Kaffir Lime Plant Care

Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Citrus genus. Kaffir Lime is native to tropical Southeast Asia. Kaffir Lime is also known as Makrut Lime, Thai Lime, Jeruk Purut.

Kaffir Lime displays a small to medium-sized evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Kaffir Lime produces fragrant white flowers with waxy petals.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Kaffir Lime every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Kaffir Lime thrives in full sun.

Citrus hystrix tolerates temperatures of 55–85°F. Kaffir Lime prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Kaffir Lime to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Kaffir Lime every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Kaffir Lime is suited to USDA Zone 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Kaffir Lime can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Kaffir Lime while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Kaffir Lime is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Kaffir Lime can be propagated through seeds, grafting, air-layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lemon tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Kaffir Lime is susceptible to citrus leafminer, citrus whitefly, aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Kaffir Lime grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12b. Kaffir Lime is native to tropical Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow Kaffir Lime as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.