Which Citrus variety to choose?

The Citrus genus offers several citrus varieties suitable for pot cultivation. Here’s how the Citrus Calamondin stands out from other varieties in our catalog:

• Citrus Calamondin (this plant): compact indoor orange tree, small decorative tangy orange fruits, very floriferous, adapts perfectly to bright indoor conditions. Decorative miniature variety.
• Citrus Lemon: classic lemon tree, standard-sized yellow lemons, generous production, prefers sunny outdoor conditions. Classic productive variety.

Why choose Citrus Calamondin? If you’re looking for a compact and decorative citrus that adapts perfectly to a bright interior with generous flowering and small orange fruits that remain decorative for months, the Calamondin is the perfect choice. Easier to grow in an apartment than the classic lemon tree.

Exposure & location

The Citrus Calamondin enjoys full sun to partial shade and adapts perfectly to cultivation in a bright interior near a window.

• Exposure: full sun to partial shade (minimum 4-6 hours of light per day).
• Ideal: bright interior near a south-facing window, sunny balcony or terrace, conservatory, Mediterranean urban garden.
• Temperature: 15 to 25 °C year-round, minimum 10 °C in winter.
• Substrate: rich, well-drained, citrus potting soil with compost.

Verdeia Tip: The Calamondin tolerates indoor conditions better than the classic lemon tree — perfect for bright apartments.

Watering & care

• Watering: regular; keep the substrate slightly moist without waterlogging, especially during fruiting.
• Frequency: about 2-3 times per week in summer, reduce in winter.
• Drainage: essential — use a pot with holes and a saucer.
• Humidity: prefers 50-60% humidity, regularly mist the foliage indoors.
• Fertilizer: every 2 weeks in spring-summer with a special citrus fertilizer rich in nitrogen and iron.
• Pruning: light pruning at the end of winter to maintain a compact and airy shape.
• Repotting: every 2-3 years in spring into a slightly larger pot.

Citrus plants are hungry — fertilize regularly with a special citrus fertilizer for abundant fruiting.

Decor ideas & plant pairings

With its small bright orange fruits and fragrant white flowers, the Citrus Calamondin brings a joyful and productive Mediterranean touch to your interior or terrace.

• Pair with: Lavender, Rosemary, Olive, Bougainvillea, or other Mediterranean plants to create a Southern urban garden.
• Ideal pot: terracotta, glazed ceramic, or recycled plastic pot with a saucer to highlight the orange fruits.
• Ambiance: perfect in a bright indoor spot near a window, sunny balcony or terrace, Mediterranean urban garden, veranda.

The small orange fruits remain decorative for several months — enjoy their bright color all year round.

Verdeia Tips

• Adapts to bright indoor spaces — easier to grow in an apartment than the classic lemon tree.
• Generous flowering — fragrant white flowers several times a year.
• Decorative fruits — small bright orange fruits that stay on the plant for months.
• Fertilize regularly — citrus trees are hungry, use a special citrus fertilizer.
• Water regularly — avoid water stress that causes fruit drop.
• Mists indoors — increases humidity to recreate the Mediterranean atmosphere.
• Manual pollination possible — use a brush to transfer pollen between flowers.
• Watch for scale insects and aphids — treat quickly with black soap.
• Repot every 2-3 years — citrus trees like to have space for their roots.
• Non-toxic — tart edible fruits, safe for children and pets.
• Enchanting fragrance — white flowers scent the air in spring and summer.

Technical characteristics

• Botanical name: Citrus × microcarpa
• Common name: Calamondin, Indoor Orange, Calamansi
• Family: Rutaceae
• Origin: Philippines and Southeast Asia
• Adult size: up to 100–150 cm in a pot
• Exposure: full sun to partial shade (minimum 4-6 hours of light per day)
• Watering: regular, keep the substrate slightly moist
• Care: easy to moderate (requires regular fertilization)
• Toxicity for animals: non-toxic (edible fruits)
• Decorative style: Mediterranean / Fruity / Bright indoor
• Particularity: small decorative orange fruits, fragrant white flowers, evergreen foliage, adapts to bright indoor spaces

Each plant is unique: the photos show an example of its appearance. The presence of fruits and flowers naturally varies according to the season.