How to Take Clippings From a Mini Calamondin

The calamondin orange is a small, very tart member of the citrus family that people can grow as a houseplant. It comes from China, but found its way to the United States at the beginning of the 20th century, according to the Texas A&M University website. It’s an attractive tree that is hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is a suitable patio plant in areas with mild winters. Starting a new tree from a clipping is a method of propagating this plant. It will form roots from a branch tip you plant in potting soil.

Knife or razor
Rooting hormone
Small pot(s)
Potting soil
Screwdriver or pencil
Plastic bag(s)
Twist tie(s)

Instructions

- 1
  Make cuttings in early summer. Choose healthy branch tips and make a clean cut with a sharp knife or razor blade about 4 inches long. Make sure each cutting includes at least two leaf nodes and that none of your cuttings has fruit or flowers.
- 2
  Fill small pots with standard potting soil and water until the soil is saturated. Make one planting hole in the center of each pot with your screwdriver or pencil, making it deep enough to accommodate your cutting about 1 1/2 inches deep. Plant only one cutting in each pot.
- 3
  Dip the cut end of your clipping in a rooting hormone, following product instructions.
- 4
  Insert your clipping into its planting hole, and fill around it with more potting soil. Water again until you see water draining from the pot’s hole.
- 5
  Enclose your potted clipping inside a clear plastic bag, and seal it with a twist tie. This will help to keep the environment humid, which the cutting needs in order to form roots. Keep it away from direct sun, and expect your clipping to form roots within eight weeks.

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