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

Tilia Amurensis

Updated · 9 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Tilia amurensis, the Amur lime or Amur linden, is a species of Tilia native to eastern Asia. It differs from the better-known Tilia cordata in having somewhat smaller leaves, bracts and cymes. It is an important timber tree in Russia, China and Korea, and is occasionally planted as a street tree in cities with colder climates.

A note from PlantMom

Amur lime has strong disease resistance and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. As for care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs little watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Amur lime is appropriate for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Tilia Amurensis.

Light

Amur lime grows best in locations with plenty of sunlight for optimal growth and health, though it can tolerate spots with less sun. Its native habitat featured abundant sunlight. Too little light can inhibit growth, while too much can cause leaf burn.

Water

The Amur lime, native to colder regions, is drought-resistant and requires minimal watering—about once every three weeks—allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It thrives in temperate climates with moderate rainfall and is best suited for outdoor environments due to its size and growth pattern.

Temperature

Amur lime originates from areas with temperate climates. It prefers temperatures between 41 and 90 °F (5 to 32 ℃). During warmer seasons, it may need shading or additional watering to keep conditions cool.

Fertilizer

The timing of fertilizing an Amur lime is important. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue once a month until early summer. Fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth phases.

Pruning

The Amur lime is a deciduous tree that benefits from pruning in early spring. This involves removing dead wood and thinning the branches to improve airflow. Such pruning enhances the tree's blooming, vigor, and structural integrity while also helping to prevent pests. It's important to prune during this time to encourage the tree's recovery while it is still dormant.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Tilia
Family
Malvaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
20.12 m to 29.87 m
Mature Spread
9.14 m to 14.94 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow, Green
Flower Size
3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
Russia, Koppen, South Korea, China
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Amur Lime en Amur linden
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

What's the best way to water my Amur lime tree?

To promote excellent root development, it's best to place a garden hose at the base of the plant. Avoid spraying water directly on the leaves. If the plant is outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves will require more watering. Using bubblers for each plant can help moisten the roots. Additionally, soaker hoses can be used to cover the entire garden or bed when adding or removing plants, ensuring deep root growth. Remember to drain any excess water and allow the soil to dry before watering. Watering at ground level is important to prevent diseases. On a sunny day, spraying the entire bush with water can be beneficial. Whether the plant is potted or in-ground, it's important to prioritize deep watering over light sprinkling for Amur lime.

Why do I have to put fertilizer on my Amur lime tree?

No matter which type of Amur lime you have, regular fertilization is key for promoting overall plant health. Providing the right nutrients helps the plant grow more vigorously, making it more resilient to harsh conditions and better equipped to fend off diseases and pests. Protecting the foliage of your Amur lime is important as it adds to its attractiveness. To achieve this, it's important to establish and stick to a regular fertilization routine tailored to your specific Amur lime. This will encourage the development of deep-colored leaves and an overall lush appearance.

How many hours of sunlight per day does an Amur lime tree need to grow healthy?

To ensure healthy growth, Amur lime needs a minimum of 3-6 hours of sunlight daily. It can actually handle even more sun since plants that handle part sun also do well in full sun. However, Amur lime is more flexible because it requires less light for photosynthesis compared to plants that need full sun or part shade.

What temperature is best for Amur lime?

The Amur lime thrives best in temperatures between 65-80℉(18-27℃). During the primary growing phase, it can tolerate temperatures as high as 95℉(35℃) and as low as 15℉(-10℃). This species can survive freezing winters due to its tolerance of low temperatures. The recommended temperature range for ideal growth is 65-80℉(18-27℃), with the highest tolerable range being 85-95℉(30-35℃) and the lowest tolerable range being -5-15℉(-20--10℃) or below.

What should I do if I give Amur lime too much or too little water?

An overwatered Amur lime will display several signs of distress. The leaves will turn yellow, drop off, and wilt, giving the plant a dull and unhealthy appearance. Mushy stems may also be present. If these signs start to show, it's important to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Wilting can also occur due to under watering, but the symptoms will differ. Underwatered leaves will turn crispy and dry, while overwatered leaves will be soft and wilted. When the soil is dry and simply watering is not enough, give the plant a thorough watering. This will help the Amur lime recover, but it may still appear dry with yellow leaves for a few days due to root damage. Once the plant regains its health, the yellowing of leaves will cease. When keeping an Amur lime indoors, always check the moisture levels in the pot. Avoid overwatering and be on the lookout for black spots, which indicate issues. If black spots are present, allow the soil to dry in the pot by refraining from watering for a few days. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so if you notice discolored and slimy roots, consider transferring the plant to a different pot. Preventing root rot should be a priority, so avoid allowing the soil to become too soggy. When planting the Amur lime outdoors, ensure that the soil is adequately hydrated. If you feel the soil is too dry when checking with your fingers, this may indicate underwatering. Provide sufficient watering to aid in the plant's recovery.

