Are kumquat (Fortunella) trees more sensitive to low humidity than other citrus? Do they drop their leaves sooner as a result?

As the temperatures increased last summer, my only kumquat died while the other citrus were unaffected. Leaf loss started at the rate of one a day but increased in time. The dropped leaves looked perfectly healthy but were minus the petioles which indicate tree stress. These symptoms are identical to that suffered by another plant (non-citrus) that died due to low humidity.

Hi Junglekeeper, Kumquats require much the same requirements as other citrus. Humidity is best around 50 to 60 percent. Kumquats require high heat and a warm to hot long summers for best flavor. When your summer days heated up last year, the kumquat tree should have loved it. Kumquats, actually require pretty much the same culture as grapefruits. However, kumquats are also the most frost tolerant of all citrus. - Millet

Millet I have some conflicting understandings in growing Kumquats. Maybe you or other members can help me.

Do they go dormant in the winter. or does this depend on there air and root temps

I picked up a Kumquat from Stans this past Spring. It flowered most of the Summer and Fall. It is indoors at this time and has fruit and very little leaf drop. Not a problem tree.

I have read postings ( not here ) that Kumquats lose there leaves in the winter or does this depend on the type you have..Dale ( xxxxxxx.com)

My kumquat showed some signs of growth before its decline. I'll give it another go if I can get a replacement at a reasonable price.

Hi Dale, all my kumquats are always inside a warm greenhouse, so they do not really go dormant. They LOVE long summers with temperatures between 80 - 100F, and will set a lot of fruit growing under these conditions. However, out doors in their native habitat kumquats differ from other Citrus species in that they enter into a period of winter dormancy so profound that they will remain through several weeks of subsequent warm weather without putting out new shoots or blossoms. Take care Dale. - Millet