How to grow lychees at home from a bone?

Some people believe that growing an exotic fruit at home is a pipe dream. However, daring gardeners broke the established stereotype and received a cute lychee tree with its unique fruits as a reward. To do this, it is enough to understand the basic rules for growing a plant and a sweet overseas guest will settle at the window.

External characteristics of the tree

In natural conditions, the tree is found in China and Thailand. It grows up to 30 meters in height and bears fruits similar to cherries or small plums. There are other names for the tree, such as:

• "Paradise Grapes";
• "Fruit of Love";
• "Chinese Cherry";
• Ligi;
• "Lisi";
• "Chinese plum".

The lychee tree belongs to the Sapindovye family and is perfectly cultivated at home. In an enclosed space, the plant can reach 2.5 meters in height, which is quite acceptable for a houseplant. On the territory of Russia, fruit is also grown in gardens. Moreover, it is carefully protected from frost and dry winds. These extreme conditions lead to loss of foliage and cracks in the trunk and branches.

Lychee has oblong fleshy leaves of a slightly shiny character. The color is dark green. The main vein runs along the center of the plate, from which there are branches in different directions. This "embossing" is considered the highlight of the overseas guest. In shape, the leaves resemble an elongated ellipse, lowered to the base of the plant.

The egg-shaped fruit of the lychee tree is small in size, approximately 4 cm in diameter. Outside, they are covered with a pimply skin. The taste is reminiscent of grapes or plums, as indicated by the different names of the tree.

Exotic lychee fruits are widely used to treat various heart diseases, obesity problems and hematopoiesis.

Home Growing Secrets

Since the plant has a number of beneficial properties, many grow it as a houseplant. However, for this, the following aspects should be considered:

• air temperature in the dwelling;
• competent watering regime;
• soil composition for planting.

The process of how to grow a lychee tree at home begins with acquiring the fruit itself. The ripe fruit is cut, removing the stone from it. After that, it is thoroughly washed and planted in prepared soil.

It is advisable to immediately lower the stone into the soil, since it quickly loses its germination. To achieve the ultimate goal of growing a lychee tree, it is best to use multiple seeds.

When the bone is already in the ground, the container is covered with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse microclimate. Then the container is placed in a warm place and the first leaves are expected to appear. As a rule, after 2 or 3 weeks, the first greenery rises from the soil. During this period, the film is removed so that the plant can actively develop.It is from May to early September that the lychee tree needs to maintain the correct temperature regime, which does not exceed 35 degrees Celsius.

When the first shoots appear, the room temperature should be within 25 degrees.

After the formation of green shoots, they must be watered moderately every day. Thus, conditions are created that resemble the natural environment in which the lychee tree grows. Over time, the seedlings will rise above the soil up to 20 cm in height. From this point on, the root system of the plant begins to develop, which slows down the growth of the ground part of the fruit.

So that the roots can grow freely in different directions, it is advisable to transplant the seedling into a voluminous container.

Rules for the careful care of exotic fruit

When the tree begins to take root and rise above the ground, it needs to be provided with enough light. The ideal place for him is the sill of a large window. It is important that the plant has access to lighting for 12 hours a day. In winter, wise gardeners use artificial lighting.

Home care for a lychee tree provides for competent watering. The plant does not like extreme drought, as well as excess moisture. Therefore, it is advisable to constantly monitor him. If the humidity in the house is low, the seedling should be sprayed with a spray bottle. For this, the water is first defended in order to clear it of large impurities and bring it to room temperature. Otherwise, the plant may suffer.

It is important to feed the plant in a timely manner. The first time this should be done 3 months after planting. To do this, use a top dressing that is rich in minerals. The next dose is applied when the tree is 1 year old. After another year, fertilizers are poured into the soil every 2 months. Thanks to competent feeding, a magnificent lychee tree will grow in the house, as shown in the photo provided.

The plant is only pruned in the first two years to give it a beautiful shape. Subsequently, only dried branches or foliage are removed. If you do frequent pruning, the process of formation of paniculate inflorescences is disrupted. This means that the fruits will not appear soon. Despite this, many gardeners admire the lychee tree at home. It might be worth trying to grow an exotic tree and enjoy the taste of the overseas fruit.

