The avocado plant can be easily grown from the core of a processed fruit. But the care is often not easy and then it can come to brown leaves for various reasons.
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Various causes
The care of the popular avocado ( Persea americana ) is subject to various requirements of the popular plant, which should be observed. Otherwise brown leaves on the avocado plant are more common. However, this can have various causes, which must be investigated before appropriate measures can be taken. The following causes of browning of the leaves are known:
- lack of water
- waterlogging
- wrong dosage of nutrients
- wrong location
- pests
- age-related leaf shedding
If one or even more of the causes listed here have been identified, appropriate measures can be taken.
save plant
If one of the causes has been identified, the avocado can still be saved. This is done as follows:
- remove any brown leaves
- even those that are still yellow
- Also remove leaves with brown tips
- water well when there is a shortage of water
- good fertilizeren with nutrient deficiency
- if the plant is waterlogged, remove it from the pot
- remove all soil
- Allow the root ball to dry
- cut damaged roots
- put in new, dry substrate
In the period that follows, the right care should be carried out so that damage cannot occur again due to incorrect care. If it was in the wrong location, the avocado plant just has to find a suitable place.
Proper watering
Both a lack of water and waterlogging can take a toll on the avocado plant. Even if the error appears to be the opposite, both causes have the same result. The leaves of the avocado plant are turning brown because they are no longer getting enough water. Therefore, when watering, you should pay attention to the following:
- water only moderately
- let the soil dry
- then water lightly again
- Soil should only be moist
- Drain the saucer after pouring
Proper fertilization
After brown spots have been discovered on the leaves of an avocado plant and the cause has been remedied, the next step is proper care. This also includes providing the small tree, which can grow to an impressive size if cultivated in a conservatory, with the right nutrients. You should pay attention to the following:
- requires few nutrients
- especially the young plants
- Young avocado plants develop brown leaves when over-fertilized
- fertilize every two weeks after getting used to it
- Fertilizer for citrus fruits is optimal
- alternatively use container plant fertilizer
- Pay attention to the manufacturer’s information for quantity and frequency
Correct location
The plant has its original home in the tropical rain forests in Central and South America. Therefore, the right location in the local latitude is particularly important for good growth. Attention should be paid to the following:
- sunny and warm
- outside in summer
- spend indoors when night frosts are imminent
- Even in winter, it’s more likely to be too warm than too cool
- a heated conservatory is then ideal
The location should always be checked first and appropriate measures taken to save the avocado plant and get a visually beautiful and healthy plant again.
frequently asked Questions
Even if it sounds strange, in both cases the roots can no longer absorb enough water and nutrients, and brown spots quickly appear on the leaves due to deficiency symptoms. If the soil is too dry, the assumption quickly arises that it is due to too little water. In the case of waterlogging, on the other hand, the soil compacts so much that the roots no longer have the opportunity to absorb water or nutrients.
Especially in the winter months, when an avocado has been brought inside, pest infestation can occur more quickly. If the air is too dry, scale insects or spider mites like to sit on the leaves and suck them out. Insecticides, showering and daily checks help against this so that an infestation can be contained quickly.
Especially in winter, when the plant is exposed to dry heating air in a warm living room, the leaves quickly turn brown. It helps to look for another place, for example in a bright room that is not additionally heated. Otherwise, small bowls of water around the plant, an automatic air humidifier or manual spraying of the avocado several times a day have proven useful.