Lychee trees are originally from the subtropical climate of southern China, where the long summers are hot and humid. Although the climate in Germany is rather unfavorable for lychees, the plants can usually be cultivated easily in the home or in the greenhouse. The very slow growing plants create a pretty, exotic room decoration.
Can you grow a lychee tree in Germany?
A lychee tree can be cultivated as a houseplant in Germany. Ideal conditions are a bright, not sunny location, a room temperature of 25 °C, high humidity and sparing fertilization. However, fruits are only possible in climate-controlled greenhouses.
Only use seeds from ripe fruits when growing
The lychee fruits consist of an elongated, brown and shiny seed core, which is surrounded by pearl-colored pulp and a hard but thin shell. However, before you can plant the core, you must first carefully remove it from its shell and not injure it in the process. It is important to only use seeds from ripe fruits. You can recognize ripe lychees by the fact that no green or greenish shimmering areas can be seen anywhere on the fruit. To be on the safe side, you can leave the fruits selected for cultivation at home for a few days after purchasing them and let them ripen. The lychee shell then quickly turns brown and shrivels.
Planting the seed core
Now remove the shell and pulp and wash the brownish, shiny seed core carefully in lukewarm, running water. Then soak the core in room temperature, preferably stale water, for about 24 hours. This preparation ultimately facilitates germination. You can then plant the seed core in a small plant pot with loose substrate (growing soil mixed with coarse sand is best) about one to two centimeters deep. Place the pot in a bright and warm, but by no means sunny location. Keep the soil moist but not wet. A spray bottle is best suited for this. The kernel will begin to germinate within about 30 days.
A lychee also feels comfortable in Germany under these conditions
- Litchis like a bright but not sunny location
- It should be warm, with the optimal room temperature being 25 °C.
- Lychees like high humidity: Do not water your lychee with a watering can, but rather with a spray bottle.
- Fertilize lychees only a little! A small amount of fertilizer per month is sufficient - in winter there is no fertilization at all.
- Young lychee trees can also be left outside in summer. However, get the plant used to the sun slowly, otherwise the leaves will burn.
You will probably never be able to get fruit from your lychee plant. Lychee trees grow very slowly and usually only bear fruit between the ages of 10 and 25. However, fruit would be possible if your tree is free (not in a pot!) in a year-round, air-conditioned greenhouse.
Tips & Tricks
Don't worry if your lychee doesn't seem to grow at all for two or three years. That's not unusual. Please do not fertilize more often or more than usual, as this will only harm your plant. The naturally slow-growing lychee does not require many nutrients.
