Problems With Lychee Trees – A Real Gardener’s Take

Problems with lychee trees, discover common problems like yellow leaves, pests, and fruit drop—plus real life tips to keep your tree healthy and productive. When I planted my first lychee tree, I thought it was going to be easy. The guy at the nursery gave me a smile and said, “Sun and water, and you’ll have juicy fruit in no time.” Spoiler alert: he was wrong. Lychee trees aren’t as chill as they look—they’re fussy, sensitive, and sometimes straight up dramatic. I’ve made mistakes, learned hard lessons, and now I’m sharing what I wish someone told me sooner.

In this post, I’m going to talk straight about the problems I’ve faced with lychee trees, what I’ve learned and how you can hopefully avoid some of the mistakes I made. Nothing fancy here—just real talk from one gardener to another.

Problems With Lychee Trees: The Leaves Tell the First Story

Let’s start with something easy to notice—leaves. When a lychee tree is happy, the leaves are shiny and deep green. When something’s wrong, the leaves usually let you know first.

Yellow Leaves on Lychee: The Soil Was Telling Me Something

Problems With Lychee Trees

One morning, I noticed a few lower leaves on my lychee tree turning yellow—not crunchy or dried out, just soft and pale. My first thought? “Maybe the sun is too harsh.” But the more I looked, the more it didn’t quite add up. The upper leaves were perfectly green, and the tree was getting regular water. That’s when I took a closer look at the soil—and things started making sense.

Too Much Water, Not Too Much Sun

It turned out the problem wasn’t sunlight—it was overwatering.

Lychee trees (Litchi chinensis) don’t do well with soggy roots. Their roots need to “breathe,” and when the soil stays too wet for too long, oxygen gets pushed out. Without enough oxygen, roots start to suffocate. This kind of stress shows up first in the older, bottom leaves, which begin to turn yellow—a condition called chlorosis.

This isn’t just guesswork. The University of Florida IFAS Extension explains that lychee trees are very sensitive to poor drainage and excess water, especially in heavier soils. When water sits around the roots, they can’t absorb nutrients like nitrogen, iron, or magnesium properly—even if the nutrients are already in the soil.

How I Knew It Was Overwatering

Here’s what I noticed, and you might, too:

  • The yellowing started with the older leaves at the bottom.
  • The soil still felt damp days after watering.
  • The leaves weren’t dry—they were limp and slightly soft.
  • The plant had stopped putting out any new growth.

At first, it was subtle. But once I saw the pattern, I knew I had to act.

What I Did to Fix It And What Actually Worked

1. Fixed the Soil

I gently dug around the root zone and mixed in:

  • Coarse sand for drainage
  • Compost for organic matter
  • A little pine bark to keep things loose

That mix gave the roots more airflow and helped excess water drain away faster.

2. Changed My Watering Routine

I stopped watering on a schedule and started checking the soil by touch. If the top inch was still damp, I left it alone. Only when it felt dry did I water. That small change made a big difference within a couple of weeks.

3. Raised the Planting Area

My garden soil leans a bit clay heavy, so I reshaped the base of the tree into a slight mound—just a few inches higher than the surrounding soil. That way, rainwater runs off naturally instead of pooling around the roots.

pH Matters More Than You’d Think

After I got the watering under control, I checked the soil pH. Lychee trees prefer slightly acidic conditions—somewhere between 5.5 and 6.5. I used a basic home pH test and found mine was creeping over 7.

To fix that, I:

  • Sprinkled a little elemental sulfur around the base
  • Started using pine needle mulch, which gradually brings the pH down

Why does pH matter? Because if your soil is too alkaline, even if you’re watering correctly and using fertilizer, the tree won’t absorb certain nutrients. Iron and manganese—both critical for green, healthy leaves—get “locked up” when the pH is too high.

