Table of contents
Tropical Citrus Trees
Tropical citrus trees include fruit trees native to the tropics and citrus from other climates that also grow and thrive in the tropics.
Some citrus actually originate from the tropics! One of these is the West Indian lime, known as the key lime. The grapefruit is another. However, my favourite tropical citrus is the pummelo (aka pomelo).
The pomelo is related to grapefruit, but is sweeter. There are several types of pomelo, including Nam Roi, which produces a large sweet seedless fruit.
Citrus trees are hungry all the time, particularly in spring when they’re flowering and producing fresh new foliage, so make sure you apply heaps of organic fertiliser.
Best Tropical Citrus
Most citrus fruit trees will thrive in the tropics. These are some we enjoy:
These trees are our favourites. But what if we had to pick just one? Given this choice, we would go with the Meyer Lemon.
The Dwarf Meyer Lemon tree is a popular choice for home gardeners due to its compact size, attractive appearance, and prolific fruit production.
Tropical Fruit Fly
Queensland fruit fly is a native pest occurring throughout eastern Australia. Affected fruit may show skin discolouration around the sting marks; fruit decompose rapidly, inducing decay and early fruit drop.
Damage occurs as the larvae develop and feed from within fruit. Adult female flies sting fruit and fruiting vegetables to lay eggs. This introduces bacteria and the fruit starts to rot.
Fruit flies become active after periods of rain or high humidity. So do not allow fallen fruit to accumulate under your trees.
Tropical Citrus Fruits
Eating more fruit is good for you and there are certainly many citrus fruits to choose from. There are real health benefits to eating citrus. Here are 5 good reasons to add these fruits to your diet.
- They Contain Nutrients That Boost Heart Health.
- They’re Rich in Vitamins and Plant Compounds.
- They’re a Good Source of Fibre.
- Citrus Fruits Are Low in Calories.
Tropical Citrus Perfume
If you’re looking for a tropical citrus fragrance dupe, many essential oil blends and home fragrance brands offer similar profiles combining fresh, zesty citrus notes like lime, orange, and lemon with tropical florals or sweet undertones like coconut or vanilla.
Look for brands specialising in nature-inspired scents or try creating your own blend with citrus essential oils and a touch of tropical flower oils like ylang-ylang or frangipani.
Tropical Citrus Candles
Tropical citrus candles are popular for their refreshing and invigorating scents, reminiscent of a tropical paradise. They typically combine essential oils from various citrus fruits with other tropical notes to create a bright, uplifting aroma. Here’s a guide to creating your own tropical citrus candles:
Materials Needed:
- Soy wax or beeswax
- Candle wicks (pre-tabbed cotton wicks are recommended)
- Essential oils (e.g., orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, tangerine, bergamot)
- Additional fragrance oils (optional, e.g., coconut, pineapple, mango)
- Candle dye (optional)
- Heat-resistant glass jars or tins
- Double boiler or microwave-safe container
- Thermometer
- Stirring utensil (e.g., wooden stick or metal spoon)
- Wick centering tool or pencil
Steps:
- Prepare the Containers:
- Clean and dry your candle jars or tins.
- Attach the wicks to the bottom of the containers using a dab of hot glue or a wick sticker. Ensure the wick is centered.
- Melt the Wax:
- Use a double boiler to melt the wax slowly and evenly. If using a microwave, place the wax in a microwave-safe container and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
- Monitor the temperature of the wax with a thermometer. Soy wax should be heated to about 170-180°F (77-82°C).
- Add Fragrance and Dye:
- Once the wax is melted and reaches the appropriate temperature, remove it from heat.
- Add your chosen tropical citrus essential oils and any additional fragrance oils. A common ratio is 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax, but this can vary based on personal preference and the strength of the oils.
- If using candle dye, add it to the melted wax and stir well to achieve a uniform color.
- Pour the Wax:
- Allow the wax to cool slightly (to around 135-140°F or 57-60°C) before pouring it into the containers. This helps to prevent shrinkage and cracking.
- Carefully pour the wax into the prepared containers, leaving a small space at the top.
- Center the Wicks:
- Use a wick centering tool, a pencil, or chopsticks to keep the wick centered as the wax cools and solidifies.
- Cool and Cure:
- Allow the candles to cool and harden at room temperature for at least 24 hours. Avoid moving them during this time to prevent any imperfections.
- For the best fragrance throw, let the candles cure for a few days to a week before burning.
- Trim the Wicks:
- Once the candles have fully set and cured, trim the wicks to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) above the wax surface.
Tropical Citrus Scented Candles
Tropical citrus candles can add a delightful scent to any space, bringing a touch of the tropics into your home. Enjoy crafting your personalised candles and experimenting with different scent combinations to find your perfect tropical escape.