From guacamole to avocado toast, Americans sure do love their avocados. Over the last several years, avocado sales have skyrocketed, making avocados one of the country’s most popular foods. Additionally, these large-leafed trees make for the perfect houseplant. This article will go over the most probable causes for drooping avocado leaves and what to do about them.
Drooping Avocado Leaves
Planting an avocado tree can come with some issues, however. One of the most common problems plant owners may encounter is drooping leaves.
Under Watering
Avocado plants need water 2-3 times a week. Depending on the soil used for your plant, you may need to water it more often. A simple way to check if your avocado plant isn’t receiving enough water, push your finger about two inches into the soil. If the soil is dry, it is likely not getting enough water.
To save an underwatered avocado plant, all you need to do is water it. You should add enough water so it begins to trickle out of the base of the pot; this should be easy to see if your pot has proper drainage. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause similar issues.
After watering a dry plant, you should see results in a few hours to a day. Be consistent with how often you water your avocado plant and how much water you use, and you should have a happy and healthy plant in no time.
Over Watering
An even more common problem with avocado plants that can cause drooping leaves is overwatering them. Too much moisture will cause avocado plants to wilt and droop, and the excess moisture prevents oxygen from getting to the roots, essentially drowning them.
The soil should be almost completely dry before you should water it again. If you place your finger into the soil and it comes away wet, your avocado plant is overwatered. Ensure your pot has proper drainage, or too much water can cause the roots to rot.
If you think your avocado tree is overwatered, wait a week or two to allow the soil to dry out completely. If your pot has poor drainage, it will likely need repotting into fresh soil. Adding gravel or small pebbles to a new pot’s bottom will help water drain away from the roots.
Transplant Shock
Drooping leaves may signify transplant shock if you have recently replanted or repotted your avocado plant. Transplant shock is a common problem in many plants, as a transplant can cause stress. Your avocado tree is simply focusing all its energy on adjusting to its new home by establishing its roots and adapting to new soil.
Generally, transplant shock will only last a few days. After this brief adjustment period, your avocado plant will settle in and refocus on photosynthesizing, returning its leaves to their former glory. The best thing you can do in the meantime is to avoid adding any additional stress, such as moving the plant, underwatering, or overwatering.
Conclusion
As we have discussed, there are a few reasons why you may be noticing drooping avocado leaves. It is most commonly a water issue that can be easily determined by checking the soil for moisture. Determining the proper water needs for your plant can be trial and error, but once you do, your avocado plant will thrive.
Keeping your avocado plant in a well-drained pot will help avoid root rot and moisture buildup. A freshly potted avocado plant may be stressed for a while but will recover and just needs a little love and care before its leaves become lush and beautiful once more.