Troubleshooting
Avocado problems — and how to fix them
Avocado (Persea americana) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Pit grown indoors stays leafless
Insufficient light; move to the sunniest window or use a grow light.
Brown leaf tips
Chloride or salt build-up from tap water; flush with rainwater periodically.
Yellow leaves
Overwatering and root rot, or iron chlorosis in alkaline soil.
No fruit on indoor trees
Avocados need a partner cultivar of the opposite flower type (A or B) and tropical conditions.
Prevent avocado problems before they start
Most avocado issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Avocado problems — FAQ
Why is my avocado pit grown indoors stays leafless?
Insufficient light; move to the sunniest window or use a grow light.
Why is my avocado brown leaf tips?
Chloride or salt build-up from tap water; flush with rainwater periodically.
Why is my avocado yellow leaves?
Overwatering and root rot, or iron chlorosis in alkaline soil.
Why is my avocado no fruit on indoor trees?
Avocados need a partner cultivar of the opposite flower type (A or B) and tropical conditions.