Kumquat at home: features of cultivation and reproduction. A beautiful plant from China - citrus Fortunella (kinkan, kumquat) Tree care
Kumquat is an exotic plant that captivates with its beauty. It is successfully grown and propagated by gardeners at home. As practice shows, not in the natural habitat, but when proper care this ornamental tree even bears fruit. Therefore, growing kumquat at home is of interest to both flower growers and gardeners.
Botanical information about the plant
The birthplace of the described fruit is China. It was from there that kumquats were exported to America and Europe. Translated from Latin, its name means “golden orange”. In Japan, the tree is usually called by the modified word “Kinkan”, which means “golden apple”.
The plant is dwarf, tree-like. IN natural conditions grows up to 4.5 m in height, in domestic plants - up to 1.65 m. Forms a highly branched, dense, densely leafy crown of small, smooth, dark green leaf plates.
During flowering, the kumquat is covered with small white flowers with a pinkish tint, located singly or collected in small inflorescences. Forms fruits that are similar in appearance to tangerines, but differ in size. Kumquat is much smaller than the usual oranges. One fruit reaches a maximum of 30-35 g. Externally covered with a thin skin of bright orange color like citrus fruits.
The taste of kumquat is balanced due to its aromatic sweet skin and slightly sour pulp.
It blooms for 2-3 months, after which it enters a period of active fruiting. Fruits ripen towards the end of winter - towards the beginning of spring. By this period, the tree acquires more decorative look.
Features of planting and growing plants
Kumquats, like all members of the citrus genus, grow from seeds, cuttings, layering and grafting. This plant is exotic in our region of residence, so it can not be purchased in every supermarket. This is what encourages flower growers to become interested in the issue of growing kumquat at home from seed.
Let us clarify right away that this process is labor-intensive and requires time and effort.
In order for the seed to germinate, it is planted in a moist soil mixture consisting of sand and garden soil in a 1:1 ratio. Required condition is to maintain optimal humidity environment where the seed is located, otherwise the plant will not be able to hatch. A seedling with 4 leaves usually appears after 6-8 weeks. Further cultivation kumquat at home comes down to standard scheme- the plant is transplanted into another container after a couple of months, as it gets stronger.
Plant propagation by grafting is also common. To do this, you will need strong seedlings with a stem thickness of at least 10 mm. Experts advise grafting kumquat onto grapefruit rootstock during active movement juices At this time, the sprout takes root within 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by cuttings is carried out regardless of the time of year, and the procedure itself is no different from the propagation methods of other fruit crops. Young cuttings are simply cut and kept in a special liquid substance stimulating growth. After this, at an angle they land in wet soil, waiting for root formation.
Secrets of successfully growing fortunella, or kumquat, at home
Planting a houseplant begins not with the procedure itself, but long before that - with the selection of a pot. The container is selected depending on the size of the tree you want to grow. Compact dwarf - in a small pot, but such a tree does not always bear fruit. By choosing a large pot, you can get more than just ornamental plant, but a full-fledged fruit-bearing tree. Regardless of the volume of the vessel, try to choose a container made from natural raw materials, mainly clay.
Before planting a kumquat, treat the pot with boiling water. Do not forget about the drainage layer at the bottom, which will prevent stagnation of moisture during watering, which contributes to rotting of the roots.
What to plant in?
It is better to buy the substrate at a specialized center or store, and it is better to take a specific mixture - for citrus fruits. Why is it recommended to use a purchased substance for planting and growing kumquat from seeds at home? Because it already contains a number necessary components, minerals and nutrients.
When preparing it yourself, try to mix the ingredients in the same proportions. For this you will need:
- peat;
- fertile land;
- compost or humus;
- sand.
When planting, the seeds are deepened 2 centimeters into the ground. Grown seedlings are planted so that root collar was approximately at the same level with the soil surface.
How to water and fertilize
In the cold season, the plant needs 1-2 waterings per week, in spring and autumn - every other day, in summer - daily. Watering is done in the morning with warm, settled water, since cold liquid can cause kumquat leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
In summer, the tree needs constant spraying, especially if the house or apartment has a dry microclimate, and in winter it is enough to wipe the leaves with a damp sponge.
