The lychee is a total exotic gem that’s winning over more and more fans thanks to its unique flavor—think a perfect balance of slightly tart and floral. The best part? You can actually grow your own lychee tree at home! While it might sound intimidating, these trees are surprisingly low-maintenance once you get the basics down.
Warm and Humid Vibes
The lychee originally hails from the subtropical regions of South Africa, though today it’s grown in similar climates across China, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America. Because of those roots, lychees crave a warm, humid environment. They don’t necessarily need scorching tropical heat; they’re actually quite happy in more moderate subtropical conditions.
Since the climate in the U.S. varies so much, you’ll need to create the right “micro-climate” for your tree. During the summer, it’ll love soaking up the sun outdoors. However, once the temperature drops, it needs a bright, frost-free spot to spend the winter.
The Right Soil
I highly recommend growing your lychee in a container. This makes it so much easier to move the plant indoors when the weather gets chilly. These trees prefer soil that is loose and well-draining. When it comes to food, they’re actually pretty easy to please—they aren’t heavy feeders and only need a moderate amount of fertilizer.
A great mix is a loamy potting soil blended with a bit of sand to keep things from getting too compacted. A nice bonus for indoor gardeners: lychee trees grow fairly slowly in their first few years. You won’t have to worry about repotting until you see those roots starting to peek out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
Overwintering Your Lychee
If you’re planning to grow a lychee from scratch, you’ve got to have a winter game plan. During the colder months, your tree needs a bright spot with temperatures staying between 55°F and 60°F (12°C – 15°C). Older, more established plants can handle slightly cooler temps around 50°F (10°C).
The real trick to a happy lychee in winter is humidity. They love a humidity level of about 75%, which can be tough to maintain in a heated house. To keep your tree from drying out, give it a regular misting with a spray bottle. In fact, misting should be your go-to move in the winter, as you’ll want to scale back on actual watering and only give the soil a drink very sparingly.