What sunlight do avocado plants require?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Successfully Grow avocado seed plants by learning their changing light requirements. My indoor Hass seedling grew well using 700 lux grow lights, even while I killed another plant at a south-facing window. As they get older, you will need to balance the intensity and duration of your light source. Remember, young trees need a lower light intensity than older trees.
Seedlings (0-6 months)
- 500-800 lux bright indirect light
- 12-14 hours daily under full-spectrum LEDs
- Keep 18+ inches from hot windows
Young Plants (6-18 months)
- Gradually introduce morning sun
- Maintain 1000-1500 lux for 10+ hours
- Use 30% shade cloth outdoors
Mature Trees (3+ years)
- 6+ hours direct sunlight daily
- Tolerate 3000+ lux afternoon intensity
- Rotate potted trees weekly
Modified artificial lighting on a seasonal basis. For example, in winter, I set my LED panels to 10 inches above the foliage, and increased intensity by 20%. Summer requires light diffusion by using screens made from parchment paper. Watch for the orientation of the foliage; if the plants are leaning toward the light, be sure to adjust their location every 3 days.
Sunburn Signs
- Bleached leaf patches
- Crispy brown edges
- Sudden leaf drop
Low Light Stress
- Stretched internodes
- Pale green leaves
- Slow growth
Use smartphone apps or a lux meter to monitor light levels. My $15 lux meter verified spots on my balcony obtained 2200 lux at midday; the ideal lux level for my 2-year-old trees. Document changes. When plants received a steady 1200+ lux, they grew 40% faster over three months than the same plants with varying lux amounts.
Read the full article: How to Grow Avocado Seed Successfully Every Time
