How to Grow Chayote as a Houseplant

Choose a location for the chayote that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight. A spot in front of a large, south-facing window may provide enough direct sunlight. A fluorescent grow light suspended 6 to 12 inches above the plant provides additional light if necessary. Use one warm and one cool 40-watt bulb for broad-spectrum light.

Set the container in or near where its final location. The container is heavy and difficult to move after the chayote is planted. Set the trellis vertically in the container’s back if it is the type of trellis that is inserted into the soil within the container. A trellis structure may also set up directly behind or next to the container if preferred.

Fill the container two-thirds full of soil-based potting mix. Water the potting mix until it is thoroughly wet. Set the entire chayote fruit in the container’s center. Place the wide end down on the soil with the stem facing up. Fill in around the chayote with potting mix until the soil is even with the fruit’s top. Water it again until the newly added potting mix is moist. Add more potting mix if it settles to below the top of the fruit.

Do not water it again until it begins growing stems and leaves. Keep the soil at a minimum temperature of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Chayote is a tropical plant that does not thrive in cooler temperatures. Place a warming mat beneath the container if necessary keeping the soil warm. Leave the grow light on for 12 to 16 hours each day if the chayote is not receiving six to eight hours of direct, natural sunlight. Do not leave the grow light on 24 hours a day. Chayote needs about eight hours of darkness.

Water the chayote when the top of the soil is dry after it begins growing. Use room-temperature water and irrigate it in the morning. Fertilize it with compost tea, liquid fish emulsion or liquid seaweed every two weeks immediately after watering.

Train the chayote stems to grow on the trellis when they become long enough to reach it by simply laying the stems on or just beneath it. They should quickly take hold and grow along the trellis unaided. Pollinate the chayote flowers by hand when the vine blooms if fruit is desired. Brush each flower lightly with a small paintbrush.