When should I fertilize my Amur lime tree?

The best time to fertilize your Amur lime is in late winter or early spring to give it the nutrients it needs for healthy growth in warm weather. In warm climate regions, it is also helpful to provide an additional fertilizer feeding in early fall. This not only adds nutrients for the following growing season but also makes the Amur lime hardier and more capable of surviving the winter without damage. By fertilizing earlier, the new branches will have enough time to grow and withstand the cold winter.

What kind of sunlight do Amur lime trees need?

Amur lime thrives in full or part sun. For optimal performance, it is recommended to provide them with direct morning light. However, during the summer, it is important to shield them from the intense afternoon sun. Excessive hot afternoon sun in temperate environments can lead to leaf burn, harming the overall health and appearance of the plant.

Do I need to change the temperature for Amur lime when it is growing at different stages?

According to research, if Amur lime is exposed to extended periods of higher temperatures, especially when axillary buds and main shoots are developing, it may show signs of stunted growth. To promote healthy growth after germination or transplanting, it is best to keep the temperatures consistent and cooler, ideally around 65℉ (18℃).

How often do I need to water my Amur lime tree?

The Amur lime prefers deep and infrequent watering. If planted in pots, make sure to soak them in a gallon of water each time, as the limited water storage in pots can cause the soil to dry out faster. In cold regions, watering is necessary every 3 to 5 days. Water the plant early in the morning when the soil is dry, regardless if it is kept indoors or outdoors. You can also check the soil inside to determine if watering is needed. If the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry, it's time to give the plant a full watering. On hot days, check the moisture daily as the pot's soil can dry out quickly. If you have a garden, you will need to irrigate the soil. In hot climates, watering once a week should suffice. Only water the plant when about 2 to 3 inches of soil have become too dry, whether it is indoors or outdoors. Consider the amount of rainfall on the plant and avoid adding water to prevent root rot. If there is a lot of rainfall, additional watering may not be necessary. Amur lime plants generally grow during spring and fall. When kept outdoors, add mulch about 3 to 4 inches deep to conserve water. Sandy soil tends to drain faster, so plants in this type of soil will require more frequent watering. On the other hand, plants in clay soil can be watered less frequently, with 2-3 days of drying time to prevent root rot. Consider marking the watering dates on a calendar and observe if the leaves start to droop, as this can indicate a need for watering, possibly a day earlier than scheduled.

When is it not a good idea to add fertilizer to my Amur lime tree?

There are a few occasions when you should not fertilize your Amur lime. Firstly, during the early and mid-winter months when the plant is dormant and does not require feeding. Secondly, avoid fertilizing during the late spring and summer when the weather is hotter and drier. Fertilizing at this time may have a negative impact on your Amur lime. To prevent such problems, it is best to stick to a fertilization schedule that includes feeding only in the early spring and early fall.

Can the sun hurt Amur lime trees? How can I keep Amur lime trees safe from the sun and heat?

Amur lime, when moved from indoors to outdoors, can easily be damaged by direct sunlight. To prevent sunburn, gradually move pots from a shaded area to a brighter spot. However, even if the plants are used to the sun, extreme heat can still harm them. In a heatwave, it's crucial to keep the soil consistently moist to help the plants handle the excessive heat levels. To protect the Amur lime during extreme weather, consider moving container plants to shaded areas or using a shade cloth.

How can I keep my Amur lime tree warm during cold seasons?

Amur lime can handle freezing temperatures if planted in the ground, as long as the winter temperatures don't drop below 15℉ (-10℃). However, if you choose to plant it in pots or containers, it's important to protect the roots from the cold. You can do this by wrapping the container in a blanket or bringing it indoors for complete protection against the winter weather.

PLATES
Tilia amurensis leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Tilia amurensis leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Tilia amurensis flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Tilia amurensis flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Tilia amurensis habit
PLATE 05 · habit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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