Software
Houzz Logo Print
johnsonrobbins

Struggling Indoor Avocado

13 years ago

So I bought this little avocado tree months back, it was going great. As soon as I transplanted it to a larger pot and added this (http://www.groworganic.com/citrus-and-avocado-fertilizer-plus-zinc-10-lb.html#189) organic fertilizer, the tree's leaves wilted and fell off. I thought I lost it but then new leaves started to form on the top. I was really excited until I noticed that as soon as they started to grow they would just wilt. Any advice would be great. Thanks

Comments (14)

  • 13 years ago

    Avocados need lots of light during the Winter. Open those blinds at the very least.

    Also, in my limited experience, Avocados really resent root-disturbance/re-potting.
    After re-potting, I find that the tree must be kept well-hydrated - well beyond what I thought
    would be required - and protected from wind and sun for quite some time after potting.
    Of course, I use a free-draining soil. What type of soil are you using, and what size pot?

    I'd ditch that fertilizer, or use it only outside in the yard.
    I see no indication that it is meant to be used in a container - but I see evidence against it
    in the mention of Bone Meal. Bone Meal, in a container, is basically insoluble, or should be
    treated as such because it takes so long to breakdown. Virtually worthless in containers.

    Plants need the LEAST of the middle number, Phosphorous, so that's out of whack, too.


    Josh

  • 13 years ago

    Thanks for the quick followup. I used a fast draining Cactus/citrus miracle grow mix. It was the best I could find at the local stores. If you know of something much better that I can readily find I would be happy to try it once the tree can become established again. I will stop the fertilizer and try something new come spring, any advice on that would be great too. I will also give my tree more water. I was told they need very litter water especially through the winter. Thanks again

  • 13 years ago

    No problem!

    Off the shelf, a barky "Orchid Mix" with extra Perlite added would work in a pinch.

    The problem with bagged mixes, even for Cacti or Bonsai, is that the mix is still
    typically peat-based. And that means too much moisture precisely when you don't need it.

    It is true that plants don't use as much water when they are not growing actively.
    That said, the advice to limit water is directly tied to the potting mix being used.
    With peat-based mixes, it's the mix that holds water too long in the winter that can
    damage the roots and, by extension, the tree itself. But if you use a fast-draining mix
    such as I use, then you can take your tree to the kitchen sink and flood the entire thing.

    I would stick a kabob skewer all the way into the container, and leave it there.
    Check the skewer every few days to determine if there is still moisture in the deeper layers
    of the container. If the skewer comes out damp, don't water. When it is almost dry, water.

    And when you water, water thoroughly.


    Josh

  • 13 years ago

    I have one that I started from a pit last spring (just for giggles, obviously not for fruit). It was about 8 inches tall and had healthy foliage when a raccoon got curious. Ripped it out of its pot, shook the soil off its roots, and left it on concrete in full sun until I found it in the afternoon. The leaves were completely wilted but I stuck it back in its pot and watered it anyway. I ended up lopping its top off and ignoring it for some weeks (during which time it had to come indoors). When I'd given up (and was sick of looking at a "dead stub), I pulled it out and discovered it was growing a few fat, white roots and the original ones had died. I trimmed off all the dead roots and kept its soil moist.

    Anyway, fast forward: it grew new branches below the cut and is still putting out new leaves. It doesn't like to be directly in the drafty windowsill, but it's as close as possible (about 12" from an unobstructed southern exposure). I have indeed kept it on the moist side since "the accident" and healthy roots are coming out of the bottom of the pot. It's in a tall quart pot and the mix ain't great so I use a wick. I flush the pot every time. I'm not surprised that others find them resentful of root disturbance, but at least that anger fuels their will to live, perhaps? Haha. ;) Let's hope that holds for mine until spring . . .

  • 13 years ago

    I have it in a 5 gallon pot, and this is the soil I am using
    http://www.homedepot.com/buy/miracle-gro-cactus-palm-and-citrus-soil-73078300.html#.UPNBgLYX43c
    Is it bad? I have been introducing more water to the tree for about a week now since I saw the leaves wilting. I just never know if its wilt or sickness or over hydration. The wood kabob idea is actually really great. I bought a water meter but I can figure the damn thing out. Seems like its always sitting on moist. Anyway thanks again and hopefully it pulls through.

  • 13 years ago

    Is it really possible that this same small and struggling plant is trying to actually grow avocados? Please tell me my eyes are wrong and super inexperienced. First I think its dying and now it looks like its trying to create fruit?

  • 13 years ago

    Huh, anything's possible. Your pic is kind of hard to see, backlit, does it look like these? Sure doesn't look like a new branch of leaves. Before it makes fruit, there has to be flowers, and then pollination.

  • 13 years ago

    There is no possible way that a 2 foot, half alive, middle of snowy winter, in a window, house tree is going to be able to bare fruit... so strange that it is even trying.

  • 13 years ago

    ...just rotated your photo, I would like to know what it is growing too...
    Any chance of posting a close-up?
    Rina

  • 13 years ago

    Hey, my tires need rotated...

  • 13 years ago

    ...will be right over...

  • 13 years ago

    This was a purchased Avocado,yes? Is it grafted?

    If grafted, it is completely possible that it's attempting to produce a flower/fruit.


    Josh

  • 13 years ago

    I was going to ask the same thing Josh!

    It actually looks grafted to me and I have seen Avacado's trees grafted that small bare fruit when healthy.

    Thanks for the good advice you are giving here since to me you are the guru for this plant after seeing yours:-)

    Mike

  • 13 years ago

    Thanks, Mike ;-)

    Josh