Growing Dwarf Rangpur Lime

Soil & Container

• Rangpur limes need soil that drains well and has a pH of 5.0 to 7.0. If your garden center doesn't carry a potting mix specifically for citrus trees, you can use a cactus mix or mix two parts potting soil with one part wood shavings. The shavings must come from untreated lumber. The container for your tree should be no more than 2 inches wider and deeper than the tree's root ball.

Light & Temperature

• Citrus trees love sun. Place your Rangpur lime in the sunniest spot your home has. If you don't have a window that receives direct sunlight, supplement the sunlight with a grow light or full-spectrum light. Keep your lime tree in an area that remains between 60 and 85 degrees, but will do best where the temperature is stable. When the weather warms in late spring, place your tree outside in a sunny spot.

Watering

• Watering your Rangpur lime properly is key to its health. Overwatering a citrus tree causes root rot that eventually destroys the tree. Your lime tree will do better in soil that is somewhat dry, rather than the moist soil most houseplants enjoy. Wait for the top 2 inches of soil to be completely dry in between waterings. Once the soil is dry, water the tree until you see water collect in the pot's drainage tray. Your tree will also appreciate having its leaves misted with a spray bottle every other day to increase humidity.

Feeding

• Citrus trees require regular feeding to maintain their vigorous growth and fruit production. If your garden center doesn't carry a fertilizer specifically for citrus trees, look for a fertilizer that says it's for acid-loving plants. The fertilizer you choose should also contain a small percentage of iron and other minerals. From February to November, feed your tree every four weeks with the amount recommended on the package directions. Your tree's growth slows in the winter and therefore does not require any fertilizer.