Also known as Chinese Lychee · Leechee · Lichee
Lychee (Litchi chinensis) is a tropical evergreen tree grown for its fragrant, sweet, juicy, red-skinned fruit with translucent white flesh.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun Preferred
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruiting.
Consistent Moisture Needed
75% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist but not saturated, especially during fruiting.
Well-drained, sandy loam
50% intensity
Warm Tropical Climate
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 24-30°C. Protect from frost; temperatures below 4°C can damage the tree.
Regular Feeding
50% intensity
Balanced fertilizer in spring and early summer, with micronutrients for mature trees.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Lychees require consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. Water deeply when the top 5-7 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly during the cooler, drier dormant period to encourage flowering.
Prune lychees primarily to shape young trees and remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light pruning can be done after harvest to maintain tree health and encourage fruit production.
Avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce fruiting potential for the following season.
Lychees are typically propagated by air layering or grafting. Air layering involves rooting a section of a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant.
Grafting is preferred for commercial production as it ensures true-to-type fruit and faster maturity.
Young lychee trees grown in containers should be repotted every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring before the active growing season begins.
Avoid disturbing the root ball excessively.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Lychee (Litchi chinensis)
Where Lychee (Litchi chinensis) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Litchi |
| Species | Litchi chinensis |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
