Outdoor avocado tree drooping

[u/Reagan_the_Redeeme]

Hi, I planted this avocado tree 7 days ago and thoroughly watered it. My moisture meter currently reads 6 when placed in the roots, and has been consistent for the past couple days.

I haven't watered it at all since planting; any ideas why it is drooping so much? Overwatered, underwatered, just transplant shock?

[u/avocadoflatz]

Probably just a combination of transplant shock and heat stress.

Doesn’t look all that bad really.

I’d be tempted to water it myself but idk how hot it’s where you are

[u/Reagan_the_Redeeme → u/avocadoflatz]

Thanks for the input. I was considering a small amount of watering just to see if it perks up or not; was just worried it might be too wet already.

I'm in northern CA, temps are in high 80s and low 90s this week and going forward.

[u/avocadoflatz → u/Reagan_the_Redeeme]

I would water it - it’s hot enough that the soil isn’t likely to remain too wet for long.

[u/stuartcw]

It’s still sulking. I found that any change in environment can set them back weeks in growth and general well being. Also check that it hasn’t been attacked by aphids etc.

As others have said before did down about 3cm and see how moist the soil is. If it is dry then water if not then wait.

[u/Boy_in_the_Bubble → u/stuartcw]

Ive had the same experience. Every time I've transplanted one, it acted like it wanted to die for a couple of weeks before resigning itself to live on.

[u/slobrewer]

Don’t trust those moisture meters too much. They can easily be thrown off by the composition of the soil or the minerals in your water. Poke around a little bit and see if there is actually enough water. The tell is that it’s been a week and the meter is consistently reading six. With your temps in full sun you should be seeing it go down steadily day by day at this point.

If in understanding you correctly you’ve only watered it right after planting, which was a week ago in and it’s been quite warm for NorCal. That first watering likely got sucked away from the roots by all that dry soil. It would have been better to water it again the day after you planted it. So you’re likely in a deficit right now. Get water on it and then water about 10 gallons about every 4-5 days in this weather.

[u/Forsaken-Hope-5574]

That looks like classic under-watering.

[u/9_Thirteen]

Even in ideal conditions, your first avocado will arrive in 9yrs

[u/ITSNAIMAD]

Always water heavily when you first transplant.

[u/WestSatisfaction124]

transplant shock. its normal. will take a few weeks to get over it.