Calamondin(mini orange tree) indoor citrus advice

[8-P]

Hello All

I have a split personality calamondin tree. It sits in my kitchen on a south facing window ledge.

On one hand the tree is pushing out new growth whilst on the other it is dropping leaves.

I’ve had the tree 3 or 4 years and potted on once. At the moment I water once a week with winter feed and make sure it isn’t sat in water.

Any other tips on avoiding leaf drop? Perhaps it’s just lack of light at this time of year.

[Simpo Two]

8-P said:

On one hand the tree is pushing out new growth whilst on the other it is dropping leaves.

I’ve had the tree 3 or 4 years and potted on once. At the moment I water once a week with winter feed and make sure it isn’t sat in water.

Does it actually need watering every week? It may prefer getting a little bit dry in-between waterings. Also does it really need feed? Winter is a time when plants relax and take it easy - the feed may be what's causing the new leaf growth. I would say less water, less feed - save those for the spring when the days are longer and the plant wants to grow. Right now it wants a rest.

[8-P]

Perhaps I’ll extend intervals to 10 days then. If that doesn’t work maybe 2 weeks. The feed is a specific winter feed, but perhaps drop that back to once a month.

https://www.crocus.co.uk/product/_/vitax-winter-ci...

[Bonefish Blues]

Yes to feeding every watering, but don't water if still damp - let it dry out almost fully between waterings.

[8-P]

So, the plant has dropped nearly all of its original leaves and is busy replacing them with new ones. The bad news is I’ve seen it drop a few of these recently too.

I repotted it about a month ago, bigger pot, proper compost. Watering was every 2 weeks but I shall move to 3 weeks. I also read they don’t like sunny winter days / hot leaves and cold roots being the issue. With this in mind I’ve put it in a north facing window but beginning to wonder if it’s worth the effort!