Lychee transplant - video

Many exotic plants can be obtained from seeds. How to grow lychee from a bone at home, consider the photo below. In wildlife, this evergreen fruit tree reaches a height of 10-30 m! Medium-sized elongated fruits with a red skin have a sweetish taste. The skin is completely covered with pointed tubercles. The peel is easily separated from the pulp, which tastes like grapes. The fruit slightly knits the mouth. If you plant a dark brown oval bone in the ground, a sprout will hatch from it.

Growing lychee

In Southeast Asia, Chinese litchi is the most common fruit. Common names, in addition to those already mentioned, are liji, laysi, fox, Chinese plum.

The bone taken from store-bought fruit is quite viable! Do not sow a lot of seeds, as most of them will sprout. Procedure:

	Use fresh bones for planting. Because they quickly lose their germination.
	Prepare a small drainage container to drain excess water. At the bottom, equip drainage from expanded clay or broken red brick by ¼ height.
	Prepare a nutritious substrate of garden soil and peat in a ratio of 2: 1. Deepen several seeds per 1 cm into the ground, pour it.
	Germination requires a greenhouse effect, so the container needs shelter plastic or glass can... If a suitable container is not found, build a frame and cover it with cellophane. Seeds sprout through 2-3 weeks in a dark and very warm place, such as under a radiator.
	The temperature should be within 35 ºС. As the seeds germinate, make sure the soil was always wet... Daily short-term airing of the greenhouse is obligatory.
	After sprouting greenhouse removed. The container is placed in bright place with air temperature 25 ºС. When the plants get stronger, they need to be dived into permanent containers.

• WITH May to September lychee is actively growing and requires abundant watering.
• WITH September to the end of February he has a period rest. Watering at this time is reduced.

Care rules

If you provide the plant with favorable conditions for growth, you can count on fruiting:

• Chinese plum photophilous, therefore, you need to settle it on the southern or western windowsill. Plant from direct sunlight on hot summer days need to protectto avoid burns. In winter, additional lighting is required with a phytolamp. Laysi daylight hours should last 13-15 hours.

• Wood does not like draft.

• For vegetation it is necessary high air humidity... For this, spraying is carried out, a container with water is left next to it, etc.

• To water follows abundantly after the surface layer of the soil has dried. Waterlogging is unacceptableso that the roots do not rot. The water should be settled, at room temperature. Laysy does not tolerate drought.

• In autumn and winter, if you need from the plant achieve fruiting, you need to organize a rest period for him with a low air temperature of 10-15 ºС. This promotes the formation of flower buds.

• When grown at home, it is necessary to carry out tree crown formation... In addition, sanitary pruning is needed, during which dried and weak branches are removed.

• Since the plant is a large tree, it requires frequent timely transfer to a larger container... Repot your pet in the spring when it begins to grow actively.

• The first year of lychee can not be feed, start doing it from the second year life. For fruiting, fertilizing is required. For indoor cultivation, it is more convenient to use liquid mineral fertilizers every 1-3 months. In winter, the fox does not need fertilizer.

• The tree will bloom in the third year and, possibly, will form the first fruits.

• On a plant can parasitize scale insects, spider mites, aphids... Try cleaning the aerial part of the tree with soapy water and a soft sponge. After 10 minutes, rinse with running water. If this measure does not help, use insecticides for indoor plants according to the instructions, but not during fruiting!

Under favorable conditions, laysi will produce a bountiful harvest every year. As they ripen, the fruits are immediately harvested, preventing them from overripe. Otherwise, they will darken and become tasteless.

Lychee disease: leaves do not grow and turn yellow, causes (video)

Why are lychee fruits useful?

Their medicinal and nutritional properties have been known since ancient times. The composition contains folic, ascorbic acid and other vitamins, glucose, fructose, pectins, proteins. Fruit rich in mineralsThe most valuable of which are iron, phosphorus and potassium. Laisi does not hurt dieters as calorie content of these fruits - 66 kcal per 100 g... Lychee is most often eaten raw. From fruits you can cook compotes, make jams, preserves.

In folk medicine, the fruit is used to restore the gastrointestinal tract, health improvement of cardio-vascular system, regulation of metabolism.

Lychee: video review of an exotic fruit (video)

As you can see, it is not difficult to grow lychees from a bone at home. It is much more difficult to provide him with suitable conditions for the formation of fruits. Photos of plants hint that cute exotic trees will find a place on a light windowsill in the house and your heart!

