Many people choose to keep dwarf avocado trees as house plants since they are warm season plants that can reach up to 40 feet (12 m) tall.It is possible to have a happy and healthy potted house plant if you know how to care for your tree.
Step 1: It's a good idea to wash your tools.
Disinfect your shears or clippers by using a bleach solution.Nine parts water solution works well.For 30 minutes, let your tools soak in the solution.Since you will be cutting into the tree, you want to make sure your tools are free of harmful organisms.
Step 2: The central stem should be cut if it is more than 6 inches tall.
If the central stem is 15 cm tall, cut it back to 3 inches.This will help your tree grow strong branches.
Step 3: Once it is 12 inches (30 cm) tall, remove the upper leaves from the central stem.
If you want to encourage new growth, you should trim off the tip and top leaves of the tree.A clean cut on the central stem can be made with a sharp tool.Cutting the tip will stop the tree from growing upward.
Step 4: The branches should be trimmed once they are 6–8 inches long.
Longer branches will point out from the central stem once the tree has grown a bit more.The tips of these branches should be trimmed when they reach 15 cm long.New outward growth is discouraged if the tips of the branches are trimmed.The shorter branches should be left alone.These shorter branches don't need to be disturbed because flowers and fruit grow here.
Step 5: Pruning tools need to be clean.
Pruning tools should be cleaned before you start cutting to make sure you don't transfer any toxins to the tree.Put your shears or clippers in a one part bleach, nine part water solution and let them sit for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Take care of your tree in the autumn and winter.
You will only need to trim the tree annually once it is established.When the tree isn't growing new leaves, the best time to peck is in autumn or winter.Prune when the tree is developing new growth will cause stress on the plant and could result in disease.
Step 7: Take care of the higher limbs of your tree.
The limbs that are higher up on the tree are the ones that need to be trimmed.Make clean cuts on the limbs with a sharp tool.Maintaining the height and shape of your tree will be easier if you cut the upper limbs.
Step 8: When the tree is 2 feet tall, you should stake it.
If you want your tree to support its weight, it is a good idea to stake it up.Push the stake into the soil near the base of the plant and tie a piece of twine around it.A garden stake is made of wood or bamboo.Striking your tree is a great way to keep it healthy.
Step 9: Prune to keep the tree straight.
You want to make sure that your tree is not too tall or short.Take a look at the tree shape before you cut it.Knowing what shape you want your tree to be will help you achieve your goal.Cutting longer stems and branches will help contain height and width.