Lime Tree Types: How To Grow Lime Trees Indoors, Lime Plant Care Tips, ID

Image Credit: Joanjo Puertos Muñoz (JoanjoCastello)³¹

The lime is a citrus, the same family as the orange of course, and there are several unexpected surprise additions that you never thought of.

So basically, citrus fruit trees are all members of the Rutaceae family and have quite a lot in common. They come in various colors, shapes, and sizes, but the underlying common feature is the fact that they all kind of have a unique taste, some are sweeter while others are on the more sour side.

It is also fascinating that various types can interbreed to form completely different results, all the while maintaining the great features that you love.

In fact, many of the fruits that you find in the market are hybrids. There are many types of citrus fruits, however, the most common ones are the orange, blood orange, mandarin orange, bitter orange, tangerine, tangelo, calamondin, grapefruit, lime, kumquat, lemon, and so many more.

Lime Tree Facts You Should Know: What Is a Lime Tree?

There are so many citrus fruits out there,¹⁰ all unique and incredible in their own right, but there is something about the lime that makes it a staple in kitchens, and that may be why you would want to plant it in the first place.

With the amazing taste and multipurpose use of the lime, it is no wonder the fruit is very popular in the US.

So, first things first, what exactly is a lime? The lime is a proud member of the Rutaceae family of citrus fruits and is actually known as a hybrid between the citron and other species.⁶

While other members of the family are typically subtropical plants, the lime is more of a tropical fruit, which kind of explains why it is not that common in the Mediterranean regions. It is so special that it is a parent to the hybrid limequat, which of course is a cross with the Kumquat Tree and lime.

Lime Plant Origin

You can’t help but think about this, where on earth does the lime come from? Knowing a tree’s origin sort of helps you appreciate it more and understand what it needs in accordance with its native habitat.

The true origin of the lime is quite tricky to pinpoint because there are so many varieties and each comes from different places.

However, most limes are said to originate from the tropical parts of Asia, and then later spread gradually to other regions, all thanks to migration, trading, and other social activities. It is believed that the tree comes from Indonesia and then it later spread out to other countries in the Mediterranean and of course the rest of the world.

You will now find various versions growing in the US, India, China, Mexico, and so many places, just as long as the conditions are right.

Lime Tree vs Lemon Tree: Differences Between Lemon and Lime Tree

There are some members of the citrus fruits that are quite confusing to tell apart. After years of inbreeding, it is quite common to find two fruit trees that look exactly the same yet they are worlds apart.

Well, the lime and the lemon are two types that tend to confuse people, especially their fruits which have a tangy taste and kind of look alike too.

(Image: Ralphs_Fotos²²)

So, how do you tell them apart then? For starters, both trees share a common parent, the citron, which makes them technically half-siblings.

The easiest and fastest way to differentiate between these two is by their fruit colors. The lime is typically green when ripe, in various shades that is, depending on the prevailing conditions.

But, on the other hand, lemons take a yellow shade when ripe.

In addition to that, there is also a difference in the shape. Lemons are known to have somewhat pointed ends and are larger but limes are generally more round and a bit smaller.

You will also find it pretty interesting that the lime tends to have more juice and a richer taste than the lemon, which is why it is the better choice for syrup making and juices.

Why Grow Lime Tree (Uses of Lime)

Why is there suddenly a wave of people growing citrus fruits in their yards?

What’s so special about them, you may ask.

The lime, and just about any other citrus, are multipurpose fruit trees that will come in handy for so many tasks, especially in the kitchen.

Here are the top uses of lime.¹¹

1. Raw fruit: The lime can be eaten as it is or added to fruit salads and it is often used as an alternative to lemon.
2. Cocktails: Probably the most common use of lime is that it is a common ingredient in many beverages and cocktails. You will find it in alcoholic drinks and of course, lemonade, all thanks to the acidic, tangy, and zesty taste.
3. Candy: The fantastic taste of the lime makes it a key ingredient in various candy brands, especially gummies.
4. Essential oils: Did you know that the peel from the lime can also come in handy in the production of essential oils? They are also popular in the manufacture of perfumes and aromatherapy oils.⁵
5. Cleaning products: You must have come across soaps and detergents that are labeled to be scented with lime.
6. Ornamental value:¹² There is something so special about having a Lime Tree growing in your home, especially when it starts flowering or producing fruits. It also helps that it is evergreen and will stay stunning for the better part of the year.

