Overwintering an orange tree is easily possible with the right knowledge. In principle, you only have to pay attention to temperatures and lighting conditions. Because if these are not correct, the orange tree can be considerably weakened by the following spring at the latest. It then not only forms fewer flowers, but can also shed more leaves. Even branches can die. With the right tricks, however, overwintering the citrus plant is quite easy.
wintering
Water
No matter where the orange tree is overwintered, the watering must be adjusted. The warmer and lighter, the more can be watered. However, since the plant is in a resting phase, the watering be reduced overall. Watering is only done when the top layer of soil has dried.
Fertilize
The fertilization is already stopped in late summer or autumn, since the orange tree nutrient can only absorb in very small amounts. The fertilization would therefore rather harm. It should only start again in the spring. Early fertilization in spring is particularly important when the orange tree was very bright and warm. Because then the reserves of the plant and the nutrients in the soil are exhausted more quickly.
Orange tree, Citrus sinensis
In the warmth
The orange tree is not hardy and does not tolerate frost. That's why many people want it in the living room or in a similarly warm place space hibernate. However, a location that is too warm is unfavorable for two reasons. On the one hand, the plant does not go into the hibernation and continues to attempt phytosynthesis. On the other hand, there is not enough light to carry out photosynthesis. This exhausts the reserves and weakens the orange tree. This is also the reason why leaves are dropped or even branches die off in spring at the latest.
temperatures
A room with temperatures between 5 and a maximum of 15 °C should be chosen for the hibernation of the orange tree. The darker the space is, the cooler it should be. An unheated conservatory, hallway or greenhouse may be suitable. A location in the living room is not advisable.
It is also optimal when the temperatures vary between day and night. Around 5 °C at night and up to 15 °C during the day roughly correspond to the natural conditions in the area of origin the orange trees. However, it should be borne in mind that the light conditions in winter deteriorate considerably for the plants. Cooler temperatures are therefore usually a better choice.
light
The most difficult factor in overwintering is to have an adequate supply incidence of light ensure. Fewer hours of sunshine and weaker radiation are already problematic for the citrus plant. In addition, the light is always filtered through glass.
Orange tree, Citrus sinensis with orange fruit
Even with a cool hibernation, a location that is as bright as possible should therefore be chosen. Directly in front of a south-facing window would be ideal. If available, a frost-free greenhouse or an unheated conservatory or a bright hallway can also be suitable. However, you always have to pay attention to the temperature. Is the solar radiation but stronger on a winter's day, it can get 20 °C and warmer behind the glass. This can disturb the hibernation of the plant. It is therefore beneficial to integrate a thermometer in the area and, if necessary, to ventilate it slightly to prevent the temperature from rising too much. As an alternative to this, plant lamps be used.
Our tip: If you do not have a suitable place for the orange tree to overwinter, you can also give the plant to a nursery for this purpose. Some offer this option and of course also take care of the coordinated care.
humidity
Very low humidity levels make orange trees more susceptible to diseases and parasitic infestations such as spider mites. The winter quarters should therefore be ventilated or sprayed with water from time to time if possible.
Orange tree, Citrus sinensis
Outdoors
The hibernation in outdoor is only possible with the orange trees if the climate and the winter are very mild. In Germany, these conditions simply do not exist.
winter protection
Because it must be noted that the orange tree cannot withstand frost. He would therefore have to use appropriate materials - such as jute, fleece, brushwood, straw, bubble wrap or styrofoam - must be protected against sub-zero temperatures. This applies to both the planter and the above-ground part of the plant. This in turn would mean shielding the foliage from light.
In very mild areas - such as wine-growing regions - it may be possible to leave the orange outdoors. If there is a risk of frost, it must be protected by insulating materials.
jute material
The following measures are recommended for this:
1. Place the planter on a thick board of wood or styrofoam to protect it from ground frost.
2. Place or wrap the pot in a cover made of frost protection fleece for plants.
3. If frost is imminent, put protective fleece, bubble wrap, jute or special plant protection bags over the plant and close tightly.
4. As soon as it is 5°C or more again, remove the protection from the leaves and branches so that enough light can reach them.
Of course, this method is more complex because the protection has to be put on and taken off again and again. It also contains a larger one risk, as sudden drops in temperature cannot always be predicted in good time.