Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Smell the soil for a rotting odor.
- Check if the pot has drainage holes.
- Gently pull the plant out to inspect the root color.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the soil smells sour or musty. The roots will look brown and mushy instead of firm and white.
What to do: Remove the tree from the pot and trim away any black or slimy roots. Repot into fresh, well draining citrus potting mix.
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The pot may lack holes or the soil is too dense.
What to do: Ensure the pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Mix perlite or pumice into your soil to improve airflow to the 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
If the roots are mostly black and mushy, the tree may be too far gone to save. If you see firm white roots, there is a good chance for recovery.
Stopping it coming back
Always let the top inch of soil dry out completely before watering again. Never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.
Key lime: root rot? 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
- Can I save a tree with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots, use fresh soil, and be very careful not to overwater while it recovers.
- How often should I water?
- Water every 3 to 7 days, but only when the top inch of soil is dry. Always test the soil with your finger before adding water.
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?
- Why are my Key lime tree leaves curling?
- Why are my Key lime tree leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Key lime tree drooping?
- 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.