Avocado plant care can be tricky since the “alligator pear” grows leggy fast without bright light, but it also can burn in full sun when not fully foliated. Still, it makes an attractive, glossy-leaved houseplant when its needs are met.
When contemplating how to grow an avocado from a pit, keep in mind that plants started that way don’t “come true from seed.” In other words, they don’t grow into the same cultivar from which they were derived. They also seldom produce fruit indoors. If you think you have bright enough conditions for that, you’ll want to purchase a grafted clonal variety instead.
Avocados are one of the most popular fruits around the world. With their creamy, rich taste and smooth texture, it’s no wonder so many people enjoy eating avocados and using them in recipes.
If you’re an avocado lover, you may have considered growing your own avocado plant at home. Having access to fresh avocados from your backyard can be a great way to save money and ensure you always have avocados on hand.
However, knowing how to properly care for an avocado plant is essential. One of the most important factors in keeping your avocado plant healthy and productive is understanding its water needs. Proper watering is crucial, but how much is enough?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about watering your avocado plant successfully.
How Often Should You Water Avocado Plants?
When it comes to watering avocado plants, consistency is key. Avocados prefer evenly moist (but not soggy) soil at all times. The frequency with which you need to water depends on factors like the size and age of your plant, climate, time of year, and soil drainage.
Here are some general watering guidelines:
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Young avocado plants need frequent watering Water every 1-2 days to keep the soil consistently moist.
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Mature avocado plants need less frequent deep watering Aim for 2-3 times per week during warm weather
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In hot climates, avocados may need daily watering when temperatures exceed 85°F.
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In winter, reduce watering frequency since plants grow more slowly.
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Container grown avocados need more frequent watering than in-ground plants.
Regardless of plant age, always check soil moisture before watering. Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water.
How Much Water Do Avocado Trees Need?
When watering your avocado, it’s important to water thoroughly so moisture penetrates deeply into the soil. Shallow watering encourages roots to grow near the surface, making them more prone to drying out.
Here are some guidelines for how much water avocado trees need based on size:
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A young avocado sapling in a 3-5 gallon pot needs about 1-2 gallons of water per watering.
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A recently planted avocado tree needs 5-10 gallons of water 2-3 times per week.
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A mature 8-10 ft tree needs 15-25 gallons per watering, 2-3 times weekly.
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Large avocado trees need 35-50+ gallons per watering, 2-3 times per week.
These amounts are general guidelines only. The exact quantity needed depends on climate, rainfall, soil type, and other factors. Always assess soil moisture before irrigating.
Signs Your Avocado Needs Water
It’s important to tune in to the signs your avocado plant displays when it needs a drink. Learning to properly read these cues will allow you to keep your plant hydrated.
Here are some signs it’s time to water your avocado:
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Soil feels dry when checked 1-2 inches below the surface
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Leaves appear wilted or droopy
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Leaves turn dull or grayish green
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Fruit is smaller than normal
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New growth is stunted
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Leaf tips turn brown
Dangers of Overwatering Avocados
While avocados need frequent watering, it is possible to overdo it. Excess moisture can be just as damaging as under-watering for these plants.
Signs your plant is overwatered include:
- Leaves yellowing
- Soft, mushy stems
- Stunted new growth
- Smaller than normal fruit
- Rotting roots
Providing good drainage is key to avoiding overwatering. Avocados thrive in loamy, sandy soil that drains well. Adding organic matter like compost improves drainage.
For container plants, always use pots with drainage holes. Place pebbles or gravel in the bottom of the container to improve drainage.
Watering Tips for Healthy Avocado Plants
Follow these tips to keep your avocado plants hydrated and healthy:
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Water in the early morning so leaves can dry out during the day. This prevents fungal or bacterial growth.
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Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to apply water directly to the soil. This avoids wetting the leaves.
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Mulch around the base of trees to reduce evaporation and retain moisture. Organic mulch choices like wood chips work well.
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Fertilize regularly to support healthy growth. Avocados are heavy feeders.
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Check soil moisture before each watering and water only when the top few inches of soil are dry.
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Adjust watering schedules seasonally. Avocados need less frequent watering in cooler weather.
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Container plants should be watered more often than in-ground trees. Monitor soil moisture daily.
Watering Avocados in Dry Climates
Growing avocado plants in hot, arid climates like the Southwest can be challenging due to low rainfall and high evaporation rates. Here are some tips to help your trees thrive:
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Use drought-tolerant rootstock when planting. Mexican or West Indian varieties perform better than Guatemalan types.
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Plant in an area protected from drying winds which increase water needs.
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Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses right at the trunk to maximize water available to roots.
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Mulch heavily with 3-6 inches of organic matter. Renew mulch yearly.
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Mist leaves during heat waves to provide a cooling effect.
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Provide shade for young trees using shade cloth structures. Remove once established.
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Consider constructing a berm to hold and direct water to the tree.
