Last Updated on November 8, 2022 by Cristina
For those gardeners looking for something new to try, learning how to grow lychee indoors can be a fun and exciting new challenge. While some people may not be familiar with lychee fruit, it is a favorite among others. While it does take time, effort, and skill to grow lychee indoors, the end result is well worth the work.
While lychee seeds need specific conditions in order to sprout and bear fruit, seeding is not as much of a challenge. There are many things one can do with a lychee tree, making it a great plant to grow. With the right knowledge and care, you can successfully grow your lychee tree indoors.
What Is A Lychee?
Lychee is a type of tropical fruit with a distinct appearance and taste. While the lychee plant is native to China, it can also be grown in other places such as Hawaii and Florida. They thrive in subtropical climates and can grow in USDA zones 10-11.
Lychee fruit can grow to be 1 ½ to two inches in diameter with an oblong or round shape. They have red bumpy skin with white fruit on the inside. The fruit is sweet and fragrant, making it enjoyable for many people to eat.
When grown outdoors, lychee trees grow on average 20 to 40 feet tall. Though they are typically only grown outside, they can be grown inside with the right care. When grown indoors in containers they tend to stay relatively small.
How To Grow Lychee Indoors
While lychee trees are typically grown outdoors, you can grow them indoors with the right steps. You need to ensure that you are able to provide them with the right conditions so they are able to thrive. While they may seem overwhelming for beginner gardeners, with the right steps you can successfully grow them.
Rinse Seeds
To start the process of how to grow lychee indoors, begin with rinsing the seeds. If you have a lychee fruit, you can eat the fruit and then rinse all of the pulp off of the seeds. You can also buy seeds online or at some gardening centers as well. Then soak the seeds in a warm bowl of water for about three days.
Prepare Pot
Choose a container with drainage holes that is about one foot tall. You will want to fill the pot with a potting mix that is slightly acidic.
Transplant the Seeds – Grow Lychee Indoors
After soaking the seeds in the soil, plant them about an inch deep in the soil. Carefully cover the seeds with soil.
Keep Soil Moist
Lychee plants grow best in warm, moist locations. Be sure to keep the soil moist by providing regular waterings, normally a few times a week. The soil should be evenly moist but it should not be soaked.
Plant In A Sunny Location
Keep your lychee plant in a location where it will get sunlight. When it is in its early stages of growth, it is best to keep it out of direct sunlight. Then as it grows you can gradually move it more and more into a sunny location.
Fertilizer When Needed – Grow Lychee Indoors
Lychee plants will benefit from regular fertilizing. They will benefit from a water-soluble plant fertilizer made for acidic-loving plants every one to two weeks throughout spring and summer. Don’t fertilize your lychee tree during fall or winter.
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Repot Every Spring
In order to keep up with your growing plant, you should repot your lychee every spring. Repot with a slightly large pot every spring until the lychee plant reaches your ideal growing size.
Prune Regularly
In order to keep your lychee plant an ideal size for indoors, you will have to prune it regularly. To do so, cut branches and leaves at the top to prevent your tree from growing too much and getting too big for your house.
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When Do Lychee Plants Bloom?
Lychee plants will bloom in the spring. Typically, they will bloom late spring into summer. Lychee trees should receive at least 100 to 200 hours of chilling in order to bloom. This means they should be exposed to temperatures above 32 degrees Fahrenheit but below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Harvesting Lychee Fruit – Grow Lychee Indoors
Typically, it will take a lychee tree at least five years to produce any fruit. Not only do they need at least 100 hours of chilling to produce fruit but the female flowers will also need to be pollinated as well. While outside insects will pollinate the trees, indoors it needs to be done by hand.
The fruit of lychee trees usually ripens between June to July and sometimes into September. They typically grow in clusters and are ready to harvest when the fruit is pink to red in color.
Uses For Lychee Fruit
Lychee fruit can be eaten plain, as many people like it for its slight tartness and hints of floral. In addition, it is also great for adding to salads, cocktails, juices, smoothies, and desserts. Upon harvesting the lychee fruit should be stored in the fridge.
What Is The Best Fertilizer For Lychee Trees?
The best fertilizer for lychee trees is a water-soluble fertilizer designed for plants that benefit from acidic conditions. Fertilizer should be given every one to two weeks throughout spring and summer.
What Conditions Do Lychees Need To Grow?
Lychees need warm, moist environments in order to grow. The soil should be kept evenly moist and they should be planted in an area where they will get plenty of sunlight. In order to produce fruit, they need to be exposed to at least 100 days of temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit and above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Long Does A Lychee Tree Take To Bear Fruit?
It generally takes at least five years for lychee trees to bear fruit. In some cases, it can take only three years, and sometimes it will take up to 10 years or more.
How Do You Grow Lychee Seeds Indoors?
To grow lychee seeds indoors, begin by washing the pulp off the seeds. Then, keep them in warm water for about three days before transplanting them into a slightly acidic potting soil container.
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Learning How To Grow Lychee Indoors
With the right conditions, lychee trees can be grown indoors. It may take some work but it will be well worth it in the end.
Do you have any questions regarding how to grow lychee indoors? If so, please ask your lychee questions in the comments.