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
Best for potsOutdoorEdibleFruitTreeToxic to pets

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 namePersea americana 'Wurtz'
FamilyLauraceae
OriginCentral America
Plant typeFruit tree
Mature size2–3 m
Growth rateSlow
FoliageLarge glossy
ToxicityToxic to pets
PropagationGrafting

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 rotDrainage.
Brown tipsSalts.
Fruit dropStress.
SunburnShade trunk.
Few fruitAdd pollinator.

Common questions

Pots?

Yes.

Two trees?

Helps.

Toxic?

Yes.

Fruit when?

3–4 years.