fruit
EdibleMakrut Lime
Citrus hystrix
Toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach (source: ASPCA (Citrus spp., toxic)).
A sunny south-facing window with 6+ hours, or a grow light.
Keep evenly moist — water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Needs a little consistency, but nothing fancy.
Makrut lime is grown for its fragrant double leaves, essential to Thai, Lao, Cambodian, and Indonesian curries and soups in a way nothing else replaces. It does well in a pot but is sun-hungry and frost-tender, so it needs your brightest spot.
About Makrut Lime
Makrut lime (Citrus hystrix) is grown above all for its fragrant double leaves, the citrus note in Thai, Lao, Cambodian, and Indonesian curries and soups that nothing else supplies. The knobbly fruit and its zest are a bonus on an older plant. It grows well in a pot, but it is a sun-hungry, frost-tender citrus, so a renter needs to give it the brightest position in the home: an 11-litre container in a south-facing window or under a strong grow light.
Light is everything here. Give it eight hours of sun or a powerful grow light, keep it warm, and water steadily without letting it sit wet. Pick leaves as you cook, since regular picking encourages fresh growth. Leaves are available from an established plant within the first year, sooner than fruit. A note on the name: use makrut, as the older term is an ethnic slur in some regions.
What it’s like to grow
Makrut lime is rated moderate, and the difficulty is light and warmth. Leaf drop is the clearest warning, usually from a spot that is too dim or too cold. Indoors it can also pick up the usual citrus pests, scale and spider mites, so check the leaves now and then. Citrus is toxic to cats and dogs, so keep the plant out of their reach.
What to expect
First harvest in about 180–365 days. It asks for a little consistency, but nothing fancy. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓Tips
- Give it eight hours of sun or a strong grow light; it sulks in dim rooms.
- Pick leaves as you cook — regular picking encourages new growth.
- Use the name makrut; "kaffir" is a slur in some regions.
Common problems
- Leaf drop in low light or cold.
- Citrus pests like scale and spider mites indoors.
Common questions
Is Makrut Lime toxic to cats and dogs?
Makrut Lime is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so keep it out of reach of pets that chew. Source: ASPCA (Citrus spp., toxic).
How much light does Makrut Lime need?
Makrut Lime wants bright light — a south-facing window with six or more hours of sun, or a grow light to make up for it.
How often should I water Makrut Lime?
Water Makrut Lime when the top inch of soil feels dry, then let it drain. Aim for evenly moist, not soggy.
What temperature does Makrut Lime need?
Makrut Lime is happiest around 18–32 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about 4 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
How long does Makrut Lime take to grow?
Expect a first harvest about 180–365 days from sowing under good conditions. Grown mainly for its aromatic double leaves, picked as needed; the knobbly fruit and zest are a bonus on a mature plant.
Can I grow Makrut Lime without a sunny window?
Yes. Makrut Lime does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Makrut Lime get?
A spiny shrub kept ~1–1.5 m in a pot with pruning; one plant per large container.
How do I propagate Makrut Lime?
Usually bought as a young plant; semi-hardwood cuttings root slowly.
What pests affect Makrut Lime?
Watch for scale, spider mites, aphids and mealybugs. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Makrut Lime easy to grow?
Makrut Lime is moderately easy. It asks for some consistency with light and water, but nothing advanced.
Gear for Makrut Lime
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice; only eat plants you can positively identify as the edible plant and part described. Photo: Jpbrigand2, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA). Care info last updated 2026-06-08.