Mandarin Tree Guide (forum)

Gradmaster Yoda starts with ...
Okay so I have a potted emperor mandarin tree. I did a bit of research and found that it is recommended to have the tree it direct sunlight all day, as it prefers a hot direct sun. Now, I don't know if these guides are taking South Australian weather into account cause some days it gets bloody hot. I assume I should use my own judgement and take it under shade on those extreme days. But what about when I eventually transfer the tree into the ground? Should I be prepared to give it a shade cloth on extreme days? Or just hope its strong enough to survive? Thanks.

Time: 12th March 2019 10:40am

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About the Author Gradmaster Yoda
Aldinga
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Julie says...
Citrus can take a lot of sun - I live in hot, dry WA, and we get plenty!

I have oranges, lemon, grapefruit, cumquat and mandarin in the ground, out in the open, and they are fine. But I have one Imperial mandarin in a bonsai bag that gets less sun, and it is heavy with fruit ATM. It gets sun all afternoon and is doing well.

You shouldn't need shade cloth over them,- they are quite hardy.

PS While the weather is still hot and it is in a pot, you could wrap something around it to protect from the heat. Even layers of newspaper would do.


Time: 12th March 2019 8:10pm

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Original Post was last edited: 18th March 2019 6:21pm

About the Author Julie
Roleystone WA
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Gradmaster Yoda says...
Thanks Julie. Also would you say the tree looks healthy? I notice some leaves curling up and I'm not sure if that's normal. It's my first tree.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 13th March 2019 5:22pm

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David01 says...
Hi Gradmaster Yoda,

Your pot is too small for the Emperor plant. The sign indicated it lacks of water especially during the hot day. Either change to a larger pot or put a tray under the pot to provide extra water when it needs. Cheers.

Time: 15th March 2019 12:12pm

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About the Author David01
CRAIGIEBURN,3064,VIC
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Gradmaster Yoda says...
I only ask cause I'm aware that they like it hot and dry but whenever it is hot and dry the tree seems unhappy and the leaves deform.

Time: 15th March 2019 2:12pm

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Julie says...
Yoda, citrus may like a hot, dry climate, but they need plenty of water, especially in pots. I agree with David - the pot looks too small. That may be why the leaves are curling.

Time: 18th March 2019 6:20pm

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About the Author Julie
Roleystone WA
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Potty Bob 1 says...
Definitely needs a bigger pot , &quote;it's best to wash the roots off and start with fresh soil when repotting citrus&quote; . ( says the old citrus guy on gardening Australia ).

Time: 19th March 2019 3:32pm

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Gradmaster Yoda says...
*UPDATE*

I took David's advice and put a tray under the pot (btw the picture perspective has made the pot look much smaller then it actually is) and the tree pretty much instantly looks much better. I've also been lightly misting the leaves and very top of the soil early mornings on the days between watering and putting a bit of extra water in the tray as well.

I suppose once I have had the tree for a while I will get used to how it reacts and the amount of water it needs based on weather.

Thanks both of you!

Time: 19th March 2019 8:17pm

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About the Author Gradmaster Yoda
Aldinga
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