Question
hi there,
i read your answer to ann's question about her mother's mature orange tree and am writing with my own question...

I have been searching the web for the best advise on caring for my young orange tree (about 1 foot tall bought from garden centre - bearing very small fruits and flowering ) I would just like to know, since my tree is young and in good condition, what's the best routine for me to keep it growing well? The flowers are just fading now, but i noticed an orange drop off  it yesterday. Is this normal for such a small tree?

I am basically watering whenever soil looks dry (eg weekly) but as the summer gets hotter here in England and while the tree is outside on my south facing patio, I wonder if I need  to water it more?
any advice you could give me would be great!
thanks,
Lindsey  

Answer
Hi Lindsey,

Ornamental orange trees are not easy to keep looking good and producing fruit for a longtime. They require maximum direct sunlight when indoors and light shade when moved outside. If you have a lot of cloud cover in England, then you may not be able to provide enough light. Oranges are native to the Mediterranean, Florida, and California where they get a lot of warm temps and brilliant sunshine.

There is no simple formula for watering an orange tree. If it is properly potted, then it should be watered as soon as th top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In very warm temperatures outside that could be every day or so.

Of course, you will have to move it back inside when temps get cold in the fall and that means reducing the light and reducing the watering frequency.

Use an acid-based fertilizer, such a Miracid monthly at half strength.

The fruit should not drop off before it is ripe. Premature fruit drop has many possible causes, including sudden changes in light, soil moisture, and temperature. Yours may be responding to the changes in location. Try to move it as little as possible.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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