Persea palustris Plant Care

Persea palustris (Persea palustris) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Persea genus.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

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

Persea palustris tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Persea palustris 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 palustris to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

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

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

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