The lychee tree is a subtropical fruit tree that does well in the US department of agriculture zone 10-11. The tree thrives in deep and fertile soil with good drainage. With their dense canopy, lychee trees can be caught by the wind, which may cause them to topple over. It requires the trees to be planted in a protected area. Lychee trees, like any other plant, require good care for optimum growth.
Proper fertilization has proved to be a challenge for many individuals looking out to grow the lychee trees. Luckily, you are going to get the best fertilizers for lychee trees and how to apply your fertilizer here. Read till the end.
The Best Fertilizer for Lychee Tree
1. Humboldts Secret Sweet and Sticky
Humboldts Secret Sweet and Sticky could be what your lychee tree needs. The formula comes with quality ingredients for the thriving plants. The formula has a rich source of carbohydrates and energy ideal for organic soil.
The Sweet and Sticky formula supports a thriving root zone. This, in turn, supports your fruit tree’s natural ability to produce essential oils, natural flavor, and aroma. The formula’s high concentration of carbohydrates guarantees high yields and increased plant size. In addition, the perfect formula promotes your plant’s natural ability to produce increased resin in the flowering phase.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers a rich source of carbohydrates and energy | Some customers complained about the quantity of the fertilizer received in 32 oz packaging |
| Offers enough food for a thriving root zone | |
| Aids your lychee tree’s natural ability to produce essential oils, natural flavor, and aroma | |
| Increases fruit yields and the size of your lychee tree |
2. Dr. Earth Natural Wonder fertilizer
Dr. Earth Natural Wonder fertilizer is another fertilizer that you may find doing excellent in taking care of your lychee tree. The fertilizer with NPK 5-5-2 is ideal for the lychee tree in the growing stages. Its high percentage of Nitrogen and Phosphorous offers enough food for the fast-growing of your lychee tree. However, you might not need the fertilizer as the fruits stars emerging as this may cause the production of more leaves rather than fruits.
Dr. Earth Natural Wonder fertilizer is a certified organic fertilizer with no GMO. It is a few of the genuine non-GMO fertilizers that you can find in the market, making it safe for you and your pets.
4 pounds of Dr. Earth fruit tree fertilizer is enough to feed your trees in a 60 square feet area. You can also mix the 4 pounds fertilizer with water in a quantity of 16 five-gallon containers. In addition, the slow-release fertilizer can feed your trees for up to 2 months.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The fertilizer is Non-GMO | Some users complained about a foul smell from the fertilizer |
| Safe for people and pets | |
| Slow-release fertilizer feeding your plant up to 2 months | |
| Effective on a large area | |
| Re-sealable package |
3. Miracle-Gro Fruit and Citrus plant Food Spikes
If you are looking for a slow-release and easy-to-use fertilizer, you might like the Miracle-Gro Fruit and Citrus plant Food Spikes. The fertilizer offers essential nutrients for the high production of fruits and lush foliage. The fertilizer also contains natural ingredients guaranteeing the health of your lychee plants.
Miracle-Gro Fruit and Citrus plant Food Spikes is one of the few fertilizer brands to use. Identify the tree drip line or the outermost circumference of your tree branches and insert the spikes at least 3 feet apart. If the drip line is closer to the tree trunk in less than 2 feet, space the spikes at 2 feet away.
Ensure you cover the top of the spike using the enclosed plastic before driving it into the ground. It prevents breaking the spikes as you drive it in. Also, ensure the ground is wet before you drive in the spikes. Use this fertilizer once in the spring and once in fall.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Releases nutrients directly into the lychee tree’s root zone | May kill young plants if used excessively |
| Easy to use | |
| Comes with natural ingredients | |
| Promotes high production of fruits and lush foliage |
4. BioAdvanced Systemic Plant Fertilizer and Insecticide
BioAdvanced Systemic Plant Fertilizer and Insecticide might be your best option if you are looking to feed your lychee tree as well as protect it against insects and pests. The plant food and fertilizer provide essential nutrients for your tree’s optimum growth.
With a single application, the formula kills Japanese Beetles, Adelgids, Emerald Ash Borers, Caterpillars, Aphids, Leafminers, and more. The best part of it is that the formula offers 12 months of protects with a single application.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers essential nutrients for the whole plant | Not pet-friendly for 24 hours after use |
| Offers slow-release feeding | |
| Effective in killing insects and pests | |
| A single application offers up to 12 months of protection for the plant |
Guide to How to Fertilize Lychee Tree
The lychee tree is a fruit plant. With this in mind, it is wise to consider various points for optimum growth and fruit production of your lychee plant. Below is how to fertilize the lychee tree.
- Apply nitrogen and phosphorus-rich fertilizer such as Dr. Earth Natural Wonder fertilizer in the early stages of the lychee plant.
- Apply your fertilizer after every flush of growth. You might consider starting with 1 pound of fertilizer in the whole of the first year. In the second year, increase the fertilizer to 1.5 pounds. In the third year, apply 2.5 pounds of fertilizer. Stop fertilizing your lychee plant after the third year to allow your tree to prepare for the fruit-bearing stage.
- Fertilize lightly with potassium-rich fertilizer after the first fruit harvest. You might consider using energy-rich fertilizer such as Humboldts Secret Sweet and Sticky at this stage.
- In the second fruiting, when the fruits are pea-sized, apply half-strength fertilizer. The fertilizer should have a medium ratio of nitrogen, little phosphorous, and more potassium, such as 10-5-20
- Consider applying at least 1 pound of fertilizer with NPK 10-5-20 to your lychee tree in the following years. Fertilize once after harvesting and when the lychee fruits are peas-sized.
- Do not fertilize too close to the plant. Always identify the furthest circumference where the branches reach and apply your fertilizer around it to avoid burning your plant. Also, apply moderately or as instructed by the manufacturer.
Conclusion
Fertilizing a lychee plant might prove more rewarding than relying on the natural nutrients of the soil. With several fertilizers in the market, it might be hard to find the ideal fertilizer for your lychee plant. Fortunately, we have found you four of the best fertilizer for lychee trees that you can try out for your plant. You can also benefit from the guide above on how to apply your fertilizer to the lychee plant. All the best as you get to the action.