Caring for a houseplant is an endlessly rewarding prospect. And if you’ve been given an avocado tree in pot (Persea americana), you’re in for a truly juicy experience. Avocados are a tricky fruit to cultivate, requiring island-like weather to even dream of yielding a single frond-like bouquet of foliage. So, if you’ve managed to acquire yourself an avocado in a pot, you’ll need to understand exactly how often to water it.
The health of an avocado tree in a pot depends largely on the amount of water it receives. You’ll want to water it enough so that the soil or compost is moist, but not so much that it becomes waterlogged. This can be done in one of two ways. First, use a watering schedule of between once a week and three times a week, depending on environmental factors such as the temperatures and amount of light it gets. Second, check the soil around the root ball daily to ensure it is evenly moist, and adjust your watering schedule as needed.
One of the best ways to ensure you’re providing your avocado tree with enough water is to use a moisture meter. Once you have one of these handy tools, a quick probe of the soil will help you understand how wet the soil and compost are, so you know the precise amount of water your tree needs. Additionally, watering the plant from below can help it get the hydration it needs. This way, the water is drawn up by the pot’s drainage hole into the roots of the tree, ensuring an even distribution. Do not water the leaves, as this can encourage the development of mold and mildew.
The key takeaway here is to water your avocado tree only when the soil is dry and no longer feels moist to the touch — this means a couple of days without water (especially in summer months) is typically advised. The amount of water an avocado tree in pot needs will also depend on the pot’s size and materials, as some containers allow water to evaporate quicker than others. A terracotta pot, for example, needs more water than a ceramic one. Ultimately, finding the correct balance for your avocado tree all comes down to trial and error, combined with regular observation of your tree and monitoring for any signs of distress.
Pot Size and Type Matter
The size and type of pot you choose for your new houseplant companion can have a profound effect on how much water your tree needs. Taller pots allow for a larger root system and retain more moisture, while shallow pots can dry out faster and may require more frequent watering. Additionally, unglazed ceramic pots are not as water retentive as terracotta, so be sure to check the pot material before deciding how much you should water your avocado tree.
In addition to keeping a close eye on your pot size and material, it’s important to note that avocado trees require a nutrient-rich soil compost. Composts that are high in organic matter hold more moisture and feed the microbes that help plants to stay healthy. The result is less frequent watering for your avocado tree. Ultimately, the correct compost is essential for maintaining healthy plants and ensuring that enough water is retained for them to grow.
Knowing the Climate
Understanding the climate you live in is one of the most important elements when it comes to knowing how often to water your avocado tree. When it’s wet and humid, it’s likely that your soil will retain moisture for longer, meaning you won’t have to water as frequently. On the other hand, when the weather is dry and your area gets a lot of wind, watering more often is recommended. Furthermore, learning your soil type — sandy, loamy, or clay — is also beneficial as certain soil types can be more difficult to keep moist than others.
Since you want your avocado tree to be healthy and grow, you should learn to pay attention to its surroundings so you can make sure it has the best conditions possible. Depending on your climate and soil type, you may find that your tree requires more or less frequent watering than on a standard schedule. It’s down to you to keep an eye on your tree and adjust its watering routine accordingly.
Fertilizing the Plant
It is necessary to provide your avocado tree with a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. This will give the tree the necessary nutrients to grow big and strong. Furthermore, it’s important to be aware that over-fertilization can be just as detrimental as under-fertilizing, so be sure to stick to the levels indicated on the packaging and only use fertilizer appropriate for avocado trees.
Adding a slow-release fertilizer to the pot can also help ensure a steady supply of vital nutrients over a long period of time. As well as this, if you’re planning to move your plant frequently, adding a layer of mulch over the potting mix can help to hold in more moisture and stop the roots from drying out.
Finally, it’s equally important to note that overwatering an avocado tree in pot can be even more detrimental than underwatering it. If a plant is sitting in water for an extended period of time, it can easily suffer from root rot, a condition which can eventually lead to the death of your beloved tree.
Handling Avocado Pests and Diseases
Knowing when and how much to water your avocado tree isn’t the only aspect of keeping it happy and healthy in your home. When caring for your avocado tree in pot, it’s also essential to be aware of the pests and diseases that can affect the plant’s growth and development. Regularly scouting for signs of pests — mealybugs, scale, whiteflies, and spider mites — will help you keep an eye out for any potential problems and address them quickly.
Common avocado tree diseases include anthracnose, avocado leaf spot, root rot, and stem cankers. These ailments can be managed by using basic preventative techniques like removing dead branches, pruning away diseased parts of the tree, and keeping the area around your tree clean. In cases of severe disease, treatment with fungicides or insecticides may be necessary. As with anything, always consider consulting with a qualified pest and disease control professional if you are unsure of the severity of the situation.
Knowing When To Prune
Avocado trees don’t necessarily require pruning, but it can help to manage the shape and size of the tree. Keeping the branches shorter will encourage the tree to branch out and grow more vigorously. It can also help to encourage larger and more abundant fruit yields. But always remember to only prune a tree when it has leaves, as this will provide new and healthy growth.
As with any other plant, an avocado tree in pot requires generous amounts of light during the day to maintain its strength and health. If you don’t get much direct sunlight in your home, you can use the various artificial lighting options now available to help your plant thrive.
Finally, remember to be patient with your avocado tree — it takes a few years for an avocado tree to produce fruit, and even longer for it to reach its full size and form. Proper care and attention are important, but learning to love your tree through all its stages of growth will bring an extra level of warmth into your home.
