’t want to wait a long time for germination, then you can use Epin, a growth stimulator. It is added to water and left for a couple of hours. After the first shoots appear, the tangerine can be planted in the ground.

The ready-made mixture can be purchased at a plant growing store. It is important that the soil for the seedlings is not acidic - tangerines will not grow in such an environment. Therefore, the soil should not contain peat.

You can prepare the soil yourself, suitable option is a mixture:

• 2/5 parts cow humus;
• 2/5 parts of turf and leaf soil;
• 1/5 part sand.

As the first container you can use regular cups, pots up to 10 cm in diameter or seedling boxes.

At the bottom of a clean and dry container, it is imperative to lay a layer of drainage made of small stones or expanded clay. This will prevent stagnation of moisture and rotting of the roots.

Prepared soil is poured on top. The sprouted seeds are carefully placed in holes 4-6 cm deep and sprinkled with soil. The soil should be moist throughout the entire time, and watering should not be forgotten. The container with seeds must be placed in a well-lit place, but not in direct sunlight. The optimal room temperature for the germination period should be +20.25 degrees. The first shoots appear after about 2-4 weeks. If several shoots sprout from one seed at once, then the weakest of them must then be carefully cut off.

Care

So that the tangerine tree pleases with its healthy appearance, shape, beautiful flowering and tasty fruits, it is necessary to provide it with comfortable conditions. The most basic care and attention will help to prolong and make life easier for the plant in apartment conditions.

Location and lighting

It is recommended to place the tangerine tree in a well-lit place with diffused light. Windows facing south, southwest or southeast are best suited for it. Direct ultraviolet rays should be avoided in hot weather - the plant can get burned, and the soil in the pot will quickly dry out. You need to accustom the plant to ultraviolet radiation in stages: first stick to partial shade, and only then gradually increase the time spent under direct rays. Mandarin gets used to one-sided lighting, so it is not recommended to often rotate it around its own axis. In the warm season, the tree can be taken out onto the balcony, terrace or outside.

The optimal daylight hours for tangerines should be 8-12 hours. With a lack of natural solar lighting the plant will weaken, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and fall off. You can extend his daylight hours with the help of special phytolamps.

Temperature

The recommended temperature for citrus trees in the warm season (spring and summer) is +18.20 degrees. This period is the active flowering phase, and higher temperatures will cause flowers and leaves to fall off. And more low temperatures will slow down growth and prevent fruit formation.

In winter, it is necessary to give the plant a rest and gain strength for the next season. To do this, the room temperature must be kept at +10.12 degrees. Otherwise, subsequent flowering and fruiting may not occur. You can start raising temperatures for spring as early as the end of January. The tangerine tree does not tolerate sudden temperature changes, so any change in conditions should be gradual. But at the same time, the tree needs to be accustomed to natural changes. To do this, it is recommended to take it out for a very short time during the day. closed terrace or a balcony - this way the plant hardens and becomes stronger.

Humidity

There should always be a high level of air humidity in the room where the tangerine tree is located. To do this, the plant is often sprayed with a spray bottle. In hot weather or during heating season It is advisable to do this twice a day. The water should be at room temperature.

It is advisable to water in the morning and evening to avoid the midday sun from hitting wet leaves.

If the plant already has flowers, then irrigation must be done very carefully, without getting on the buds. It’s better to simply wipe the leaves with a damp cloth during this period.

If there is a heating radiator in the room, it is recommended to cover it with a wet towel. You can place a container of water next to the tree. Ideal option there will be a humidifier.

Watering

During rapid growth and flowering, it is especially important to properly water your home citrus tree. At this time, the soil should not dry out; it is recommended to do the procedure daily. Even a short drought can negatively affect the plant - to save moisture consumption, it will shed its leaves and they will not grow again in this place.