Long Term Tips That Helped Me

  • Water deeply but not often – Lychee trees like moisture, but not wet feet.
  • Leave space around the trunk – Avoid piling mulch too close; it traps moisture.
  • Fix drainage before fertilizing – Otherwise, nutrients won’t get absorbed.
  • Use compost regularly – It keeps the soil lively and helps hold moisture without drowning the roots.

Backed by Research

Much of what I learned came from the University of Florida IFAS Extension, especially their resources on tropical fruit trees. Their article on soil management for fruit crops gives helpful advice on everything from drainage to pH adjustments.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

Problems With Lychee Trees: Curling Leaves

Problems With Lychee Trees

One day, I noticed my plant’s leaves curling inward like little green fists. It wasn’t dryness or heat. Something else was messing with the plant. A closer look under the leaves told the full story—tiny green aphids had moved in. And with them came a domino effect: ants, sticky residue, and a black powdery substance known as sooty mold.

The Real Culprits: Aphids and Their Sidekicks

Aphids are tiny, soft bodied insects that suck sap from plants. When they cluster on the undersides of leaves, their feeding causes the leaves to curl, twist, or yellow. This curling protects them from natural predators and sprays.

But aphids don’t come alone. They excrete a sugary liquid called honeydew, which attracts ants and creates the perfect breeding ground for sooty mold—a black fungal growth that can block sunlight and reduce photosynthesis.

In short:

  • Aphids feed on sap → leaves curl
  • Honeydew builds up → ants arrive + sooty mold forms

According to studies in integrated pest management (IPM), this kind of pest dynamic is extremely common in gardens, especially in warm, humid weather.

The Fix: Neem Oil and Soap Spray

After some research and trial and error, I settled on a simple, natural solution: a neem oil and mild soap spray. I mixed:

  • 1 teaspoon of neem oil
  • ½ teaspoon of mild liquid soap
  • 1 liter of water

I sprayed this mixture every three days for about two weeks. Neem oil contains azadirachtin, a natural compound that:

  • Disrupts insect hormones
  • Stops aphids from feeding and reproducing
  • Doesn’t harm beneficial insects if applied carefully

The soap helps the spray stick to the insects and breaks down their protective coating. This combo is often used in organic gardening and is backed by agricultural extension services like those from the University of California and Texas A&M.

Natural Prevention: Companion Planting with Marigolds

Even after the aphids were gone, I wanted to keep them from coming back. So I turned to companion planting, a time tested method of growing pest repelling plants nearby.

Marigolds are especially good for this. Their scent confuses and deters aphids, whiteflies, and even root nematodes. I planted a few around the edges of my garden, and since then, the aphid pressure has dropped significantly.

Marigolds also attract ladybugs and lacewings, which are natural predators of aphids. This creates a mini ecosystem of pest control, which is far better than relying on chemicals alone.

Takeaway

If your leaves are curling and you spot tiny insects underneath, aphids are likely the reason. Act early, spray consistently, and use plants like marigolds to create long term resistance. A combination of early detection, organic treatment, and natural pest deterrents can bring your garden back into balance—no harsh chemicals needed.

Problems With Lychee Trees: The Pesky Pests

I didn’t expect so many bugs to be into lychees. Here’s what I’ve dealt with:

Lychee Erinose Mite

This was the worst. Reddish fuzz appeared on new leaves and stems—classic Erinose Mite. It spreads fast.

Fix:

  • Prune and burn affected areas
  • Apply sulfur sprays biweekly during growth season

Reference: Queensland Dept. of Agriculture – Erinose Mite Management

Fruit Borer

The heartbreak: cutting open a ripe lychee to find it rotting inside. That’s the fruit borer larvae at work.

Fix:

  • Cover developing fruit clusters with fine mesh bags
  • Pick fruit as soon as it’s ripe to prevent egg laying

Scale and Aphids

Sucked the sap right out of my tree. Aphids brought ants, and ants defended the pests. Neem helped, but releasing ladybugs really changed the game.

