Dwarf kumquat
(Fortunella hindsii)
Country of Origin : China
Bonsai Styles : Informal upright, cascade, slanting
Zone : 8 – 10
Fortunella hindsii bonsai tree (also known as ‘dwarf kumquat‘, ‘dwarf orange‘ and ‘Hongkong kumquat‘) makes a beautiful and charming bonsai because of its small “fun” size and small bright orange fruits it produces. It is an evergreen tree.
When the tree is just two or three years old, these trees produce small fruits (similar to the size of a large pea) which look like miniature tangerines.
It has glossy dark green leaves. The tree blooms small, white, fragrant citrus flowers in early spring or late winter.
In a mature Fortunella hindsii tree, the bark is tan and white, and it appears to have white stripes running along it.
The dwarf kumquat has thorns like many of its cousins in the citrus bonsai family.
Best location to keep Dwarf kumquat Bonsai
Fortunella hindsii likes being placed in full sun.
For the growing season, an ideal temperature range to keep this bonsai tree is 70 to 85°F (21 to 30°C).
In winter, the bonsai will prefer being in a cool indoor settings. Temperatures between 55 to 65°F (12 to 18°C).
Although this Kumquat variety is cold resistant, it is a wise idea to move the container indoors when temperature falls bellow the recommended temperature in the night.
It is mostly grown for indoor display. You can keep it near south or west facing window or windowsill, to ensure ample sunlight. You can even use grow-lights in case you feel that the natural light is not enough.
Refer sunlight requirements for indoor plants for more indoor gardening ideas. Also, refer to do bonsai trees need sunlight for more indoor and outdoor bonsai location ideas.
Propagation of Dwarf kumquat
Fortunella hindsii can be propagated by sowing seeds or grafting.
It grows ‘true from seed‘ when propagated by sowing seeds. After seed germination, it grows into an impressive bonsai in about five to ten years.
Watering Dwarf kumquat Bonsai
At the time of the growing season, water generously and keep the bonsai soil moist.
In the dormancy period of winter, reduce the watering frequency. Let the soil dry a little in between watering sessions.
Read watering bonsai tree for more details about immersion technique.
Wiring Dwarf kumquat Bonsai
You can wire the branches at anytime of the year.
The branches of dwarf Kumquat can be wired once the branches become a bit woody.
Be careful of the spines while wiring.
Pruning Dwarf kumquat Bonsai
When to prune Dwarf kumquat bonsai?
How to prune Dwarf kumquat bonsai?
Kumquats need regular tip pruning. You should cut back the new shoots to two sets of leaves on a regular basis.
However, pruning it back too hard is not recommended. Pruning it back too hard will make it grow leggy in response.
Pinching Dwarf kumquat Bonsai
When the fruits and flowers are young and small, you don’t need to remove them from the tree. Their size is such that the tree doesn’t lose a lot of energy through them.
Remove them when the fruits start to become dry and overripe. Till then, you can admire the beauty of your bonsai.
Repotting Dwarf kumquat Bonsai
When to repot Dwarf kumquat bonsai?
Fortunella hindsii bonsai tree can be repotted in early spring or late winter.
These trees can be repotted every 2-3 years. Choose a deep pot.
These trees can also tolerate root pruning. You can remove as much as 1/3rd of the roots while repotting.
Also, when repotting, remove the roots which were damaged during the cleaning of the roots.
These plants love neutral to acidic soil, so choose the soil accordingly.
You can use a basic free-draining bonsai soil mix as a potting soil.
Must Read: Bonsai Soil Recipes
Must read : Choosing the right bonsai container
Feeding Dwarf kumquat Bonsai
Fertilize your bonsai with a balanced feed every week at half strength.
In winter, reduce the feeding frequency to once every two to three weeks.
You can also fertilize the tree with acidic fertilizer (meant for plants like camellias and azaleas). Use it at half strength and apply one dose per month.
Read more about applying feed to flowering bonsai in bonsai fertilizer and its application.
Diseases and pest of Dwarf kumquat Bonsai
Scale insects can pose some problems for kumquat trees. Use a systemic insecticide.
Aphids and Spider mites can also affect the tree. remove by hand or use a systemic insecticide.
Dwarf kumquat bonsai care
Over-watering and overfeeding a dwarf kumquat bonsai tree will lead to leaf drop.
As soon as you spot any deformed or rotting fruit on the tree, remove it immediately. If your fruit starts to rot, it can attract pests and cause tree damage.
What to look for when buying Dwarf kumquat Bonsai
Similar to citrus bonsai tree, you can grow your Dwarf kumquat tree from seeds. This is cost effective. But this is not just done for saving money. Some people love growing plants from seeds.
These bonsais are reasonably priced. Just look for the characteristic white strips on the trunk. Check the health of the leaves.
These are usually small and are a suitable choice for your indoor bonsai collection.