How To Identify Lime Tree: What Does a Lime Tree Look Like?

There are a number of types of lime and they all have distinct features.

But, of course, there are some features that cut across all of them.

If you have never seen a Lime Tree, or often end up confusing it with the lemon or other citrus trees, take a look at the characteristics of a typical lime.

Lime Tree Leaves

You cannot miss the lime leaves. They are light green and ovate.

In fact, the name ‘latifolia’¹³ actually translates directly to broad-leaved and that is true because the leaves tend to measure about 6-8 cm long. So of course you will spot it and you will also notice that the leaf surface is hard, thick, and leathery.

Lime Tree Flower

The flowers are where tree pollination takes place and is the reason why fruits form. Wondering do trees have genders?

And whether you have to plant two limes for them to pollinate? You will be ecstatic to find out that the lime flowers are hermaphrodites, meaning that the male and female organs are all in one place.

The blooms are showy white and rich in fragrance and you can see that there are also yellow parts in the middle.

Lime Fruit

Now on to the best part of the tree, the fruits. Of course, the size and color tend to vary based on the type of lime in question, some are as big as a ping pong ball, while others are almost the size of a lemon.

However, they tend to have skin in green shades but note that they do not ripe after picking, kind of like all other citruses.

Lime Tree Seeds

There are also variations when it comes to the seeds of the lime. Interestingly, there are some species that do not have any seeds while for the seeded, the number of seeds tends to vary, some more than others.

Again, the seeds are just like those of other citruses. They are pale white, tiny, and oval-like in shape.

Types of Limes

There are so many types of trees under the citrus group, and each further has more types under it making the Rutaceae family a massive one. Below are the common ones that you are likely to find growing in the US.

It also has so many seeds inside and of course, has a sour-sweet flavor to it.

6. Limequat

The Limequat has to be on this list as a very popular hybrid between Kumquats and Key Limes. An incredible feature of this type is the fact that when ripe, it sort of looks more like a lemon, but the yellow skin has lime written all over it.

You will find it growing effortlessly in the US, Japan, Malaysia and Spain.

7. Pursha Lime

This is another lime that will catch you by surprise. Some people also refer to it as the Romana Lime and its identifying feature is the fact that it is more of a sweet lemon, not exactly as tangy as the others, which makes it an excellent addition to dessert recipes.

How To Grow a Lime Tree

Do you want to grow a tree that you can be proud to show off to others and one that will give you a steady supply of fruits that you can’t get enough of? What you need is the lime.¹⁵

It is great that it is pretty easy to grow and care for, even if you don’t think that you have a green thumb or this is your first time planting anything at all.

Growing a Lime Tree From a Seed

Starting with seeds when it comes to fruit trees is usually not the best way to go but it is still possible, just as long as you are patient. For the lime, planting from seeds may mean waiting for as much as 4-10 years before you are able to see any fruits, that is if you were careful in picking the sample, because otherwise, you may end up with a fruitless kind.⁸

Anyway, planting the seeds is not that hard. All you have to do is to pick the seed from a fruit that you have just plucked (not store-bought) to increase your chances of success.

Wash and dry them for a few days and plant them in containers at least ½ an inch into the soil. You should make sure that the potting mix is moist and drains well, and with care, you should see sprouts in a few weeks.

Presumably, you will want to start seeds indoors for better chances of growth. When the seedling grows to at least 6 inches high, it will be ready for transplanting outdoors in its permanent home.

Growing a Lime Tree From a Cutting

Planting from cuttings is one way to graft your Lime Tree, and in fact, it is one of the most preferred options, why? Because you get the chance to choose how you want your lime to look like that is according to the features of the parent breed.

All it takes is to take a cutting from the Lime Tree that you like and plant it in a container.

