Litchi is a tropical fruit tree native to the Guangdong and Fujian provinces of southern China, where it is called "the king of fruits". The tree produces a small, red fruit with a large stone in the center. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and fragrant. Litchi is a popular fruit in Asia and is often eaten fresh or made into juices and syrups. The fruit is also used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Related plant:
Litchi Tree
About soil condition, litchi is not too demanding and is suitable for various types of soils, from sandy to clayey. However, this fruit tree prefers a deep, loose and well-drained soil, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Litchi trees are also rather drought resistant, but young plants will benefit from regular watering during the first few years after planting.
Like the other fruits, litchis need sunlight to grow. Litchis need about six hours of direct sunlight each day to produce fruit. If you live in an area with less sunlight, you can still grow litchis, but you may not get as many fruits.
The temperature condition for storing litchi is important to maintain. If the temperature is too high, the litchi will rot. If the temperature is too low, the litchi will not ripe. The ideal temperature for storing litchi is around 10 to 15 degree Celsius.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 65% to 75%.For best results, keep the soil moist but not soggy. Allow the topsoil to dry out a bit between watering. too much or too little water can cause the fruit to drop from the plant.
Mentioning fertilizer, this type of plant need more water and minerals than other plants, so we have to give them more attention when we take care of them. The roots of the litchi are very important to the plant. If the roots are not healthy, the plant will not be able to get the nutrients it needs to survive.
Pruning is an important part of litchi plant care. It helps to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape. You can prune your litchi plant in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. To prune, simply cut back any branches that are growing too long or out of shape.
Propagation Litchi trees are commonly propagated by air layering, although rooting of softwood cuttings taken from the tips of branches is also practiced. Litchi trees are tolerant of a wide range of soils but prefer a deep, well drained and slightly acidic soil. They are also drought and wind tolerant but do not tolerate water logging.
Usually, the plant growth rate during the daytime. The average temperature for proper growth is about 25 degrees Celsius. Growth rate is also influenced by the amount of sunlight and water the plant receives. If the plant does not receive enough water, the growth rate will be slower. Litchi typically takes three to four years to reach full maturity.
Common problems for this kind of plant are browning of leaves, flower and fruit drop, and poor fruit quality. Browning of leaves is mostly due to water stress or nutrient deficiency. Flower and fruit drop is mainly due to water stress. Poor fruit quality is often due to incorrect fertilizer application or poor pollination.
Source:
(PDF) Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) Products and ... - Academia.edu
Litchi Tomato: Trap Crop for Globodera pallida control
Litchi, the Unlucky Fruit: What does the Evidence Say?
