Tilia henryana — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Tilia henryana

Tilia Henryana

Updated · 530 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Tilia henryana Szyszyl., commonly known as Henry's lime, was introduced to the West from China by Ernest Wilson in 1901. The tree is native to the provinces of Anhui, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, and Zhejiang, and was named for the Irish plantsman and sinologist Augustine Henry, who discovered it in 1888.

A note from PlantMom

Henry's lime has strong resistance to disease and is typically not vulnerable to illnesses. Regarding maintenance, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs little watering, and larger specimens usually do not need pruning; however, smaller plants should be pruned after they finish blooming. Henry's limet is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much experience in plant care.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Tilia Henryana.

Light

Henry's lime is a species that does best in locations with full sun. In its native habitat it is adapted to open, brightly lit areas. It can, however, cope in settings where sunlight is filtered or dappled. Too much or too little light may interfere with its optimal growth.

Water

Henry's lime tree flourishes in temperate climates with moderate moisture. It requires regular watering to maintain consistent hydration without becoming waterlogged. Watering every two weeks helps the tree withstand dry spells. Being a deciduous tree, it also needs sufficient water during the growing season to ensure healthy foliage and growth.

Temperature

Henry's lime is highly adaptable to a wide range of climate conditions, handling both scorching summers and chilly winters. It does, however, have an optimal temperature range for growth. If temperatures become too high, the plant is susceptible to heat and humidity stress, which can cause it to die. In areas where temperatures approach the lower limit of its cold tolerance, insulating the plant is important to protect it.

Fertilizer

Timing is essential when fertilizing Henry's lime. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue once a month until early summer. The fertilizer encourages lovely blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth phases.

Pruning

Henry's lime tree features heart-shaped, serrated leaves and is best pruned in early spring. During pruning, remove any dead branches and shape the tree to improve air circulation. Thin out overcrowded areas, but be careful to avoid excessive cutting to prevent stressing the tree. Regular pruning not only promotes the tree's health but also enhances its appearance.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Tilia
Family
Malvaceae
Hardiness Zone
5-8
Mature Height
24.99 m
Mature Spread
24.99 m
Leaf Color
Green, Red, Yellow
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
White, Cream
Flower Size
10.16 cm to 11.43 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
China
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Henry's Lime en Lime en Linden en Basswood en Oliver's Lime
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Henry's lime tree?

To promote excellent root development in your plants, here are some tips: 1. Use a garden hose at the base of the plant, avoiding spraying the leaves directly. If your plants are outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves will need more watering. 2. Consider using bubblers or soaker hoses to provide moisture directly to the roots. Soaker hoses are particularly useful when adding or removing plants as they can cover the entire garden or bed and help the roots penetrate deeply. 3. Make sure to drain any excess water and allow the soil to dry before watering again. Watering at ground level can help prevent diseases. 4. On sunny days, it can be beneficial to spray the entire bush with water. 5. Whether your plants are potted or in the ground, keep in mind that Henry's lime prefers deep watering rather than light sprinkling.

Why should I put fertilizer on my Henry's lime plant?

No matter which type of Henry's lime you have, regular fertilization is essential for promoting overall plant health. Proper nutrient supply supports vigorous growth and enhances resilience against challenging growing conditions, as well as improves the plant's ability to defend against diseases and pests. It is important to maintain the foliage of your Henry's lime since it is one of its most attractive features. Therefore, it is recommended to establish and follow a specific fertilization schedule tailored to your Henry's lime. This will encourage the development of deep-colored and lush leaves.

What are the sunlight requirements for Henry's lime?

Henry's lime requires full sun exposure to thrive, meaning it needs above 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, it can also manage in partial sun conditions, which provide about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's important to watch how sunlight moves through your garden and choose spots that offer the right balance of light and shade, ensuring your Henry's lime's happiness.

What should I do if I give Henry's lime too much or too little water?

If your Henry's lime is overwatered, you may notice yellowing, dropping, and wilting leaves, as well as a dull and unhealthy appearance with mushy stems. When these signs appear, it's best to adjust your watering schedule. Wilting can also indicate under watering, where the leaves become crispy and dry. In this case, check the soil moisture and give the plant a thorough watering when it's dry. However, even with enough water, the plant may still have dry and yellow leaves for a few days due to damage to the root system. Once the plant recovers, the yellowing of leaves will stop. When keeping your Henry's lime indoors, always monitor the moisture levels in the pot and avoid overwatering. Look for black spots, and if present, allow the soil to dry out by withholding water for a few days. Overwatering can lead to root rot, in which case you may need to transfer the plant to a different pot, especially if you observe discolored and slimy roots. Preventing root rot is crucial, so avoid excessively soggy soil. When planting your Henry's lime outdoors, ensure the soil is adequately moist. If the soil feels too dry when you check with your fingers, it may indicate underwatering. Water the plant appropriately to aid its recovery.

When should I fertilize my Henry's lime tree?