Remove the leaves on the lower part of the branch or cutting you have taken and dip the bottom in a rooting hormone. Next, place the stem into the potting mix, water, and provide sunlight, and that should be it.

The roots should develop, and the shoots above will follow.

Growing a Lime Tree From a Seedling

If you have planted a tree before, you should know that this method is perhaps the most convenient. All you have to do is buy your Lime Tree seedling from a local shop or online and transplant it.

Dig a hole twice the size of the container that the seedling has come in, and gently transfer from the original container to the ground along with its root ball of course.

Next, backfill the hole and pat on the ground to secure the plant and get rid of unnecessary air pockets. Keep looking after the tree and it should soon establish itself and grow pretty much the fastest way to grow your Lime Tree.

Planting Tips for Lime Tree

If you want to learn how to grow a lemon tree like a pro, there are a few guidelines that you need because the lime is a unique one, unlike other fruit trees.

The following planting tips will guide you to make the process way more effortless and fully maximize your tree’s potential.¹⁶

How Far Apart To Plant Lime Tree

The last thing that you want is to have your Lime Trees growing extremely close together. That will definitely affect their spread and, ultimately, their fruit production.

The case may be a little different if you are growing more of them to maybe form a privacy screen, but even so, they still need some room to breathe. For the best results and according to the stretch of the tree, you need to leave at least a 15-foot distance between each tree.

When To Plant Lime Tree for the Best Yield

Trust that you don’t want to plant your Lime Tree outside when it is too cold. That is why experts recommend starting seeds and cuttings indoors when it’s too cold and later transplanting outside when the air gets a little warmer.

However, if you want to start directly outdoors, maybe with a seedling, you have the best shot if you plant at the beginning of spring.

How Long It Takes To Grow Lime Tree: Lime Tree Growth Rate

Wondering how long does it take for a tree to grow? Well, for your lime, it depends on several factors, how you grew it, the breed, and the prevailing conditions.

In general, lime grows at a rate of up to 24 inches every single year. On the other hand, starting with seeds has often proven to take longer than using seedlings or cuttings.

Seedlings will grow and start producing fruits as early as 3-6 years, but you may have to wait a little longer if you started with seeds.

Lime Tree Growing Zone, Growing Zones for Lime Tree (Where To Grow a Lime)

Again, the lime is not a huge fan of the cold, and that is why it grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.⁴

It cannot survive excessive and freezing temperatures, and that is why people living in colder regions are usually advised to plant their Lime Trees indoors or in containers so that they can relocate them when the weather becomes unbearable.

What Are the Best Growing Conditions for Lime Tree?

The Lime Tree is generally pretty easy to grow, but that is only if you provide everything that it needs.

You will never have to worry about the fruits taking long to show up or your tree not reaching its milestones, just as long as you provide the following basic needs.

Watering Needs for Lime Tree Plants

Watering a tree is not even debatable; that is one of the first duties for every tree owner. As for the lime, it is important that the fruits retain their juiciness and tart taste and only frequent watering will help them achieve that.

It is particularly important when they are younger but the general rule is to water as soon as the soil dries up, that could be 1-3 times a week depending on the weather conditions.

How Much Sunlight Does Lime Tree Need Each Day?

Just by looking at the native habitat of the lime and any other citrus, it doesn’t take much to realize that they love the sun.¹⁷ This is basically why it is crucial to plant the tree in a well-lit spot away from shading objects.

Six hours of sun every single day works for limes, and that applies to both indoor and outdoor trees.

What Is the Best Type of Soil for Growing the Lime Tree?

The type of soil also matters just as much as the other two conditions, and that explains why it is vital to check whether the soil in your region will be able to accommodate the tree; if not, you will have to grow your tree in a container filled with the ideal soil. In general, lime thrives best when the soil drains well, and it is rich in organic matter.

You can always add fertilizer about three times every year, maybe once in spring, summer, and winter.

Specialized citrus fruit soil mixes are available at most department home improvement stores.

Lime Tree Care

Growing a Lime Tree is pretty easy, just as long as you can care for it and provide everything that it needs.

