Arcobal Orange Tree

Sometimes called a Blood Meyer, these unusual orange trees are a cross between a blood orange (Citrus aurantium 'Sanguinello) and a sweet Meyer Lemon (Citrus x limon 'Meyer') and they produce really striking oranges with stripey rinds and sweet juicy flesh.

Although not native to this country, citrus can do surprisingly well in the UK. A spot near direct light- a south facing windowsill or a conservatory is ideal but keep away from radiators and underfloor heating. In the heat of summer, you can give your plant a holiday, put it outside on a sheltered patio or balcony and it will enjoy the fresh air. Bring it back inside when there is a nip in the evening air as your plant will start to suffer in temperatures below 5˚C.

Always water from the top and make sure to allow excess water to drain away. The roots should never be allowed to stand in water and the top of the soil should be allowed to dry out completely between watering. The watering frequency for your plant will vary a lot between summer and winter and will also on the plant’s situation, so use the weight of the pot as a guide and only water when the top 2cm of soil is dry. Your orange tree will also benefit from a citrus feed other time you water in the summer and every10 – 14 days in the winter depending on how often it needs a drink.

The red colouring in the flesh of the fruit is actually a response to particular environmental conditions so to achieve the best colour you want the biggest difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures you can manage whilst the fruit are ripening. For example, leave your tree outside on a sunny patio in the autumn so that the fruit is chilled down as low as 5C at night but gets nice and warm in the afternoon sun.

As with all citrus it’s best to leave the fruits on the tree as long as possible to allow the fruit time to sweeten up and test whether they are ripe by gently lifting the bright orange fruit to see if they drop. Best eaten fresh from the tree – delicious!

Problem solving:

Overwatering, underwatering and shock can all be a cause of leaf drop. One or two leaves is not something to worry about but more than 20 and your plant is not happy. If leaves drop gradually over time the soil is too wet, and if the tree experience dramatic and rapid leaf drop then it is too dry. In nearly all cases, returning to a regular watering routine and temperature will lead to recovery.

If new growth is very light in colour or has mottled markings your plant may be lacking trace elements. A good dose of citrus feed should soon green up the leaves. Our lemon trees are grown in a pesticide free environment. In the unlikely event that you find pests e.g. aphids these can be removed by hand or with a soap and water spray.