Buddha's Hand Citron - Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis

Buddha's Hand Citron (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis)

This remarkable citrus variety produces unusual, finger-like fruits that resemble yellow hands reaching out from the branches, making it a striking addition to any indoor or outdoor space. Beyond its ornamental appeal, the fragrant zest offers culinary versatility for cooking, baking, cocktail creation, and even natural air freshening. When you buy Buddha's Hand Citron online from Florida Plant Nursery, you're choosing a low-maintenance tree that thrives in containers and rewards you with year-round visual interest.

Landscaping Uses

Buddha's Hand Citron adapts beautifully to container gardening on patios, decks, and entryways, or as a specimen plant in warm-climate gardens. Its compact, upright growth pattern makes it ideal for smaller spaces where you want dramatic focal-point appeal. Indoor placement near sunny windows works wonderfully, allowing you to enjoy both the distinctive fruits and their pleasant fragrance throughout your home.

Specifications

Height: 8–12 feet (container-grown typically 4–6 feet)
Width: 6–8 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Sun: 6–8 hours daily
Water: Regular during establishment; moderate thereafter
Soil: Well-draining, fertile
USDA Zones: 9–11

Why Homeowners Love It

• Produces unique, hand-shaped fruits with aromatic, bitterless zest ideal for culinary use
• Thrives in containers, making it perfect for patios and indoor growing
• Releases a delightful fragrance that naturally freshens living spaces
• Relatively simple care requirements once established, with no pulp to manage

Planting & Care

Plant your Buddha's Hand Citron in a container with drainage holes using well-draining soil in a location receiving 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. Water weekly during the first year, then reduce to every two weeks once established, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Apply a balanced citrus-specific fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks from February through September. Pinch or prune away any suckers as they develop, and bring container-grown trees indoors in regions where winter temperatures drop below freezing.