(Image: _Alicja_²⁹)

For faster growth and effortless growth of your lime, you may want to consider the following tips.

Lime Tree Fertilizer

You should probably know that the Lime Tree is often susceptible to magnesium and iron deficiency and that is why it is advisable to apply fertilizer at least thrice a year at the rate of about 2 tablespoons for every single tree.¹ This will be a great boost to the growth of your trees and you will have better chances of harvesting your fruits.

Lime Tree Mulching

Mulching around trees may not seem that important for many people but it is of great benefit to the tree. For one, it preserves the moisture level in the soil, which you will need during the sweltering hot months of summer.

In addition to that, mulching also has a way of preventing the growth of unwanted plants or weeds that will interfere with the growth of your lime.

How To Prune a Lime Tree

One more upside for growing a lime is the fact that it doesn’t really need that much pruning. You can grow it if you tend to get busy or keep forgetting to maintain your trees.

It doesn’t grow that fast to require regular pruning all the time. However, you will have to do something when there are dead or damaged branches because you will have to remove them to boost the growth of the tree.

How To Grow Indoor Citrus Plants (Growing a Bonsai Lime Tree)

Although you will hear many people talking about planting their Lime Trees outdoors in the full sun where they can serve as ornamental yard trees that also provide shade, there is another way to go that is actually gaining more and more popularity among homeowners, growing bonsai Lime Trees indoors in containers.

Why is this method working for many, you ask? Well, for starters, it allows you the flexibility of moving your tree around, which is very convenient if you live in cold regions and want your tree to stay cozy indoors or transfer it outside when it gets a little warmer.

To plant a citrus tree indoors,¹⁸ all you will need is to find the perfect container and, preferably, plant a dwarf species that will not ever outgrow the planter.

You should find the best soil type, and make sure that it is rich in nutrients and drains well; next, you can either plant your Lime Tree from a seed, cutting, or even seedling.

When done planting, water and place the pot under a well-lit window or any place for that matter that has a lot of access to the sun, and it should be good to go.

How To Care for Indoor Citrus Tree or Potted Lime Tree

Did you know that a potted indoor Lime Tree tends to require a tad bit more care than an outdoor Lime Tree?

However, the best part is that you will get the chance to have a flexible tree that you can move around.

(Image: KientrucVietAS_Com³⁰)

However, you want to make sure that it grows in the perfect environment. For starters, ensure that the pot you choose is of the right material, has draining holes, and will give your plant enough room to grow.

The last thing you want to do is to keep repotting your Lime Tree and interfering with its growth process each time. Also, remember that planters come in different materials.

Clay is more stable, but plastic is more portable. You will have to choose the best material based on your needs.

The most important care needed for indoor trees is sunlight.

That explains why you should choose a spot that you are certain receives enough light, considering just how much citruses love soaking the sun. If there is no suitable spot, don’t fret because you can always supplement with an indoor grow light.

Water is also important for your lime, but avoid over-watering, otherwise, the soil will stay wet and cause problems for the tree later on.

What Are the Best Companion Plants for Growing Lime Tree?

You can either plant a single Lime Tree in your yard or switch it all up and find friends to keep it company. There are so many benefits that exist when you decide to find companion plants for your lime, or any other citrus tree for that matter.

When it comes to such fruit trees, you are probably going to deal with a lot of pests that want a taste of the yummy fruits, and that is why you will need to plant other trees that will serve as a defense.

The best types of plants that you can use to repel insects from your lime include marigolds and petunias,³ and it helps that they are flowering plants that will spruce up your home as well. Another clever way to go is to plant companion plants that actually eat insects that eat your Lime Tree.

For instance, options like dill, yarrow, and fennel have proven time and again that they are attractive to ladybugs and lacewings, which eat aphids that will be a danger to your lime. Apart from those ones, you can also go for nitrogen-fixing plants that will greatly benefit your tree by promoting its growth.

Lastly, some owners opt for edible companion plants like parsley and lemon balm.¹⁹

When Do Lime Trees Produce Fruit?