Be sure to cover upper layer soil in the pot with mulch or moss, so it will dry out less.
Rules for growing kumquat at home include spring fertilizers during the active growing season. Mineral and organic fertilizers containing nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are well accepted by the plant.
It would be advisable to use nitrogen complexes before the plant enters the flowering period. During set and fruiting, kumquat needs potassium-phosphorus fertilizers. In the warm season (spring and summer), the tree is often fertilized, applying complexes 2-3 times a month, in the fall - 1-2 times a month. With the onset of the dormant period, feeding is canceled.
Kumquat responds well to both root and foliar feeding. When applying fertilizers, follow the recommended scheme when growing nagami kumquat at home:
- Spray with nutrient sprays before the plant begins to bloom. When carrying out the procedure when the plant forms ovaries or fruits ripen on the tree, make sure that drops of the solution fall only on the foliage.
- Apply fertilizing in the morning or evening, when the sun is not so hot, otherwise the plant will overheat and overheat.
- Before applying root fertilizers, make sure that the soil is moistened, since the roots may get burned if they come into contact with the fertilizer.
Trimming Features
Growing kumquat at home involves pruning the plant in the spring. During this period, the crown of the tree is formed. No more than three shoots are left on the main branches, and the rest are disposed of. The remaining branches are slightly shortened, thus stimulating the growth of young shoots.
How to replant a decorative tangerine
Transplantation through transshipment occurs systematically, once every 2-3 years. Try not to disturb the earthen ball, otherwise there is a risk of plant death. The soil and drainage layer from the pot are thrown away and replaced with a new one.
Please note that replanting should be carried out in early spring, before the plant begins to grow.
Feeding and fertilizer application scheme
Fruiting cannot be achieved without regular feeding. The frequency of their application is determined by the following factors:
- age and condition of the kumquat tree;
- soil used for growing kumquat fruit at home;
- pot volume.
If the container is small, fertilizing is applied more often. With the onset of the active growth phase, the plant needs systematic feeding with a phosphate-potassium complex, which is recommended to be applied once every ten days. During the plant's dormant period, it is enough to do this once a month.
When growing kumquat at home, caring for it consists of a number of rules, including fertilizing the plant, without which fruiting and normal development of the fruit cannot be achieved.
DIY fertilizer
You can prepare the mixture for feeding the plant yourself at home. Complex fertilizer for kumquat consists of the following ingredients:
- water - 1 l;
- ammonium nitrate - 1/4 tsp;
- potassium chloride - 1/8 tsp;
- simple superphosphate - 1/2 tsp.
In addition, the plant responds well to the addition of wood ash infusion.
What ails a tree
More than 50% of diseases affecting citrus plants cause disruption of its growth and development. Symptoms of damage by pests or bacteria include:
- leaf spot;
- modification of the shape and color of the plates;
- paniculation of shoots;
- drying out of the plant;
- formation of growths.
Fungal and bacterial diseases, including anthracnose, warts, gommosis and many others, are successfully treated. Having identified the diseased state of the plant, remove all the fruits or buds from the tree to save its strength and use it for restoration. Next, treat the kumquat with fungicides, and this process will not be enough with just one treatment. Growing and caring for kumquat at home during plant illness involves diligent therapy in order to restore vital energy.
It is important to remember that for preventive purposes and to prevent the development of fungal and bacterial diseases, you need to treat the plant with a one percent solution of Bordeaux mixture no more than 3 times during one period of plant growth.
How to Treat Kumquat Trees
Trees infected with a virus and suffering from xyloporosis, thripez and other diseases cannot be completely cured. You can only contain the spread of the disease for a while or maintain the plant in optimal condition for as long as possible.
Growing kumquat at home is quite possible, the main thing is to provide it with proper care. As a result, you will receive an amazingly beautiful, graceful tree that not only decorative function, but also pleasing with tasty and healthy fruits.
