Background information
Avocado (Persea americana) is a highly prized fruit tree for its delicious taste and creamy texture. Avocado trees are a perennial species, meaning they will bear fruit for many years and are considered an investment in the garden. Avocado trees grow best in hot and humid areas, but they can also be successfully grown in cooler climates if grown in pots and brought inside during the winter months.
Avocado trees require a special watering regimen that combines regular watering and drying out cycles. Avocado trees that are grown in pots must be watered more often than their in-ground counterparts, as they are at greater risk of drying out quickly. When being grown in pots, avocado trees require a careful and consistent amount of water to stay healthy and produce fruit.
Frequency
The best rule of thumb for watering avocado trees in pots is to check the soil before you water. The top layer of soil should be dry before you give the tree a deep and thorough watering. The amount of water needed may vary from tree to tree, so it is important to observe the soil’s condition before watering.
Most potted avocado tree owners water the tree once per week in the summer, and every two weeks during the winter. However, depending on the plant’s size, container, and the climate it is in, some avocado trees may require more or less water than others. If you live in a hot and dry climate, it’s a good idea to check the soil every few days and adjust the frequency of watering accordingly. The goal should be to keep the soil slightly moist, but not constantly wet.
How to water
The best way to water an avocado tree in a pot is to give the soil a deep and thorough soaking. avocado trees do not like their roots to be sitting in standing water, so it is important to ensure that the soil is draining properly. The best way to water is to use a hose or watering can and water the surface of the soil until the water starts to run out the drainage holes. This will ensure that the tree receives a thorough soaking and that the soil is not soaking up any pooled water, which can cause root rot.
Signs of overwatering
As with all plants, it is important not to overwater your avocado tree. If your avocado tree is receiving too much water, the leaves may start to yellow and become wilted. Another sign of too much water is if the tree’s bark starts to soften or the roots look overly wet. If your tree shows any signs of overwatering, it is important to stop watering and wait until the soil dries out before watering again.
Fertilizer
Avocado trees can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer, like 10-10-10, two or three times per year. However, it is important to give the tree extra fertilizer during its period of active growth, which is typically the warmer months. Fertilizer should be applied directly to the soil wherever possible, not just around the base of the tree, as the roots can spread out well beyond the trunk of the tree.
Weather Considerations
Weather conditions can also play an important role in determining how often you should water your avocado tree. Extremely hot and dry days can cause the tree to quickly dry out, requiring more frequent waterings. If you live in a warm climate, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the weather and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Potting Mix
Choosing the right potting mix is also a key factor when it comes to the proper care of your avocado tree. The potting mix should be well-draining, but still able to retain some moisture. A good mixture might be 2-parts soil, 1-part sand, and 1-part compost or peat moss. If your potting mix is not well-draining, adding more sand or compost to the mix can help.
Growth Regulator
Avocado trees grown in containers can benefit from a growth regulator, such as ethephon or paclobutrazol. These products help to promote bushier, more compact growth and can help prevent the tree from getting too tall, especially for smaller varieties. These growth regulators should be applied once a year in the spring before the tree begins to produce new growth.
Container Size
The size of the container that your avocado tree is in will also affect how often you will need to water it. Smaller pots will dry out more quickly and may require more frequent waterings. Larger pots will retain moisture longer and may require less frequent waterings. Be sure to choose a container that is an appropriate size for your tree.
Determining Moisture Levels
A moisture meter is a great tool to take the guesswork out of determining when to water your avocado tree. Moisture meters measure the soil’s moisture level and can be inserted into the soil to give an accurate reading. A meter reading of 6-7 on a scale of 1-10 is ideal for a potted avocado tree.
Conclusion
Watering an avocado tree in a pot is a delicate balance between giving the tree enough water to stay healthy and not overwatering it. The best advice is to check the soil before you water and to adjust your watering schedule based on the tree’s size, climate, potting mix, and container size. With the right care, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor for many years to come.
