Since avocados aren’t exactly hardy enough for most backyards, keeping them in pots or containers is the way to go. To keep your green roommate happy and healthy, regular repotting is a must. It’s the best way to ensure they have the perfect environment to thrive. Here’s everything you need to know.
Starting Your Avocado Journey
If you want to grow your own avocado tree, it all starts with sprouting a pit . You can do this using the classic water-and-toothpick method or by planting it directly in soil. If you’re looking for a head start, you can also buy young avocado trees at a nursery. These are often grafted, which is a huge plus—grafted trees usually start blooming in just 2-3 years. If you grow one from a pit, it follows its own genetic timeline and might take 6 to 10 years to show its first flowers. Just a heads-up: getting them to actually grow fruit indoors can be a bit of a challenge!
The Best Soil Mix
In the wild, avocados grow in tropical regions where the soil is actually quite lean. For a successful plant at home, your best bet is using a potting mix designed for citrus or palm trees. If you prefer using compost, make sure to mix it with sand to improve drainage—a 2:1 ratio of compost to sand works perfectly.
When to Repot
That avocado pit is like a little lunchbox; it contains all the nutrients the young plant needs for its first six months. Once your seedling is established in its first pot, you’ll want to move it to a slightly larger home every year for the first four years. After that, your tree won’t be growing quite as fast, so repotting every 2-3 years is plenty.
Step-by-Step Repotting Guide
- Pick a new pot that is only about 3 or 4 inches larger in diameter than the old one.
- Add a layer of fresh soil to the bottom of the new pot and carefully slide the plant out of its old container.
- Place the tree in the new pot and check the height. You want the avocado to sit at the same depth it was in the previous pot—don’t bury the trunk deeper!
- Fill the gaps between the root ball and the pot wall with soil, pressing down firmly as you go to remove air pockets.
- Place the pot on a sturdy saucer and give it a good watering to help it settle in.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Avocados are total sun-worshippers. During the summer, the rule is: the warmer, the better! The tricky part is finding the right winter home . You’ll need to keep them somewhere where the temperature stays above 45°F (7°C).
Light is just as important as heat. They love direct sun, and they’ll be happiest if they can spend their summer vacation outdoors.
When the days get short and dark in the winter, things can get stressful for the plant. A bright, heated sunroom or conservatory is the absolute best place for them to ride out the cold months.
Pro Tip: As your avocado grows, those pots can get pretty heavy and awkward to move. Investing in a heavy-duty hand truck or a rolling plant stand will save your back when it’s time to move your tree!
