# Avocado

The avocado plant can be grown from a pit from a store bought avocado. It is a fun plant to grow indoors if given enough love and light. The plant may never fruit, but it makes a great long term addition to the home. If we're lucky, the tree may bear fruit in 7 to 8 years.

# Environment

• High Light (South/West/Outdoors)
• 45-55% Humidity
• Likes high temperatures
• Low temperatures not below 50 degrees F

Humidity is important for avocado trees to maintain their leaves. 45-55% range is ideal. The air usually becomes drier in the fall and winter. This can lead to the avocado leaves drying up and browning.

# Water and Soil

• High water needs
• Well draining Soil
• Likes moist soil but not drenched
• Fertilize according to growth

Soil should be well draining and loose.

Avocado plants like to be in moist soil but it should remain breathable and not waterlogged. When the plant isn't getting enough water, it may product crunchy leaves and grow straggly. When the plant is overwatered, leaves will yellow.

# Potting and Pruning

• Prune aggressively every winter
• Up-pot as needed

Make sure to keep the avocado plant heavily pruned to keep the growth in check, whether growing indoors or outdoors. Avocado trees can grow very quickly. Avocado trees can stand quite heavy pruning.

# Propagation

• Plant from pit
• Plant from cutting

Planting from pit is often the more fun method. Take the pit from a store bought avocado and prop it on an open cup. Fill water until half the avocado pit is submerged. Change the water out weekly and the avocado should sprout in 1 to 2 months.