These are all the secrets of growing kumquat at home, by adhering to which you can turn the process of cultivating the plant into a procedure that brings pleasure and not trouble.
The domestic kumquat (kinkan) is a small tree, no more than 1.5 m high. It actively bushes, forming a round, compact, dense crown with large green leaves. During the fruiting period, it is covered with numerous white-pink fragrant flowers, which makes the plant decorative and attractive in appearance.
IN room conditions The growth period of this crop lasts from April to May. Lasts for 1-2 months. A young kumquat has two growth periods, an adult - one. The average growth is 5-8 cm. Flowering begins in September. The fruits ripen in late February - early March.
Kumquat at home
At indoors The tree is propagated mainly by cuttings. Cuttings can be carried out year-round, but rooting will be faster and easier if this work is carried out in April-May. Before planting, the cuttings are treated with a growth stimulator, which will speed up the root formation process. For cutting cuttings, shoots of healthy, fruit-bearing individuals are selected. The shoots should be green and flexible, 5-9 cm long with 2-3 buds. The leaf blades of the cuttings are cut by 1/3 or 2/3 depending on their size. The lower sections of the cuttings are sprinkled with crushed charcoal, this will prevent them from rotting. Root the kinkan in a small container filled with soil mixture. The top of the stalk is covered glass jar, thereby creating greenhouse conditions for it, which is necessary for better rooting. A drainage layer consisting of sand or small stones is placed at the bottom of the container. The bottom layer is covered with sphagnum moss, and a layer of soil is poured on top. The soil is covered with a layer river sand(3-4 cm). 3-5 cuttings are placed in one pot with a diameter of 7-10 cm to a depth of 2-3 cm. The container is placed in a warm place under diffused sunlight.
Homemade kumquat
Kumquats can also be propagated by seeds at home, but individuals grown by seed begin to bear fruit 8-10 years after planting.
The seeds are planted in a pot with a mixture of fertile soil and river sand. The top is covered with polyethylene. The first shoots will appear in 1-2 months. Seedlings with 4-5 leaves are transplanted into separate containers. When transplanting, the seedlings are carefully removed from the pot and planted in separate containers.
When propagating by layering on a fruit-bearing plant, an annual shoot about 20 cm long is selected. 2 round cuts are made in the bark 10 cm above the base of the shoot at a distance of 1 cm from each other. The cut ring is then removed from the bark. Leaves located 5 cm above and below the ring are cut off. Plastic container with a diameter of 7-9 cm, cut lengthwise in the center. On the bottom halves, 2 semicircles are cut out in the center, equal to the thickness of the shoot. The container is tied to the shoot so that the cut of the bark is located in the center of it. The two parts of the container are connected with wire and filled with a substrate consisting of peat and sand. As the substrate dries, moisten it. After a month, roots will form above the ring cut. After 2 months, the shoot located below the bottom is cut off, the halves of the container are separated, and the plant with the lump is transplanted into a new container.
When propagated by grafting, kinkan seedlings are used as a rootstock, the base thickness of which is 0.5-0.9 cm. Poncirus trifolia can also serve as a rootstock.
Indoor kumquat is grafted during the period of sap flow and active shoot growth.
When citrus is propagated by cuttings, layering and grafting, trees bear fruit earlier than with the seed propagation method. Grafted individuals are more resistant to adverse external factors.
Caring for indoor kumquat at home
When growing kumquat at home, you should provide the plant with proper and regular care.
This culture is light, warm and moisture-loving. Needs good lighting, but away from direct sunlight. In winter, if there is a shortage sunlight artificial lighting is created, the pot is placed on a window facing the south side. In summer the tree is taken out into the garden.
When the air is excessively dry and there is a lack of moisture, the kinkan sheds its leaves, so it is necessary to monitor the condition of the soil and the crown of the tree, water regularly, and in extreme heat and when the heating is on, spray the crown. Settled water should be used for irrigation room temperature, because watering cold water causes yellowing and falling of leaves. In winter, it is enough to water citrus 1-2 times a week.
