Citrus floridana
TAXONOMY
FamilyRutaceae
GenusCitrus
Zone9
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Citrus × floridana, commonly known as limequat, is an evergreen citrus hybrid between key lime and kumquat, developed in Florida. It grows as a compact shrub or small tree and bears small, oval fruits with edible rind and tart, lime-like pulp. It is more cold-tolerant than limes yet still prefers warm, humid conditions. Often grown in containers, it fruits young and can bear multiple crops per year in favorable climates. It does not require a true dormancy, though growth slows in cool seasons.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Citrofortunella Swinglei
Key Lime
Limequat
Citrofortunella floridana
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterWet
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature24° C
Humidity60%
GDD1,100
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Provide very bright light to full sun. Water thoroughly, then keep the root zone evenly moist without becoming soggy; allow only a slight dry-down at the surface. Maintain warm, stable temperatures and moderate to high humidity. Protect from frost and cold drafts, and ensure good air movement. Feed regularly during active growth and rotate the plant for even shape if grown indoors.Soil
Use a well-drained, slightly acidic, fertile mix. A loamy or citrus-specific potting blend with added coarse materials (such as bark or perlite) helps prevent waterlogging while retaining moisture. Ensure a container with ample drainage and avoid standing water at the roots.Fertilizer
Use a citrus-formulated fertilizer with a balanced-to-high nitrogen ratio and micronutrients (for example, 8-3-9 with Fe, Mn, Zn). Feed lightly but regularly during the growing season and reduce or pause feeding in cooler, low-light months.Repotting
Repot when roots fill the container, typically every 1–3 years. Step up one pot size with fresh, free-draining citrus mix. Tease or trim circling roots lightly and set the plant at the same depth. Avoid excessively large pots to reduce the risk of soggy media.Propagation
Most reliably propagated by grafting or budding onto suitable rootstocks (e.g., trifoliate orange hybrids) for vigor and cold tolerance. Semi-hardwood cuttings can root with warmth and high humidity. Seeds may germinate but do not guarantee true-to-type offspring. Propagate in warm, bright conditions.Pruning
Prune lightly after harvest or late winter to maintain shape, remove crossing branches, and improve light penetration. Remove suckers, especially below any graft union. Disinfect tools and avoid heavy cuts during peak flushes or extreme heat.Toxicity
The fruit is edible, but leaves, stems, and peels contain essential oils and psoralens that can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets if ingested and may cause skin irritation or photosensitivity in sensitive individuals. Keep pets from chewing foliage; toxicity to humans is low outside of sensitivities.Additional
For reliable fruiting indoors, supplement with grow lights and provide hand pollination if insect activity is low. Monitor for common citrus pests (scale, aphids, spider mites) and manage early. Maintain consistent care to minimize leaf drop when moving between indoor and outdoor environments.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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