Scale and Aphids

Scale and Aphids

Sticky Leaves and Tiny Terrors: My Battle with Aphids and Scale on My Trees

It always starts with something small. A few sticky leaves, maybe a trail of ants climbing up the bark. At first, I didn’t think much of it—figured it was just one of those normal garden things. But the more I looked, the clearer it got: my tree was under attack.

Tiny bugs, barely visible at first, were sucking the life out of it—aphids and scale insects, the silent sappers.

Sap Suckers That Do Real Damage

Both aphids and scale insects feed by piercing the plant and drawing out the sap. It sounds harmless, but it’s not.

Think of sap as the tree’s lifeblood—it’s full of sugars, nutrients, and water. When these insects feed, they’re literally draining the tree’s energy. Over time, you’ll notice curled leaves, yellowing, stunted growth, and if it’s a fruit tree—smaller or fewer fruits.

But what really tipped me off was the sticky coating on the leaves. That’s honeydew, a sugary waste these bugs leave behind. And that mess:

  • Attracts ants, who protect the pests like tiny shepherds guarding a flock.
  • Encourages sooty mold, a black fungus that spreads over leaves and blocks sunlight—basically shutting down photosynthesis.

Turns out, according to experts at the University of California’s IPM program, these pests are among the most common and harmful in backyard orchards.

Neem Oil Spray

After a little research and a lot of trial and error, I landed on neem oil as my main defense.

Neem oil comes from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), and it’s been used in traditional farming for ages. What makes it work is a compound called azadirachtin, which messes with insects’ digestion and reproduction.

It doesn’t kill them instantly—it’s not a knockdown spray—but it throws a wrench in their whole life cycle. And that’s what you want for long term control.

My Simple Spray Mix:

  • 1 teaspoon neem oil
  • ½ teaspoon mild liquid soap
  • 1 liter of water

I spray this once a week during spring and summer, when pests are most active. Best done early in the morning or late afternoon—never under harsh midday sun.

After a few weeks, I noticed fewer sticky leaves. Fewer ants. And yes—fewer pests.

The Surprise Hero: Ladybugs

One thing I never expected? Ladybugs.

I always thought they were just cute little garden visitors. Turns out, they’re stone cold predators when it comes to soft bodied pests.

I bought a batch of live ladybugs from a local nursery . Released them in the evening, after lightly misting my tree with water to help them settle.

And then… nature took over.

Ladybugs and their larvae chowed down on aphids, and even helped with young scale insects. One adult ladybug can eat up to 50 aphids a day.

The ants disappeared too. No more honeydew, no more farming.

It was honestly kind of amazing to watch nature work without me having to interfere much.

Lessons I Learned

After a few years of fighting and finally winning, here’s what I now do every season:

  1. Weekly neem oil sprays – as a preventive, not just a fix.
  2. Attract good bugs – ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are incredible allies.
  3. Stop the ants – I use sticky tape around trunks or a bit of borax bait to block them from climbing.
  4. Keep my trees healthy – A strong tree can handle a few pests. I water regularly, feed properly, and prune when needed.

Real Science Behind the Scenes

I didn’t just rely on what worked in my backyard—I cross checked with experts and research, too:

  • Journal of Biological Control: Confirms that using natural enemies , like ladybugs can be just as effective—and far more sustainable—than chemical sprays.
  • University of California IPM: One of the best sources on garden pests.
    https://ipm.ucanr.edu/
  • Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Practical tips on neem oil and how to apply it safely.
    https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/

Problems With Lychee Trees: Diseases – The Invisible Killers

Anthracnose

Anthracnose

Black spots on the leaves? That’s anthracnose, a fungal disease that loves humidity.

Fix:

  • Use copper based fungicides
  • Prune for airflow

Reference: CRFG Lychee Fruit Facts

Problems With Lychee Trees: Root Rot – The Slow, Dirty Undoing of My Lychee Tree

Problems With Lychee Trees

This one hit me hard.

After days of non stop rain, my lychee tree—tall, full, and healthy looking just a week before—suddenly gave out. It didn’t die loudly. No yellow leaves, no pest problems. Just a quiet droop, like it was giving up.