Caring for kumquat at home also includes periodic feeding. from March to September they feed 2 times a month, the rest of the time - 1 time a month. An aqueous solution consisting of ammonium nitrate (2-3 g), potassium salt (1-2 g), superphosphate (4-6 g) is used as a fertilizer. Fertilizers are dissolved in 1 liter of warm water.
When growing kumquat at home, the plant is transplanted. Fruiting individuals are replanted in February-March every 2-3 years. Transplantation is carried out using the transshipment method, avoiding damage to intertwined roots.
Residents of the Country rising sun This cute little fruit is called “kinkan”, which translates as “golden orange”. The fruits of this exotic plant They really do look like miniature oranges, although the taste is similar to tangerines. We are talking about kumquat, a crop introduced to Southeast Asia in the century before last. Translated from Chinese, namely China is considered the birthplace of this citrus tree, kumquat means “golden apple”. Many people dream of growing an evergreen tree with fragrant fruits at home. And this is quite easy to do.
Preparing for landing
Seeds from dried or processed fruits are not at all suitable for growing kumquat. In order to plant kumquats, you need fresh seeds from fully ripened fruits, which can be purchased at the store. The maturity of the seeds is confirmed by a uniform dark color. Before planting, several processing procedures must be carried out.
For rinsing, pour into a small container warm water and put the seeds there. Lightly stir the water with a wooden stick, forcing the seeds to clear the outer inhibitory layer that prevents their germination. After a few minutes, the water is drained, leaving the seeds. After removing excess skin, kumquat seeds are placed on gauze in a saucer, filled with a small amount of water and put in a warm place, for example, under a radiator. You need to make sure that the gauze does not dry out and periodically add water. On the third day, you should add a means to stimulate seed germination, such as Epin, to the saucer.
Subtleties of sowing seeds
To grow kumquat, it is better to purchase a specialized soil for citrus plants , he contains essential microelements. Suitable as a container flower pot, at the bottom of which drainage is poured in a layer of 6–8 cm. Kumquat is a tropical plant, so you need to plant the seeds in moist and non-loosened soil. The seeds are lightly pressed into the soil and sprinkled with a thin layer of soil. It is better to sow several seeds at once, because the kumquat is quite slow to germinate; subsequently, the excess sprouts can be removed, leaving the strongest ones, or simply replanted. For creating greenhouse effect The crops in the pot must be covered with glass or a film stretched over the top, and then put in a dark and warm place.
Before emergence, you need to monitor the soil moisture, not allowing it to dry out, but also not watering it, because excess water can cause the seeds to rot and die. Sprouts begin to emerge from the ground in the second month after planting at a temperature not lower than 20° C. After sprouting, the film or glass must be removed from the container, otherwise the kumquat will simply suffocate and die. To obtain maximum illumination, the pot with the plant should be moved to a windowsill closer to the light, preferably to the south.
Picking and transplanting
If there are several seedlings, then after the fourth true leaf appears, the seedlings are planted in separate pots. The height of the container will determine the growth level of the future tree. To stimulate the growth of lateral roots, it is worth pruning the plant's root. This procedure should be carried out at the beginning of the blooming of the second pair of true leaves. To do this, at a short distance from the sprout, pierce the soil with a sharp knife, cutting the long main root. After about two weeks, the root will begin to grow in width, then you can carefully, without touching the roots, transplant each seedling together with a lump of earth into a separate pot.
Watering and fertilizing
In summer, the future tree needs to be watered daily; its roots cannot tolerate drying out of the soil. IN winter time water moderately, focusing on soil moisture, on average no more than once a week. Only warm, settled water should be used for irrigation. From March to September, when the kumquat is actively growing, you need to fertilize the soil 2-3 times a month; the rest of the time, 1 fertilizing every 1.5 months is enough. Fertilizers for the tree are suitable, as for other citrus fruits, mineral ones. For example, you can feed kumquats with the following mixture:
- 2 g ammonium nitrate;
- 2 g potassium salt;
- 5 g simple superphosphate;
- 1 liter of water.
