Avocado Tree

[SagaLore]

I started an avocado tree from a seed a year ago. This summer it really grew; it's now in a very large pot and had a lot of big healthy leaves.

But as soon as I brought it in for the winter, the bottom leaves turned brown on the edges and within a few days the whole leaf is dead and dry. I lost the bottom half of leaves within a week, and now gradually every leaf is doing the same. Newer leaves are growing to try and replace them, and I'm keeping the ends pinched to try and get more shoots to come off the main stem.

How do I stop this die-off?

 

[Colt45]

put it in the sun?

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: Colt45
put it in the sun?

It's right in front of a window on the same side it was on when it was outside. I don't think it's a light issue - or if it is, then I have a problem...

 

[JulesMaximus]

Can you grow avocados in PA? Seems like it would be waaay too cold in the winter there and they would die.

They grow very well here in CA though. Hmm, I might have to plant one in my back yard...

 

[olds]

We have one outside. IIRC, they need moisture. It may be too dry indoors for it. My wife just covers ours in the winter to keep it warm. We are in N CA and it has never done really well.

 

[sciencewhiz]

My dad has never gotten one to last.

 

gonna have to make some habanero guacamole tonight, thanks for the inspiration

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Can you grow avocados in PA? Seems like it would be waaay too cold in the winter there and they would die.

Based on what I've read, once I plant this permanently in the ground, I have to pile about a foot of mulch around it during the winter and the roots and trunk base will stay alive. The top may die off but it will all grow back in the spring.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
We have one outside. IIRC, they need moisture. It may be too dry indoors for it. My wife just covers ours in the winter to keep it warm. We are in N CA and it has never done really well.

that's what I was thinking - humidity. try misting the leaves?

 

[OffTopic1]

It sound like you don't have enought water.

There are varieties of avocado that do well in cooler zones. Growing it with thin 3 feet of the house would also help because the house heat will keep it warm. Warp the base in peat/leaves/straw would prevent the roots/body from dying.

Detailed information on Avocado, Alligator Pear

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: OffTopic

It sound like you don't have enought water.

The info I found on growing Avocados indoors said just the opposite - to never let them get too wet and let the dirt dry out between waterings. I have no idea what species I grew. Ruh-roh.

 

[OffTopic1]

Originally posted by: SagaLore

Originally posted by: OffTopic

It sound like you don't have enought water.

The info I found on growing Avocados indoors said just the opposite - to never let them get too wet and let the dirt dry out between waterings. I have no idea what species I grew. Ruh-roh.

It is plant survival habit to drop its lower leaves first in a drought.
Plants that drown will develop root rot which would die from the bottom up, and you might notice some mold/fungus on the top of the soil. Also, a slight tug on the stem would release it from the soil.

I haven't grown avocado as an adult, but have grown them as a kid. However, 4 years of nursery experience ++ spending sometimes at various avocado orchard indicated that they like a little dry/sandy soil so any water log can drain away. It will take a lot to drown them, and it would be difficult to kill them if you have drain holes in your planters.

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: OffTopic

Originally posted by: SagaLore

Originally posted by: OffTopic

It sound like you don't have enought water.

The info I found on growing Avocados indoors said just the opposite - to never let them get too wet and let the dirt dry out between waterings. I have no idea what species I grew. Ruh-roh.

they like a little dry/sandy soil so any water log can drain away. It will take a lot to drown them, and it would be difficult to kill them if you have drain holes in your planters.

Great, so it would be a good idea to replant the tree in sandier soil? Or should I wait until Spring to prevent shock?

 

[OffTopic1]

Avocado would do well in almost any soil. Potting soil is also a good medium for plant and are more readily available from your local nurseries that contain vermiculite/rhyolite as an air raid medium. (Balance PH and drainage is the key)

Repotting/transplanting can be done at any time of the year, but early spring is best. Just be careful and try not to damage the root when you transplanting.