I tugged it from the soil, and there it was: black, mushy roots that smelled like something had died. And I guess, technically, something had.

Turns out, it wasn’t bad luck. It was root rot—a problem I didn’t even know I had.

What Is Root Rot, Really?

Root rot isn’t one specific disease. It’s more like a symptom of a bigger issue: soil that’s too wet, for too long.

In my case, the culprits were likely fungi and water molds that thrive in soggy ground—things like:

  • Phytophthora
  • Pythium
  • Armillaria
  • And sometimes even Fusarium or Rhizoctonia

When the soil gets soaked and stays that way, oxygen disappears, and these pathogens take over. They attack the roots first—especially the young, feeder ones. Those are the lifeline for water and nutrient uptake. Once they go, the tree starts starving, even if water is all around it.

According to the University of Florida’s agricultural experts, Phytophthora root rot is one of the most serious threats to lychee trees in wet or compacted soil.

The Signs I Missed

Now that I know what I’m looking for, the early signs were there:

  • Leaves drooping on hot days, even though the soil felt wet
  • Random leaf drop, especially out of season
  • Weird, sour smell near the base of the trunk
  • And finally, that sluggish, fading look that crept in before the tree completely gave out

But I brushed it off. Thought maybe it was too much rain or a nutrient issue. I didn’t realize the tree was suffocating from below.

Lychees Don’t Like Wet Feet

Here’s what I didn’t know before: lychee trees have shallow, spreading roots. They’re great at picking up surface moisture, but terrible at coping with soggy, heavy soils.

And guess what my garden has? Clay. Lots of it.

In clay soil, water doesn’t drain—it lingers. The soil becomes sticky, tight, and airless. And lychees, being fussy tropicals, hate that. According to the Queensland Department of Agriculture, lychees thrive best in sandy loam with good drainage and slightly acidic pH (around 5.5–6.5).

I had the exact opposite conditions.

What I Did to Save the Next Tree

After losing that first lychee, I decided I wasn’t going down without a fight. I started from the ground up—literally.

1. I Dug Out the Old Soil

I didn’t just poke a few holes & removed the entire planting spot—maybe 2 feet down—and rebuilt it with a custom mix:

  • Coarse sand to open up drainage
  • Well rotted compost to feed the soil and help hold structure
  • A little perlite lightens the mix and keeps air flowing

This wasn’t about drying the soil out—it was about making it breathable.

2. I Raised the Bed

Then came the big change: I built a raised bed, about 15 inches high. Framed it with untreated wood, sloped the top slightly, and filled it with my mix. Now the roots sit well above the soggy clay and can drain freely after heavy rain.

I also mulched lightly—just enough to keep moisture balanced without sealing in too much water.

Now I Prevent It Before It Starts

Here’s what I do every season now, without fail:

  • Water only when needed – Once the tree is established, I check soil moisture before I water. Lychees can tolerate short dry spells better than they can handle wet roots.
  • Add Trichoderma to the soil – This is a beneficial fungus you can buy in powder or liquid form. It actually competes with and blocks the bad guys like Phytophthora. I mix it into the topsoil or water it in during the growing season.
  • No deep digging near the trunk – Lychee roots are delicate. Damaging them opens the door to infection. I hand weed gently and mulch instead of hoeing.

What Helped Me Understand It All

I didn’t figure all this out alone. These sources helped me dig deeper :

  • Plant Disease Journal – For in-depth science on pathogens like Phytophthora
    https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/
  • University of Florida IFAS Extension – Practical info on root rot and tropical fruit tree care
    https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/
  • Queensland DAF – Real world growing advice from Australian lychee growers
    https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/

Problems With Lychee Trees: No Fruit ? Here’s Why

No Flowers

I gave my tree rich compost and nitrogen fertilizer. It grew tons of leaves—but no flowers. Turns out, too much nitrogen suppresses blooming.

