Thai lime

Thai lime is a tropical citrus tree that requires moderate watering. It should be watered thoroughly once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During periods of extreme heat, it may need to be watered more frequently. Water should be applied at the base of the tree and avoided onto the leaves and fruit. During the growing season, extra fertilizer and water may be necessary. An occasional deep soak may help if the soil is dry for extended periods. Avoid over or underwatering your Thai lime tree as this can damage or kill it.

Thai lime plants need plenty of full sunlight each day to produce growth and fruit. It should receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, with direct sunlight for the majority of the day preferred. Placing the plant in an area with dappled or filtered sunlight is not ideal, as the plant will be deprived of the stronger, direct sunlight it needs. Ideally, the Thai lime should be situated in a south-facing garden for maximum sun exposure. Morning sun is particularly beneficial, as this helps the plant warm up earlier in the day, driving off chilling dew.

To ensure the healthy growth of Thai lime plants (Citrus hystrix), regular pruning is necessary. Pruning should be done in the springtime, once the tree has finished blooming. During pruning, the goal is to keep the overall shape of the tree compact and open, focusing on removing incorrect or weak branches that cross or rub against other branches. Additionally, any shoots that grow up or out should be removed to help encourage lateral branching in the canopy. Finally, thinning of the inner branches should be done if they are showing signs of overcrowding. Thai lime can tolerate more heavy pruning than other citrus species and will recover quickly after pruning.