Leaves Dying on an Avocado Plant

Firstly, let me say that I do not know the type of seed nor have I ever pruned my tree (I don't know how to or if I should). Right now, my plant is a little taller than 1 foot. It is pretty straight up (spindly) and gets a good amount of sunlight.

Here is the problem: recently, I have noticed that almost all of the leaves have fallen off. There are still a few leaves at the top and there even appears to be new leaves sprouting from the very top. Some of the larger leaves literally fell off at the slightest touch. Is this simply a natural phase my plant is going through or are there any measures I should be taking to improve my plant's health.

I would be really upset if it died and would really appreciate any help you can provide. I do not give it plant food, but I do have it planted in potting soil containing time release plant food. How often should I completely change all the soil and how do I do that without damaging the tree?

So, in sum, why is my plant so ugly (for lack of a better word)? why are all the leaves falling off? What kind of soil and/or plant food would you recommend? Should I change the soil? If so, how do I do it? And finally, should I prune it? If so, how do I do it?

Please help.

Hardiness Zone: 6a

By attys from East Lansing, MI

Archives: Request: Leaves Dying on an Avocado Plant Archived on 09/29/2009 I am growing an avocado tree in my kitchen. All appeared to be going well, but in the last week and a half my plant hasn't been looking too healthy. The lower leaves are curling inwards, becoming almost crispy in texture and they are turning an extremely dark brown, seeming black before closer inspection. During this time my plant's condition has spread to nearly half of its leaves. My kitchen is fairly cool in temperature and I have absolutely no idea in which region of the world this variety originates, or how to find out. I keep it in a sunny spot, but not in what I'd describe as direct sunlight. I water it regularly, just enough to keep the soil damp, a deep brown color. I re-potted my avocado tree about six weeks ago and it seemed to improve in health directly after that, growing very quickly once again, before this problem emerged. Could you possibly give me any advice to help improve its health? I'm rather fond of my avocado tree, eccentric as that may appear. I'd at least like to give it a fighting chance at survival. Many thanks, in anticipation. Hardiness Zone: 9b C from England, UK Feedback: RE: Leaves Dying on an Avocado Plant Don't forget they are trees. Trees have trunks, not leaves at the bottom. Every one I have ever had has lost the bottom leaves eventually. (08/18/2008) By Kaysee RE: Leaves Dying on an Avocado Plant Right. The lower leaves will fall off because it is a tree, not a bush. My 20 year old avocado tree in the back yard puts out at least 35 bushels of leaves every year. A well established tree in Central California will survive a week of temps that go down in the 20's every night. Only the outside couple of feet will freeze. Prune them off and the tree will come back with a vengeance. I think we are in zone 9. (08/21/2008) By Gorius RE: Leaves Dying on an Avocado Plant I have been having the same concern. I have noticed that the leaves at the top are growing well and the tree as a whole is very sturdy. My tree is still quite young, about 14 inches tall and three months old. I water it frequently and have it in a terra cotta 13 inch pot. After reading this, sounds like it is natural as long as the leaves aren't going yellow from over watering. (12/25/2008) By Dani Report Spam or Abuse Request: Leaves Dying on an Avacado Plant Archived on 08/15/2008 Q: We have an avocado plant started from seed, which is really shooting up. It has nice large leaves on it but the lower leaves keep turning, curling and dying off. No problem with new ones sprouting but why are the lower leaves turning? It is about 20-24" tall. Do we need to bring it in for the winter? What do I need to do to keep it alive thru the winter? Hardiness Zone: 7a Kimberlea from OK A: Kimberlea, Avocados lose their leaves for many reasons. Too much water and not enough sunlight can cause leaves to turn yellow and lower leaves to drop. If your plant continues to sprout new growth, I wouldn't worry. Avocados are also self-thinning. They naturally shed a large number of leaves during periods of rapid growth-especially older leaves. In nature, the leaf litter naturally composts beneath the tree, adding organic nutrients to the soil. If your avocado is getting tall and leggy, you can pinch back the stem a bit to encourage it to branch out. The most important element is to provide it with enough light. As for keeping avocados outdoors during Oklahoma winters, it won't work. You'll need to bring your in. Avocados are sub-tropical plants native to southern Mexico. They need semi-humid climates and temperatures between 60°F-80°F. You can grow yours in a container and move it inside during cold weather. The cooler temperatures will signal a rest period for the plant. During this time place the plant in your coolest room with bright light (not in direct light) and reduce feeding and watering until you can return it to the outdoors. Answers: RE: Leaves Dying on an Avacado Plant I have one that was started several months ago and it's 5ft tall now. Mine will drop the lower leaves also and they are the same as yours it seems. I keep mine in the patio room on the west side of our house. They will need a lot of light and be sure and don't over water it during the winter months. Keep it from the draft, such as the furnace. You may need to buy a small stake to keep it standing straight until the trunk gets thick enough to support it's own weight. Good luck and I'm sure you will enjoy it. (10/07/2005) By pipersgooseman Report Spam or Abuse