Avocado tree care: watering, light and repotting
Also called avocado, avocado pit · Persea americana · Lauraceae family
9 d in winter
How often to water the avocado tree?
Allow about 5 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 9 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Pinch out the tip when the stem reaches 8 in (20 cm), then regularly: otherwise it shoots up as a single stem. Keep the soil moist.
Misting every 5 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The avocado tree loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every year, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 3 weeks is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 3–6 ft (1–2 m).
Toxic to cats and dogs. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Brown tips
Cause: Hard water or dry air. What to do: Water with filtered water and mist it.
Single, bare stem
Cause: Never pinched. What to do: Cut the top above a leaf to force it to branch.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the avocado tree?
About every 5 days in spring and summer, and every 9 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the avocado tree?
The avocado tree loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Should you mist the avocado tree?
Yes, misting every 5 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the avocado tree?
Every year, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the avocado tree safe?
The avocado tree is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep the plant out of their reach and, if they eat some, call a vet.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Fairly: the avocado tree needs a little attention, mostly with watering and light. Nothing complicated with a reminder at the right time.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.