During the active growing season, an occasional feed with our ‘Instant Life’ citrus food or a light top dressing with a base fertiliser will prove beneficial. Under no circumstances be tempted to overfeed!

McGovern, Thomas W.; Barkley, Theodore M. (2000). "Botanical Dermatology". The Electronic Textbook of Dermatology. Internet Dermatology Society. 37 (5). Section Phytophotodermatitis. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-4362.1998.00385.x. PMID 9620476. S2CID 221810453 . Retrieved November 29, 2018. The most likely etymology is through the Kaffirs, an ethnic group in Sri Lanka partly descended from enslaved Bantu. [9] The earliest known reference, under the alternative spelling "caffre" is in the 1888 book The Cultivated Oranges, Lemons Etc. of India and Ceylon by Emanuel Bonavia, who notes, "The plantation coolies also smear it over their feet and legs, to keep off land leeches; and therefore in Ceylon [Sri Lanka] it has also got the name of Kudalu dchi, or Leech Lime. Europeans call it Caffre Lime." [9] [10] Similarly, H.F. MacMillan's 1910 book A Handbook of Tropical Gardening and Planting notes, "The 'Kaffir Lime' in Ceylon." [9] [11]

How to Grow Kaffir Lime in a Pot

As such, we grow our 10+ year old makrut lime tree (and other citrus) in a large pot. We use our specialized pot moving deviceto bring it into a heated garage during our frequent sub-freezing winter temperatures. One traditional use of makrut lime fruit, rinds, and leaves, was to make them into a shampoo. Some companies today are now offering makrut lime shampoos which claim to help with everything from graying hair to dandruff. TOP TIP- Kaffir lime trees will need a dormant period. Even if you live in USDA zones 9- 10 and have planted outside, stop the fertilizer for three to four months over Winter. If you have them as a houseplant do the same and even reduce the watering a little. The recovery time for plants is not to be underestimated as when they do then awake from their enforced Winter they are ready to go again with a renewed vigor. Harvesting Kaffir Limes and Leaves Finding a lime tree online is a piece of cake and growing a citrus tree is fairly easy as well. However, we still need to properly care for a Kaffir lime tree to make sure it is alive and fruit bearing for years to come. Another traditional (and modern) use of makrut lime is as an insect and/or pest deterrent. In fact, the reason they were called kudalu dehi (leech-lime) by native Sri Lankans is because the juice was rubbed on their legs to keep off land leeches.

D.J. Mabberley (1997), "A classification for edible Citrus (Rutaceae)", Telopea, 7 (2): 167–172, doi: 10.7751/telopea19971007 We have left our makrut tree outside when temperatures dipped into the low 40s/upper 30s °F (about 4°C) and it did fine. However, we doubt it would do fine if forced to endure sustained cold temperatures in that range. Are makrut lime trees self-fertile, e.g. self-pollinating? Despite the fact that Kaffir lime trees are tolerant of less than ideal conditions, there are specific needs that should be met for optimal growth.Citrus plants may be large in their native habitats, but they maintain a small size easily in the right conditions. Your trees could be residents of a greenhouse, patio, or they can be grown indoors. Watch out for the thorns, though!

When ripe, makrut lime skins turn from green to dull green-yellow, eventually falling off the plant. Each fruit can be juiced and the skins can also be used as a flavoring. In winter, when plants are indoors, allow the surface of the compost to partially dry out before watering, then water thoroughly with tepid rainwater, allowing the excess to drain away. Overwatering in winter is one of the commonest problems, so err on the dry side. And never leave pots standing in water, as this can cause the roots to rot. Yellowing of the leaves or shedding leaves can be signs of overwatering. In the summer, water the tree twice a week. In the winter or cooler weather, once a week should be enough. Other research has shown the oils in makrut lime leaves are highly effective at preventing and treating bacterial respiratory tract infections.

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As other citrus trees, Kaffir lime trees are not exempt from pest infestation. Common pests that harm lime trees are scales, citrus mites, aphids, and leaf miners. When solving pest problems first try an organic approach and use beneficial bugs, citrus sprays, or neem oil. In the event the tree has major infestation and can no longer be controlled using organic solutions, then you can use insecticides or pesticides. Just make sure that you use the right spray at the right time of the year, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, to be sure you get the best results. Next, spray some water over them and place a clear plastic bag over the tray. Keep your cuttings in low light at room temperature, and new roots should develop in about six days up to six weeks. But remember to keep removing the bag for air ventilation and keeping them moist. Lime Tree Varieties Grew up in Florida and know all those tropical fruits. I love it when people try to grow exotic tropical plants outside of their temperature zone. This citrus tree is an evergreen bush that stands anywhere from 6 to 35 feet tall. The double hourglass-shaped leaves with a leaf blade twice the size of the petiole grow on thorny branches from a central trunk. In spring, four to five-petaled white flowers bloom up to 2 inches wide and self-pollinate. They die away and green citrus fruit with a bumpy exterior form where the flower once was. The fruit ripens and forms yellow skin. Home gardeners hand-pollinate kaffir lime when they are grown indoors.