Avocado houseplant, started from pit, 16inches high. Was o.k. but yesterday I transplanted it to a deeper pot?

Question

I used fresh Miracle Grow potting soil. Within hours its leaves went totally limp, even after watering. I love this plant. Can anyone please tell me what to do for it before it dies? I'm not trying for the fruit, I just want the plant. Thanks a bunch.

Answer 1

The Miracle Grow potting soil didn't kill your plant.  It's possible you did root damage when you transplanted it or let the roots dry out.  Keep  giving the water to it, easing up if it starts to turn yellow, and hope for the best.  Maybe as a last resort, prune off part of the top to compensate for the root loss.  I know you can prune avocado, but usually they recommend it being done sparingly.

Answer 2

First of all, realize it will take 15 years for your avocado to fruit, even if you take really good care of it.  No kidding.  It really takes that long to mature.

You can grow them for their beauty in a big pot in non-tropical climates as long as you bring them into a greenhouse or warm, windowed area in the winter, but don't use Miracle-Gro on anything!  It's a petrochemical-based synthetic product.  Fill your pot with a mix of a little sand, soil, and compost.  Ask your local extension office if you don't know what kind of soil amendments you need.

Sadly, it's quite possible the Miracle-Gro was responsible for the plant's reaction.  Also, I have found my own (now 4 years old and 5 ft. tall) avocado likes to get dried out between waterings -- if you repot it in organic soil, try not watering it so often.

Good luck!

A TX organic gardener