How to Plant a Dwarf Mexican Key Lime Tree

Mexican Key Lime trees are most often grown in dwarf form and can make wonderful patio or house plants. The key lime differs from a regular lime because it is more acidic and also produces smaller fruit. These limes are used to make key lime pie and the fruits generally ripen in late winter when grown indoors. Once mature the tree may produce fruit twice a year and has even been known to produce fruit all year long.

Things You'll Need

• Mexican dwarf key lime tree
• Soil
• Container
• Water
• Fertilizer

Instructions

Planting

1. Use a pot or container that has at least one drain hole. Add a layer of drainage material such as gravel or broken pottery.

2. Add a soil that is slightly acidic in nature such as a peat moss and soil mixture. Fill the pot to the point that the root ball of the tree will be barely covered.

3. Scoop enough soil to the side to make room for the root ball of the tree. Place the tree in this hole and cover it with soil. Make sure that none of the tree trunk is under the soil line as this can cause the trunk to rot.

4. Water the soil until water begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. After time has been allowed for draining, the soil should be moist but not overly damp.

5. Fertilize the tree with a well-balanced organic fertilizer, according to the directions that may be included with the package.

6. Place the tree in an area where it will receive full sun preferably from the South. If you have no windows available that will provide correct lighting, you can also use 40-watt fluorescent lights. Make sure the area used will be warmer than 55 degrees at all times, because colder temperatures can prevent growth in the tree.

Tips & Warnings

• Lime trees enjoy an occasional shower of water from above. Sponging the leaves with warm water is also beneficial to remove dust and any pests that may be residing on the plant.

• A tree planted in a 10- to 15-gallon container can grow to a height of 7 to 8 feet on average although it can grow up to 10 feet tall.

• Mexican dwarf lime trees can be propagated by rooting cuttings from an established tree.

• Sudden changes to the tree's environment can lead to shock, cause leaves to drop and prevent fruit from developing. Changes should be made gradually.

• Root rot can develop as a result of too much water being given to the tree. The soil should never be allowed to become too soggy.

References

• Soil
• Watering