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lime

Fragrant flowers lead to zesty green fruits for cocktails and pies. Dwarf varieties thrive indoors.

3 min read
lime - Citrus aurantifolia
Light
Full Sun
Water
When top 2 inches dry
Temperature
55-85°F
Humidity
50-70%
Difficulty
Moderate
Pet Safe
Toxic

Video Tutorials

Watch these helpful videos to learn more about lime care.

Key Lime/Lime Tree Care & Information (Citrus x aurantiifolia)

About lime

Lime trees burst with white blooms and tangy fruits perfect for drinks and desserts. Popular for patios and indoors, they add tropical vibe.

From tropical Asia, they crave sun, warmth, and well-drained soil. Thrive in humid, sheltered spots.

Dwarf types fruit in pots for years. Bright light and misting keep them happy indoors.

lime close-up

Watering Schedule

Water deeply when top 2 inches dry. Use rainwater to avoid salts.

Check soil weekly.
Saturate until drains.
Empty saucers fast.
Reduce winter.
Mist leaves daily.
Avoid leaf wetting.
No Soggy Soil
Wet feet cause root rot fast.

Common Problems & Solutions

Here's how to identify and fix the most common lime problems.

Yellow Leaves

Yellow Leaves

Cause: Overwater or iron lack.

Solution: Drain better; chelate iron.

Scale Insects

Scale Insects

Cause: White bumps on stems.

Solution: Wipe alcohol; neem oil.

Spider Mites

Spider Mites

Cause: Webbing dry leaves.

Solution: Hose blast; miticide.

Leaf Drop

Leaf Drop

Cause: Cold drafts or dry air.

Solution: 55°F min; humidity up.

Citrus Leafminer

Citrus Leafminer

Cause: Wiggly trails new leaves.

Solution: Oil spray flush.

Fruit Drop

Fruit Drop

Cause: Too much fruit load.

Solution: Thin to 10 per branch.

Popular Varieties

Explore different lime varieties and find your perfect match.

Key Lime
Year-round fruit.

Key Lime

"Mexican Lime"

Small tangy fruits; thorny. Classic pie lime.

Difficulty: ModeratePrice: $30-50
Bearss Lime
Juicy seedless.

Bearss Lime

"Tahiti Persian"

Seedless large green limes. Thornless easy.

Difficulty: EasyPrice: $35-55
Kaffir Lime
Leaf harvest.

Kaffir Lime

"Makrut"

Bumpy leaves for Thai cooking. Fragrant.

Difficulty: ModeratePrice: $40-60
Calamondin
Prolific bloomer.

Calamondin

""

Orange-red mini limes. Ornamental.

Difficulty: EasyPrice: $25-45
Finger Lime
Gourmet pearls.

Finger Lime

""

Caviar-like pulp colorful. Unique.

Difficulty: HardPrice: $50-80

Care Tips & Best Practices

Humidity

Pebble tray mist 50-70%.

Feeding

Citrus fertilizer monthly spring-fall.

Cleaning

Wipe leaves monthly dust.

Support

Stake young trees.

Pruning

Shape after fruiting.

Rotation

Turn weekly even sun.

Care Checklist

0 / 10 completed

10 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1

Overwatering

Why it's bad: Root rot kills fast.

Do this instead: Dry top 2 inches.

2

Low light

Why it's bad: No fruit leggy.

Do this instead: 8 hours sun.

3

Cold temps

Why it's bad: Leaf drop below 55°F.

Do this instead: Warm sheltered.

4

No humidity

Why it's bad: Leaf scorch pests.

Do this instead: Mist pebble tray.

5

Wrong fertilizer

Why it's bad: Nutrient burn.

Do this instead: Citrus formula.

6

No pruning

Why it's bad: Weak structure.

Do this instead: Shape yearly.

7

Tap water

Why it's bad: Salt buildup.

Do this instead: Rainwater filtered.

8

Tight pots

Why it's bad: Stunted roots.

Do this instead: Repot 2-3 years.

9

Ignore pests

Why it's bad: Scale spreads.

Do this instead: Inspect wipe.

10

Too much fruit

Why it's bad: Weak tree.

Do this instead: Thin early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fruit indoors?

Yes dwarfs in 3 years. Bright sun key.

Leaves yellow why?

Overwet or iron. Drain chelate fix.

Safe pets?

Toxic skin eyes. Keep high.

Winter drop?

Cold dry. Warm mist lights.

Pests control?

Neem oil scale mites. Hose aphids.

Fertilize when?

Monthly spring-fall citrus mix.

Prune time?

Spring after fruit shape.

Humidity low?

Pebble tray mist 50%+.

No flowers?

Light age stress. Sun prune.

Harvest green?

Yes key limes. Yellow sweeter.

References & Sources

Information in this guide is based on these trusted sources.

1
Citrus aurantiifolia Lime
Royal Horticultural Society
2
Key Lime Growing Florida Home Landscape
University of Florida IFAS Extension
3
How to grow citrus
Royal Horticultural Society

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Citrus aurantiifolia
Common Names
Key lime, Mexican lime, West Indian lime
Family
Rutaceae
Native Region
Tropical Asia
Growth Habit
Evergreen shrub/tree
Max Height Indoors
6-10 feet indoor
Growth Rate
Moderate
Toxicity
Toxic to pets skin irritant
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