Persea glabra Plant Care

Persea glabra (Persea glabra) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Persea genus. Persea glabra is native to Brazil.

Persea glabra displays a tall, evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Persea glabra produces small, greenish-yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Persea glabra every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Persea glabra thrives in bright indirect to full sun. The optimal light range is 1,000–5,000 lux. Avoid placing Persea glabra in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Persea glabra tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Persea glabra prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Persea glabra to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Persea glabra every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to full sun and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Persea glabra is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Persea glabra can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Persea glabra while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Persea glabra is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Persea glabra can be propagated through air layering, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to avocado tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Persea glabra is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Persea glabra grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Persea glabra is native to Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Persea glabra as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.