General Overview
Avocados are a nutritious, delicious and versatile food enjoyed by millions around the world. Though usually associated with warmer climates, avocado trees can be grown indoors and beneficial to those looking for a way to spruce up the interior of their home and become a plant parent. This article seeks to answer the question, ‘Can you keep an avocado tree indoors?’, and share the tips and tricks necessary to cultivate a successful houseplant.
Avocado trees, otherwise known as Persea americana, is a fast-growing evergreen that can live up to 150 years in the right conditions. Reaching over 65 feet tall in the wild and boasting a deep root system, it’s not natural for them to thrive indoors. To make the plant fit comfortably, they need to be pruned regularly and placed in containers that can be moved around with ease. According to Dr. Alex Joseph, an expert in botanical studies, “The decision to bring an avocado tree indoors should only be made after careful consideration of all the requirements for a healthy and happy life for the tree.”
Location, Lighting and Temperature
The decision to keep an avocado tree indoors should be based largely on the present conditions in and around the home. According to David Huntley, a horticulturalist, choosing a location with plenty of light and ample space is vital for the tree’s survival. A bright, airy spot with access to both natural light and artificial light is ideal. If none of those options are available, then a plant grow light can always be used.
In terms of temperature, avocado trees prefer mild climates between 60-85F degrees. If the temperature dips too much, it can cause leaf loss, stunted growth and other issues. If natural conditions can’t be maintained, a heater or air conditioning unit should be employed to keep the indoor area warm and dry.
Water and Soil
Avocado trees are used to living in soil that has been naturally irrigated by precipitation. So, in order for a tree grown indoors to thrive, serious attention to detail in the soil and water needs to be paid. When choosing a pot for the tree, Lachlan Wilkie, a gardening blogger, recommends going for one with a hole in the centre to help with air flow.
It’s important to get the watering schedule just right. Avocado trees love having their soil moist, never over or under watering. Pay attention to the moisture in the soil – if it is too wet, give it some time to dry out. If it’s too dry, water it. The key is to maintain a consistent schedule with these activities and be watchful of the environment.
Pruning and Fertilizing
The avocado tree is fast growing, so if grown indoors it’ll need to be pruned. Pruning not only maintains a healthy indoor presence, but also helps curb its size and encourages further growth. This should be done twice annually – one in the fall and another in the spring – with the goal of keeping the tree around 3 to 4 feet.
Fertilization of the avocado tree is also a necessary component for its happy and healthy life. Wilkie suggests using a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer, once a month. This should be applied during growth periods and its package should include specific instructions.
Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases are a common problem with any kind of plant found indoors. The key is to take preventive measures, such as avoiding areas with high humidity and repotting with new soil each year. If the tree is showing signs of deficiencies, such as yellowed or wilted leaves, the underlying cause should be addressed and treatments administered.
Harvesting and Storing
When it comes to harvesting the precious avocados, it’s best to do so when the fruit has turned black and is easily plucked from the tree. Each tree will provide up to a dozen avocados per harvest. To store the avos, Daren Swann, an avocado orchard manager, recommends cutting the fruit in half and then wrapping the halves in a damp paper towel or a moist cloth before storing in the refrigerator. The stored halves can last for weeks, if stored properly.
Repotting and Transplanting
Repotting is necessary when the tree has outgrown its pot. Transplantation is only necessary when the environment is not appropriate and cannot be shaped to the ideal condition. In either case, removing the tree from its pot requires care and attention to minimise any damage to the roots and the tree.
Start by gently shaking the pot to loosen the root system. When possible, try to keep the soil and roots intact. If there is excess soil, remove it. Then place the roots in a pot with fresh, potting soil that has a mix of loam, compost, and sand. Gently fill the pot, taking care not to break the tree. Finally, water the soil and let it soak for a few days.
General Maintenance
Although avocados can be grown indoors, periodic maintenance is required to ensure a healthy and happy tree. Wilkie suggests removing any dead or dying leaves, branches and fruits in order to maintain a tidy tree. Cleaning the leaves regularly helps to prevent the development of mould, while pruning should be done at least once a year to control the size of the tree. Taking action to protect the tree from bugs and any airborne illnesses is also important, as these could damage the plant severely.
Overall, keeping an avocado tree indoors is a long-term commitment and should not be taken lightly. If the necessary conditions for a successful life are sought, and the proper care is given, an avocado tree can be a useful and rewarding addition to any indoor space.
Growing an Avocado Tree from Seed
Although it is not common practice, an avocado tree can in fact be grown from the seed. As with most seeds, plant the skin of a ripe avocado in potting soil and keep it in a warm, dry environment and with enough light. Then, water it regularly and wait. While it may take some time, with the right care, a fully-realized avocado tree could emerge.
Buying an Avocado Tree
Avocado trees are available for purchase through specialty gardening shops, online retailers and even online marketplaces. Depending on the size, a tree can cost anywhere from $50 to $100. Before buying, it’s important to make sure the tree is in good condition and its roots are healthy. Additionally, confirm the packaging material is sufficient and that the leaf condition is prime.
Keeping an Avocado Tree Inside in Winter
Keeping an avocado tree inside in winter is possible, but comes with its own set of challenges. It’s important to make sure the conditions aren’t too dry, otherwise the tree could experience leaf drop. To avoid this, maintain a humidity level between 40-50%, and keep the location warm, away from drafts and cool air. Monitor the room for temperature on a regular basis throughout the winter months.
Companion Plants for an Avocado Tree
Choosing companion plants for an avocado tree is relatively simple, as these plants prefer living on their own. Larger plants, like corn or tomatoes, are not recommended as they would draw away too much of the tree’s resources. Smaller plants, like herbs, would become shaded by the tree and wither away. To get the best results, researchers suggest planting a variety of companion plants nearby that are conducive to its environment.
