Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix)
Care, watering, light and tips for Kaffir lime on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Rutaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Kaffir lime
Citrus hystrix, commonly known as kaffir lime, is a small fruit tree valued for its distinctive leaves and bumpy fruit. Its unique figure-eight shaped double leaves are highly aromatic and an essential ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine, while the fruit, though not typically eaten fresh, is used for its rind and juice. It makes an excellent addition to urban gardens or as an ornamental plant in warm climates.
Native range
Southeast Asia (mainly Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia)
Care tips
It requires full sun (at least 6 hours daily) for good fruiting and vigorous growth. Watering should be regular, keeping the soil moist but never waterlogged, especially during flowering and fruiting. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. Avoid frost, as it is very sensitive to low temperatures; protect it or grow it in a pot to move it indoors during winter.
How to save a dying Kaffir lime
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or whitish leaves, premature leaf drop, dry stems.
- First aid
- Check for pests. Examine drainage and soil moisture. Ensure 6h direct sunlight.
- What kills it
- Lack of direct light, constant waterlogging, or prolonged extreme dryness.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if its roots are not yet rotten and there are green stems. Act fast!