Fix: Switch to low nitrogen, high phosphorus fertilizer in late winter.

Flowers But No Fruit

Pollination problems. Some seasons, I had blooms but no fruit.

Fix:

  • Attract pollinators by planting nearby wildflowers
  • Mist flowers in the morning during dry spells

Fruit Drop

Fruit Drop

My tree was loaded with baby fruit—then they all fell off. This is often stress related.

Fix:

  • Maintain consistent watering
  • Mulch to keep root zone stable
  • Avoid pruning or fertilizing during fruit development

The Weather Doesn’t Always Cooperate

Lychees need a chill period to flower well—but too much frost kills new growth. I’m in a borderline climate zone, so I:

  • Spray trees with water during frosty nights
  • Use shade cloths or frost covers for young shoots

Pro Insight: If you’re in USDA zones 10–11, you’re safe. In 9b or cooler, get creative.

Problems With Lychee Trees: Soil – Where Your Lychee Tree’s Story Really Begins

If your lychee tree’s throwing a fit—leaves curling, growth stalling, or fruit dropping before it’s ripe—pause before you reach for that fertilizer bottle. I’ve learned the hard way: the issue is often not above ground. It’s right under your feet.

Soil might not seem exciting, but it’s where everything begins. I used to think sun, water, and trimming were enough. Not quite. If the roots are stuck in the wrong kind of soil, no amount of care up top will fix things.

When the Soil Gets Too Alkaline

Lychee trees like their soil a little on the sour side—think pH between 5.5 and 6.5. But in some areas especially where the water or soil is naturally alkaline, that balance slips. You’ll know it’s happening when the leaves start looking pale or yellow with dark green veins. That’s a sign they’re craving iron, but can’t pull it from the soil because the pH is too high.

Here’s what worked for me:

  • Regular composting: Not just once a year. I add a layer every few months. It lowers the pH slowly and helps bring life back into the soil.
  • Pine needles under mulch: They break down slowly and add a gentle acidity over time. I collect them during winter and stash them just for this.
  • Elemental sulfur carefully: After a home soil test, I added a small amount around the root zone and watered it in. Sulfur doesn’t work overnight—it takes time, warmth, and moisture.

The University of California’s Ag Extension backs this up—elemental sulfur is one of the safest ways to adjust pH, but you’ve got to be patient with it.

When I Made It Too Acidic

Once, in my enthusiasm to “feed the soil,” I piled on way too much compost and leaf mold. Good intentions, bad results. The soil dipped below pH 5.5, and suddenly my lychee wasn’t happy again—weak new growth, dull leaves, and a bit of leaf burn on the edges.

My fix for that:
  • A touch of lime: I used plain agricultural lime—just a small handful per square meter, mixed into the top layer.
  • Test, don’t guess: Now I use a simple pH kit every few months, especially before spring growth kicks in.
  • Ease up on peat moss: It’s great in moderation but can make things too acidic if you overdo it.

Clemson Extension says liming acidic soil not only balances pH but also encourages stronger root development and better nutrient use. But again—get that soil tested first.

The Compaction Mistake I Didn’t See Coming

Compacted soil is sneaky. It doesn’t scream for attention like pests or yellow leaves do. But underneath, the roots are gasping. My soil was clay heavy, and after one too many storms and my own footsteps, it turned into a hard pan. Water wouldn’t drain, and my lychee tree looked like it just gave up.

How I loosened things up:

  • Gentle fork work: Not digging—just wiggling a garden fork around the drip line, loosening the top 8–10 inches.
  • Blended in sand and compost: Coarse sand plus well rotted compost helped improve the structure.
  • No more stomping around: I stay off the root zone now, especially after a rain. That alone made a difference.

Research in the Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition confirms that compacted soil reduces root length and limits how well plants take in nutrients. It’s especially bad for younger trees.

My Annual Ritual: Top-Dressing That Works

One of the best things I’ve added to my garden routine is a yearly top dressing session. No shortcuts here—just simple steps that have made a visible difference.

