Lime trees are definitely not fans of the frost, so keeping them cozy and frost-free during the winter is a must. To make sure your tree bounces back beautifully in the spring, there are a few key things you’ll want to keep in mind.
Temperature
Once those autumn temperatures start dipping toward 54°F (12°C), it’s time to move your lime tree to its winter home. Before you bring it inside, give it a good once-over for any hitchhiking pests. You definitely don’t want bugs spreading to your other houseplants over the winter!
As for the winter spot itself, keep it on the cooler side. The “sweet spot” is usually around 50°F (10°C) with moderate humidity. A cool stairwell or an unheated entryway works great. Avoid placing it in a warm living room or near a furnace—those spots are just too toasty for a dormant lime tree.
Lighting
Even if your lime tree drops its leaves during the winter, it still craves light. A bright, south-facing room is ideal. A frost-free sunroom or conservatory is another great option, just keep an eye on the thermometer to make sure it doesn’t get too hot in there on sunny afternoons.
Fertilizing and Watering
The good news is that lime trees are pretty low-maintenance in the winter. You can stop fertilizing altogether starting in the fall. This allows the tree to conserve its energy and encourages it to start developing flower buds for the next season.
While you’re skipping the fertilizer, you still need to water it—just much less than usual. Since it’s cooler, the soil won’t dry out as fast. Generally, a light watering every two to three weeks is plenty. Other than that, just keep a casual eye out for pests like aphids or mealybugs every now and then.
Getting Ready for Spring
In late spring, once the threat of frost has passed, it’s time to get your tree ready for its outdoor debut. About two weeks before you move it out, give it its first dose of fertilizer. A liquid fertilizer is perfect here because the plant can soak it up quickly.
This is also the perfect time to prune your lime tree. Go ahead and trim off any dead wood, weak “leggy” growth, or suckers. Thinning out the center of the canopy is also a great way to ensure plenty of light and air can reach the middle of the tree once it starts growing again.
