Grow Avocados as Houseplants
The avocado is a fruit-bearing tree native to central Mexico. The green, pear-shaped fruit it produces is used in a variety of recipes from guacamole to desserts. The rich, creamy texture is due to a higher monounsaturated ("good") fat content than most other fruits. Avocado trees can be grown from seed, but will likely not bear fruit if not cross-pollinated. Even without fruit, avocados can make a decorative houseplant when grown from its seed, or pit. There are a few ways to grow an avocado from seed: Follow these tips to yield a houseplant from a store-bought avocado.
Contents
Steps
Choose an Avocado
- Pick a ripe avocado. Squeeze the fruit gently to check for a small amount of give. The avocado should be soft, but not mushy.
Remove the Seed
- Cut lengthwise around the avocado using a knife.
- Gently twist both sides of the fruit to loosen the seed from the inside. Remove the seed from the fruit.
- Wash the seed thoroughly to remove any remaining pulp.
Utilize the Paper Towel Method
- Prepare the seed for germination. Slice a thin piece of the top and bottom of the seed using a sharp knife. Opening the seed slightly will aid in its germination.
- Wrap the seed in a damp paper towel.
- Place the seed in a covered dish. Place the dish in a dark area, such as a closet, for 2 to 3 weeks.
- Check your seed for germination. Observe the seed periodically for root growth. When the roots are 3 inches (7.62 cm) in length, the seed is ready to plant.
Utilize the Toothpick Method
- Insert 4 toothpicks in either side of the avocado seed, about halfway between the bottom and top.
- Place the seed in a glass of water. Face the pointed end of the seed upward and balance it with the toothpicks on the sides of the glass, making sure 1/4 of the bottom of the seed is resting in water.
- Place the water glass on a windowsill, but out of direct sunlight.
- Refill the water periodically. Check the water level and refill when the level goes below 1/4 of the bottom half of the seed.
- Observe the seed. In about 2 to 4 weeks, the seed should crack and a root should appear, followed by a stem. When the root is about 2 to 3 inches (5.08 to 7.62 cm) long, it will be ready for potting.
Plant the Seed
- Prepare the pot. Line a small planting pot with drainage holes with a small amount of gravel. Fill the rest of the pot with potting soil.
- Place the seed, roots down, into the soil. Leave the top sprouts of the root system exposed, as well as 1/3 of the upper part of the seed. Pat the dirt firmly around the seed and water.
Care for the Plant
- Place your pot in a room where the temperature remains between 60 to 80 degrees F (16 to 27 degrees C).
- Provide your houseplant with water as often as needed to maintain moist soil, but make sure it is not overly wet.
Tips
- If your houseplant develops yellowing leaves, it is being over-watered. Avocados are susceptible to developing root rot from overexposure to water in the soil.
- If your seed does not crack and develop a root within 2 to 3 months, discard it and try the same method with a new avocado seed.
- You also may try planting the seed directly, rather than rooting it. Peel off the seed's brown coating. Plant the seed in a small potting container with drainage holes and a 10-10-10 potting soil. Leave 1/4 of the top of the seed out of the soil. Keep the soil moist, but do not overwater.
- Transfer your plant to a larger, deeper pot when it becomes too tall to stand upright.
Things You'll Need
- Knife
- Damp paper towel
- Toothpicks
- Drinking glass
- Small pot
- Gravel
- Potting soil
