Buddha's Hand, Citron
citrus medica
Also known as: ["fingered citron","hand citron"]
Overview
A large evergreen tree known for its fragrant, finger-like fruit with thick rind and little pulp.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","edible fruits","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Genus: | Citrus |
| Botanical Name: | Citrus medica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in warm climates, or indoor pot with bright, direct sunlight
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with organic matter (e.g., compost, peat moss) and inorganic components (e.g., perlite, sand).
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins; light pruning can be done after fruiting.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning during flowerin
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to partial shade in extreme heat to prevent leaf scorch.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; provide dappled shade during peak summer.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid placing near reflective surfaces.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; test pH annually; amend with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Ideal range: 60–85°F (15–29°C); prefers warm, stable conditions; tolerates brief dips to 50°F (10°C) but not frost.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain humidity in dry, hot conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in winter
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or air layering; seeds are viable but may not produce true-to-type plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem, cut below a node, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or cactus/succulent potting mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone (auxin-based) is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment in new pot takes 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to encourage branching, and removal of crossing/rubbing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage fruiting wood; focus on maintaining airflow and light penetration.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol).
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape canopy, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, and avoid direct sun for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot, prepare new soil, trim roots if needed, position plant correctly, water, and acclimate slowly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season, avoid wet foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches, and allow excess water to drain completely to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; use mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or blossom end rot in cold; wilting, scorching, or premature fruit drop in heat.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolic processes, reduces nutrient uptake, and can cause irreversible root damage below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move indoors or to a protected location; use frost cloth or heaters; ensure good air circulation to prevent mold.
Hot Stress
Causes excessive transpiration, leaf scorch, and fruit dehydration, leading to reduced yield and quality.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; mist foliage in extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, follow dilution instructions, apply during active growth, water after application, monitor for signs of over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced citrus fertilizer (6-6-6 or 8-8-8) every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring–summer); reduce or stop in fall–winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are sensitive to the essential oils in Citrus medica, particularly in the peel and seeds. Ingestion in large quantities can lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large amounts of the seeds or peel of Citrus medica. The essential oils can be irritating to their digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe seeds and peel of Citrus medica contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when consumed in large amounts. The essential oils in the peel may also irritate the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Citrus medica edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible, often used in candying, perfumery, and traditional medicine.
Q: How often should I water Citrus medica?
A: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, reducing frequency in winter.
Q: Does Citrus medica require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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