Key Lime Tree

Key Lime Tree Care

Citrus aurantifolia

Other names: Lime, Key Lime, Mexican Lime, Mexican Thornless Key Lime

What is the plant

The Key lime is a citrus hybrid with a spherical fruit, 2.5–5 cm in diameter. The Key lime is usually picked while it is still green, but it becomes yellow when ripe. It is smaller, seedier, has higher acidity, stronger aroma, and thinner rind.

Mexican key lime (Citrus aurantifolia), also known as key lime, bartender’s lime and West Indian lime, is a moderately sized evergreen fruit tree. It grows vigorously once you plant it in the ground, reaching heights of 6 1/2 to 13 feet tall. Mexican key lime trees have fragrant flowers with deep green leaves and the yellow-green limes that are about the size of a golf ball. Mexican key limes are the preferred fruit used by bartenders and pie bakers around the world. Growing key limes is not difficult when you meet their basic requirements.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

min 10°C

Hardiness zone

10 - 11

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
You should water limes when they are thirsty. watering can be gauged to some extent by the size of the lime tree and its container. in other words, when the upper 1 inch (2.5 cm.) of the soil is dry to the touch, the plant needs watering.
Pruning
By removing overgrown foliage, you will improve airflow to the plant, and light will be better able to penetrate all portions of the plant. This actually leads to a fuller and healthier looking houseplant.
Fertilizer
Use slow-release fertilizer for container plants. Avoid using too much fertilizer.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Semi-shade location.
Soil
Requires a well-drained, loose mixture of potting soil.
Temperature
Key lime trees thrive in temperatures that range from 70°F during the day and 55°F at night.

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Container
When choosing a pot, choose a pot that is 2.5-5 cm (1-2”) larger than the current size. Ceramic pots are porous which means your plants are less likely to experience root rot from overwatering. It also means you'll have to water more often. Plastic pots are lighter, less likely to break, and easier to clean.
Popularity
1,463 people already have this plant 281 people have added this plant to their wishlists