Makrut lime
Citrus hystrix
Also known asKaffir lime (term increasingly avoided due to slur origin) · Thai lime · Makrut · Bai makrut (the leaves) · Magrood
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates. Strict on light; outside the DLI band, yields drop sharply.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 9–12 (winter low around -7°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: heavy. Thin-channel systems can't hold this crop.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1.6 |
Aquaponics suitability
Not recommended
Fish waste alone doesn't supply enough of what this crop demands. Grows in hybrid systems with supplemental dosing, but expect active management.
Care notes
An excellent container citrus tree for greenhouse growing, providing a continuous supply of one of the most important Thai and Southeast Asian cooking ingredients. Large container (20 L) with well-drained media. EC 1.5-2.5 mS/cm. pH 5.5-6.5. Temperature: 15–32°C (tropical origin; protect from frost). High light (DLI 16-28 mol/m2/day; supplemental lighting helps in northern climates). The tree grows slowly but produces harvestable leaves within the first year from nursery stock. Pick individual leaves as needed; the tree replaces them continuously. The leaves freeze well: pack flat in freezer bags and use directly from frozen (they shatter easily for shredding when frozen, which is convenient). Citrus-specific micronutrient supplementation (iron chelate, manganese, zinc) prevents yellowing. Scale insects and spider mites are the main pests. The thorns are sharp; handle with care. For anyone who regularly cooks Thai, Indonesian, or Malay food, a kaffir lime tree is one of the most valuable plants you can own.