Citrus

Citrus bonsai require a very bright, sunny location to thrive. Light is essential for both flowering and fruit production. In Mediterranean climates, they can be grown outdoors all year round, but in areas with cold winters (below 5°C), they should be sheltered in a cold greenhouse, as they cannot tolerate frost. During the summer, it can remain in full sun, but in very hot periods, it can benefit from light shading during the middle of the day to prevent dehydration.

The common rule of watering whenever the soil feels dry to the touch is also ideal for Citrus, bearing in mind, however, that in hotter periods and in strong winds, it is necessary to water more frequently. In fact, in these cases, the soil often risks becoming completely dry. It is also important to bear in mind that both a lack of water and an excess of water can cause serious imbalances in the plant.

Repotting should be done every 2-3 years, in spring, before flowering or immediately after. Citrus trees have a dense but rather delicate root system, so it is advisable to proceed with care, removing only a third of the root ball. It is essential to use a well-draining substrate; we recommend using 100% akadama (medium-coarse grain size). After repotting, the plant should be placed in a semi-shaded position for a few days, avoiding stress from sun or wind. Citrus trees do not like too frequent or drastic repotting, so it is best to do so only when necessary.

It is important to avoid drastic pruning of branches that have already borne fruit or are bearing buds, so as not to lose production. Citrus trees do not regrow well from old wood, so always leave a few active leaves on the branches. Larger cuts should always be protected with healing mastic. After pruning, it is normal for the plant to temporarily slow down its development.

Pinching citrus bonsai serves to contain growth and encourage lateral branching. During the growing season (spring-summer), when new shoots have produced 5-6 leaves, you can cut them back, leaving 2-3 leaves. Citrus trees tend to grow in a disorderly and somewhat vigorous manner, so it is important to prune them regularly. Pinching not only helps to maintain a compact canopy, but also stimulates the formation of new flowers and fruit. However, it is advisable not to pinch excessively during flowering, so as not to compromise fruiting.

Citrus bonsai can be wired, but with great care, as the branches are often fragile and inflexible, especially the older ones. The best time for wiring is in spring or early summer, when the branches are still young and flexible. To avoid damage, many bonsai artists prefer to shape Citrus with directional pruning rather than forced bending.

At the end of flowering, after pruning, apply Bonsan Stimulating Fertilizer combined with Bonsan Liquid Organic Fertilizer three times at intervals of 8-10 days. This fertilization can be replaced by applying Bonsan Stimulating Fertilizer plus Bonsan Hanagokoro Solid Organic Fertilizer twice every 15-20 days. During other periods, use Bonsan Liquid Organic Fertilizer every 15 days until October, or Bonsan Hanagokoro Solid Organic Fertilizer every 15-25 days, excluding July and August. Twice a year (in autumn and at the end of winter), apply Bonsan Hanagokoro Solid Organic Fertilizer. 3-4 times a year, it is also advisable to use Bonsan Mineral Curative Solution. To stimulate rooting, use Bonsan Organic Mineral Fluid Fertilizer with B vitamins instead of Bonsan Organic Liquid Fertilizer.

It is particularly susceptible to scale insects and red spider mites. It is essential to ensure good ventilation, adequate light, correct watering, and clean foliage. Yellow leaves may indicate iron deficiency or excess limestone in the soil. Flower or fruit drop may be due to water or heat stress, or sudden changes in temperature. Proper seasonal management, combined with light pruning and targeted fertilization, will keep your Citrus strong, productive, and healthy.