Avocado Leaves Turning Brown
Avacado Tree 1 Year Old
Ask the Expert: What is wrong with my avocado tree?
The little thing is a year old. It did not get much sun at all this winter but now it has full southern exposure and plenty of light. I keep it inside and ensure it’s nice and warm.
When new leaves sprout from the top the older larger leaves turn brown and fall off the bottom.
I have tried giving it plenty of water and I’ve tried to dry it out.
I’ve tried a little water each day but still can’t stop what’s happening to it. Dianne
Plant Expert Reply:
It looks like you have a water stress issue. Instead of a little water each day, water it thoroughly and when the soil starts to dry out water it thoroughly again. At some point you will need to water it with a very diluted solution of water soluble fertilizer. I would remove the brown leaf. Do watch for leaf spot. If the leaves start to get rust colored spots, you will have to treat it for leaf spot disease. Try to give it as much light as possible. For the summer you might want to put it outside. Good Luck and Keep Me posted.
August 18th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
I have the same thing happening over and over. New leaves sprout and the old ones die off one by one. The leaf gets brown on the outside, curls under, and eventually dries up and drops off.
Could it be that I have a water softener and am watering it from that? I have been using water from my Britta lately but it is happening now again, even with the filtered water. I do water it once a week. I fill the sink, soak it, then let it drain well before putting it back on my window sill. It is planted in Miracle Grow potting soil. Should I add more sand perhaps? Soil change?
Thanks for any suggestions.
August 19th, 2009 at 8:50 am
I think you may need to water a little more often. Does the soil seem powdery when you stick your finger way down in it?
August 23rd, 2009 at 6:48 pm
No, the soil does not seem powdery. When I stick my finger way down in the soil it feels like wet potting soil. It is not clay-like or sandy. I will try watering more often and see what happens with this new batch of leaves on top. Thank you.
October 4th, 2009 at 9:04 am
“If the leaves start to get rust colored spots, you will have to treat it for leaf spot disease.”
Hello. The attached picture shows the problem with my avocado tree. It is 3 months old and the brown spots attack oldest leaves first. With what the leaves should be treated? Thank you for answer in advance.
October 5th, 2009 at 7:47 am
It looks like your leaf has Cercospora leaf spot which can be treated with a basic copper sulfate spray. Usually avocados with this problem are sprayed beginning in May followed by a June and July spray and completed with a September spray.