An exotic plant can also be grown at home. In this article, we will show you how to grow a lychee tree at home.

Lychee or Chinese lychee is an evergreen fruit tree that belongs to the Sapindov family. Its fruits will not only become a decoration of the windowsill and a delicious fruit on the table, but will also bring considerable benefit to the body.

It is very problematic to get fruit on the shelves of the store in good condition and at a reasonable price. Therefore, this article will provide material on how to grow and what conditions to create for the growth of Chinese plums at home.

How a lychee plant grows in a pot, at home: photo

Lychee is an exotic type of fruit that prefers tropical and subtropical climates. But it can also be grown at home. To do this, you should choose a suitable fruit in the market or in a store that has no damage or dents. The seed itself is brown and oval in shape.

By the way, remember - its viability is only three days after removal from the fetus. Therefore, try to plant the seed faster for a better chance of germination.

Some recommendations and nuances to consider when growing lychee at home:

• The tree grows up to 30 m in height, but on a windowsill in a pot or a tub on the floor, its size can reach only 1.5-3 m. The first sprouts, with proper care, can appear in a few weeks or a month. And in six months the tree will have about 3 leaves.
• The root system is fibrous and superficial, and also very powerful. After rapid and intense growth, a period of calm begins. It is at this moment that the root system grows stronger. The phenomenon is often observed when the root breaks through the plastic glass. If you haven't transplanted the fruit yet.

Lychee

• This plant is not particularly picky, but loves the "golden mean" in everything. It tolerates shade well, but needs light for at least 12 hours. Therefore, it must be placed near the window, but not in direct sunlight, and additional artificial lighting must be provided.
• Lychee does not tolerate dry soil, but watering, like most plants, likes moderate watering. By the way, you need to take water at room temperature and infused for several days. Also, do not forget that the room should be humid and that the plant needs regular spraying.
• Lychee branches well, so it needs regular pruning. For growing at home, this is very important, since not only diseased and dried branches are removed, but a compact and neat crown shape is also created. Only this procedure can be done only after two years.

What is lychee fruit, what it looks like, where is its homeland: description

Lychee cannot be confused with any other fruit or berry. It has definite and narrow historical roots, and its appearance can be called original and unusual even in comparison with other exotic exhibits. This fruit also has a lot of useful properties, so the Chinese have long taken it for medicinal purposes.

A little about the origin:

• This tree takes its roots, in the truest sense of the word, from southern China, where it was discovered in the 2nd century BC. According to legend, Emperor Wu Di, after a losing attempt to breed seedlings in the northern region of the country, executed all the gardeners who were engaged in these experiments.
• Then, over time, the fruit began to capture most of Asia, and already from the XVII century it began to "get acquainted" with European countries. By the way, its first name was "Chinese plum".
• But in the Celestial Land about this plant there are many legends that describe the berry itself as a "dragon's eye". Yes, it has a slightly unusual and peculiar appearance - a dark bone in a light pulp. Therefore, the association with the eye went.

Important! This plant is long-lived. In tropical countries with suitable climatic conditions, lychee can reach an age of up to 1000 years.

• Now lychee is naturally distributed in India, Korea and Siam.The tropical climate of the American and African continents is also suitable for its growth, about. Madagascar.

Lychee belongs to long-livers

• The name is different for some populations. Some refer to lychees as "Chinese grapes". Since it has general flavor notes to taste. Others are more reminiscent of cherries, which is why they named them “Chinese cherry”.

Botanical Description:

• The tree has dimensions from 10 to 30 meters, but the average size is up to 15 meters. It has a wide spreading crown.
• The leaves of the tree are complex, consisting of 4-8 leaves. Their shape is elongated, ovoid or lanceolate with pointed ends. At the edge, the leaves may be slightly wavy. The leaves are dark green in color with a glossy finish on the outside. On the bottom, they have a grayish tint, and there is no that eye-catching shine.
• The inflorescences are in the shape of an umbrella. By the way, they are a bit like chestnuts, but much smaller in size. The length of the inflorescence itself - the umbrella reaches 70 cm.The flowers themselves are small, collected in yellowish or greenish baskets. But such a bunch gives only 3-15 fruits.
• In general, this tree is characterized by slow growth and maturation. Younger trees bear less fruit. And the increase in yield occurs gradually and over the course of 20 years. By the way, 140 days after flowering, fruits begin to set. Trees begin to bear fruit at an average age of 5 years.

