The avocado is a fruit bearing plant that originated from central Mexico. Its foliage is green in color. It grows up to 80 feet in height at its maturity if the conditions are perfect for its maximum growth. The fruit it produces are pear-shaped or egg shaped. It is even called alligator pear in some locations.
The avocado fruit is widely known for the multitude of vitamins and nutrients in it. That is why a lot of people are venturing into planting their own avocado tree. For this plant to flourish continuously, sufficient sunlight is important. If the weather outside will provide much needed sunlight for the avocado plant, it is best to keep it outside. Yet, during the winter months avocado plant has better chances of growing when in placed in a pot and kept indoors.
One thing that bothers avocado growers is when the leaves start to turn yellow. There are cases when the leaves that are green become yellow all of a sudden. Why does this happen? What does it mean?
When the leaves of the avocado fade to yellow, your plant is in trouble. If it remains unsolved, what happens is that all other leaves will eventually become yellow too. It will stay on the tree for a short time but will eventually fall off. It means that your tree is starting to wilt and die.
One reason for the leaves to turn yellow is watering the plant too much. The most conducive atmosphere for the avocado tree to flourish is a location where there is an abundance of sunshine and just enough water. It is okay to water the plant everyday as long as the soil does not get muddy. When the plant begins to drown in water, the leaves start to turn yellow which is an indication that it could not produce enough nutrients. Insufficient nutrients in the leaves will make it wilt and die.
Another reason for the change in color is verticillium wilt. This is a damage to the plant that is caused by Verticillium dahliae or Verticillium albo-atrum fungi. This may come from the soil and could eventually be absorbed by the tree. When the tree gets infected, the veins in the leaves start to turn yellow and it gradually spreads. From yellow, the leaves and even the branch may turn brown and eventually dies.
There are ways that could be done to avoid the continuous wilting of the leaves. If the yellow color starts from the top of the leaves, it is best to cut it off as long as it means removing only a few leaves. Observe the soil if it is overly moisturized. If it is, better put the plant under sufficient sunlight. There are also fertilizers that can be mixed on the soil where the tree is rooted. Some can be blended with the water. The fertilizers may be purchased from garden supply stores and proper use has to be followed so the avocado tree will flourish even more.