The whole point of growing Lime Trees is to make sure that they are able to produce fruits that can grow healthy to produce bountiful harvests. Therefore you should know when exactly you should be ready to start receiving fruits from your tree.

Understandably, it will be exciting, and you may be a little bit impatient.

The lime doesn’t disappoint because it is able to start fruiting in 3-6 years after you have planted it. By the time it gets to the 8th-10th year, the fruits will be more bountiful than ever, and you can state that you are getting the most out of your tree.

However, this time frame tends to vary based on several factors.

For instance, not all Lime Trees are the same; some take a little longer while others take less time to fruit. On the other hand, some even don’t fruit at all, and that is why it is crucial that you are very careful when selecting which breed you are going to grow.

If you are in a hurry, it is important to ask your nursery to recommend the fastest-growing limes that they have.

In the same light, if you want to see fruits within the shortest time possible, you want to avoid planting seeds. Seed-started limes can even take 10 years before they start fruiting.

The best and most convenient way to go is to plant cuttings or seedlings; and at least this way, the chances of growth and overall success are even better.

How To Harvest a Full-Grown Lime Tree

You have gone through the entire process, from planting to caring for your precious Lime Tree.

Time has passed, the blooms have shown up, and you can now see fruits starting to form.

(Image: Michelle_Raponi²⁸)

It can be exciting that your efforts are now being rewarded, but there is one more thing. You don’t know how to tell whether the fruits are ripe or not and have no idea of how you are going to go about harvesting them.

First of all, how do you know when your Lime Tree is ready for harvesting? You will easily tell that the fruits are ready when you can clearly see that the fruits are a bit lighter in color and the skin is softer to the touch.⁹

In other places, the lime fruits stay green, or sometimes they are able to turn light yellow shades.

When you are certain that your fruits are ripe, you can go for the ones that are heavier because they are often zestier. After harvesting, you can go ahead and clean your fruits to remove all the dirt, then have them stored in a cool and dry place, maybe under 10 degrees Celsius.

With proper storage, your limes will be able to stay fresh for a month or so.

Is a Lime a Lemon?

Although sometimes they look alike, a lime and a lemon are not the same. They may also be used in various applications interchangeably, but that is only because they are both from the same family of citruses.

If you take a closer look, the lime is smaller and more rounded, while the lemon has got pointed tips and is usually larger.

How Are Limes Grown?

There are various ways to grow the lime. Of course, you can start with seeds indoors, but that is not exactly a preferred way to go because that takes longer before the tree starts to fruit.

On the other hand, cuttings and seedlings are simpler, more convenient, and it doesn’t take that long before you are able to see the fruits.

Can You Grow a Dwarf Lime Tree?

Of course, you can grow a dwarf Lime Tree outdoors or indoors. It is even more preferred by owners who want a tree that they can easily get control of because limes can grow huge, which makes them difficult to care for.

You can maintain a dwarf size better if growing the lime in a container indoors, and it still looks amazing and grows the fruits that you love.

Why Are My Lime Tree Leaves Curling?

There are so many reasons why the leaves on your lime could be curling up.

It may be the manifestation of a pest or disease, but, in most cases, trees showing this sign are usually those that grow in the colder regions.

The curling is often actually a defense mechanism and an indication that your tree is struggling and may need some warmth.

Common Pests of the Lime Tree

One of the reasons why you may not be able to fully reap the fruits of your Lime Tree, literally, is because of pests. They can set back the milestones that your tree is achieving and affect your harvest.

You may actually end up not harvesting any fruits after all. The following are the most common pests to watch out for when protecting your Lime Tree and other citruses for that matter.²⁰

1. Aphids: Of course, aphids will appear on this list. These tiny insects are infamous for attacking the leaves of trees, sucking the sap, leaving the foliage distorted and discolored, and they will do the same to your precious Lime Tree.
2. Citrus gall wasps: These are other pests that are notorious for attacking the Lime Tree leaving the branches swollen full of galls all over, taking a toll on the tree in the process.
3. Leaf miner: This insect is another pest that is lethal to your Lime Tree. It can’t get enough of the new growth of your tree and tends to leave the leaves distorted and stunts their growth.
4. Scale: A pest that is pretty common in all citrus trees. They attack the tree and cause the leaves to fall off prematurely, and what is a Lime Tree without its leaves?
   The growth will definitely be affected.
5. Mites: Although a small mite population is not that harmful, you will have to watch out when their population grows. The leaves will fall off, and the fruits will start deforming.

