Citron Hand of the Buddha: variety description, rules for planting and care at home

Buddha's Hand citron is considered a very popular plant, which is characterized by certain characteristics. In order to succeed in growing a crop, you should properly care for it. In this case, it is necessary to water the plant in a timely manner and moisten its leaves. Equally important is the application of fertilizers, protection from diseases and pests.

Origin story

Citron belongs to the genus Citrus from the Rut family. As early as 4000 BC, this culture grew in Mesopotamia, India and China. Today, citrons are common in the tropics and subtropics.

There are references to citron in the Bible. This fruit was mentioned in their works by the ancient Roman poet Virgil and the philosopher of Ancient Greece Theophrastus. The healing and aromatic properties of citron were recognized by Alexander the Great. It was he who contributed to the spread of citron beyond the boundaries of the Euphrates and Tigris valleys.

Today many varieties of culture are known. In addition to the Hand of the Buddha, there is a variegated citron. There is also Maxim's citron, which resembles a lemon in appearance.

Description and characteristics of Buddha Hand Citron

The citron of this variety has gained popularity among lovers of citrus fruits. This is due to the unusual appearance of the plant. Culture has no serious industrial purpose. Most often it is grown for decorative purposes.

Features of flowering

The plant is characterized by large flowers that reach a diameter of 5 centimeters and are characterized by a single arrangement.The inflorescences are characterized by a pronounced pleasant aroma and a white tint. Flowering occurs in the second half of spring. At the same time, a certain number of inflorescences appear in the summer. The fruits ripen in late autumn or winter.

Description of fruits

This plant is characterized by unusual fruits resembling fingers. However, they do not always open. This can happen in 10-20% of cases. The rest of the fruit looks like a clenched fist.

If the fingers are still open, the citron has 5-9 processes. They differ in size and shape. The fruits of this plant are characterized by a thick peel, which in volume reaches half the size of the fruit. On top there is a bumpy skin of a rich yellow hue. The fruits have a pronounced pleasant aroma.

The average fruit weight is 400 grams. Separately, it is worth mentioning the taste characteristics. Citron has a slightly dry pulp. It has a characteristic cottony texture. The taste of citron can be bitter or neutral. It is not eaten fresh.

The fruits contain a lot of essential oils. They also contain rare glycosides. The fruits include large pits that resemble pumpkins. There may be quite a few of them. Often the bones are localized directly under the peel. This is especially common on overripe fruits.

Usually citrons are used to make candied fruits. They can also be added as a seasoning to various dishes. Fruit should be wilted or dried first. In addition, the fruits are used to decorate festive dishes.

Crown characteristics

In the open field, the plant reaches 3.5 meters. In a pot, the size of the culture does not exceed 1.5 meters. The plant is characterized by long branches that grow vertically and are covered with rare thorns.

Citron is characterized by beautiful leathery leaves that have a light color. They are located on short petioles. Leaves may vary in shape. Almost always, the sheets are elongated and have rounded ends. On average, the leaves reach 9-14 centimeters.

With proper care, the tree is characterized by rapid development. It can be easily propagated by rooting cuttings. Today, breeders have managed to bring out the variegated citron. Its foliage is covered in cream stains.

Specific plant cultivation

To grow a strong plant at home, you need to follow a number of recommendations. Under natural conditions, the culture grows in the tropics and subtropics. However, if desired, it is permissible to grow it indoors. At the same time, fruits obtained at home usually do not exceed 500 grams in weight.

Growing crops can be challenging:

1. First of all, it is worth considering that the plant does not tolerate a strong drop in temperature. This indicator should not be less than +10-15 degrees.
2. Citron hardly perceives exposure to direct sunlight.
3. The plant needs abundant watering. You should also systematically moisten the leaves.
4. Culture requires specific conditions. She needs a special substrate, a drainage layer, fertilizers.

Plant Care Tips

To succeed in growing citron, you should follow the basic recommendations for growing it.

Lighting

Culture is considered light-loving. However, it should not be exposed to direct sunlight, which will harm the plant.

Humidity and temperature conditions

Citron is considered a heat-loving crop. In summer, the optimum temperature regime should be + 20-25 degrees. In autumn and winter, this figure should not fall below + 10-15 degrees. Subject to the temperature regime, the citron will be able to bloom well and give a bountiful harvest.

The plant needs moderate humidity. It should be at the level of 50%. To do this, a pot of citron is recommended to be placed in a tray with wet pebbles. Expanded clay is also suitable for this purpose.

Spray the plant with warm water every evening. The plant normally perceives a regular shower with warm water. The procedure is carried out a maximum of 1 time per month. Previously, the soil should be covered with a film. This will help keep it from overflowing.

Irrigation

In summer, the plant should be systematically moistened. It is recommended to do this daily - in the morning and in the evening. In spring and autumn, the soil is moistened as it dries. In winter, the amount of watering should be kept to a minimum. It is worth moistening the soil once a month, since the plant is at rest. To do this, use warm water. It should be boiled or settled.

Feeding

In spring and autumn, the plant should be fed once a week. It is recommended to do this with nitrogen fertilizers and products based on phosphorus and potassium. An excellent option for citron would be superphosphate. From home remedies, a solution of manure is suitable. To do this, 1 liter of top dressing is mixed with 10 liters of water.

Diseases and pests

The development of diseases is usually due to a violation of the rules for caring for the plant. With insufficient soil moisture, the leaves begin to turn yellow and crumble. This is due to the deficiency of useful elements in the soil. With excessive watering, the foliage begins to curl and wither.

The plant rarely encounters pest attacks. They can fall on citron from other indoor flowers. When affected by parasites, the foliage acquires a pale shade, dries up and crumbles. Affected plants should be treated with Actara or Aktellik.

Harvest and storage of crops

Fruits are recommended to be collected in November. However, they can be on the branches until the summer. When the fruit dries, the peel is poorly separated from the pulp. It is forbidden to eat such a fruit. Ripe fruits are allowed to be kept in the refrigerator for a maximum of 10 days.

Citron has a thick skin and a specific bitter taste. Therefore, it is not recommended to eat it fresh. In Asia, the fruits are often soaked in s alt water. This procedure helps reduce bitterness.

Most often, citron fruits are used for making sauces, salads, pastries. Often they are used to make various drinks. The peel is used to make candied fruit, marmalade, jam. An essential oil is also obtained from it, which is a natural flavor.

The essence prepared from the peel of this plant is used quite actively. It is added to pasta to give it a green tint.

The substance is used to flavor indoor air.

Often, plant essential oils are used in the perfume industry.

The Buddha Hand Citron is an interesting exotic plant that is popular with many flower growers. To succeed in growing a crop, it needs to provide full and high-quality care.

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