Most Mediterranean plants are pretty picky—they usually demand a bright, cool spot for the winter and tend to struggle in a typical heated room. But let me introduce you to the exception: the Calamondin orange! This low-maintenance little citrus tree is a total champ when it comes to living indoors. If you follow a few simple tips for winter care, your Calamondin will stay happy and healthy for years to come.
How to Overwinter Your Calamondin
The Calamondin is a fan favorite for a reason: it’s one of the few citrus trees that actually thrives as a houseplant. While it loves soaking up the sun outdoors during the summer, it definitely needs the shelter of your home once the weather starts to turn chilly.
The key to a happy plant is making the move from outside to inside as smooth as possible. These little trees need a bit of time to adjust to the indoor climate, so you’ll want to avoid any sudden “temperature shocks.” Here’s your game plan:
- Bring your Calamondin inside once outdoor temperatures hit around 60°F (15°C).
- Find a warm, sunny spot, like a south-facing window or a heated sunroom.
- From September through April, dial back the fertilizer to once every four weeks.
- Always use filtered or lime-free water, and only water when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fighting Off Dry Indoor Air
One of the biggest challenges indoors is dry air from your heater. You never want the root ball to dry out completely; if it does, your Calamondin might start dropping its leaves. Along with your regular watering and fertilizing schedule, you’ll want to give the humidity a little boost.
Try filling a saucer with pebbles (like expanded clay) and water to sit under the pot, or run a humidifier nearby. I also recommend giving the leaves a light misting with lime-free water every few days. Do this, and your little orange tree will feel right at home all winter long!
