Botanic Garden >> Gardening > >> Question and Answer >> Plant Diseases

Key Lime Leaf Drop in the Florida Keys: Water, Wind, or Fungus?

The Scenario

A 2‑year‑old Key lime in the ground (full sun until 3 pm) had 50+ fruit last season but now heavy leaf loss after record lows (48 °F, 30 mph winds). Some drop started before cold.

Analysis

Water: 3.5″/week minimum; wind increases evaporation—may need twice weekly.
Cold: 48 °F shouldn’t defoliate Key limes; points to pre‑existing stress.
Fungus in flowers: Can cause leaf drop; organic fungicide (Atomic Grow) suggested.
Natural cycle: Inner leaf drop precedes bloom.

Recommendations

Increase irrigation; use a rain gauge.
Apply organic fungicide if flower blight suspected.
Maintain year‑round watering—don’t stop after flowering.

Plant Diseases: Key Lime Scale and Greening: Organic Approach with Atomic Grow; Locust Trees Yellowing: Herbicide Drift or Insects?; Key Lime Fruit Drop: Water Consistency and Pollination Boost; Locust Leaf Drop and Tiny Green Bugs: Need Clearer ID; Orange Circles on Key Lime Bark: Fungal Treatment with Atomic Grow; Citrus Fungus on Mexican Key Lime: Prune and Organic Spray; Key Lime Seasonal Leaf Drop and Leafminer: Normal Cycle and Organic Management; Mango Leaf Tip Burn: Fertilizer Burn, Not Overwatering; Key Lime Tree Not Fruiting: Causes and Solutions; How to Get a Key Lime Tree to Bear Fruit

Garden Articles

Peach Leaf Drop in Wet Spring: Drowning Roots

Black Gum on Key Lime: Check for Borers

Key Lime and Ficus Hedge in Key Largo: Water, Leaf Miner, and Cuban Laurel Thrips

Cottonwood Leaf Drop: Aphids, Borers, or Rust?

Growing Lime Trees Indoors: Light and Fruiting Reality

Goldenrain Tree Seasonal Leaf Drop: Normal Compound Leaf Shedding

Crapemyrtle Leaf Drop Caused by Pressure Washer Bleach Overspray

Plants

Ash/Hickory Leaf Spot: Fungal Disease Management and Tree Identification

Fig Tree White Foam and Leaf Eating: NEEM Spray

Troubleshooting Dwarf Lime Decline: Leaf Curl, Browning, and Fruit Drop

Stone Fruit Pest Management: Neem Oil for Plum/Peach and Poison Ivy Control

Pecan Tree No Nuts: Water, Zinc, Fertilizer, Pruning Guide

Bradford Pear Leaf Blackening: Transplant Shock, Not Fire Blight

Nectarine Fruit Drop at Quarter Size: Natural June Drop