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Key lime · Citrus aurantiifolia

Why are my Key lime tree leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves on a Key lime usually signal that the tree is struggling with its nutrient intake or water balance. Check the soil moisture first to see if you are overwatering or underwatering.

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yellow leaves on a plant
Photo: Trio3D, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil moisture with your finger.
  2. Check the drainage holes for blockages.
  3. Inspect the leaves for signs of pests.

Likely causes

  1. Nitrogen Deficiency

    Most likely

    How to tell: Older leaves turn pale yellow while the veins remain green. This happens when the tree lacks the fuel to support its foliage.

    What to do: Apply a balanced citrus fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Follow the package instructions for container plants to avoid burning the roots.

  2. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: Leaves turn yellow and feel soft or limp. The soil stays wet for more than a week after watering.

    What to do: Let the top 1 to 2 inches of soil dry out completely before adding more water. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.

Yellow leaves on other plants

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.

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When to worry

It is normal for a few older leaves to yellow and drop occasionally. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly across the entire canopy.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and feed your tree with a high quality citrus fertilizer throughout the spring and summer.

Key lime: yellow leaves? 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.

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Questions people ask

Can I use regular houseplant fertilizer?
No, citrus trees have specific nutrient needs. Use a fertilizer labeled for citrus to ensure it gets the right mix of nitrogen and micronutrients.
Should I remove the yellow leaves?
Yes, you can gently pull them off. They will not turn green again, so removing them helps the tree focus energy on new growth.

More problems with Key lime

Back to the Key lime guide

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.