Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Touch the soil to see if it is dry or soggy.
- Check the pot for standing water in the saucer.
- Look for signs of yellowing leaves.
Likely causes
Severe Dehydration
Most likelyHow to tell: The entire plant looks wilted and the leaves feel limp or soft. The soil will be completely dry and hard to the touch.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough soaking immediately. If the soil is so dry it repels water, submerge the pot in a bucket of water for 30 minutes to rehydrate the root ball.
Root Rot
PossibleHow to tell: The plant droops even when the soil is wet. You might notice a musty smell or yellowing leaves near the base.
What to do: Stop watering and check the roots for mushy, dark sections. If the roots are rotting, repot the tree into fresh, well draining soil and trim away the dead roots.
Find out what's wrong with your key lime
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Worry if the plant does not perk up after a good watering. It is normal for a plant to look slightly tired if it has been moved to a new location.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and ensure your pot never sits in a saucer of water.
Key lime: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your key lime and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- How do I know if I am watering too much?
- If the soil stays wet for more than a week, you are likely overwatering. Ensure your pot has drainage and use a fast draining citrus soil mix.
- Will my tree recover from drooping?
- If the roots are still healthy, the tree will usually bounce back within a few hours of watering. Be patient and watch for new growth.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Key lime
- Why are my Key lime tree leaves turning yellow?
- How do I get rid of pests on my Key lime tree?
- What are these spots on my Key lime tree leaves?
- Why is my Key lime tree dropping leaves?
- Why is my Key lime tree not blooming?
- How do I fix root rot on my Key lime?
- Why are my Key lime tree leaves curling?
- Why are my Key lime tree leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Key lime tree looking so leggy?
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.