Buddha's hand.

At a glance

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Citrus shrub

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

Direct sun

Water

Every 5 to 10 days

Mature size

6 to 15 feet

Growth rate

Slow

Hardiness

USDA 9 to 11

Bloom time

Spring to early summer

Care

Provide plenty of direct sunlight and ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal overwatering or a need for citrus specific nutrients. Keep the plant protected from frost as it is quite sensitive to cold temperatures.

Watering

Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

Feeding

Use a balanced citrus fertilizer during the active growing season.

Pruning

Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead wood.

Repotting

Repot when the roots begin to circle the bottom of the container.

Soil

Well draining sandy loam

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.0

Temperature

10 to 35°C

Humidity

50 to 70%

Safety

People

The plant is generally non-toxic, but essential oils in the rind can cause photosensitivity in some individuals.

Pets

Like other citrus plants, this plant is considered toxic to cats and dogs. The essential oils and psoralens, found mainly in the rind but also in the leaves and stems, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression and sensitivity to sunlight if ingested, though symptoms are usually mild.

Children

The branches often feature sharp thorns that require caution around small children.

Contact allergens

Contact with the essential oils in the leaves or rind may cause mild skin irritation.

Airborne allergens

The fragrant flowers may trigger mild respiratory sensitivity in those prone to floral allergies.

Edibility

The thick rind is commonly candied, but the fruit is rarely eaten raw due to extreme acidity and lack of pulp.

How to identify it

• Finger like yellow fruit segments
• Glossy evergreen ovate leaves
• Fragrant white and purple flowers
• Thorny branches on mature plants

Height

2 to 4.5m

Spread

2 to 4m

Leaves

dark green, evergreen

Flowers

white, purple-tinged, 3 to 5cm

Fruit

yellow, Late autumn to winter

Problems to watch for

• Citrus ScaleCommon
• Sooty MoldCommon
• AphidsUncommon
• ChlorosisUncommon
• Citrus CankerUncommon
• Root RotUncommon
• Spider MitesUncommon

Growing it

Propagation

cuttings, grafting, seed

When to plant

spring

Planting aromatic herbs nearby can help mask the scent of the tree to confuse common citrus pests.

Grows well with

• Lavender · Lavender attracts beneficial pollinators that assist in fruit set.
• Nasturtium · Nasturtiums act as a ground cover that helps retain soil moisture.

Similar species

• Lemon · A close relative with similar growth habits but more acidic juice.
• Pomelo · Another ancestral citrus species that shares similar climate requirements.

Science

Family

Rutaceae

Genus

Citrus

Order

Sapindales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Southeast Asia

Conservation

Not currently of conservation concern.

It thrives in warm, frost-free climates with well-draining soil and consistent moisture.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Uses

culinary, ornamental, fragrance

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Can I grow this in a pot?

Yes, it grows well in containers if provided with ample sunlight and regular feeding.

Does it need full sun?

It performs best with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

Where the name comes from

The name medica refers to the ancient region of Media, where the Greeks first encountered the fruit. The common name citron comes from the French word for the fruit.

Good to know

• The Etrog variety is used ritually during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.
• Citron fruits can grow to be quite large, sometimes weighing several pounds.
• The rind is significantly thicker than the flesh in this species.
• It was one of the first citrus fruits to reach the Mediterranean region.

Also in

• Plants toxic to cats and dogs