Members only
Unlock the Plant Library
Care guides for 220+ plants: light, water, soil, pets, seasonal calendars and troubleshooting. Enter the password from your welcome email to get in.
Plant Profiles / Dwarf avocado
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Dwarf avocado
Persea americana 'Wurtz' · Little Cado
A naturally compact avocado that fruits in large pots, growing to about 3 m.
Full sunLight
WeeklyWater
ModerateCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Sun.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Deep, let top dry.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
2–35°C (36–95°F)
CoolWarm
Frost tender.
Growth
Slow
SlowFast
2–3 m.
Soil
Free-draining
LeanRich
Excellent drainage.
Fertiliser
Spring–autumn
RarelyOften
Citrus/avocado.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Persin toxic to pets.
About this plant
'Wurtz' is a Type A avocado; a Type B nearby improves fruit set. Needs perfect drainage.
Best spots
Sunny, sheltered balconies.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Persea americana 'Wurtz' |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Origin | Central America |
| Plant type | Fruit tree |
| Mature size | 2–3 m |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Foliage | Large glossy |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Grafting |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Harvest
Fertilise
FloweringHarvestFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Root rot | Drainage. |
| Brown tips | Salts. |
| Fruit drop | Stress. |
| Sunburn | Shade trunk. |
| Few fruit | Add pollinator. |
Common questions
Pots?
Yes.
Two trees?
Helps.
Toxic?
Yes.
Fruit when?
3–4 years.




