here are some more photos

Why do you keep it in container?

hi windberry! My yard is undone right now and in the next few years I plan to design it and haven't made up my mind where I want to plant it. :)

Hi Hector,

Assuming you do not see any insects, my understanding is that one reason leaves will curl like that is their attempt to reduce moisture loss in the tree due to a water deficiency. Since you're in a warm/hot location, I'd increase watering to see if there is an improvement. If your soil is fast draining, you might even try dunking the entire pot in water once and then letting all the excess water run out the bottom just to ensure the entire root ball has been fully watered. If the leaves improve in a day or so, then take it as an indication that the tree needs more/more frequent water than it has previously been receiving.

Also, in the 'heat-of-the-day' leaves may still leaf curl as the roots will not be able to re-supply moisture fast enough to the leaves as leaf moisture is being lost at a rapid rate due to transpiration. During cooler hours, if the root ball has sufficient moisture, the leaves will probably begin to uncurl a bit as their moisture levels are restored by the root ball.

As long as your soil drains fully and quickly, you'll not be in danger of killing the tree due to root rot.

Container trees always seem to be a balancing act between watering and fertilizing amounts and scheduling. Sometimes it just takes some trial-and-error to find what works for a tree in your specific climate/environment.

Ken

Hello, first off it looks like your tree is getting way too much direct sun and once you let a tree like that to dry out too much, it is common for leaves to drop, roots to suffer, and even twigs and branches to die back.

How much fertilizer did you give it?

I would stick it in complete shade for now and flush it with fresh water a few times...

I was wondering the same thing as Ken welcome Ken, by the way, welcome Hector, that is my Uncles name.

Why not plant it in the ground? That would be fun.

Mike

As you may guess by my gardening zone I don't have personal experience with growing Persian limes in containers or otherwise. There is a lot of info on the Internet, search for persian lime trees in containers. One thing I would do first, though, I would put the container into a nice looking cardboard box to protect it from the scorching sun and keep the soil cool. And I would fertilize sparingly.

Hi Ken and Mike!! thanks so much for your replies. currently the container is shaded by about noon, but I will take your advice and put it in more shade. will this prevent fruiting?

I cant wait to have it in the ground, as I feel it would be easier.

windberry, that's a great idea. on my fig tree I used a white bed sheet but a cardboard would work too!

I would pull it out of the pot, and inspect the roots and soil. Is it really rootbound and dry? Or is it mushy with roots just falling off when you lift it out?

All in all the tree does not look all that bad. It is most likely just a heat/sun/water issue.

hi Jaydub! when I put it at the container, it barely had roots and as I dig a little I don't feel a ton of roots. I can't take it out of the container right now since I injured my hand, if the conditions persist, I will have to do it when I recover. thank you for the input!

thank you Silca!! I hope thats the case.

do you both think it could be because of too much water or too little water?

Looks like not enough water to me.

Not enough water. Also the water could be channeling and not wetting the entire root ball.