Natural Pest Control for Lime Tree

While pesticides are the go-to for many farmers and Lime Tree owners, it is not exactly the safest method for the tree or the environment. You will be safer going for more natural methods that will not compromise your tree in any way.

Besides, unlike artificial methods like the use of pesticides, these means are even cheaper, especially when dealing with just a single plant.

There are various methods in accordance with the pest in question. For instance, when dealing with scales, you can take them out using a knife or your own hands.

Alternatively, you can use a cotton swab that is dipped in alcohol or even just spray the alcohol if they are too many. On the other hand, if mites are the pests harming your tree, you can always hose them off the tree to knock them down.

Another natural method that seems to work for many Lime Tree owners is the use of insecticidal soaps or even sprays made up of neem oil, garlic, and other natural insect repellents. Other farmers also opt to introduce predatory insects that will eat the pests and won’t be interested in harming the tree in any way.

Common Lime Tree Diseases

Like just about any other plant out there, the Lime Tree is not immune to diseases. An attack is probably the worst thing that could ever happen to your tree, especially a deadly disease that will cause permanent effects and is hard to treat.

These will not really be a problem if you properly care for your tree, but in the instance that they do attack, at least you would want to know what exactly you are dealing with.

1. Scab: This is a fungal disease that will definitely be a huge problem unless you detect it early. How does it manifest?
   You will spot slightly protruding brown or pink scabs on the leaves and fruits that will gradually change color. This disease can find its way to other plants through moving water and wind.
2. Citrus variegated chlorosis (CVS)²¹:Another disease to watch out for when growing any citrus fruit tree is the CVS. It is easy to detect because you will see that the leaves will start turning yellow, kind of like the symptoms of lack of zinc in trees.
3. Black spot: This is a deadly fungal infection that you definitely don’t want near your tree. It has the effect of reducing the number of fruits that your tree produces and forms black wounds on the leaves and fruits.²
4. Greasy spot: This is another fungal disease that will be a problem. It manifests just like the black spot on the leaves and fruits, but the difference is that it appears as a light-colored greasy spot.
5. Anthracnose: Fungal infections seem to love citrus trees, and this one leaves behind large tan spots on the leaves and is able to transfer to other trees nearby through rain splashes or during overhead watering.

Lime Tree Disease Prevention and How To Stop Lime Tree Disease

As you can tell from the above common diseases, fungal and bacterial infections can get deadly, which often starts manifesting as discoloration leads to defoliation, and then the entire tree gets affected, not long after that, you are forced to chop down the entire tree. But it doesn’t have to get to that, not when there are a few remedies that can prevent and stop the diseases.

For starters, you will have to spray your Lime Trees with copper fungicides, especially in the spring. This has proven to be a very effective remedy, especially for fungal diseases that are otherwise difficult to treat.

Also note that most of these diseases love to spread around to the neighboring trees, and you can actually unknowingly be the one helping them spread.

This is why it is important to avoid using overhead sprinkling methods because the fungal diseases can transfer through the water. Secondly, it is very crucial that you avoid planting the Lime Trees too close to each other because that way, it will be even easier for the disease to transfer as they can get carried away even by the wind.

Imagine not having to rush to the store every time you need fresh lime. This is possible when you have some organic ones growing right in your compound.

The lime and other citruses are perfect trees to have in your garden because they grow so fast and need very little care to survive. You don’t have to worry even if you are a first-timer.

The best part is also that the tree bears many fruits, and you also have an option to grow a dwarf one indoors for your landscaping and also kitchen needs.

Look no further if you are looking for a tree that ticks all your boxes.

The Lime Tree offers virtually everything that you would want in a fruit tree and then some more, and you can grow it on your farm or your kitchen garden.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lime Tree