Limes are an excellent citrus fruit and type of tree to grow indoors, but mistakes can happen. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid with growing limes.
An indoor lime tree can produce several pounds of fruit each year and possibly more depending on the variety. This could save you a bundle of money at the grocery store. Especially if you're an avid lime fan.
Growing your own limes can be fun and rewarding in more ways than one. But there are some common mistakes you could make. Don't worry we've got all the information you need to avoid those pitfalls.
1. Don't Overwater Your Tree
This is true for nearly any plant. Overwatering your tree can lead to a nasty condition called root rot. Root rot is a fungal infection and as such can cause major headaches.
However, when growing limes indoors a container that stays well-drained can help you avoid this problem entirely. Using either container with drainage holes at the bottom or even a fabric pot should work great.
2. Don't Underwater Your Tree
This can be detrimental to your tree. Especially if it is still young and developing its root system. Its good practice to ensure the soil stays moist when growing in a container.
Even in wintertime, the tree can easily be dehydrated indoors. Always make sure your plant is getting enough water. If you plan on traveling for an extended period of time be sure to plan for your plants.
3. Growing Limes Don't Like Cold Weather
During the summertime, it's perfectly ok to keep your tree outside. In fact, you should keep it outside when it's warm and allow it to soak up much need sun.
However, during the wintertime be sure to keep your tree in the sunniest window in your home. It is very important to keep your tree warm. Otherwise, it can freeze and permanently damage your plant.
4. Know When to Fertilize
During the summer using fertilizer, every two to three weeks should suffice. This should give them more than enough nutrients to produce a bounty of fruit.
The wintertime should be used as a time to allow your plant to rest so to speak. So avoid using fertilizers during the cold periods to allow for this.
Even when your tree is not producing fruit it may produce small clusters of white flowers. These flowers are wonderfully fragrant and beautiful, but this is not a reason to fertilize as it could overfeed your tree.
5. Leaf Panic
When lime trees are moved outside during the summer they may drop most or even all of their leaves. They may also drop leaves when brought inside during cold periods.
This is not a reason to panic. Do not overwater your plant or over-fertilize your plant. A couple of days after moving your tree you should see it recovering.
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If you find yourself needing more guidance on growing citrus trees, we have a wealth of resources for you here on our citrus blog.
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