Citrus Key Lime: Grow Your Own Zesty Citrus at Home
Meet the Citrus Key Lime—a compact, fruit-bearing tree that brings the tropics to your home! Known for its fragrant blooms and tangy, aromatic limes, this plant is perfect for gardeners who love fresh, homegrown citrus. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the Key Lime tree is a delightful addition to your indoor or outdoor space.
Why You'll Love the Citrus Key Lime
- 🍋 Produces juicy, aromatic limes perfect for cooking and drinks
- 🌸 Fragrant white flowers that fill your space with a sweet scent
- 🌿 Compact size ideal for containers and small spaces
What’s in a Name?
- Citrus Key Lime
- Mexican Lime
- West Indian Lime
Meet the Family
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Order: Sapindales
- Family: Rutaceae
- Genus: Citrus
- Species: Citrus × aurantiifolia
Where It Comes From
The Citrus Key Lime is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia and was later introduced to the Mediterranean and the Americas. Today, it’s widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
A Symbol of Freshness and Vitality
Key Limes have long been associated with freshness and vitality. They’re a staple in culinary traditions worldwide, from Key Lime pie in Florida to refreshing beverages in Mexico.
Why It’s So Popular
- Produces versatile limes for cooking, baking, and beverages
- Adds a touch of greenery and fragrance to your space
- Perfect for container gardening and small spaces
What Does It Look Like?
Physical Characteristics
The Citrus Key Lime features glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers that bloom throughout the year. Its fruit is small, round, and bright green when ripe, with a thin, smooth skin.
Growth Habit
This tree grows to a manageable height of 6–12 feet when planted in the ground, or 4–6 feet when grown in a container. Its compact size makes it ideal for indoor or patio gardening.
Explore Other Citrus Varieties
Citrus × sinensis (Sweet Orange)
- Known for its juicy, sweet oranges.
Citrus × limon (Eureka Lemon)
- Classic lemon variety with tart, acidic fruit.
Citrus reticulata (Mandarin Orange)
- Small, sweet, and easy-to-peel fruit.
Dealing with Pests
Aphids
Spray with a mixture of water and dish soap or use neem oil. Learn More
Spider Mites
Increase humidity and treat with insecticidal soap. Learn More
Scale Insects
Gently scrape off the insects and apply horticultural oil. Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to produce fruit?
Key Lime trees typically start producing fruit within 2–3 years when grown from a grafted plant.
Is it pet-friendly?
No, citrus plants can be toxic to pets if ingested. Keep it out of reach of cats and dogs. See Pet-Friendly Plants
How often should I water it?
Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
Does it need full sun?
Yes, Key Lime trees thrive in full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily).
Learn More About Citrus Care
For detailed care instructions, check out our Citrus Plant Care Guide.
How to take care of Citrus Key Lime
Sun: Direct
Sun: Direct
This plant prefers bright, direct light but can tolerate some filtered light. If grown indoors, ensure it gets enough exposure to sunlight to encourage healthy growth and fruit production.
Light: Bright Direct
Light: Bright Direct
Citrus Key Lime thrives in direct sun and enjoys at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If growing indoors, place it near a bright south-facing window or supplement with grow lights.
Water: When Mostly Dry
Water: When Mostly Dry
Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's best to use well-draining soil and water thoroughly when needed
Humidity: Medium
Humidity: Medium
Citrus Key Lime can adapt to various humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity. If grown indoors in dry conditions, occasional misting or a pebble tray can help maintain ideal moisture.
Pet Friendly: Caution
Pet Friendly: Caution
Citrus plants contain compounds that can be mildly toxic to pets if ingested. Keep them out of reach of curious cats and dogs.
Pro Tip
Pro Tip
For the best fruit production, rotate your Citrus Key Lime tree regularly to ensure even sun exposure. Feeding with a balanced citrus fertilizer during the growing season will help it thrive and produce juicy limes!
Delivery Policy for Plant Condition
Delivery Policy for Plant Condition
"I have only received part of my order. What to do?
No worries if you've only got part of your order! Our plants come from different nurseries and might arrive in separate shipments, typically 1-2 days apart. It's all part of ensuring your green friends reach you in top-notch condition!
If you do not receive the remaining packages within 48 hours contact support at info@mygreenscape.ca
What is the Life Time Support?
Absolutely! Lifetime support means you can count on us whenever you have questions or uncertainties about your plant. Whether you're puzzled by its behavior or just want to ensure it's thriving, we're here for you. Connect with us on Instagram @mygreenscapeto or shoot us an email at support@mygreenscape.ca.
When it comes to our guarantee for plants shipped with standard or express, rest assured that we offer a 30-day happy healthy plant guarantee on all such shipments. This ensures that your plants are covered for 30 days after delivery, giving you peace of mind regarding their condition. If you have any concerns within this period, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.
For further details, please visit our Local Delivery, Store Pickup, Standard Shipping Guide Page.
What to expect
What to expect
Your plant will arrive in a standard nursery pot, typically 0.5" - 1" smaller than the stated size to seamlessly fit into your chosen decorative pot. Washable Paper Planter Bags are available for separate purchase.
Just like nature intended, each plant is unique, showcasing natural variations in size, shape, and characteristics. Our commitment is to deliver a plant that closely resembles the one featured on our website, matching your chosen size, and with the potential to thrive happily in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!
Plant & Pot Size Chart
Plant & Pot Size Chart
Choosing the right pot size for your plants can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to gardening. But fear not! Our pot sizes chart can help you find the perfect match for your plants, ensuring they have enough space to grow and thrive. With our guide, you'll be able to confidently choose the right pot size and plant variety for your gardening needs.
Plant Pot Size Guide.
Extra Small | 7-10 cm | 2.5 - 3 inches |
Small | 11-12 cm | 3.5 - 4 inches |
Medium | 14-17 cm | 5 - 6 inches |
Large | 19-21 cm | 8 - 10 inches |
Extra Large | 24-27 cm | 12 - 14 inches |
All sizes are specified in product details.
Your Complete Guide to Pot Sizes: What Size Should You Choose?
When selecting a pot for your plant, it's important to find the right size. But with all the different options out there, how do you know which one is best? We're here to help!
MyGreenscape's pot sizes chart is a great resource for finding your perfect fit. Our easy-to-read chart takes out all the guesswork and helps you quickly choose the right size for your plant.
Smaller pots are best for seedlings or small plants just starting out. These tend to be shallow but wide, allowing enough room for the roots of the young plant but not too much where they get overcrowded. Medium-sized pots are ideal when your plant has grown from its infancy and is ready for more space. These are deeper and wider than small pots, so that it can accommodate larger root systems - making sure your plant gets enough nourishment while still giving it breathing room. Large pots are top choice if you have an established plant in need of lots of space - think trees and large shrubs! The spacious depth and width allow plenty of room for deep root systems without struggling for air or light.
No matter what size you choose, MyGreenscape has got you covered, with our pot sizes chart guaranteeing you find the perfect fit every time!
Winter Shipping Protection
Winter Shipping Protection
We take extra care with each package during the colder months. For destinations experiencing cold weather, we provide insulated packaging and heat packs as needed to protect your plants from freezing temperatures. With Winter Shipping Protection, your plants are equipped to arrive safe and sound, even in winter’s chill.
Care Guide
Care Guide
Explore essential care tips. check out our Comprehensive Resource for Indoor Plant Care.
WATERING MADE EASY
Check soil moisture before watering and use a potting mix that drains well. It’s the secret to healthy, happy plants!