Position – Plant your litchi tree in full sun on all sides of the tree for the best results. If you are going to put your litchi in a container in an area with sunlight on only one side, you should turn the tree as often as possible. Plant it at least 3 metres away from other trees, buildings and power lines, as they grow very quickly and large.
Potted litchi trees grow very well in containers if you provide an adequately sized pot for root development. A 1 metre pot with enough drainage holes is recommended. Glazed pots require far less watering than raw terracotta pots due to their porous nature.
Litchi trees cannot tolerate any frost or wind, preferring a location next to a sunny, wind-sheltered, south-facing wall that produces a warm microclimate. Frost cover is recommended in cold climates.
These trees grow fast and require stretching space, so plant your rows on 5.5 metre centres. For individual trees, choose a location at least 3 metres from other trees or shrubs.
Soil Type – Litchis thrive in deep, fertile, well-draining soil. Use an acidic soil of pH 5.0 to 5.5. A higher pH level is acceptable, but the tree will not grow as well.
The soil needs to drain well as litchi trees’ roots do not like to be wet and will rot if allowed to sit in water for extended periods. A mixture of soil, sand and perlite is highly recommended for proper drainage.
