XL Calamondin

This little orange tree has both decorative fruit and fragrant flowers - sometimes both at once. It is a Calamondin - a cross between a kumquat and a mandarin, and is the easiest citrus tree to grow indoors. It can bring pleasure for years with the right care.

Citrus trees, like lots of light and a cool but not cold room. A light room near a window or a conservatory is ideal. In winter, try and keep your tree away from central heating and in the summer protect it from strong direct sunlight. In the heat of summer you can give your plant a holiday. Put it outside on a sheltered patio and it will enjoy the fresh air. Bring it back inside when there is a nip in the evening air. Your plant will start to suffer in temperatures below 8C.

Water your tree thoroughly from the top when the top of the soil is bone dry. This will depend on the warmth of the room and could be anything from 8 days to 3-4 weeks. Always wait until the top of the soil is bone dry and the plant feels light when you pick it up before watering again. During the summer, it could be up to once a day. The roots should not be left to stand in water. A citrus feed added to the water every couple of weeks can also help to maintain a healthy plant.

These dwarf trees can grow to a maximum of two metres, producing masses of fruit every year. The fruits of this tree are very tart. However they make a refreshing and unusual addition to cold drinks, they can be used in place of other citrus in fish and game dishes and make a wonderful marmalade!

Overwatering, underwatering and shock can all be the cause of leaf drop. One or two leaves is not something to worry about but more than 10 and your plant is not happy. However, in most cases, return to a regular watering routine and temperature will lead to recovery. If the new growth on your plant is very light in colour or has a mottled look, it is likely that your plant is lacking one of the trace elements. A good citrus feed added when watering should soon colour the leaves up.In the unlikely event that you find any pests (eg. aphids or caterpillars) on your plant use a soft soap or pest spray to wash off the offending creatures and pick off any damaged leaves to keep the plant tidy.

The fruit of this tree are very tart, so don't try and eat them raw. However they make a refreshing and unusual addition to cold drinks and and add a great flavour to game and poultry dishes