When the plant “winters”, you can water it only twice a week. The amount of water should be moderate - excessive soil moisture should not be allowed, this will lead to rotting of the roots, and mold may appear on the surface of the soil. It is recommended to use only settled clean water room temperature. Tap water contains chlorine, so it is not suitable for irrigation.

You can check whether the soil needs moisture with your finger - if the soil is dry and crumbly, then the plant needs to be “watered”.

You can only pour water on the rhizome - the tree trunk, leaves, and especially flowers cannot tolerate excess moisture.

The most the right time morning is considered the day. It is during this period that the tangerine tree is most active.

Priming

The soil composition required for young and mature plants is different.

For a young plant, you need to mix one part of sand with leaf soil, two parts of turf and cow humus.

For an adult plant, take part of leaf soil, three parts of turf and one each of sand and cow humus. And most importantly, fatty clay must be added to the soil for adult citrus trees.

You can also buy ready-made mixtures in gardening stores, but you should pay attention to high-quality products from a trusted manufacturer.

Top dressing

Due to frequent watering, all useful substances are quickly washed out of the soil, so the first feeding of the citrus tree is done immediately after the sprouts appear. And what older plant, the more it needs to be fertilized. You can purchase a ready-made fertilizer mixture in a specialized store. You can also use mullein manure as organic matter in proportions of 1/10 with water.

It is especially important to feed the tangerine in the spring, when the plant begins to develop intensively. This period lasts until September; fertilizer can be applied once every two weeks. This regime will promote the appearance of buds, flowers and ovaries, and the ripe fruits will not taste bitter. In the cold season, fertilizing should be stopped. Like most all indoor plants, it is recommended to fertilize tangerine in the morning. The tree must first be watered with warm water. The temperature of the nutrient solution should also be at a comfortable room temperature. The composition of the mixtures varies, but the content of phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen is mandatory for a citrus tree.

The proportions and recipe must be observed; this information is indicated on the packaging. Irrational use of fertilizers can cause burns to the stem, roots and leaves or, in general, lead to the death of the tree. Among folk remedies, gardeners recommend using “fish soup.” For cooking, take 100 grams of fish per liter of water. Boil this for 30 minutes, strain, cool and add store-bought mineral mixture to the solution.

Trimming and pinching

Pruning frequently homemade tangerine it is not necessary, since the formation of the crown of this crop occurs on its own. But pruning and pinching the upper young shoots once every 3-4 months will not only contribute to better development of branches and leaves, but will also speed up fruiting. The top shoots should be pinched only after five leaves have formed.

You can also get rid of all weak and unnecessary branches. If dried leaves and branches appear on the tree, they also need to be carefully cut off. It is recommended to trim with special sharp scissors.

During the first flowering, some of the buds should be removed. This procedure will save strength young tree and will increase productivity not only this year, but also in subsequent years.

Possible problems

Improper care of indoor mandarin becomes the cause of its diseases. If the microclimate in the apartment is disturbed, irregular moisture, lack or excess of fertilizers, the plant begins to hurt. Let's look at the most common problems and the reasons for their occurrence.

Leaves turn yellow and fall off

If this happens rarely and in small quantity, then this is a natural process, especially in old trees. If leaf fall is intense, then this may indicate insufficient lighting, improper watering or lack of nitrogen in the soil. The reason for this may be a sharp change in regime (temperature, light). If the plant begins to turn yellow after transplantation, then the cause is most likely a violation of technology. Make sure that the root neck is not too deep. A pot that is too large can also cause yellowing.

All these processes need to be reviewed, conditions favorable for the tree must be created, and the plant will begin to recover.

• Brown leaves most often indicate improper feeding. It is necessary to reduce the amount of fertilizer and strictly adhere to the recipe.
• The leaves dry out due to dry air in the room. It is necessary to spray the tree more often with a spray bottle, wipe the leaves with a sponge, cover the heating devices and use a humidifier.
• Leaves curl due to excess ultraviolet rays. To solve the problem, the tree needs to be shaded.
• “Rust” spots on the leaves also indicate improper watering. This process needs to be regulated.
• Red spots on the trunk of a tree indicate insufficient drainage, damage to the trunk or excess fertilizer. A light solution of vitriol is suitable for treating already damaged areas. After this, the cracks are rubbed with a special garden varnish.
• If the bush begins to shrink and dry out, then the reason for this lies in insufficient feeding. Mandarin must be provided useful vitamins and minerals.

