Diagnosing Brown Leaves on a Young Avocado Plant

poor leaves A year-old avocado plant in a south-facing window shows new growth that quickly turns brown. The plant is watered twice weekly with distilled water, and the pit remains half-exposed above soil. Growth is concentrated at the top with no lower leaves.

Normal Growth Pattern

Avocados grow as trees—bare trunks with foliage only at the top is normal. The absence of lower leaves isn't a problem.

Watering Issue

Watering twice a week is excessive. Use a bamboo skewer inserted to the pot bottom: only the lower third should feel moist when it's time to water. If more is damp, wait. Overwatering rots roots, causing the leaf browning shown in the photo.

Allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings. The plant is young and can recover quickly once the watering schedule is corrected.

Additional Resources

Further questions welcome via follow-up.