The mandarin comes from the tropical and subtropical climates of Southwest Asia and is now grown in countless varieties along the so-called “citrus belt”. Basically, caring for a tangerine tree is not difficult, even if the plant is a little capricious and therefore a challenge for the hobby gardener.
How do you properly care for a tangerine tree?
Caring for a tangerine tree requires regular watering with low-lime water, special citrus fertilizer during the growing season, a sunny location, protection from drafts and waterlogging, pruning before the first shoots and overwintering at 10-12 °C.
Pouring
Like all types of citrus, the tangerine tree needs a lot of water, although you have to be careful when watering it. The plant must not be too dry or too moist; excessive humidity in particular leads to the dreaded root rot. It is best to water whenever the surface of the soil in the pot has dried out. The substrate should feel slightly moist but not wet when you poke it with your finger. Rainwater or stale water is best, as the tangerine reacts sensitively to lime.
Fertilize
During the growing season, regular doses of special citrus fertilizer (€9.00 on Amazon) are essential. Start slowly towards the end of the winter break and increase the portions and then slowly reduce them again in the second half of summer. The last time you should fertilize is in September.
When and how to cut
Tangerines are best grown before the first shoots, i.e. H. just before the end of the winter season, brought into shape. You also remove dried and stunted branches, and the crown should also be thinned out.
Pests
Particularly if it is not wintered properly, the tangerine tree is primarily attacked by scale insects, aphids and spider mites. You can usually recognize a scale insect infestation when the leaves and/or the entire plant suddenly stick. Spider mites can be avoided by ensuring high humidity in the winter quarters. All you need to do is mist the tree all over from time to time using a spray bottle.
Diseases
If your tangerine tree loses leaves or they fade or turn yellow, care errors are often the cause. Make sure that the tree
- not too wet
- don't get too dry
- has a fully sunny location
- not in a drafty place
- and fertilized regularly with the right fertilizer
Leaf dropping or yellow-colored leaves usually indicate too little light and/or waterlogging. Leaves that turn light green and may have darker veins are usually an indication of a nutrient deficiency.
Wintering
When temperatures are less than 18 °C, the tangerine tree should be brought indoors. The winter quarters are as bright as possible and only warm between 10 and 12 °C.
Tips & Tricks
Clementines, a modern cross between mandarin and bitter orange, are less sensitive than tangerines and therefore easier to keep.