Why is my Litchi plant getting brown leaves indoors?

Question

I have a Litchi plant grown from a seed that doesn't seem too happy. It keeps growing new leaves, but each time a fresh set appears, the old ones turn brown.

It seems unable to carry more than two pairs of leaves simultaneously. It's placed in a south facing window in southern Sweden, which this time of year means quite a lot of sun and warmth.

I've tried giving it rain water (which I've read it would prefer) and watering it only when the soil is no longer wet, but nothing seems to boost it's growth. Any ideas?

Answer 1

This species can present a real challenge to the indoor gardener. Although they can be robust and get up to 100' (30 m) tall outdoors, indoors their requirements seem to be much more exact.

• acidic soil is preferred - using a soil less based mix with extra peat moss should work
• a soil that is moist but not constantly wet (tricky!). It is better described as allowing the roots ready access to water while not sitting in water. Using a watering wick and a reservoir may help
• alkaline soils may necessitate a chelated foliar spray to increase available iron.
• do not plant too deep, the base of the trunk must be exposed
• if the plant is in a full sun location you could fertilize monthly from spring to fall
• during the winter a period of reduced growth seems to take place. Reduce watering and stop fertilizing during this period.
• I have read here and elsewhere that a Mycorrhizal Fungi inoculation is required. Some soil less mixes come with this. A handful of good top soil added to the pot might also do the job.

Answer 2

From my own experience, I can recommend keeping the young litchi plants in a bright place, but without direct sun light.

I remember reading somewhere that in the nature the big litchi trees put quite a lot of shade, so the new seedlings are meant to grow in a less sun-exposed environment.