Choose a Dwarf Variety: To get fruit on a tiny bonsai tree, you must graft a dwarf avocado variety onto your seedling. The ‘Wurtz’ variety (often sold as ‘Little Cado’) is the best choice because it naturally stays smaller.
Constant Pruning: To keep the tree small and force it to grow smaller leaves, you must frequently pinch off the newest leaf buds at the tips of the branches. This forces the tree to grow wider and thicker instead of tall and leggy.
Root Trimming: Every two to three years, you will need to pull the tree out of its bonsai pot, carefully trim back a small portion of the thickest roots, and replant it with fresh soil to keep it miniature.
Pro Tricks and Tips for Success
Plant in Dirt: Instead of using toothpicks and a glass of water, plant your fresh avocado pit directly into a small pot of moist soil. It often creates a much stronger, healthier root system from the very beginning.
Feed Heavy: Avocados need a lot of food. Use a fertilizer specifically made for citrus or avocado trees, as they contain important nutrients like zinc that general fertilizers do not have.
Protect the Bark: Young avocado bark burns easily in direct, intense sun. If you move your indoor tree outside for the summer, keep the main trunk shaded or loosely wrapped to prevent sunburn.
Leave the Roots Alone: Avocado roots grow very close to the surface of the soil. Never dig or rake heavily around the base of your tree, as you will easily damage the shallow root system.
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