Lychee fruit

• The fruits are small and densely dotted with tree branches. They are up to 4 cm in size and oval in shape, but at the base it is slightly wider than at the bottom. The fruit itself does not exceed 20 g. The peel is red, but after plucking from the tree it turns brown. The prominent feature is the many peaked tubercles all over the peel.
  • The pulp is light with a white or cream shade, jelly-like and translucent. It lags and separates very well from the peel. The fruit tastes sweet with hints of sourness, with slight viscous characteristics.
  • When compared with other flavors, the opinions are very different from each other. There is something in common with plums or grapes, but something like cherry or pineapple. The aroma is fresh and sweet at the same time.
  • Inside there is a relatively large oval brown bone. By the way, some people draw an analogy with strawberries or raspberries.

Important! There are about 100 types of lychee. The fruit is propagated by grafting, cuttings, through the bone or by seeds. But the most valuable and tasty variety is considered to be propagated by pollination. That is, a seedless lychee.

Application and useful properties:

• Vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates are found in large quantities in the fruit, therefore it is consumed both fresh and as a preservation. Also, there are many pectin substances in lychee.
• By the way, the fruit is even fried and stewed. It is widely used for the preparation of sweet foods such as jelly and ice cream, as well as for various drinks. By the way, traditional Chinese wine is produced from it.

Important! Lychee is stored for no more than three days. Therefore, for delivery to other countries, it is dried or canned.

• Another well-known and popular use in Asian countries is drying. The procedure is carried out for the whole berry. The peel then becomes hard, and the inside resembles the kernel of a nut. Therefore, another name is "chili nut".
• Due to its high zinc content, it is classified as an aphrodisiac. Therefore, in eastern countries, such a delicacy must necessarily be on the table of the newlyweds.

Exotic fruit

• The most important distinguishing quality is the huge content of nicotinic acid. That is, vitamin PP, which is responsible for the prevention of atherosclerosis.
• Lychee normalizes blood sugar levels, which is very valuable in diabetes. It improves the functioning of the liver, kidneys, lungs.
• The Chinese have established a positive link between lychee and cancer.The fruit not only helps to better resist ailments, but, by increasing immunity, helps to cope with the consequences.
• The heart and circulatory system are also cleansed after consuming this berry from cholesterol. It is useful to take it with vitamin deficiency.
• And one cannot fail to mention the ability to regulate the water-salt balance. Lychee helps relieve puffiness and cope with excess weight.

Important! Unripe fruits can cause poisoning and even death. A raw bone is considered poisonous at all. It must undergo special heat treatment.

• And, of course, lychee is considered the most beautiful plant. It will decorate not only the garden, but also your windowsill. Therefore, it is very widely appreciated as an ornamental culture.

How to choose a pot, soil for planting lychee?

The land, as for most plants, should be fertile, medium acidity and rich in nutrients. It is especially important that there is plenty of potassium and phosphorus. Since they are the main pillars in plant immunity.

• The ideal option would be land for exotic or deciduous plants. The acidity level should be within the range of 5.5-7.5 pH.
• Also, do not forget to mix it with peat, because it will supplement the soil with the necessary minerals. Or replace it with humus.
• The pot should be small at first. After all, the root system of the plant is still poorly developed, therefore, moisture stagnation simply forms in a large pot. And he in the future will cause rotting of the soil and even the seed.
• Therefore, for a seed for the first month, a plastic cup or a plastic pot for violets is suitable. Their diameter should not be more than 10 cm. In the future, the powerful root system of the plant will need a lot of space, so regularly monitor the size of the pot. It should be reasonably spacious and large.

The soil for lychee should be of medium acidity.

