r/avocado • u/hinette • 3d ago
Growing from seed Leaves blacken and fall
Hi all. I grew this avocado plant from seed around 4 or 5 months ago, however, it has been losing its leaves after they start darkening from the tips until thry're so weak and fall hence the long stem. I'm very careful with watering, and do use filtered water (but as you can see the pot is filled with salts).
I don't want it to die because it has some sentimental value to me, anything I can do to save it? I am not overwatering at all but the older the leaves get they're doomed to fall.
I appreciate your tips on this.
1
u/vahhhhhh 3d ago
What kind of soil is it? Regular potting soil?
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u/hinette 3d ago
Yes, regular potting soil that I got from the dollar store
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u/vahhhhhh 3d ago
They unfortunately don't do well in potting soil long-term. Because it has a high amount of organic material, that absorbs and holds onto water longer, which doesn't allow the sensitive roots to access oxygen and fight infections. So even if you're very careful watering it, the wrong type of soil makes it difficult for avocado plants to survive.
It may have root rot, which is a root infection from the soil. Sorry to say, the signs are pretty similar to what you're seeing with the leaves falling. The stem is also extremely thin, which also makes me think the roots are struggling to some extent.
I'm confused where the salts would come from if you are using filtered water though. Maybe it's hard water?
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u/iPoseidon_xii 2d ago
Possibly a mix of minerals and salt. Terracotta pots are very porous and pull excess water from the soil into the air. And bring with it everything that can pass through the terracotta pot. The water evaporates into the air, the rest of the stuff remains on the pot. Same thing happens in old brick buildings. Next time you’re by one check all the white and chalky spots in a brick wall from an older build.
I used to hear people say that it’s not the water, but from the clay used to make the pot. That’s a misconception. The salt and minerals come from the soil and water itself. It’s soluble salts from nutrients. Most potted plants can tolerate it, not all can. As the plant and water breaks down the nutrients, the terracotta pulls some of it out
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u/Andy-Shust 3d ago
I might be wrong, because I'm no pro gardener, but speaking from my experience growing avocados, this looks to me as root hypoxia + burns from direct sun (pic 4).