Having a Avocado with brown leaves It is a cause for concern for any plant lover. However, the situation is not always as serious as it seems and, if we act in time, we can solve the problem quickly and effectively.
To clear up any doubts, let's take a look at what could be happening to your avocado and what measures you should take in each case. We hope you find our advice helpful!
Basic aspects you should know about avocado
Of the avocado care We have already talked to you about this on a previous occasion, but allow us to quickly review some things that you should keep in mind.
We are looking at a tree native to the tropical and subtropical areas of Central America, which in its natural habitat grows in humid and warm climates and can reach up to 20 meters in height.
To develop, this tree needs:
- Receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Being in a place with warm temperatures between 15º and 30º C.
- To receive frequent watering, but moderate.
- Have at your disposal a Substrate with good drainage capacity, fertile and rich in nutrients.
Even with the most diligent care, we can encounter some problems. One of the most common is browning or the appearance of brown spots on avocado leaves. Let's see what causes this to appear.
Avocado with brown leaves: what's wrong?
Leaves may take on a brownish hue due to environmental factors, irrigation or nutrients, and this is a sign that something is not right in the health of our tree.
Among the main causes that make avocado leaves turn brown, we highlight these:
Water stress
This is a plant that is particularly sensitive to changes in the watering regime, and you should be especially careful with this, because both too much water and too little water can compromise its health.
- Excess irrigation. If the roots are exposed to a wet substrate for a long time, they begin to suffocate due to lack of oxygen, and one of the first symptoms is a browning of the leaves that occurs from the tips inwards.
- Lack of water. In hot, dry climates, the lack of regular watering causes water stress in the tree, where the leaves lose water faster than the roots are able to replace it. This causes the leaves to dry out and turn brown at the edges.
Sunburn
Although this tree needs to be exposed to many hours of sunlight to grow properly, prolonged exposure to intense sun can cause damage.
In arid climates, and during heatwave episodes, brown spots may appear on leaves as a result of sunburn. This phenomenon is more frequent in young trees and in which have just been transplanted, so special care must be taken, because its leaves are not yet fully acclimatized to direct sunlight.
In these cases, we can observe that the leaves tend to dry out at the edges and also on the top. In fact, these spots look like they are burnt.
Nutritional deficiencies
The avocado tree is a fast-growing tree and needs a large amount of nutrients to thrive. When these are lacking, brown spots or necrotic areas begin to appear on the leaves.
Depending on the nutrient that is lacking, we can observe some symptoms or others:
- Nitrogen deficiency. Leaves, especially older ones, turn yellow and then brown spots appear.
- Zinc deficiency. The lack of this essential micronutrient causes the appearance of brown spots and necrotic edges.
- Magnesium deficiency. It results in brown spots that spread and make it difficult for the tree to photosynthesize.
Salinity of soil or irrigation water
Avocado with brown spots can be the result of high levels of salt in the substrate or in the irrigation water itself. Because when there is an accumulation of salts at the Roots find it more difficult to absorb water, and this ends up generating an effect similar to that caused by drought.
One of the most obvious symptoms that this is happening is leaf tip necrosis, that is, the appearance of brown spots on the edges of the leaves. These spots then spread and can end up drying them out completely.
Plagues and diseases
Mushrooms like the anthracnose and Phytophthora root rot directly affect the leaves. As do insects, among which we must highlight the mites and aphids.
If you have seen brown spots and it is not due to any of the above causes, check to see if the tree is sick or suffering from an infestation.
Insufficient drainage
The deterioration of avocado leaves can also be due to the soil not draining well. This then produces a root anoxia which prevents the roots from absorbing water and nutrients, resulting in brown or wilted leaves.
Solutions for avocado with brown leaves
The first thing you should do is find the source of the problem and then apply these measures:
- Water stress. Try to find the Perfect watering frequency for the tree, giving it water only when the top layer of soil is dry and without flooding it. Keep in mind that in hot weather it is usually necessary to water more frequently than when it is cold.
- Sunburn. If possible, relocate the plant and try to gradually accustom her to the sun.
- Nutritional deficiencies. Use a balanced fertilizer to provide the nutrients it lacks, always do it during the spring and summer months, which is when the avocado is in the active growth phase.
- Soil or water salinity. If the soil has an excess of salts, clean it periodically to avoid accumulation and do not overuse fertilizers. Also, try to use quality water or rainwater for irrigation.
- Pests and diseases. Apply a insecticide or a specific fungicide.
- Insufficient drainage. Add sand or perlite to the substrate to make it more aerated and prevent waterlogging.
With these tips, avocado with brown leaves should never be a problem for you again. Find the cause of the brown leaves, apply the measures we have seen, and your tree will grow strong and healthy.