Signs of Underwatering Avocados
An underwatered avocado will display signs of drought stress. Here’s what to watch for:
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Wilting or drooping leaves
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Curled, crispy leaves
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Stunted new growth
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Smaller than normal fruit
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Premature fruit drop
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Dieback of branches
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Cracking or bleeding bark
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Loss of leaves
If you notice any of these issues, increase water immediately. Severely stressed trees may need a deep, thorough soaking to recover.
When to Water Avocado Trees
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Spring – Water frequently as growth accelerates. Young trees need water 2-4 times per week.
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Summer – Water mature trees 2-3 times per week. Up to daily for young trees, containers, or extreme heat.
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Fall – Reduce frequency as temperatures cool. Mature trees need weekly watering.
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Winter – Water young trees 1-2 times per week. Mature trees every 2-3 weeks if no rain.
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Dry spells – Water whenever top few inches of soil are dry. Don’t wait for drought stress.
The season, weather, and growth rate impact how often avocados need irrigation. Check soil moisture and look for wilt signs to determine water needs.
Providing Proper Drainage
Avocados demand well-drained soil, as standing water quickly damages their sensitive roots. Here are some tips for drainage:
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Choose sandy loam or clay loam soil enriched with compost. Avoid heavy clay.
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For containers, use a soil mix made for citrus and avocados. Mix in perlite for drainage.
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Make sure pots have drainage holes and use saucers to catch excess water.
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Improve drainage in the ground by building raised beds and berms.
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Apply 3-6 inches of organic mulch to retain moisture and prevent evaporation.
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Never let water pool around the base of the tree. Correct drainage issues.
Proper soil preparation and attentive watering enables excess moisture to drain away from the roots. This prevents soggy soil and helps the tree flourish.
Watering Young Avocado Trees
Caring for young avocado trees requires diligent attention to water needs. Follow these tips:
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Water small nursery trees daily or every other day to keep soil moist. Provide 1-2 gallons per watering.
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Once planted in the ground, water 3 times per week during warm weather. Slowly reduce frequency as it establishes over 2-3 years.
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Add a layer of mulch around newly planted trees to retain moisture near the roots.
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Mist the leaves of young trees during heat waves to prevent stress.
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Check for signs of underwatering like wilting. Increase water immediately if stressed.
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Irrigate slowly and deeply to encourage deep rooting. Shallow watering leads to surface roots.
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Consider using irrigation bags, buckets, or tree watering rings to provide steady moisture.
With careful attention to their water needs, young avocado trees will develop healthy root systems and vigorous growth.
Common Watering Mistakes
It’s easy to make watering mistakes with avocado plants. Here are some common errors:
- Underwatering
Q. How often should I water my avocado plant?
Water avocado plants enough to keep its soil lightly moist during spring and summer. Allow that soil to dry out about one inch down during winter before watering the plant again.
Types of Avocado Plants
There is plenty of selection among avocado varieties, often important for those who grow the tasty fruit that ends up in our stores’ produce sections. Here are a few types you might enjoy growing indoors:
- Day: Called by Byron and Laurelynn Martin of Logee’s Plants, “by far the easiest avocado variety to fruit in a pot as a small plant,” this cultivar reportedly can begin producing when 3 feet tall.
- Mexicola: Also recommended by the Martins, this black type bears smaller leaves and fruits than most avocados, making it an easier “fit” for the indoor garden.
- Wurtz: Sometimes called Little Cado, this dwarf self-pollinating variety usually doesn’t surpass 10 feet indoors and also is touted for container growing.
- Catalina: Cold-hardy and can be grown in containers or planted on your property. The Catalina avocado fruits within the first two years if it’s grown in a warm region.
Avocado Tree Care 101: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
FAQ
How much water should I give my avocado plant?
How do I know if my avocado plant needs water?
Can you overwater an avocado tree?
What should the water level be for avocados?
How much water does an avocado plant need?
One of the key factors in growing a healthy avocado plant is getting the watering just right. In this guide, we will explore how much watering your avocado plant needs and how to ensure it gets the right amount of water. Avocado plants require a moderate amount of water to thrive. They need enough water to keep their roots moist but not wet.
How do you water an avocado plant?
Here are some tips to help you water your avocado plant correctly: Before watering, check the moisture level of the soil. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. When you do water, make sure you do so thoroughly. Water until it comes out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
When should you water an avocado plant?
During autumn and winter, when root rot is more common, don’t water the plant again until its potting mix has dried out an inch beneath the surface. Hard water can increase the alkalinity of the soil, sometimes causing zinc and iron deficiency chlorosis in avocado, indicated by green-veined yellowing leaves.
Why do avocado plants need a lot of water?
Humidity is another important factor that affects the water needs of avocado plants. When humidity is high, the rate of transpiration in plants is usually lower since they do not have to expel as much water. However, if the humidity is too high, your avocado plant may be at risk for fungal or bacterial infections.