Do you know what is the best soil for an avocado plant? Would it vary depending on the breed? What would be a good recipe for this soil (for growing indoors)?
asked Jul 19, 2011 at 17:29
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How can you plant it indoor? It's a tree.......– lamwaiman1988Commented Jul 21, 2011 at 1:56
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@gunbuster: are you talking about size?– neydroydrecCommented Jul 21, 2011 at 7:14
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According to the wikipedia...avocado can grow to 20m height.....how can you plant it indoor?– lamwaiman1988Commented Jul 21, 2011 at 17:14
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By the time it gets 20m high I hope I'll be able to afford a big house ;) I see it this way: if I can keep a bonzai 20cm high, I'm sure I can keep a tree 3m high.– neydroydrecCommented Jul 21, 2011 at 19:43
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5 Answers
Soil needs do vary a little between the three basic types, the Guatemalan, the Mexican and the West Indian; however, all three will tolerate most types of soil, but not wet feet; they prefer a light/ sandy potting compost (specially formulated for indoor plants) that is free-draining and will not take too long to dry a little between waterings (when it should be slightly damp to the touch but never wet). Garden soil, of course, is unsuitable for indoor plants, as it may not be sufficiently free-draining or balanced in nutrients, and also contains organisms that could thrive indoors and cause disease. A standard multipurpose potting soil, available from your local garden center should meet your avocado's needs, but I would try to avoid a peat-based one, as it loses moisture very quickly and, if allowed to dry out, is quite difficult to wet again.
answered Jul 20, 2011 at 17:01
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@Benjamin: You're very welcome.I would also use a pebble tray - see my answer gardening.stackexchange.com/questions/84/… - to maintain humidity. Good luck! Commented Jul 21, 2011 at 20:10
As a long time avocado grower and fan of guacamole I was going to tell you that you can grow it in most soils. As with any plant proper watering and food will make a big difference. Since you are growing indoors I would suggest a quality potting soil that will have what the plant needs in the indoor environment. I would give it as much light as possible, preferably sunlight. Water only when the soil is dry and then water thoroughly. Feed during the growing season and do not fertilize over the winter. Can't guarantee any fruit, but you should have a nice plant to grow.
answered Jul 19, 2011 at 17:55
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Gardening Directions, isn't good soil drainage a major benefit for avocados? Commented Jul 19, 2011 at 18:26
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@mike, yes I thought I mixed sand in with potting compost when germinating nag growing stones - but it was a few years ago, so I wasn't sure.– winwaedCommented Jul 19, 2011 at 20:49
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Thanks. Both of you commented also on how to prevent an avocado plant from drying indoors. And well, at first i suspected the climate indoors wasn't suitable, but i do have a plant that now seems to thrive while another isn't. So i now suspected the soil to be the cause. Now @Gardening Directions suggests any type of soil is fine. So now i can't really make sense of the situation. Commented Jul 20, 2011 at 5:22
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@Gardening Directions: the answer
quality potting soil that will have what the plant needs in the indoor environmentis a bit vague. What is a good potting soil etc. according to you? Commented Jul 20, 2011 at 5:23
Use 2-3 parts pumice to 1 part fast draining potting soil. If you want them to grow fast and well, the soil should be nearly dry in 2 days or less, less is better. I have not tried straight pumice but it should work well as long as you give it the correct nutrient mix.
Most tropical plants enjoy a lighter soil mix to grow in. I started a navel orange tree over ten years ago and it is STILL thriving for me. I use two parts regular potting soil to one part sand or perlite. So far that does the trick for me. I had started an avocado a few years ago and it lasted for almost a year and then lost its leaves and died. I suspect back then I used a heavier potting mix. You need to allow oxygen to reach the roots so DON'T pack it down hard as well and add that sand or perlite. Hope this helps!
Washed river sand (coarse grit) and or perlite added to your potting mix will help with drainage and aeration; avocados hate wet feet.