You can also use a solution made from wood ash.
Kumquat care
IN winter period the plant needs large quantities sunlight, so it should be on the brightest windowsill. If necessary, it must be illuminated with a lamp. IN summer time The kumquat prefers diffused light, and besides, it can and should be taken out into the garden or vegetable garden, onto the balcony so that the tree is well ventilated. For proper development, a kumquat needs sufficient air humidity. If it gets too dry, it may lose its leaves. In summer, the plant will feel comfortable at a temperature of 25–30° C, but in winter 15–18° C is enough. In hot weather, kumquat must be sprayed with warm water.
Transfer trees are planted before the spring growth of shoots every 3–4 years. As a bisexual plant, the kumquat is self-pollinating, but to be sure of the result, it is worth keeping at least a couple of such trees at home for cross-pollination. The first small fruits can be obtained no earlier than the 10th year. Kumquats grown from seeds will require grafting to bear fruit earlier.
At home, kumquat growth begins in April and lasts up to two months. Young plants grow in height twice a year by an average of 8 cm. With proper care at home, the kumquat reaches 1.5 m in height. Young shoots branch chaotically, so to form a neat and strong crown of a tree you need to pinch the ends of the shoots annually, preventing them from growing haphazardly.
Flowering and fruiting
The kumquat blooms in mid-July; small white flowers are successfully collected in brushes for pollination. Flowering occurs in two stages with a difference of 2–3 weeks. The fruits begin to set by the beginning of winter, and the first ripen at the end of December. Bright orange or golden oranges weigh on average 30 g, are oval or round, each cut diameter is up to 2 cm, length – 5–6 cm. The exotic tree bears fruit almost all winter, the last fruits ripen in February. The taste of the pulp is sour, but the thin skin is sweet, so the kumquat can be eaten with the skin. The calorie content of each orange does not exceed 60 kcal per 100 g.
Application and benefits
Kumquat contains many useful substances:
- potassium;
- calcium;
- vitamin A;
- vitamin C;
- a large number of essential oils.
Kumquat fruits nourish the body useful substances, help in the treatment of colds and fungal infections. Small oranges are delicious fresh and are successfully used in cooking. Kumquat is used to make preserves, jams, marmalade and candied fruits, if, of course, the harvest turns out to be plentiful.
Decorative properties of kumquat
When kept at home, the kumquat undergoes shaping, which means that you can achieve any height and width that is required. Kumquat is popular for creating bonsai, so a disheveled crown is unlikely to suit it. And even if you set out to grow a tree just for the sake of experiment, it’s still worth enjoying the beautiful autumn bloom plants. When it’s snowy winter outside, and orange fruits appear on the tree like lights, a summer atmosphere and a wonderful, warm mood reign in the room.
Citrus plants are quite popular among domestic gardeners. Many people would like to have in their home forever green bush, and not only grown with your own hands, but also bearing fruit. This is a plant called kumquat. What kind of plant is this and how to care for kumquat at home - such questions should be considered by every self-respecting gardener.
This evergreen tree came to us from China. When it was introduced to Europe and America in the 20th century, the plant's popularity quickly increased. Another characteristic name of the flower is Japanese orange. Now anyone can grow a kumquat from a seed, since such a plant is no longer rare in our country. It looks like a compact shrub. Large sizes he is no different. When the tree blooms, it is dotted with white or pink inflorescences that emit a pleasant aroma.
Orange fruits resemble oranges, but are oval in shape. These citrus fruits are highly valued not only for their taste, but their consumption will have a beneficial effect on your health. Interestingly, the core of a kumquat is more reminiscent of a tangerine. But such a mix is not the only highlight of the fruit. It can be eaten with the peel on, which is another plus.
Content requirements
You can grow kumquat from seed at home without much difficulty. But there are two key rules, without which the care of such a plant will not be complete, is lighting and moisture. How to care for a tree at home? First, remember that kumquat should not be placed in that part of the apartment where open rays enter. Lighting should be diffused. But this applies to the warm season. In winter, without any twinge of conscience, display a flower pot with kumquat in the southern part of your home. Another important nuance, related to winter care behind the plant - ventilation. From time to time the room must be penetrated Fresh air, but avoid drafts.