Here’s what I do in late winter or early spring:

  • Spread a 1–2 inch layer of compost all around the base—but not touching the trunk.
  • Top it with a thick mulch layer. I rotate between sugarcane bagasse, dry leaves, or chipped branches.
  • Leave a small ring around the trunk open—keeps it dry and avoids rot.

Why this matters:

  • The compost feeds the soil slowly, like a slow release snack for roots.
  • Mulch keeps the soil temperature steady, suppresses weeds, and holds in moisture.
  • And together, they keep the microbes happy—and healthy soil microbes are what feed the tree in the long run.

According to the NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service), adding organic matter this way helps build better structure, supports water retention, and improves microbial life—all of which matter more than most of us realize.. It feeds the tree and keeps weeds away.

Problems With Lychee Trees: Pruning – Take It Easy

When I first started pruning my lychee tree, I thought cutting back a lot would make it grow better and give me more fruit. Turns out, that’s not how lychee trees work. They actually prefer a light touch. Too much pruning can do more harm than good.

Why Not Cut Too Much?

Lychee trees produce fruit mostly on older branches—usually ones that are a couple of years old. If you chop off too many of these, the tree won’t have enough spots left to grow flowers and fruit. I learned this the hard way when my tree barely gave any fruit the next year after I cut it back too much.

Researchers have found the same thing: heavy pruning means the tree spends its energy growing new leaves instead of flowers, which means fewer fruits.

So, What Should You Do Instead?

Here’s what I focus on now:

  • Cut Out Dead or Sick Branches: This keeps the tree healthy and stops diseases from spreading.
  • Thin Out Crowded Branches: Opening up the tree lets sunlight and air reach the inside, which helps fruit develop better and keeps fungus away.
  • Keep the Tree Manageable: Prune just enough so you can reach the fruit easily without stressing the tree.

The best time to prune is right after harvest. I usually just trim the weak shoots and tidy up a bit.

How Much Should You Trim?

Experts suggest you don’t remove more than about a quarter of the tree’s branches at once. That way, you keep enough fruiting wood and still let the tree breathe.

A Few Extra Tips

After pruning, give your tree some good water and fertilizer to help it bounce back.

Avoid pruning late in the growing season because new shoots might not get strong enough before cold weather.

Clean your pruning tools before and after use to prevent spreading any diseases.

Problems With Lychee Trees: Fertilizer

It’s easy to think that giving your lychee tree a big dose of fertilizer will mean a bigger fruit harvest. But actually, too much fertilizer—especially nitrogen—can do more harm than good. You might end up with a tree that’s bursting with leaves but barely any fruit.

Why Too Much Nitrogen Can Hurt Fruit Production

Nitrogen helps plants grow leaves, which sounds great at first. But lychee trees don’t want to spend all their energy on leaves—they need to focus on flowers and fruit. When there’s too much nitrogen, the tree keeps growing foliage and delays making flowers. This means fewer fruits in the end.

Several studies on tropical fruits have found this exact problem: extra nitrogen can push flowering back and reduce how much fruit a lychee tree produces.

A Smarter Fertilizing Plan

What works better? I use a slow release, balanced fertilizer and feed my tree just three times a year:

  • Before flowering: to support flower development
  • During fruit set: to help young fruits grow strong
  • After harvest: so the tree can recover and prepare for next season

This matches advice from agricultural experts who recommend balanced feeding rather than piling on fertilizer.

Natural Fertilizers Are a Good Choice

I also like using organic options like fish emulsion, compost tea, or diluted cow dung water. These give nutrients gently and improve soil health over time without overwhelming the tree.

