The Tilia's sturdy trunk stands like a pillar and the branches divide and subdivide into numerous ramifications on which the twigs are fine and thick. In summer, these are profusely clothed with large leaves and the result is a dense head of abundant foliage. The leaves of all the Tilia species are heart-shaped, and most are asymmetrical. The tiny, pea-like fruit hangs attached to a ribbon-like, greenish-yellow bract whose apparent purpose is to launch the ripened seed clusters just a little beyond the parent tree. The flowers of the European and American Tilia species are similar, except the American ones bear a petal-like scale among their stamens and the European varieties are devoid of these appendages. All of the Tilia species may be propagated by cuttings and grafting, as well as by seed. They grow rapidly in rich soil, but are subject to the attack of many insects. Tilia is notoriously difficult to propagate from seed unless collected fresh in fall. If allowed to dry, the seeds go into a deep dormancy and take 18 months to germinate. In particular, aphids are attracted by the rich supply of sap, and are in turn often "farmed" by ants for the production of the sap, which the ants collect for their own use, and the result can often be a dripping of excess sap onto the lower branches and leaves, and anything else below. Cars left under the trees can quickly become coated with a film of the syrup ("honeydew") thus dropped from higher up. The ant/aphid "farming" process does not appear to cause any serious damage to the trees.
Lime Tree Care
Tilia
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Humidity
High
Lighting
Full Sun
Temperature
18°C - 29°C
Hardiness zone
8 - 11
Difficulty
Medium
Hibernation
Cold Period
Toxicity
Poisonous
How to Care for the Plant
Water
For the first few months, water your lime tree at least once a week as it gets used to its new location. After that, give it a drink if you get less than one inch of rain during the week. If the tree’s leaves begin to fall off, it may be because it needs supplemental watering, so check it carefully every few days, especially during drought conditions.
Pruning
Lime trees don’t require a great deal of pruning. Trim back diseased or broken limbs, or any branches that are rubbing against each other. If you are trying to keep your lime tree to a certain size, you can prune back any branches that are too high. If you are hoping to keep your tree small, consider planting a dwarf or semi-dwarf variety.
Fertilizer
Fertilize frequently – Lime trees are heavy feeders. They will quickly deplete the soil around them, in the ground or in a container. Be sure to fertilize every few months with compost or a nitrogen rich fertilizer. Keep them warm – Lime trees cannot tolerate temperatures much under 50 degrees F.
Sunlight
Citrus trees are tropical plants that require lots of light, warmth, and adequate moisture in order to thrive and produce fruit.
Soil
Amend the soil to improve drainage to make sure that your lime tree will never be exposed to standing water.
Temperature
Ideally, the temperature for lime trees and other citrus fruits should be between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and it should not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, notes Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service.
Additional
Both lemon (citrus limon) and lime (citrus aurantifolia) trees produce phototoxic compounds called psoralens as well as linalool and limonene. Although safe for humans, these substances are toxic to canines. Lime is small tree that usually grows to the height of 16 feet. Lime has shrub-like appearance due to multiple, irregular branches with numerous short twigs. Some types of lime are spiny. Lime has ovate leaves with entire margins.
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