Kaffir lime
Citrus hystrix · Rutaceae
📷 Francisco Manuel Blanco (O.S.A.) · Public domain
⚠️ La pulpe mûre est comestible. Feuilles, tiges, écorce et peau du fruit contiennent des huiles essentielles et psoralènes pouvant causer troubles digestifs ou irritation chez chiens et chats.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around kaffir lime and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- May to June, fragrant white flowers
- Adult size
- 2.5 to 3 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, to be grown in warm regions or in a conservatory
- Origin
- Southeast Asia
- Soil type
- Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Combava hates the cold and winter humidity. Grow it in a pot (mild climate) or in an unheated greenhouse in cold regions.
The common mistake
Watering it regularly like a standard citrus: Combava dies more often from root rot than anything else.
The pro's trick
Grow it in a pot with saucer and good drainage: you control the water and it easily survives an accidental dry spell.
Care
Sunlight
Kaffir lime appreciates full sun for optimal growth and generous fruiting. A minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily is recommended. In very hot regions, light afternoon shade can protect it from excessive dehydration.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer) while keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in autumn-winter. Avoid standing water which promotes root rot. Effective drainage of the pot or planting area is essential.
Soil Preparation
Prepare a rich, well-draining mix enriched with organic matter (compost or potting soil). Slightly acidic soil (pH 6 to 6.5) suits kaffir lime well. In pots, use citrus potting soil with added perlite to improve aeration.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced or citrus-specific fertilizer in spring and summer, roughly once a month. Prefer formulas enriched with potassium to encourage flowering and fruiting. Reduce applications in autumn-winter.
Pruning and Maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a balanced shape and improve air circulation. Remove dead or diseased branches. Moderate pruning encourages branching and improves light penetration.
Diseases and Pests
Watch for scale insects, spider mites, and aphids, especially indoors. Good air circulation and water misting promote prevention. In case of attack, treat quickly with gentle methods. Root rot can occur if the soil is too wet.
Did you know?
Kaffir lime owes its name to the Malay term 'jeruk purut' and has gradually become established in Creole and Asian cuisine. Its unique two-lobed leaves, resembling butterflies, are almost as flavorful as the zested fruit, and both are traditionally used in Thailand and Réunion to flavor curries and broths.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.