What does the container (volume) and the potting mix look like? Pics would help.

Also, how are you watering this tree (volume, method, frequency) and how are you fertilizing?

Josh

Thanks for the reply.

The container is approximately 2.5 gallons. The soil is Dr. Earth Fruit Tree planting mix, mixed with a few handfuls of Dr. Earth Fruit Tree Fertilizer.

I had a few fungus gnats, so I've been waiting quite a while in between waterings. I test the soil with my finger and only water when it feels completely dry 2" down or so. Then, I bring the tree to the kitchen sink and water until it starts running out of the bottom of the pot. I'd say I've only actually watered it three times this winter, which isn't a lot, but I was concerned about over-watering.

I haven't added any additional fertilizer since repotting it.

Here are some pics:

I've never had any luck with indoor avocados whatsoever.

Hmmmm, well, it's probably a combination of things limiting the plant.

Winter indoors is almost always tough on avocados. Dry, heated air can make them look ragged, and then compound that with root issues and it's a recipe for a beat up tree.

Judging from here, I'd say the potting mix appears too heavy, holding too much moisture. This could be rotting the roots/root-tips and causing the blackened leaf-tips as a result. The tree needs nutrients, but I have a hard time recommending fertilization if the tree is being watered so infrequently.

When you re-potted the tree, did you remove all the old soil from the root-mass?

Josh

I have the exact same problem with my indoor avocado I grow in semi-hydro, It did very well in a South facing window last summer. Had to water it 2-3 times a week and it doubled in size.
It is now in the bath that has a skylight, no direct sun in this season. The leaves keep drying and fall off eventually. But new ones form on top all the time. It has aphids I can't get rid of. I tried neem oil and other chemicals but they keep coming back after a few weeks. First I blamed neem oil for the browning leaves. None of my other plants have aphids on them (theres about 60). I am clueless.
It needs repotting and will lop off the entire top comes Summer again. Until then I try to keep it safe and growing. Maybe this climate is just simply not suitable for an avocado :(

Thanks for the help, guys.

Greenman28: unfortunately, I was worried about disturbing the roots so didn't break up the root ball too much; I mostly just pulled off the dirt around the outside. What's strange is it grew in this "heavier" soil fine all summer. And it's not like I used some clay soil the first time; it was basic Miracle Grow potting mix. You're right, it may be a combination of factors, and the denser soil was OK for the summer, but now with the reduced sunlight, etc. it's not cutting it anymore.

MsGreenFinger: other than the few fungus gnats I mentioned, my trees have thankfully stayed insect free. I too am just hoping to nurse this avocado along until the spring when it can go back on the deck in full sun.

Yes, during the warm sunny Summer months, many plants will grow well in heavy mixes. But during the Winter, it's another story.

Re: bare-rooting. The old mix becomes compacted, hard, and tends to be very wet or very dry. When you have two different soils in the container, one will always be wetter and one will always be drier - which makes it exceptionally difficult to water properly. This limits the potential growth of the plant, and can even result in the cyclic death of roots.

Avocados really resent root-disturbance, and they sulk for a long time after a full re-potting. However, it is essential that the roots be in a well-draining, uniform mix that can be watered thoroughly and frequently, for maximum health in a container setting.

I just snapped this picture of my avocado.

Josh

I remember when mine looked like that! I think I may see if I can convince it to tough out the winter, then re-pot in the spring with a consistent mix of light soil.

It was looking more and more like my avocado wasn't going to make it to spring, so this weekend I repotted it. I pulled it and worked as much of the existing soil from the root mass as possible with my fingers, then took it to the kitchen sink and rinsed and rinsed until virtually all of the soil was gone. I repotted using a blend of 3 parts Dr. Earth planting mix, with 1 part perlite, as well as a few handfuls of Dr. Earth fruit tree fertilizer. I mixed it thoroughly in a bucket and then used it to repot.

We'll see; hopefully this rescues this tree. I can't even find anymore of the Wurtzes for sale to replace it if it does die...

Good luck!

Did the roots look healthy when you rinsed off the old mix? Also, was the old mix compacted and dry around the roots, or was it soggy?

Josh