Growing an avocado tree indoors is an exciting and rewarding venture. If you’re looking to embark on this project, one of the most important decisions you will need to make is choosing the right soil. Are you fascinated by the idea of growing your own avocados indoors? Have you ever wondered how the soil type can impact the growth of your indoor avocado tree? If so, this guide is the perfect starting point for you.

Considerations for Avocados Grown in Containers

Should you choose to grow a avocado tree in a container, the soil should contain a combination of specialised mixtures and some soil from your existing garden. A scaled-back soil environment may trap moisture in it that encourages root rot. The best way to avoid this is to place thirsty flowers below the tree to equalize the water and soil ratios. The pot should be about ten inches wide (25 centimetres), and you should wash it with soap and water before filling it with potting soil. The temperature indoors should be between 60-85°F (15-29°C) and with a humidity of 50%.

What is the Best Potting Soil for an Indoor Avocado Tree?

The best potting soil for indoor avocado trees is a soilless potting mix. This typically consists of peat, coco coir, perlite, and vermiculite blended together to create a light yet nutrient-rich growing medium. These potting mixes allows your avocado trees’ roots to breathe and retain moisture. It also drains excess water more efficiently than denser types of soil​. A small scoop of fertiliser per gallon of potting mix can provide the nutrients your avocado tree may need for optimal growth and development​.

Understanding the Importance of Avocado Soil Selection

Choosing the right soil for your indoor avocado tree is an integral part of the tree’s growth and development process. The soil provides the tree with necessary nutrients, helps maintain moisture levels, and allows the roots to breathe. Selecting the wrong type of soil can lead to various problems, including poor growth, root rot, and nutrient deficiencies.

The Best Soils for Avocado Tree Growth

If you are growing it indoors, choose a potting mix created for houseplants. The container needs to have drainage holes with a deep saucer for excess water and/or soil that drains well. If you grow them outdoors, place them in an area wherein they will receive the humidity and warmth of the sun with the protection of shade provided by taller trees.

Fox Farm Ocean Forest Potting Soil

This potting soil comes in a 40-quart packet and is ready to use. It has excellent aeration and is adjusted to a pH level of 6.3- 6.8, making it perfect for an avocado tree. This soil is specially formulated to grow seedlings and young plants.

Fox Farm Coco Loco Potting Soil

This type of soil drains well and is ideal for novice users. Coconut coir behaves like a small sponge, making it porous. The composition of this soil eliminates the potential for mold or fungus growth. If you are new to growing avocado trees indoors, then this is the soil should be your first purchase.

Avocado Tree Seedling and Pit Growing Soil

Use this soil after the seeds or pits have sprouted. Each batch is hand blended to make sure the growing environment is ideal for the tree. It is quick draining to eliminate the possibility of root rot, making it the best possible environment for the tree to grow. Perlite and horticulture sand was added to a peat mixture to shed water quickly and allow for proper airflow.

It is fertiliser and chemical-free.

Fox Farm Happy Frog Organic Potting Soil Mix

Since the avocado roots do not go deep into the ground, this potting soil allows the nutrients to come to the tree. This soil improves nutrient uptake and root efficiency. It can be used for trees planted in a container.

When planting an avocado tree, the soil needs to absorb moisture, drain properly, and have the proper pH level. Soil that doesn’t have good drainage will expose the roots to root rot and not provide the proper nutrients for the tree to do well.

Since these trees have shallow roots, you need to ensure they are getting the proper nutrients. Do this by giving them nutrient-rich food or fertiliser for their growth. You can add wood chips or leaves to the top as well. These will eventually decompose into the soil allowing the tree to absorb its nutrients.

The nutrients required in an avocado tree are nitrogen, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus, found in most fertilisers. This, in conjunction with mulch, will help the tree to grow.

Soil for avocado trees can be both synthetic and organic forms. They are rich in earthworm castings, sea-going fish and crab meal, bat guano, and forest humus, providing the proper pH level for the trees to thrive in.

Ideal Conditions for Indoor Avocado Plants

Temperature

Avocado plants thrive in warm humid environments. Temperatures between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-29 degrees Celsius) should be maintained throughout the day. Any drastic fluctuations in temperature can stress the plant and hinder its growth.

Light

Good air circulation and plenty of bright but indirect light will help keep your avocado healthy and strong, so a sunny window or a room that gets lots of natural light but isn’t exposed to direct sunlight is ideal. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn, while inadequate light can cause leggy growth and poor development.

Watering

Watering is a delicate balance when it comes to avocado plants. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to dry out. The key is to let the soil dry out between waterings. This greatly reduces the risk of root rot and ensures the plant gets just enough water to grow without becoming waterlogged.

Air Circulation

Good air circulation is beneficial for indoor avocado plants. It can help prevent the build-up of mold or pests and can contribute to the overall health of the plant​1​.

Choosing the Right Fertiliser

Avocado trees typically require a large amount of fertilisation to produce optimal yields. A slow-release fertiliser with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micro-nutrients is best for avocados as this will make sure the tree receives adequate amounts of nutrients over time. However, depending on what the soil has been tested for it may be necessary to use liquid feedings of micronutrients or specialised granular formula in order to ensure optimal health and growth of the avocado tree. Since avocado trees are fast-growing plants it’s important to periodically check their fertility levels and ensure they have enough food to thrive.

The Bottom Line

Growing avocados indoors is an exciting and rewarding adventure. By following the steps outlined in this guide and providing your avocado plant with enough sun, water, and proper soil nutrition, you will be rewarded with delicious fruit​1​.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your potting soil, some seeds, and fertilizers and make space near a window to get started on your indoor avocado project. You won’t regret it!