• Please note that there should be 3-5 holes at the bottom, as excess moisture should not accumulate. It is necessary that it flows freely along the walls into the stand. In the future, the roots of the fruit will absorb it. But if there is too much of it, then it is better to drain.
• A drainage with a height of 1.5-2 cm must be placed at the bottom. For this, ordinary crushed stone or pebbles are suitable. By the way, charcoal, which has not completely burned out, will additionally enrich the earth with minerals and act as a preventive measure against diseases and pests.
• Since such a plant is a little capricious in terms of moisture and temperature, therefore, it is not necessary to plant lychees in a plastic container. An ideal pot would be a clay or ceramic container, that is, made of natural materials. In a plastic container, the plant can suffocate or completely rot.

How to plant a lychee from a bone, germinate a lychee bone at home?

Growing lychees from the seed, you can get a harvest already for 4-5 years. By the way, it is in this way that the plant grows and develops faster. There are also early ripening varieties that bear fruit in the second year.

• Initially, the bone must be carefully removed from the pulp so as not to damage it. It is released quite easily and freely. No additional processing is required.
• The only thing to do is rinse with warm water. Don't delay planting and don't need to pre-soak. Lychee loses its germination capacity on the third day. Therefore, you need to plant the seed immediately after extraction.
• You do not need to dry the bone, but immediately place it in the prepared soil. If you have a large pot, then plant a few grains at a time. But it is better for the first time to plant seeds in disposable plastic cups, one grain in each.
• Place in the middle of the cup, but not deep - 1.5-2 cm is enough. Lightly sprinkle with earth on top. Never tamp or press down firmly on the ground. It should be loose.
• Moisture is the main criterion in the first period. The soil should always be moist, but do not pour. Better use a spray bottle.And so that the water does not have time to evaporate, cover each glass with cling film or all the pots with glass.

Lychee bone

• Immediately after planting, the seedlings need warmth, but bright sunlight is undesirable for them. Therefore, do not put them on the windowsill, or even better - put them in a darkened room. But place near batteries or heaters. The temperature should be between 30-35 ° C.
• On average, the first shoots will appear in a month. After that, watering is slightly reduced, and the film or glass is removed. At this stage, the seedlings already need more light, but the sun's rays should not fall on the sprouts. They are still too vulnerable.
• In six months, the first three leaves will appear. After that, all forces are spent on feeding the root, which will develop as much as possible. All this takes about 1.5-2 years. And don't forget to change the pots in time. Just increase them at a time by a maximum of 5 cm.

How to care for a homemade lychee flower?

Planting is considered the easiest of all processes. The plant cannot be called harmful and demanding, it just needs the conditions in which it is used to developing. That is, in a tropical climate. Therefore, you need to create similar conditions at home. But also keep in mind that a home or indoor lychee will not produce as many fruits as grown trees in an open garden.

• Light. This aspect is very important for the normal development of the tree. Lychee needs 12-15 hours a day. There shouldn't be any problems in the summer. But in the period from October to March - April, you need to install additional lamps for lighting in the evening.
  • The plant loves the sun and its homeland "bathes" in the sun's rays, but a direct hit of rays on the leaves can negatively affect the further development of the lychee. Therefore, place on a darkened window or choose a slightly covered area near the window.
• The active and maximum growth of the tree occurs in the summer. By the way, at this time the lychee needs temperature conditions 25-30 ° C, but for the winter, lower it to 15-20 ° C. Indeed, at this time the plant does not grow, but seems to fall asleep.

Important! Alternatively, you can use an infrared lamp to warm up. Just don't place it directly above the plant. Place nearby.

• Watering. Lychee loves moisture and absolutely does not tolerate drought. Therefore, regularly monitor the condition of the earth, it should not be dry. But don't fill! Better arm yourself with a spray bottle. By the way, it will not hurt them to humidify the air in the room several times a day.
• Don't forget from time to time loosen land!

After good care, wonderful fruits are obtained.

• Be sure to spend top dressing after 3-4 months. Up to 4 years of age, it is carried out 1 time in 1.5-2 months. Mature trees can already be fertilized only once every 2-3 months. Phosphate, potash and nitrogen fertilizers are needed. If possible, then add manure or ash.
• Pruning. It needs to be carried out only after 2 years. For indoor exhibits, it is more aesthetic in nature, since too massive or overgrown crown will be inappropriate. It is carried out as needed.

Video: Growing lychee at home

Few people are familiar with the sweetish fruits of lychee, even fewer people know how to grow this exotic tree at home from a stone. Experienced gardeners have made sure in practice that, subject to certain agrotechnical measures, this is an easy task.

