Many people enjoy growing fruit trees in pots at home, and kumquat is an excellent fruit tree suitable for home cultivation. The key to caring for potted kumquat is managing it during the flowering and fruiting period. Let's explore how to do it.
1. Sunlight
Kumquat requires ample sunlight for growth and development, especially during the fruiting period. During summer, to prevent leaf sunburn due to strong sunlight, place potted kumquat in a shaded area. Direct sunlight is acceptable in other seasons.
2. Watering
During the flowering period of potted kumquat, water slightly less than usual. In the first 10 days after fruit setting, avoid excessive watering to prevent fruit drop. Once the young fruits are firmly set, resume normal watering to maintain soil moisture. Reduce watering after the fruits mature. Additionally, kumquat prefers high environmental humidity, so spray water mist on the branches and leaves daily to increase humidity.
3. Fertilization
During the flowering and fruiting period, potted kumquat requires sufficient nutrients to ensure flowering and fruiting. Apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers mainly during flowering to increase the number of flower buds and enhance plant disease resistance. After fruiting, the demand for phosphorus and potassium increases. Stop applying nitrogen fertilizer at this time. Instead of fertilizing the soil, foliar fertilization is recommended. Spray a 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution on the leaves every 10 days to two weeks to supplement nutrients.
4. Thinning Fruit
Potted kumquat tends to produce a large number of fruits. After fruit setting, thin the fruits according to the plant's vigor. If the plant is small but bears many fruits, inadequate nutrients may hinder fruit ripening, leading to fruit drop. Therefore, leave only 1-2 fruits per fruiting branch to ensure fruit quality.
5. Disease Prevention
To prevent yellowing of leaves, shriveling of fruits, and occurrence of disease spots, spray tobacco water once a week. Soak tobacco in water and spray it on the plants to prevent diseases, promote fruit growth, and maintain lush green leaves.
Above are the techniques for caring for potted kumquat during the flowering and fruiting period. Kumquat is a beautiful ornamental plant, and when it bears fruits, the golden fruits shining on the tree look especially festive. Therefore, proper care during the flowering and fruiting period is essential.