But even high-quality care is not enough to avoid some diseases.

Some diseases can also affect the tangerine tree.

• Anthracnose causes deformation of the bark, yellowing and falling leaves. The affected parts of the tree must be carefully cut off and destroyed, and it is recommended to use Fitosporin to treat the entire plant.
• Scab begins to appear as small transparent spots. Subsequently, gray “warts” are formed from them. Bordeaux mixture is used for treatment. You need to spray the entire bush with it three times.

One should not exclude such a threat as all kinds of pests.

They are almost invisible, but can cause irreparable harm to the plant.

• Spider mite. It manifests itself as cobwebs on the leaves and red dots on the stems. This pest thrives in dry, hot microclimates. To combat it, you first need to clean the wood with a brush and then water it with a contrast shower. The soil must be sprinkled with ash and the entire procedure repeated after 10 days. A mixture of tobacco dust and laundry soap is suitable for spraying. A spoonful of dust and a spoonful of grated soap are dissolved in water and infused for 5-6 hours. You need to spray the solution 2-3 times a week.

• Aphid. If there is a large amount, you must first thoroughly wash the plant with a solution of laundry soap. A decoction of wormwood or nettle is suitable for treating damaged leaves. It is recommended to spray the leaves with garlic water. To prepare it, one clove is infused in a glass of water for two days. The tree needs to be treated with the solution several times a week.
• Shield. Signs of infection are brown bumps and dried, yellowed bushes. First, use a brush to clean the plant from insects. Wash the tree and its location with soapy water. To spray, you need to dissolve a little soap, two tablespoons of washing powder and a teaspoon of machine oil in water. 3-4 hours after treatment, the plant should be rinsed with water. Repeat the procedures three times a month.
• Mealybug. With its appearance, white sticky spots form on the leaves. The leaves fall asleep and fall off. The best folk remedy the fight is a soap solution. You need to wipe the tree with it and spray it once a week.

To combat uninvited “guests” you can also use special means (for example, “Fitoverm”, “Karbofos” or “Aktellik”). It is necessary to wipe the leaves and trunk with the solution. To improve the effect, the bush can be packed in plastic for a couple of hours. It is important to note that the fruits after this procedure cannot be eaten for at least a week.

As preventive measures You can consider treating the leaves with soap foam. At the same time, it should not get into the soil, so it is recommended to cover the pot first.

How to replant and how often to do it?

As the tangerine tree grows and its root system expands, replanting into a pot is required bigger size. The young plant must be replanted every year in early spring before flowering begins. After reaching 4 years of age, a transplant is needed every 3-4 years.

This culture does not like large containers, so new pot You only need to choose a size larger than the previous one.

Tangerine transplantation is carried out by transferring the entire earthen clod. To make the tree easier to remove, the soil needs to be watered - this will reduce the adhesion of the soil and the walls of the pot. Next, you can lightly tap the pot with your palms so that the lump of earth moves away from it. After this, the plant is carefully removed and transferred to another place. First you need to lay a layer of clean drainage on the bottom of the new pot. The tree is installed and covered with earth. There is no need to compact the soil too hard. It is important to ensure that the root collar (small compaction between the root and the trunk) is only partially covered with soil. Otherwise, the tree will take a long time to take root and will begin to hurt.

It’s easy to learn how to properly care for a tangerine tree at home. You just need to follow the recommendations, and then the plant will delight you for a long time with a lush crown, beautiful fragrant flowers and fruits.

To learn how to grow a tangerine tree from a seed at home, see the following video.