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Mexican Orange

About Mexican Orange

Mexican Orange is a shrub from SW USA and Mexico that prefers mild winter locations in full to part sun and protection from the hot afternoon sun. It grows in shrub form 4-8 feet tall and wide and can be used as a hedge or for privacy. Once established it is moderately tolerant of brief droughts.

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Choisya ternata

Genus

Choisya

Family

Rutaceae

Order

Sapindales

Also known as

Mexican Orange Blossom, Mexican Orange Blossom and Mexican orange

How to care for Mexican Orange

💦 Water

How often to water your Mexican Orange

Mexican Orange needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Mexican Orange Blossom in your home

Mexican Orange love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Mexican Orange does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Mexican Orange in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Mexican Orange

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Mexican Orange: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Mexican Orange after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs

⭐ Difficulty Level

Mexican Orange is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!

💦 Water Needs

Mexican Orange prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Mexican Orange requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

🪴 Soil

Mexican Orange does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Mexican Orange grows along the ground and sends out shoots which will spread across the soil.

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Mexican Orange can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 7a-10b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.