Landing rules
How to grow Nagami kumquat - many gardeners ask a similar question. The main thing is to ensure that the kumquat is planted and fully grown at home. The first thing you should pay attention to is the quality of the land. Optimal choice– plant the plant in a mixture of sand and. If you want to root system has taken root faster, it can be stimulated to do so by adding a little humus to the soil mixture. Otherwise, the planting rules are no different from the process of rooting other indoor plants.
Feeding and fertilizer
Growing and caring for kumquats is not difficult. Fortunella or kumquat is not too demanding, but when it comes to feeding the soil with nutrient mixtures, you should not neglect the recommendations of specialists. The need to add certain components to the soil, as well as the optimal time for feeding, depends not only on the age of the plant, but also on the season.
During the period of active growth of vegetative mass, it is recommended to feed Fortunella at least twice a week.
While only leaves are developing, give preference to nitrogen fertilizing. In the future, it is better to switch to potassium and phosphorus nutrient mixtures. Few people know that in certain cases, adding fertilizers to the soil can only harm the plant. This happens if you feed a green shrub immediately after replanting or while it is still depleted after a disease.
This should be done more often; in winter, the breaks between waterings should not be the shortest. Be sure to heat the water. Never water the plant with cold water, otherwise it will drop all its leaves.
Formation of the plant crown
Growing Fortunella seems to be quite a labor-intensive process. But for those who can understand its basic subtleties, everything else will no longer be so frightening.
Diseases and pests
All this signals impending danger. Often the plant is susceptible to fungal diseases. They can be cured by using special fungicides. But since the bush is affected by such pests, it is recommended to remove the fruits or inflorescences of the kumquat. In the future it is better to resort to preventive measures so that such a threat does not befall you again. Dilute Bordeaux mixture with water and spray the bush several times during active growth.
Remember: the greatest danger to kumquat is viral diseases. They often cannot be eradicated. That's why it's better to learn to protect indoor tree from unfavorable factors external environment. Take care of your house plant and get a true decoration for your home!
Video “Homemade kumquat”
From this video you will learn how to grow kumquats yourself.
Kumquat, golden orange or kinkan - attractive indoor plant with tropical orange fruits. Kumquat at home looks aesthetically attractive, reminiscent of a small tree or bonsai with an evergreen crown. Beneficial features and the taste of the fruit is in no way inferior to the famous citrus fruits. If necessary, the plant can be given the shape of a bush, the height of which will depend on the size of the flowerpot. At home, an exotic tree will delight the eye if it is provided with suitable conditions.
Description of the plant
The kumquat first appeared in China, and later became widespread in Europe and America. IN wildlife The size of the tree reaches 4.5 m, in indoor conditions - no more than 1.5 m.
The dense crown is highly branched, the branches are densely covered with small, smooth, dark green leaves. When growing kumquat at home, the flowering period begins in April or late May and lasts up to 50 days. The flowers have a pleasant aroma and are colored White color with a soft pink tint, can be located both in inflorescences and individually.
60–90 days after flowering, the plants begin to bear fruit. Full ripening of the fruit occurs by early spring. During this period, the tree looks especially attractive. The fruits look like small oranges weighing up to 30 g, the peel is thin and has a bright orange color. The flesh tastes sour, and the skin is sweet, so you don’t have to remove it.
Kumquat varieties suitable for home cultivation
Almost all varieties of kinkan that grow in nature are suitable for independent cultivation. Several varieties are most popular among specialists and amateurs.
Nagami
The most common type, which is actively used by designers and flower growers. Brings sweet fruits, similar in size and configuration to olives. Nagami has several subspecies:
- Variegatum. Distinguished by original stripes on the fruits after ripening decorative effect disappears.
- Nordmann. A seedless variety of plant.
Nagami is often used in the art of bonsai.
