9 Avocado Growing Tips That Will Help Your Tree Thrive Inside

Avocado trees, or one started with an avocado pit, can be grown indoors as attractive houseplants with the right care. These plants aren't hardy in most areas of the country; however, with a little attention and care, you can enjoy the lushness of an indoor avocado tree.

1. Choose a dwarf variety.

Avocado trees grown outdoors can grow as tall as 65 feet. Select a dwarf variety that will be a better fit for growing indoors. Visit your local nursery or garden center for dwarf avocado trees.

If you've grown your plant from a pit, there's no knowing what type of avocado tree you've got, but keeping it in a container will naturally reduce its overall size. Regular pruning will also help keep it on the smaller side.

2. Provide sufficient light.

Avocado trees need plenty of sunlight to grow and thrive. Place them near a south- or west-facing window that receives six to eight hours of direct sun daily. Avocado trees that don’t get enough light can lose their leaves and appear gangly or have long, leggy stems as they stretch toward the light. To provide more light, consider using a grow light or moving your tree to a brighter spot in your home.

3. Repot every year.

Provide your indoor avocado tree with plenty of container space for the roots to grow in and spread out. Repot your plant each year in the springtime before the growing season begins. Choose a container that about an inch or two more in diameter than the current pot, and make sure it has drainage holes.

4. Water regularly.

Avocado trees do best in consistently moist soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. However, never let the soil become waterlogged, because this could lead to root rot.

Too much water can also cause the leaves to turn yellow. If the pot is in a saucer to catch excess water, make sure to empty it out to help keep your plant's roots healthy.

5. Grow in well-draining soil.

Well-draining soil is key to minimizing overly soggy conditions. Choose a potting mix designed for houseplants. Never use garden soil in a container because it will compact too much and not drain well enough.

6. Apply fertilizer.

Apply a liquid houseplant fertilizer during the spring and summer when your indoor avocado tree will be doing most of its growing. Dilute the recommended amount on the label to half strength and apply once a month during the growing season. Stop fertilizing in the fall and winter months.

7. Provide warmth and humidity.

Avocado trees thrive in humid environments of 50% or higher and prefer warm weather that ranges from 60°F to 85°F. Most homes are typically within the right temperature range, but may need to boost humidity during the winter. Place a humidifier near your avocado tree or set it on a pebble tray with water create a pocket of higher humidity around the plant. Use an inexpensive hygrometer to monitor your home's humidity levels so you can ensure your avocado gets what it needs.

8. Snip the tips.

Encourage fresh growth by trimming the stems back once in a while during the growing season. This creates a bushier, fuller-looking plant. Snip the stem just above a leaf, which is where new growth will start.

9. Don’t expect avocados.

If you’re growing an avocado tree indoors in hopes of getting fruit, you'll need to be very patient. Avocado trees can take up to 10 years to produce fruit, and it can take even longer when they are grown indoors, even in ideal conditions. Just enjoy this tree for the tropical touch it brings to a room with its large leaves.