Citrus inodora Plant Care
Citrus inodora F.M.Bailey
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Citrus inodora or Microcitrus inodora, commonly known as Russell River lime or large leaf Australian wild lime, is a tree native to the Bellenden-Ker Range in northern Queensland, Australia.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
55–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Citrus inodora?
Plant Citrus inodora in full sun (USDA zones 12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 55–85°F (13–29°C). Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Citrus inodora Native To?
What Is the Citrus inodora?
Citrus inodora (Citrus inodora) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Citrus genus. Citrus inodora is native to the Bellenden-Ker Range in northern Queensland, Australia.
Citrus inodora displays a small to medium-sized evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Citrus inodora produces fragrant white flowers with waxy petals.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Citrus inodora?
Water a young or newly planted Citrus inodora 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Citrus inodora Need?
Citrus inodora thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Citrus inodora Prefer?
Citrus inodora tolerates temperatures of 55–85°F. Citrus inodora prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
55–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Citrus inodora?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Citrus inodora to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Citrus inodora?
Feed Citrus inodora 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.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Citrus inodora?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Citrus inodora 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Citrus inodora?
Citrus inodora 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.
How Do You Prune a Citrus inodora?
Prune Citrus inodora 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.
How Do You Care for a Citrus inodora in Winter?
Citrus inodora 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.
How Do You Propagate a Citrus inodora?
Citrus inodora can be propagated through seeds, grafting, air-layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lemon tree plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Citrus inodora Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Citrus inodora, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Citrus inodora?
Citrus inodora 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Citrus inodora Need?
Citrus inodora grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12b. Citrus inodora is native to the Bellenden-Ker Range in northern Queensland, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Citrus inodora as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12b
Keep exploring plants
Citrus inodora is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Citrus genus — compare its care with other Citrus species on PlantoScan.
Citrus is part of the Rutaceae plant family — browse all Rutaceae genera and species.
Citrus inodora thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Citrus Species
Other Citrus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Citrus inodora F.M.Bailey, family Rutaceae (first published in Botany of the Bellenden-Ker Expedition (in Meston: Report of the Government Scientific Expedition to Bellenden-Ker Range) 1889) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Citrus inodora, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
