How often should I water avocado seedlings?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.To propagate avocado seedlings, only water when the upper 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) of soil is completely dry. I try to see if the soil is dry by taking a wooden chopstick and sticking it into the soil until down to the bottom, pulling it out to see if it's clean.If it comes out clean, then it's time to water. If you overwater, the leaves will turn yellow and the stem will be wilted.
Ideal Soil Mix
- 40% potting soil for nutrients
- 30% perlite for drainage
- 20% coconut coir for moisture retention
- 10% coarse sand to prevent compaction
Warning Signs
- Yellow leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage
- Crispy edges: Underwatering or low humidity
- Stunted growth: Compacted soil or root rot
Adjust watering frequency depending on the season. My seedlings in winter need watering every 10-14 days, but during the summer they need watering every week. It is always best to water with room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots. When watering, water until it starts to drain from the base. I want to make sure my seedlings are saturated throughout, but not waterlogged.
Rescue Overwatered Plants
- Unpot and trim blackened roots
- Repot in fresh, dry cactus mix
- Withhold water for 7 days
Boost Drainage
- Add lava rocks to pot bases
- Use terracotta pots instead of plastic
- Elevate pots on wooden slats
Consider acquiring a soil moisture meter that reads in two inch. Without a decision-making device, you must risk taking multiple guessing opportunities. I would check three spots in each pot, only watering when all have dropped below 3. It helped to save my seedlings three times last monsoon during a fungal outbreak.
Read the full article: How to Grow Avocado Seed Successfully Every Time
