PLNTversePLNTverse
Plants › Fruit in pots

tangerine (Citrus reticulata)

Citrus reticulata is a perennial evergreen plant, growing as a shrub to tree whose branches may bear thorns; sources differ in descriptions of its habit.

LightIt favors full sun and bright conditions; container plants can be kept in ample light, with some shade under hot, intense light.
WaterKeep it moderately moist with good drainage; water thoroughly during active growth without leaving the potting medium waterlogged for prolonged periods or completely dry for long periods, and container plants can be wate
HumidityIt is generally reported to prefer high humidity.
TemperatureThe few available sources report an ideal temperature of about 25–30 °C, with a minimum of about -1 °C and a maximum of about 38 °C. Sources differ on its USDA hardiness-zone classification. It is generally reported to t
Track your tangerine in the PLNTverse app
tangerine illustration

Overview

Citrus reticulata is a perennial evergreen plant, growing as a shrub to tree whose branches may bear thorns; sources differ in descriptions of its habit.

Origin and habitat

Citrus reticulata is native to Asia, but sources differ on a more precise origin, variously encompassing southern or southwestern China, Indochina, Myanmar, northeastern India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. Its original natural habitat is reported to be unclear, and it is now widely cultivated as a fruit tree. It is suited to tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate conditions, with sources particularly indicating suitability to subtropical environments; it is sensitive to severe cold and frost.

Characteristics

Sources differ on mature height, placing it at about 250–800 cm, while the few available sources report a mature spread of about 100–150 cm. The evergreen leaves are glossy and aromatic, ranging from ovate and oblong to elliptic-lanceolate, with serrated margins. The small, fragrant white flowers occur singly or in small clusters, including in the leaf axils, and flowering occurs in spring. The relatively small citrus fruits are nearly spherical and slightly flattened, becoming yellow, orange, or orange-red when mature; the peel is thin, relatively loose, and readily removed by hand, while the flesh separates easily into segments and is described as sweet and aromatic.

Light

It favors full sun and bright conditions; container plants can be kept in ample light, with some shade under hot, intense light.

Watering

Keep it moderately moist with good drainage; water thoroughly during active growth without leaving the potting medium waterlogged for prolonged periods or completely dry for long periods, and container plants can be watered when the medium is nearly dry.

Humidity and airflow

It is generally reported to prefer high humidity.

Temperature and dormancy

The few available sources report an ideal temperature of about 25–30 °C, with a minimum of about -1 °C and a maximum of about 38 °C. Sources differ on its USDA hardiness-zone classification. It is generally reported to tolerate brief light frost.

Growing medium and mounting

It prefers organic-rich, well-drained loam, and sandy material can be added to improve drainage; sources recommend acidic to neutral conditions and explicitly indicate that it does not tolerate waterlogging.

Feeding

Citrus fertilizer can be applied year-round according to product directions, while another source recommends avoiding manure in container-growing media.

Common problems

Citrus plants are reported to be affected by citrus mealybugs, citrus leafminers, citrus red mites, whiteflies, and related sap-sucking pests. Citrus plants are reported to develop citrus black spot, citrus canker, and sweet orange scab. Container media that are either too wet or too dry may reportedly cause yellowing and weakening, and the plant does not tolerate waterlogging. It is sensitive to cold and can be damaged by low temperatures; mature plants withstand only brief light frost, while young plants require greater protection from cold.

Identification

Citrus reticulata is distinguished by often flattened-round fruits with thin peel that is readily removed by hand, together with evergreen glossy leaves, fragrant white flowers, and branches or stems that may bear thorns.

Photos

Citrus reticulata
📷 unknown · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Citrus reticulata
📷 Joe Ravi · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source

Sources