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Winter can feel a bit dull at times, can’t it? The days are shorter, and we tend to spend more time indoors. One of the easiest ways to make your space feel warmer and more inviting is by adding some greenery. Indoor plants bring life to your home and can do wonders for your mood during the colder months.
A fun and interesting project to try this winter is growing your own avocado tree. With the Avocado Vase, it’s easier than ever to transform a simple avocado seed into a beautiful, thriving plant—and it looks great while doing it. In this post, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know, from seed prep to planting your tree in soil.
1. Benefits of Growing Plants Indoors
Indoor plants are more than just visually pleasing; they have numerous mental and physical health benefits:
• Boosts Mood: Caring for plants can reduce stress and improve happiness. During winter, they’re a natural way to combat seasonal blues.
• Improves Air Quality: Plants act as natural air purifiers, removing toxins and releasing fresh oxygen.
• Adds a Touch of Nature: Indoor greenery can bring life and warmth to your home, creating a calming environment.
2. Preparing Your Avocado Seed
To begin, you’ll need an avocado seed (pit). Follow these steps to remove it from the fruit:
1. Cut your avocado in half lengthwise and carefully twist to separate the halves.
2. Using a spoon, gently scoop out the seed, ensuring you don’t damage its outer layer.
3. Rinse the seed under water to remove any remaining fruit. Avoid scrubbing the avocado seed, as this can harm its delicate skin.
3. Germinating the Seed: The Paper Towel Method
Before placing the seed in your Avocado Vase, it needs to sprout. Here’s how to germinate it using the paper towel method:
1. Dampen a paper towel with water and wrap it around the clean avocado seed.
2. Place the wrapped seed into a reusable sealable bag, leaving a small gap for air circulation.
3. Store the bag in a warm, dark place, such as a cupboard or drawer. I did mine on top of the refrigerator.
4. Check on the seed every few days, re-moistening the paper towel as needed. After 2-6 weeks, you’ll notice a root growing from the bottom and a sprout emerging from the top.
4. Growing the Seed in the Avocado Vase
Once the seed has germinated, it’s time to transfer it to the Avocado Vase:
1. Fill the vase with water, ensuring the waterline sits just below the seed.
2. Place the seed in the vase, with the root submerged in water and the sprout pointing upward.
3. Position the vase in a bright spot, such as a windowsill, but avoid direct sunlight.
4. Replace the water weekly to keep it fresh and encourage healthy growth.
Over time, you’ll see roots fill the vase and leaves begin to flourish. The vase’s elegant design highlights the beauty of the growing process, turning it into a piece of living art.
5. Planting the Seed in Soil
After a few months, your avocado seedling will outgrow the vase and be ready for its next stage of growth: planting in soil.
1. Choose a pot with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. I like miracle grow tropical potting mix, but any well draining mix should do.
2. Gently remove the seedling from the vase, taking care not to damage its roots.
3. Plant the seedling in the soil, leaving the top half of the seed exposed above the surface.
4. Water thoroughly and place the pot in a bright, indirect sunlight location.
After your avocado tree has established itself in your pot, water regularly, but not on a schedule. Allow the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
Avocado roots don’t do well in consistently soggy soil. Prolonged dampness can lead to root rot and ultimately harm your plant. Instead, let the plant guide you. When the leaves start to look a bit droopy, it’s a sign that it’s time to water.
It might seem odd, especially after the seedling thrived with its roots submerged in water, but avocado plants have a preference for well-draining soil over constantly wet conditions. Pay attention to your plant, and it’ll thrive!
Sure, you could go with the classic three-toothpick and jar method, but it doesn’t quite have the same visual appeal as the avocado vase.