Henry's Lime Tilia henryana

Water

The Henry's lime, as Tilia henryana is commonly known, appreciates consistent moisture, so water it regularly but allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions. In the absence of rainfall, provide approximately 1 gallon of water per week, ensuring it's distributed evenly around the root zone to promote deep root growth. During hot or dry periods, the frequency may need to increase to twice per week, monitoring the plant's response and soil moisture levels. Always avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, which the Henry's lime is particularly sensitive to.

Light

The Henry's lime thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. To achieve optimal growth, plant it in a location that receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily while offering some protection from the intense afternoon sun. An east or west-facing spot can provide the balance of light this tree needs for healthy foliage development.

Temperature

The Henry's lime is adaptable to a range of temperatures but ideally prefers a temperate climate. It can survive minimum temperatures of around -10°F, making it suitable for USDA zones 5 through 8. For optimal growth, maintain an environment where temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 75°F. Extreme heat or prolonged frost may stress the plant, so consider providing protection if such conditions are expected.

Pruning

Prune the Henry's lime to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Typically, pruning once a year is sufficient, focusing on thinning out overcrowded areas to ensure adequate air circulation and light penetration. The removal of suckers and water sprouts is also beneficial for the tree's overall health and aesthetics.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Henry's Lime (Tilia henryana) prefers a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix containing loamy soil, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite in equal proportions would be suitable for optimal plant health and root growth.

Repotting

Henry's Lime (Tilia henryana) should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Spring is the best time to repot this plant to minimize stress and allow it to quickly establish in its new container.

Humidity & Misting

Henry's Lime (Tilia henryana) thrives in moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. If the air is too dry, especially during winter when indoor heating can reduce humidity, using a humidifier or pebble water tray can help maintain the desired humidity around the plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and keep in moderate humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, shelter from strong winds, and mulch.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Tilia henryana, commonly known as Henry's Lime, begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires stratification to break dormancy and germinate. Upon germination, a seedling emerges and establishes roots and a stem; in the following years, the seedling grows into a sapling, with incremental growth of its trunk and development of a branching structure. As it matures into an adult tree, Henry's Lime produces heart-shaped leaves and, in summer, fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators like bees, leading to the formation of small nut-like fruits. After pollination, these fruits develop and eventually drop to the ground, potentially giving rise to new seedlings if conditions are favorable. The plant goes through annual cycles of growth, flowering, and fruiting for many years, with some individuals living for several centuries. The adult trees enter a senescence phase as they age, where growth slows and they may become more susceptible to environmental stresses and diseases, eventually leading to the end of their life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Tilia henryana, commonly known as Henry's Lime, is typically propagated through the method of softwood cuttings. This popular mode of propagation is generally undertaken in the late spring to early summer, when the new growth is still soft and flexible. Cuttings should be about 6 to 10 inches (15-25 cm) long and contain several leaf nodes. They are often taken from healthy, disease-free branches, and the lower leaves are removed to expose the nodes where roots will form. The base of the cutting is usually dipped in a rooting hormone to facilitate root development and then inserted into a well-draining soil mix. To retain humidity, the potted cutting can be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator. It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be kept in a warm, indirect light situation until they have rooted, which can take several weeks.