Lychee
litchi chinensis
Also known as: ["Litchi","Lichi","Lizhi"]
Overview
A tropical fruit tree native to China, known for its sweet, fragrant, and juicy fruits with a pinkish-red, bumpy skin.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Litchi |
| Botanical Name: | Litchi chinensis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in tropical or subtropical regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required unless in very dry conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sand works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually, after harvest or in late winter before new growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on tree size and age.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Young plants may benefit from partial shade during intense summer heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate young plants gradually to full sun. Protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates. Outdoor placement is ideal; indoor cultivation requires a very bright location.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Use shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate plant for even light exposure; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).
Ensure good drainage; avoid compacted soil; maintain organic matter content.
Temperature
Thrives in warm subtropical climates (20–30°C). Can tolerate brief dips to 4°C but prefers frost-free conditions.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat; adjust watering with temperature.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced fertilizer
Fertilize before new growth starts; avoid over-fertilizing; water after application to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or air layering. Grafting is common for commercial propagation to ensure fruit quality.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select a healthy stem.
- Make a clean cut or prepare for air layering.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Place in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (25–30°C), humid, and partially shaded environment for rooting.
Medium
Well-draining medium like perlite and peat moss mix for cuttings; moist sphagnum moss for air layering.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Air layering can root in 2–3 months; seeds may take 1–2 months to germinate and several years to fruit.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic wrap, sphagnum moss, rooting medium.
Quick Tips
Maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting; avoid disturbing cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective branch removal, heading back, and thinning cuts to maintain shape and health.
Pruning Plan
Prune to shape the tree, improve air circulation, and remove dead or diseased wood. Focus on structural branches and fruiting wood.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove crossing branches; make clean cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm in diameter.
Method
Remove old soil, prune roots if necessary, place in a larger pot with fresh soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot young trees annually to encourage growth. Mature trees may only need repotting every 3–4 years.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; prune roots if pot-bound; water well after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once or twice a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix sand or perlite for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, reduced flowering, or dieback during cold stress; wilting, scorching, or bud drop during heat stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, reduce flowering, and can cause leaf and branch dieback. Prolonged cold may kill the plant.
Solution: Plant in a sheltered location; use frost cloth or mulch for protection; avoid watering before cold snaps.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced fruit set due to water stress.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use correct dilution; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with roots; follow seasonal schedule.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced (10-10-10) slow-release fertilizer in early spring and midsummer. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicLychee is generally non-toxic to cats when consumed in moderation. However, excessive consumption can cause hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal distress due to the fruit's natural compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in excessive quantities
Dogs
Non-toxicLychee is generally non-toxic to dogs when consumed in moderation. However, excessive intake can lead to hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal upset due to the fruit's natural compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in excessive quantities
Humans
Non-toxicLitchi chinensis, commonly known as lychee, is generally non-toxic and safe for human consumption. However, excessive consumption can lead to hypoglycemia, particularly in malnourished individuals, due to the presence of certain compounds that affect blood sugar levels.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in excessive quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I grow lychee from seed?
A: Lychee seeds should be planted fresh, as they lose viability quickly. Plant them in well-draining soil, keep moist, and provide warm temperatures.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for lychee?
A: Lychee thrives in tropical climates with warm, humid conditions, full sun, and well-drained, fertile soil.
Q: How long does it take for a lychee tree to bear fruit?
A: Lychee trees typically take 5-7 years to bear fruit from seed, but grafted trees may fruit in 2-4 years.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