Lychee fruit - growing at home

The tropical, fruity lychee tree is a plant that can grow at home on a windowsill. Under natural conditions, trees in the garden can grow up to 25-30 meters, at home - the height reaches a maximum size of 2.5 meters, but more often it does not even reach such parameters. This allows it to take up little space when growing indoors.

To grow lychees from a seed at home, seeds from fruits bought in a store are suitable, observing certain rules, you can ensure their one hundred percent germination. The conditions required for seed germination are as follows:

1. A warm room with humid air, reminiscent of the rainy season in the tropics.
2. Constantly, but moderately moist soil.
3. After planting the seed, the air temperature in the room should not be lower than 25-30 ° C.
4. Until the first leaves appear, keep the pot in a dark place, then provide sufficient lighting, but exclude direct sunlight.

Lychee - growing at home from the bone

Having studied the information on how to propagate lychees, and how to grow a tree at home from a seed, prepare the necessary conditions and purchase the necessary containers, soil and fertilizers. Prepare the bone removed from the fruit for planting, for this, wrap it with a damp cloth made of cloth, leaving it in this form for a week, occasionally sprinkling with water to maintain moisture.

To plant a swollen seed, take a pot or container that has drainage holes, lay a layer of expanded clay on the bottom, fill with nutritious, loose soil (with the addition of peat). It is safer to plant several seeds at once, deepening them by 1.5-2 cm, flooding with water until the soil is completely wet and excess moisture flowing out through the drainage. To create a greenhouse effect, tighten the container with a film, providing the necessary growing conditions for the lychee (heat and humidity), wait for seedlings to appear in 15-20 days.

How to germinate a lychee seed?

To increase your chances of growing a seed tree, there are a few tips on how to germinate lychee seeds:

1. Before lowering the swollen seed into the ground, slightly prick it, so it will be easier for the sprout to break through.
2. Do not push the bone too deep.
3. Immediately after planting, use soft, warm water for watering.
4. Place a small pot or container covered with plastic in a dark, warm place, preferably near a heater.
5. Check the condition of the soil daily, moisten if necessary, avoiding both dryness and stagnation of water.
6. After the first stem appears, remove the film and move the container to a slightly shaded area.
7. When 3-5 leaves appear, transplant the plant into a larger pot, set it on the windowsill, without exposing the tree to hot sunlight, water it sparingly.

Which side to plant the lychee bone?

Having thought of growing an exotic tree in the house, buying a fruit in a store and removing a seed from it, you need to know how to properly plant a lychee seed in the ground. Before growing the lychee from the seed at home, make sure that the fruit chosen for its extraction is fully ripe, has a red peel and a strong aroma, only in this case you can count on success. The seed should be deep brown and round in shape. It is best to plant a lychee seed horizontally, since both the roots and the stem of the plant can simultaneously break through from the side of the blunt end.

What will grow from a lychee bone?

Some enthusiastic gardeners, purchasing exotic fruits in supermarkets, try to grow from them small ornamental plants in a residential area. After completing the necessary agrotechnical techniques, you can grow a homemade lychee tree from the bone. When growing lychees from seeds, you should be patient, the process is slow, during the first six months the grown seedling will release only 2-3 leaves.

Lychee can also be called Chinese cherry, Chinese plum, Chinese grape. From a seed planted at home, a beautiful, ornamental plant will grow, evergreen with glossy, pointed, long leaves, which has a neat rounded crown, which must be formed in the first year of life.The tree has a powerful root system, so it should be transplanted three times into a larger container before the age of three.

Can lychee bear fruit from a bone?

Lychee trees, planted vegetatively from cuttings, bear fruit best of all; they carry the genetic characteristics of this species. Fruiting of lychee planted from a stone is more difficult to achieve, but if you provide the plant with high humidity in the room and an elevated temperature, that is, create almost tropical conditions, there is a possibility of fruit occurrence.

You should not carry out rigid pruning of the crown, it will exclude the appearance of flower panicles, pruning is carried out only at the first stages of development. The lychee tree needs cross-pollination. In order for flower buds to form and develop, it is necessary to provide a small seasonal temperature fluctuation (moisture and heat in summer, a relative decrease in temperature in winter). Fruiting can occur at 6-10 years of plant life.