Small Micromelum Plant Care
Micromelum minutum (G.Forst.) Wight & Arn.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Micromelum minutum, commonly known as limeberry, dilminyin. kimiar margibur, tulibas tilos (Philippines), sesi (Indonesia) and samui (Thailand), is a species of small tree or shrub in the citrus plant family Rutaceae.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Small Micromelum?
Plant Small Micromelum in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Small Micromelum?
Small Micromelum (Micromelum minutum) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Micromelum genus.
Small Micromelum displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Small Micromelum produces small white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Small Micromelum?
Water a young or newly planted Small Micromelum every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Small Micromelum Need?
Small Micromelum thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Small Micromelum Prefer?
Micromelum minutum tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Small Micromelum prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Small Micromelum?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Small Micromelum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Small Micromelum?
Feed Small Micromelum every 6 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 6 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 Small Micromelum?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Small Micromelum is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
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 Small Micromelum?
Small Micromelum can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Small Micromelum?
Prune Small Micromelum 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 Small Micromelum in Winter?
Small Micromelum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). 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 Small Micromelum?
Small Micromelum can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings.
Is the Small Micromelum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Small Micromelum, 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 Small Micromelum?
Small Micromelum is susceptible to citrus leaf miner, citrus psyllid, 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 Small Micromelum Need?
Small Micromelum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Small Micromelum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Small Micromelum 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 Micromelum genus — compare its care with other Micromelum species on PlantoScan.
Micromelum is part of the Rutaceae plant family — browse all Rutaceae genera and species.
Small Micromelum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Micromelum minutum (G.Forst.) Wight & Arn., family Rutaceae (first published in Prodr. Fl. Ind. Orient. : 468 (1834)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Small Micromelum, 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 13a, 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.
