Question
hi,
i went to the mall recently, and i saw this really awesome orange bonsai tree. my
mom didn't get it because she said it would just die because nobody would
know how to take care of it. i am asking you how. i live in CT and it's becoming
warm now, yesterday it was like 75 degrees. again, how do you make it not die?

Answer
The Calamondin Orange Tree -- resembling the Kumquat -- is perfect for Bonsai because it has tiny oranges.  'Citrus Mitis' to botanists, this citrus was imported around 1900 straight out of China.  There's a whole description of Calamondin at the Texas A&M Agricultural website (http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/patiocitrus/calamondin.html).

Bonsai is a whole new way of gardening.  There are special rules, special pots, special plants and especially special pruning techniques to keep a Bonsai plant Bonsai.

If you are interested in this hobby, look over the Bonsai Site Forums (http://forums.bonsaisite.com/index.php?showtopic=2437) and see if this is something you can do.

Although technically hardy to 20 degrees F, notes Texas A&M, "Calamondins do not grow well at temperatures below 55 degrees F."  Note, too, the following features of this citrus in case you are thinking of eating these oranges: ' Rubbing calamondin juice on insect bites banishes the itching and irritation. It bleaches freckles and helps to clear up acne vulgaris and pruritus vulvae. It is taken orally as a cough remedy and antiphlogistic.  Slightly diluted and drunk warm, it serves as a laxative.'

Tell your mom.

I happen to love Citrus in all shapes and sizes, just because they have fragrant bloom in the dead of winter and make fruit.  Bonsai is almost an art, involving the shaping of a potted plant and trimming of roots to ensure its diminutive (in comparison) height.

Lots of Bonasai guides exist out there.  It's one of those things where practice makes perfect.  And I see no reason in the world you shouldn;t give it a shot.  You only live once.  This would be fun.

Let me know how it works out.  And if you have any more questions.