We absolutely love the aromatic flavour that Thai Lime (Citrus hystrix) leaves and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) stems give to curries. We are also big fans of these elegant Kew Eclectic Orangery Planters (with saucers) that will ensure these two evergreen plants are an attractive, as well as delicious, addition to your home!
Place place indoors in a spot that gets direct sunlight but is not close to a radiator or draught.
We grow both plants from seed, without the use of peat or pesticides, and the Thai Lime trees are grown from seed that we harvested from our own plant here in Horfield.
Thai Lime & Lemongrass in decorative planters
Available all year round.
These plants are two+ years old and at least 20cm high.
The planters are metal, 14cm diameter and 16cm tall, with a matching saucer and are appropriate for indoor use only.
Thai Lime trees are easy to grow providing you 1) allow the soil to dry between watering so the roots don’t rot, 2) water and feed generously, 3) maintain humidity / avoid dry air (see below for details) and 4) keep them indoors over winter.
WATERING & FEEDING
When the top layer (couple of inches) of compost is completely dry then water the top of the pot generously until you get run-off out of the bottom. Do not allow the pot to stand directly in the run-off water for any length of time. If you can, water with rain water. Water frequently in summer (typically once a week depending on the weather) and less often (roughly twice a month) in the winter. The most important thing is to check the compost regularly and only if the top layer is completely dry then you should water generously. If in doubt, err on the dry side.
This plant prefers a humid environment so we recommend standing the pot on a bed of gravel or clay beads in a saucer containing the run-off water. Ensure the water level is below the top of the gravel/beads. This way the roots are above the water level (and won’t rot) but the plant benefits from the humidity created as the water evaporates. If the air is dry, it is also a good idea to mist the leaves.
Feed with a specialist citrus feed when you water this plant, following the instructions on the packet.
POSITION
This plant should be placed indoors in a spot that gets direct sunlight but is not in a draught or near a radiator / fire because it does not do well in dry air.
Once the plant is larger, it will benefit from being placed outside in a sunny spot once the temperatures are consistently above 7°C.
POTTING ON & PRUNING
This Thai Lime can remain in its current pot for 2-3 years or more and should only be moved to a larger pot when its roots have filled the current pot. It may eventually grow to 3m high and 2.5m wide after many years, depending on the size of pot it is in and on whether you prune it to a smaller size. Once the roots have filled the current pot, you can transfer the plant to a new pot that is just one size up in the spring. Overpotting into a much bigger size pot risks root rot.
At this stage, we recommend using a pot that can go outdoors so that you can place the tree outside from spring to autumn, bringing it in over winter. We also recommend using a deep saucer so you can add a layer of gravel or clay beads. Alternatively you can use pot feet to lift the pot above the water level in the saucer or tray.
If you are watering with tap water then use an ericaceous compost, or a specialist citrus compost. Otherwise, a good quality peat-free compost is fine but add 20% horticultural grit or sand to improve the drainage. The plants we supply have been potted in peat-free citrus compost.
This tree does not require much pruning. In late winter, you can remove any branches that are over-crowded and any that spoil the shape of the tree. In summer, you can pinch out the tips of any fast-growing stems to encourage branching.
PESTS & DISEASES
This tree is largely pest- and disease-free when grown in the UK but it may be susceptible to scale insects. Keep an eye out for small pale or brown bumps on the stems or alongside the main leaf vein, or a sticky residue (sap), or black soot that can build up on any sap. You can slide the scale insects off with your fingers and wipe the leaves with soapy water. A soapy wash every now and then is a good idea to reduce the chance of getting scale insects, to wash off any sticky sap / sooty fungus and to keep the leaves looking good.
You may get some leaf fall if the plant is over-watered or lacking nutrients or after the shock of re-potting or a sudden temperature chage. Don't panic! Carry on looking after your plant as instructed above and it should recover.
WATERING AND FEEDING
Fill the saucer with water once a week. If the water is taken up quickly then top up the saucer and repeat until the water is no longer taken up quickly. During hot weather, water in the same way twice a week.
As new growth appears in spring, feed plants weekly with a balanced fertiliser, following the instructions on the packet.
POSITION
This Lemongrass plant can be placed outdoors in a sunny, sheltered position over the summer when temperatures are consistently above 7°C or it can be kept indoors year-round.
It will need protection from cold temperatures over winter and should be placed in a sunny spot indoors that is not by a radiator or a draught.
PRUNING
As the older leaves starts to turn brown, cut them back to 10cm.
RE-POTTING
After one year, check whether the roots have filled the current pot. If not then simply add some fresh compost* to the current pot. If the roots have filled the pot then you can move the plant to a container that is one size bigger or add a general purpose slow-release fertilizer to the current planter.
* Use a good peat-free indoor plants compost to avoid getting little flies (known as fungus gnats) in your home.
All plants are delivered by bicycle within Bristol within five working days (unless otherwise stated). The standard delivery charge is £5 per order, or £2.50 for addresses in BS7. Free delivery for orders over £30.