What kind of lime is it?--that should tell you a bit on the size of fruit to expect. It's prolly either a Tahitian/Persian type (like at the grocery store)or a Mexican/Key lime. Key limes are significantly smaller, like a big walnut maybe...so that's prolly what you have.
Another clue--Key limes are very seedy, Persians are seedless.

Watering every 2-3 days seems a little excessive in the winter time, especially if it is mostly in bagged potting soil. That might be the source of your problem. You may have some root damage from too much retained water and too little air circulation at the roots...I can only guess... However, too little water will be bad too... you'll drop leaves and fruit, prevent fruit formation, and eventually kill the tree. Maintain a little moisture but let it get mostly dry before you water again...you can lift the container and get an idea of its heft to see if you need to water. Some people use moisture meters, but I find them troublesome. You'll get the hang of it :) When you do water, water thoroughly so that water runs from the drain holes. If your soils is becoming compacted--and it can in a rather short period of time depending on your medium--you're going to need to repot.

Definitely fertilize at some point soon, but you may want to wait a little if you are overwatering to allow the plant to recover a little, that's what I'd do ...if your tree is in a container, you are the only source of nutrients for the tree. I mostly use Miracle-grow acid formula, works great, has a high N content that citrus like, has micronutrients like iron, copper, etc.

Keep it in appropriate temps, in lotsa sun, feed it properly (fruit or not), water when needed (fruit or not), and make sure the potting medium drains well and your tree should be ok.

The white film is probably sediment/residue from water. It's ok to wet/rinse the leaves occasionally--they like humidity, keeps them clean, and washes off insects.

HTH.

Jc, I agree w/the above poster, but I am concerned about the film..does it look like a white coating? Please describe it in more detail.
If you have a pest, then that's what's paramount and need to rid them ASAP..
Watering every 2-3 days isn't necessary..You need to feel the soil, stick your finger at least 3" in the soil..if it comes out wet then wait a few days and retest.
Normally, when a plant has problems, it's best not to fertilize..so if you suspect insects then hold off on the food.
Acid MiracleGro is fine..you can also fertilize with Citrus or Azalia foods. Read and follow container directions..Toni

Thanks to both of you for responding! H.A., I'm not really sure how to describe the leaves; they have an almost residue-like white film on some, not all. There is no web. There do not appear to be any bugs, but the tree looks to be short on leaves in my opinion. The leaves that are on the tree do not appear to be molested in any way except for the film...perhaps it is just water! It's really quite curious.

The tree is usually dry when I re-water. I usually stick my index finger down a few inches and if it is dry then I water. I bought another tree earlier this spring and it has done fine.

I believe they are Mexican lime trees. That's not a key lime is it? Anyhow, the new tree is doing well thus far. Watchful waiting is my plan for the other one. Thanks again for the advice.

jcaho

mexican limes and key limes are the same thing.

I've been noticing a white film on a few of my leaves as well. I just figured out what it was. I have been misting my plants on a daily basis... second I stop, white film goes away. Not sure why my water would leave a residue, but it does. I guess that gives me a tip... prolly best not to water with my water either. the weird thing is, thefilm only happens on my key lime. I wonder if the water makes it so dust, particals in the air stick to it more. Its spring here, street sweepers are in full swing, tons of dust in the air.

Hopefully your problem is something that simple. Hoping thats all it is with mine. have to give it a few more days

I agree Mexican and Key limes are one and the same.
I don't know what to say about the white film..I mist daily and none of my citrus or other plants get this film. If it's really humid in the house, and I mist, water remains on leaves and forms dew drops, but it's not exactly film. Hmm, now you got me curious..lol..Toni

I'm going to do a test. keeping my house completly closed up so the street cleaners and their dust stay out. Just going to be hard... after a long cold winter the second spring hits... its time for the windows to open and stay that way.

I took a damp rag and the film definatly wipes off. Pretty secure in saying its the dust... the damp leaves attract it... plus, my key lime is the closest to where the dust would come in. like its trapping it all so it doesn't get to the other plants

i'm thinking it might be the hard water where I live. My tap water has a water softener but my outside line does not. Could be just calcium chloride build up. Think I'll clean the leaves and water with tap water from inside and see what happens.

jcaho

Do you have a pic of this film? Toni

I will try to do that; I am not the most computer savvy person, but I think I can do that in a day or so.

Thanks for the interest,
jco

We have had our lime tree for a little over seven years and just recently it looks sad..the branches are droopy and half out it the leaves are little and so are the limes but the other half is fine...can you help me find out what's wrong with it and how to make it better...I really don't want to have to cut it out.

Thank you