You should fertilize your Henry's lime for the first time in late winter or early spring. This gives the lime tree the necessary nutrients to grow healthily once the weather warms up. In warm climate regions, it is beneficial to provide an additional fertilizer feeding in early fall. This adds nutrients to the soil for the following growing season and helps the tree withstand the winter cold without damaging its foliage. Fertilizing earlier will allow the new branches to grow strong enough to endure the cold winter.

How does artificial lighting support plant growth indoors?

Indoor plants, including Henry's lime, require adequate lighting for optimal growth, especially when natural sunlight is insufficient, like in winter or less sunny spaces. Artificial lighting, such as LED lights, can be tailored to provide specific wavelengths necessary for your plants. For full sun plants, 30-50W/sq ft is recommended, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants require 10-20W/sq ft. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant and kept on for 8-12 hours per day to mimic natural daylight hours.

How many times should I give water to my Henry's lime?

To ensure the health of Henry's lime, it is important to water them deeply but infrequently. This is especially crucial when they are planted in pots, as the limited water storage in the pots can cause the soil to dry out quickly. In colder regions, watering is recommended every 3 to 5 days. It is best to water the plants early in the morning when the soil is dry, both indoors and outdoors. To determine if watering is needed, check the moisture level of the soil. If the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry, it is time to give the plant a thorough watering. During hot days, it may be necessary to check the moisture level daily, as the high temperatures can rapidly dry out the soil in the pot. If you have a garden, the soil in your garden will also need to be irrigated. In hot climates, it is generally sufficient to water the plants once a week. Only water the plants when you notice that about 2 to 3 inches of soil have become excessively dry, both indoors and outdoors. Take into consideration the amount of rainwater the plants have received and avoid adding additional water to prevent root rot. If there has been significant rainfall, additional watering may not be necessary. Henry's lime typically thrives during spring and fall. When the plants are outdoors, it is recommended to apply a layer of mulch that is around 3 to 4 inches deep to help conserve water. Sandy soil tends to drain faster, so plants grown in this type of soil will need more frequent watering. On the other hand, clay soil retains moisture better, so plants grown in clay soil can go 2-3 days without watering to allow the soil to dry and prevent root rot. Keeping track of watering dates and being observant of drooping leaves can help ensure that the plants are watered on time. If you notice drooping leaves, it could be an indication that you are a day late in watering the plants.

When is it not a good time to fertilize my Henry's lime?

There are a few specific times throughout the year when you should avoid fertilizing your Henry's lime plant. First, during the early and mid-winter months when the plant is dormant and does not require any nutrition. Additionally, it is not advisable to fertilize during late spring and summer due to the hotter and drier weather conditions. Fertilizing during this time can have a detrimental effect on the Henry's lime. To prevent any potential issues, it is best to stick to a fertilization schedule that involves feeding only during early spring and early fall.

What are the signs of light deficiency in Henry's lime?

Henry's lime may show several symptoms when exposed to suboptimal lighting, such as smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, delayed or halted growth, and lighter-colored or yellow (chlorosis) new leaves. Excessive sunlight can cause sunscald, leaf curling to minimize water loss, wilting from increased transpiration, and leaf scorching characterized by brown, dry edges or patches on leaves.

How much water should I give to my Henry's lime plant?

To properly care for your Henry's lime tree, it's important to water it appropriately. When it comes to potted plants, it's best to water them deeply until you notice water dripping from the bottom of the pot. Allow the soil to dry before watering again and consider using a water calculator or moisture meter to keep track of how much water your plant receives each week. While it's crucial to provide ample water, especially during the flowering period, it's important to allow the moisture to evaporate to prevent root rot. If your Henry's lime is planted outdoors and there is already sufficient rainfall, you may not need to provide additional water. However, for young or newly planted lime trees, it's crucial to ensure they receive about 1-2 inches of rain each week. As the tree grows, it can rely on rainfall alone, unless there is extreme heat or no rain at all for 2-3 weeks. In those cases, it's advisable to water your lime tree during cooler parts of the day to protect it from heat damage. Extra watering will also be necessary during prolonged dry periods.

What kind of fertilizer does my Henry's lime require?

Henry's lime primarily requires nitrogen, but phosphorus and potassium are also important. While a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 can suffice, a more refined nutrient ratio often yields optimal growth. Fertilizers with higher nitrogen content, such as 10-6-4, tend to work better. Both granular and liquid fertilizers can be used for application.

What solutions can improve Henry's lime's light exposure?

To optimize light exposure for Henry's lime, gradually move the plant to a spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, using a south-facing window for indoor plants. Consider artificial light sources for additional support. Outdoors, ensure plants are gradually adapted to brighter conditions to avoid sunburn. Pruning obstructions like tree branches can improve sunlight access. For insufficiently sunlit plants, transplanting during their dormant period to a sunnier location with good drainage is beneficial. Note, parts of the plant affected by insufficient sunlight may not recover, but new growth should be healthy with increased light.

PLATES
Tilia henryana leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Tilia henryana leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Tilia henryana flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Tilia henryana flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Tilia henryana fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Tilia henryana fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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