Marumi
Japanese variety kumquat is a small thorny shrub. The fruits are oval in shape and golden-orange in color. They have a noble, sweet taste. Marumi tolerates frost well, so in the southern regions it can be grown outside.
Maeva
Dwarf variety with high decorative properties. Quite large yellow-orange fruits are similar to lemons, the taste is slightly sour. The plant is not tall, has oval leaves and a dense crown, which can decorate any interior.
Fukushi
This variety is characterized by the largest and sweetest fruits with a thin skin. The dense branched crown is an excellent option for use in greenhouses and winter gardens.
Before you buy a tree, you need to know how to care for a kumquat. Not only varieties of kinkan are suitable for growing indoors, but also various hybrids of some citrus fruits and kumquat: with tangerine (), (lemonquat), lime (limequat) and others.
Kumquat at home: growing and care
Proper maintenance of the plant requires care and work. Like any citrus fruit, it reacts very sensitively to unfavorable conditions, so it needs increased attention And regular care. The capricious kinkan is attractive and bears a lot of fruit. Despite all the difficulties, growing kumwat at home will be a fun and enjoyable experience.
Location and lighting
To install the flowerpot, select the most sunny place in the apartment there are window sills located on the west or south side. When placed near a window facing east, the tree will live, but develop slowly and bear little fruit. In summer, the plant will need diffused light and protection from direct rays. You can take it out onto the balcony or outside.
Suitable temperature indicators in summer are 25 – 28 degrees, in winter +10 – +12. Intense heat or, conversely, hypothermia should not be allowed. During the cold period, the plant should be provided with rest. To do this, it is located in a cool place, while watering is reduced. This will help prepare home plant kumquat k further development, flowering and harvest formation.
If the wintering place is warm, the tree will need more light. Warm microclimate combined with poor lighting will cause leaves to fall off. After this, the plant is difficult to restore.
Humidity and watering
The tree loves high humidity, grows faster and bears fruit better if available favorable conditions. It is enough to place it in a wide tray with wet expanded clay, spray it with water or use special air humidifiers. It is useful for adult plants to take a shower from time to time, as well as wipe the leaves with a damp sponge.
Caring for kumquat at home is not complete without regular abundant watering. The water should be settled and soft. Hard running moisture will have to be slightly acidified 1 - 2 days before watering, so that all harmful salts precipitate. It is important to monitor soil acidity levels, which should be almost neutral.
The frequency of watering depends on the time of year: in the summer heat the plant needs moisture more often, in winter - much less often. The need can be determined by the condition of the soil. If it has dried more than 4 cm, it’s time to use soft or acidified water. In cold weather at temperatures up to +10 degrees, watering is done once a month.
The tree does not tolerate both deficiency and excess moisture. Flooded roots are prone to rotting; overdried soil will lead to the death of the kinkan. Excess water, leaked onto the pan, completely drains after half an hour.
Pruning and replanting
Trees and shrubs grown from seeds are sometimes tall and branched. To form a beautiful crown and maintain its presentable appearance, kumquat is pruned. The procedure is repeated annually, in spring time. The tips of the shoots are carefully removed so that the crown takes the shape of a semicircle. Pruning is performed not only for aesthetic purposes, but also activates the growth of new branches, which has a beneficial effect on productivity.
A kumquat that bears fruit needs to be replanted once every 2 to 3 years. It should be done before new shoots begin to grow - at the end of winter or at the very beginning of spring. The process involves transferring the plant along with a lump of soil, while it is important not to touch the fragile root system.
After transplanting, the pot is placed in a place sheltered from the sun. Kumwat is sprayed with water every day.
Fertilizer application
Without a regular supply of nutrients, the plant will not bear fruit, so it is important to consider this aspect of care. Based on several factors, the frequency of fertilizing is determined:
- age and condition of the kinkan;
- characteristics of the soil in which the tree grows;
- flowerpot sizes.
If the pot is small, then fertilizers need to be applied more often. At the stage of active growth, phosphorus fertilizing is applied every 10 days. In winter, the procedure is reduced to 1 time per month.
