Temperature for Bonsai Orange Plants

Ideal Temperature Range

• Calamondins will perform best when temperatures fall within a range between 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit the calamandin's growth will suffer. However, the calamondin can tolerate much lower temperatures before it experiences cold-related injury or death.

Cold Hardiness

• The calamondin has greater cold-hardiness than most other citrus species. The only citrus that demonstrates more tolerance to low temperatures are the kumquat and the trifoliate orange. The calamondin is hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This characteristic makes it a suitable container plant in cooler regions that generally cannot support citrus.

Growing Location

• Calamondins typically perform better outdoors than in the house environment. This small citrus grows and fruits best if grown outdoors in direct sunlight or half shade and should thus be kept outdoors during warm summer months. When grown indoors or seasonally relocated to the interior, the calamondin should be kept in a well-lit area, though the tree can receive only medium light intensity in mid-winter.

Additional Care Considerations

• Several additional cultural and environmental factors influence the success of a bonsai orange. Water plants only when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Use a slow-release fertilizer as recommended throughout the year but fertilize sparingly during low-light and low-temperature winter months. Wipe the leaves with a damp sponge regularly to prevent mite and scale infestations. Like other container-grown citrus, calamondin trees may become root-bound. Consider re-potting the plant every few years or maintain a small specimen with regular pruning.