Need help with browning stem tips.

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Hello everyone, I have had this avocado tree for about a year now. I bought it from a nursery and it lost most its leaves over the winter. I live in San Jose, CA and it gets direct sunlight from about 7am to 11am. I have it in a 1.5 deep pot and 2ft across. Potting soil, mixed with sand and cactus/citrus soil. Mulch covers the top. Over the winter it got at the coldest to 34 at night. I had it covered with one of those breathable tree blankets during the night.

Anyways, here we are in April and I am getting new leaves. The very top leaves came in nice but are starting to wither. Also, some of the branch tips are starting to brown. I have cut them but then they keep browning. Take a look at the photos.

What is going on? What can I do? Thanks everyone

Featured Answer

Douglas Goldfein
Original Author

6 years ago

So, I decided that it might need new soil and a fresh start. I realized that the root system was not that big. It is about 6-7in long and 1.5x.1.5in cube thick there down the middle. It was in a 24in pot and seemed to be doing fine. But, now I am thinking smaller pot, new soil. No bugs.

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Comments (7)

norwoodn
6 years ago
Give it a good flush with water, provided you have good drainage. And then fertilize consistently while it’s growing.
poncirusguy6b452xx
6 years ago
check for spidermites and other small insects
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norwoodn
6 years ago
Yup a good repotting and a good fertilizer routine, with some preventive bug sprays, and you will be on the right road.
Douglas Goldfein
Original Author
6 years ago
Do you recommend any preventive bug stuff that wouldn't be toxic to animals or the tree?
norwoodn
6 years ago
Spinosad works well against Thrips. it is a natural bacteria. I’ve used it with good results. There are a lot of “natural” bug sprays. many are on shelf at your local stores. Be sure to spray late in the evening after the sun has set, or you will kill beneficial pollinators like honey bees.
norwoodn
6 years ago
Also Diatomaceous earth and products like it that are powdered work well against soft-body pests, as long as it stays dry.