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the dwarf orange tree challenge- please help!

16 years ago

I have inherited a dwarf orange tree that was originaly purchased in a test tube from disney world 20 years ago. It has been neglected for almost half of its life, and had no leaves when I "liberated" it. It is now a full bushy tree and after being pampered for about 4 seasons.

I was challenged by its orignal owner that if I could get it to bloom and fruit he would fly me to florida for a vacation. It has flowered and produced fruit once in its life. At the time the plant was not that healthy and had a lower nodal count then it does now. It get tons of sun and organic nutrition (replanted in fox farm each year).

I bring it in during the winter and predictably it becomes somewhat leggy. Being ignorant on the topic I traditionaly pruned it back. From what I have read I assume this affects its ability to flower by limiting the mature sexual capable tissue found near the crown, so I have have not touched it this year.

I think that is all the info I can supply, not sure what type of tree it is- I just know it is a super dwarf and was not suppose to get any bigger than 3-5 ft tall.

If anyone can give me anymore sage wisdom or advice I would be greatful!!

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Comments (3)

citrange2
16 years ago
There is no such thing as a dwarf or super-dwarf orange tree.
Yes, some varieties might be a bit smaller than others, but not that much. An orange tree can be dwarfed to some extent by the rootstock, such as the Flying Dragon form of Poncirus trifoliata, and by the growing conditions. But your plant must be either a rooted cutting or a seedling. No grafted plant would have fitted in a test tube!
Just keep treating it well, without constant pruning, and it will flower and fruit eventually.
bblakeburn
16 years ago
Hi,
My family has two dwarf orange trees that flower 50 buds a year easily. The fruit at mature stage is about 1" in size. We do nothing but water and put them in the sun on the patio. They are potted plants and really do well just as they are! I started a plant from a seed last summer and it is doing great too. This is my first citrus plant to grow from seed so I don't know if it will produce the same fruit if any at all without a graft.

The fruit is really sour but fantastic in ice tea.

Brenda B
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Tdnc, must be fun hauling the tree outdoors..LOL What I don't understand is why its leaves yellowed when you placed it outside..if the sun was too strong, and foliage burned, a reddish hue would have marred its leaves. Citrus love summers outside..fresh air, humidity and yep, full sun..the trick is taking out early in the year..as soon as temps are in the 60's, nights no cooler than 50, (a bit cooler wouldn't hurt) is ideal. Some ppl take plants out say an hour one day, then two the next, but since your tree 'sounds' heavy, haul out on a cloudy day, early morning or evening. Or a day or even a week rain is predicted. Shady spots can burn a plant that's been indoors all winter, (including cactus) so it's just a matter of doing so the right time. Citrange asked important questions..and he/she's right. If your tree is a seedling, it can take as long as 14 years to produce fruit..grafted flower/fruit a little afer 1 yr old, more at 1 1/2 yrs, 2+ profusely. Don't give up..Toni
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citrusboy
16 years ago
True, about about a grafted tree in a test tube, Although, citrus treesource has grafted tree roots in a cone about 1.5" across and 5" long. The rest of the tree is usually about 8" high. Is that what you mean by test tube? The roots where in the test tube?

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