Fertilizers are important for the normal development of kinkan, as well as for high yields. A suitable amount per 1 liter of water is considered to be:
- potassium chloride – 1/8 tsp;
- ammonium nitrate – ¼ tsp;
- simple superphosphate - 0.5 tsp.
Some gardeners who are dealing with the problem of how to grow kumquat at home note a positive effect after adding an infusion of wood ash.
Plant propagation
Kumquat propagation is carried out by several methods:
- bone;
- cuttings;
- ringing sprouts;
- vaccination.
The last two methods are difficult to implement, so only experienced flower growers. Beginners are advised to pay attention to two other methods. Let's look at each of them in more detail.
Reproduction by bone
It is considered the most accessible and popular method. Growing a kumquat from a seed at home is a very real task, but the tree will take a long time to grow, and the first fruits will appear on it only in the 10th year.
The fresh seed is soaked in a root solution for several days, then planted in the central part of the pot to a depth of 1.5 - 2 cm. A universal soil consisting of sand and black soil is suitable for planting. The seed is watered with a large amount of water, the excess of which is drained from the pan. The pot is covered with a piece of glass or plastic film, then placed in a well-lit, cool place.
After a couple of months, shoots with 4–5 leaves appear. After this, the plant is transplanted into a larger pot. It is necessary to care for citrus kumquat, as well as for mature trees.
Cuttings
To carry out the procedure you will need a 10-centimeter branch. healthy plant. There should be several leaves on the cutting; the cut is made from top to bottom along an oblique line. It is worth doing this in April, before the flowers appear. Otherwise, the seedling will take a long time to take root and get sick.
For effective reproduction kumquat cuttings, the twig is covered with a special growth stimulator. The surface of the lower cut is sprinkled with wood ash, then the cutting is planted in suitable container with soil and covered glass vessel. The flowerpot is located in a well-lit place; ventilation and watering are carried out periodically. After 2 months, the plant will be fully prepared for rooting.
Layerings
To create layering when growing kumquat at home, you need to select a shoot up to 20 cm long on an adult plant. In the middle of the sprout, two cuts are made in the bark at a distance of 1 cm from each other. The bark is carefully removed, resulting in a bare, round area on the branch. The foliage under the ring is removed and a piece of bark is placed in the soil.
For layering you will need a plastic bottle or paper bag. The container should be cut into two parts, and a hole should be cut at the bottom corresponding to the diameter of the shoot. The branch is placed inside the bottle, and both parts are secured with tape. A wet mixture of peat and sand is poured into the container. It is important to ensure that the soil does not dry out.
Over time, a new rhizome will form on the branch, and after a couple of months the shoot can be cut off and the bottle removed. The kumquat is being transplanted into a new flowerpot.
Graft
This method will require plant seedlings that have reached a thickness of 1 cm. Experts recommend grafting kumquat onto the rootstock of poncirus or grapefruit.
The procedure is carried out at the stage of active growth and movement of juices along the shoots. After 1.5 months, the eyes take root, and the shoots located above the grafting are cut off to fully develop the crown.
Kumquat grown in this way begins to bear fruit a little later, but the development of the tree occurs much faster. Grafted plants have high resistance to various negative factors.
Pests and diseases
Kumquat suffers from the same diseases as all citrus fruits. The main pathological signs include:
- the appearance of spots on the leaves;
- blizzard frequency of escapes;
- change in color and shape of foliage;
- formation of growths;
- drying out.
The plant often suffers from a bacterial or fungal infection, but it is quite possible to cure it. Existing fruits and buds are removed so that the kumquat does not lose its vigor. After this, repeated treatment with fungicidal preparations is carried out. At the treatment stage, it is important to provide the plant with proper care and attention so that it quickly restores its vitality.
Trispezia viruses, xyloporosis and some others cannot be cured. In the presence of an unfavorable microclimate, the tree is subject to attack spider mite, aphids, scale insects and other pests. You can fight them using special means.
Kumquat is an attractive plant suitable for growing at home. With proper care, it will please the eye and bring useful fruits with exquisite taste.