How to Care for Navel Orange Trees

Navel orange trees belong to the Citrus genus of trees, which includes grapefruit, lemon, lime and orange trees. Technically referred to as C. sinensis (sweet orange) to distinguish it from Citrus aurantium, navel oranges are distinguishable by the growth of a second orange at the base of the original fruit; the second fruit resembles the navel of a person. It is possible to raise navel orange trees indoors or outdoors, depending on the climate. Navel oranges require adequate sunlight and an average temperature of around 60 to 65 degrees F.

Spray bottle

High-potash, tomato-based fertilizer

Soil-based potting mixture

5-to-6 inch pot(s)

10-inch pot(s)

Hormone-rooting powder

Standard liquid fertilizer

Garden shears

Peat moss

Potting mixture

Provide proper light. Navel orange trees need a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight per day. Bright sunlight during summer is optimal for young tree growth.

Maintain the proper temperature for your trees. Room temperature is always suitable (about 65 to 70 degrees F). In hotter temperatures and higher humidity levels, surround the base of the trees with damp pebbles or moist peat moss to keep them cool, and spray them with water occasionally. Although the navel trees can withstand short periods of time in cooler temperatures, extended periods in temperatures less than 50 degrees F will stop growth and eventually cause the tree to perish.

Water the trees. Allow about 1 inch of the top soil to dry before watering again. Actively growing, younger trees need special attention, as they soak up water more quickly; water young trees more frequently.

Feed the trees with a high-potash, tomato-type fertilizer every two weeks. During periods when light intensity may be poorer than usual, refrain from feeding until the light quality improves.

Re-pot the trees as they grow. Orange navel trees can begin to flower in 5-to-6 inch pots, but will need at least 10-inch pots to achieve full fruition. Use a soil-based potting mixture to re-pot the plants once flower-growth is visible. If fruit growth begins and your intuition says the trees need a larger pot, re-pot into a larger container until the maximum size is achieved. An annual topdressing of potting mixture will suffice thereafter.

Propagate the trees. Propagation is the process of using stem cuttings or seedlings from existing trees to cultivate new trees. Place a 3-to-6 inch long stem cutting in hormone-rooting powder and plant it in a small pot of half peat moss, half coarse sand. Put the potted cutting into a plastic bag and place in room temperature in medium light. In six to eight weeks, rooting will take place. Remove the plastic bag and water the plant enough to keep the mixture from drying out. Fertilize monthly.

Purchase fertilizers, rooting powders, mixtures and peat moss online, or at your local nursery or garden center.

Navel orange tree seeds germinate at four to six weeks old; the plants should only be allowed medium light (meaning partially shaded), and not direct sunlight.

Low humidity often leads to red spider mites and other small insects on the underside of the navel tree leaves. Shorten overhang tips by two-thirds during spring.

It may take seven to ten years for seeds to develop into foliage plants that flower indoors.