Summary Table: Fertilizer Guide for Lychee Trees

Tree AgeFertilizer TypeAmount per ApplicationWhen to ApplyPurpose
1–2 yearsBalanced NPK (10-10-10 or 12-12-12)200–500 gEvery 2–3 monthsPromote root and vegetative growth
3–5 yearsNPK + Organic Compost500–1,000 g + 5 kg compost3 times/year (pre monsoon, post monsoon, winter)Encourage stronger canopy, early flowering
6–10 yearsLow Nitrogen, High Potassium (6-6-18)1–2 kgBefore flowering and fruit settingBoost flowering, improve fruit quality
10+ yearsOrganic compost + Micronutrients10–15 kg compost + boron/zinc as neededPre flowering & after harvestSustain productivity, enrich soil
All agesFarmyard manure or compost10–20 kgOnce a year (winter preferred)Improve soil structure & fertility
Fruiting stagePotassium rich (e.g. MOP or SOP)250–500 gAt fruit set and 1 month afterImprove fruit size and sweetness

Additional Tips:

  • Avoid high nitrogen close to flowering—may lead to lush growth but no fruit.
  • Micronutrients like zinc, boron, and magnesium help prevent leaf disorders.
  • Use mulch to retain moisture and slowly release nutrients.

Real Talk: Be Patient

Lychee trees are slow to start. You might not get fruit for 4-5 years. But once they start, they’ll produce for decades. Don’t give up if the first few years are rough.

A neighbor of mine almost gave up on her tree. It was 6 years old, no fruit. Then one year—flowers everywhere. She cried when she picked her first basket.

Summary Table: Common Lychee Tree Problems & Solutions

ProblemSymptomsCauseSolution
Leaf Curling & YellowingLeaves curl, turn yellow, fall prematurelyOverwatering, poor drainageImprove soil drainage, water moderately
Fruit DropImmature fruits falling before ripeningWater stress, nutrient imbalanceMaintain even watering, apply balanced fertilizer
Poor FruitingTree healthy but no or few fruitsLack of pollination or pruningPrune properly, ensure pollinators are present
Leaf Spot / AnthracnoseBrown or black spots on leavesFungal infectionUse copper based fungicide, remove infected leaves
Lychee Erinose MiteRough, blistered leaves with abnormal growthMite infestationPrune infested parts, spray with sulfur based miticide
Root RotWilting, stunted growth, root decayOverwatering, poor soilReplant in well drained soil, avoid waterlogging
Leaf Burn (Tip Browning)Brown tips or scorched leaf edgesHigh salt levels or sunburnFlush soil, provide light shade if needed
Bark Splitting / CrackingCracks in trunk or branchesSudden watering or extreme tempsWater consistently, avoid temperature extremes
Pest Infestation (Fruit Borer, Aphids)Holes in fruit, sticky leaves, weak growthInsects like borers, aphidsUse neem oil or insecticidal soap, encourage beneficial insects
Stunted GrowthTree not growing as expectedPoor soil, lack of nutrientsAdd compost, check pH, feed with organic fertilizer

Wrap Up

Growing lychee trees isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely rewarding. Like all good things in life, it takes time, effort, and a bit of learning. If your tree isn’t doing well, take a step back, look at the basics—soil, water, pests, and feeding—and you’ll usually find the answer.

So keep at it. Your sweet, juicy lychees are worth the wait.

References:

  1. Florida IFAS Extension – Lychee Production
  2. CRFG Lychee Fruit Facts
  3. Queensland Dept. of Agriculture – Lychee Pest Management
  4. My own backyard lessons

FAQs – Lychee Tree Problems

Q1: Why are my lychee leaves turning yellow?

A: Likely overwatering or poor drainage. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.

Q2: What is the red fuzz on lychee leaves?

A: That’s Erinose Mite damage. Prune affected areas and spray sulfur.

Q3: Why does my lychee tree flower but not fruit?

A: Poor pollination or dry/cold weather during bloom. Attract bees and mist flowers in dry periods.

Q4: How often should I fertilize my lychee tree?

A: Three times a year: pre bloom, fruiting, and post harvest.

Q5: How long until a lychee tree starts fruiting?

A: Typically 4–5 years from planting, sometimes longer.

zahur
Grow With Me

Last Update: September 29, 2025