Mango
mangifera indica
Also known as: ["Alphonso","Haden","Kent","Keitt","Tommy Atkins"]
Overview
A large evergreen tree native to South Asia, widely cultivated for its sweet, fleshy fruit.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus: | Mangifera |
| Botanical Name: | Mangifera indica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in tropical or subtropical regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–45°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only in very dry conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loam with organic matter. A mix of compost, sand, and topsoil works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually, after fruiting or in late winter/early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on tree size and age.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Adjust for young plants or newly transplanted trees to avoid sunburn.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate young trees gradually to full sun. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Indoor plants require a south-facing window or supplemental grow lights.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate the plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–14 days, depending on climate and soil moisture
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Test soil pH annually; avoid compacted soil; ensure good aeration.
Temperature
Optimal range: 24–30°C (75–86°F). Tolerates 10–40°C (50–104°F) but thrives in warm, tropical conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; maintain humidity in dry heat.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth, with balanced fertilizer
Fertilize after pruning; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; water before applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or grafting. Grafting is preferred for preserving desirable fruit traits.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select a healthy stem.
- Cut below a node.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (24–30°C), humid (70–80%), and partially shaded conditions.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand. For grafting, use a rootstock of similar diameter.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks. Grafted trees can bear fruit in 2–4 years.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bag or propagator, rooting medium.
Quick Tips
Use disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective branch removal, heading back, and thinning to improve structure and light penetration.
Pruning Plan
Shape the tree, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage fruiting branches. Prune after harvest to avoid reducing yield.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove crossing branches; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter.
Method
Remove the plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a new pot with fresh soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot young trees every 2–3 years to refresh soil and accommodate growth. Mature trees may only need repotting every 4–5 years.
Checklist
Check root bound status; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season (spring and summer), reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix sand or perlite for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or bud abortion in cold; wilting, leaf scorch, or sunburn in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, reduce flowering/fruiting, and can cause leaf drop or dieback in severe cases.
Solution: Protect with frost cloth or mulch in cold snaps. Avoid planting in frost-prone areas. Use heat lamps or move potted trees indoors.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, reduced photosynthesis, and premature fruit drop.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering, and use mulch to retain soil moisture. Ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH; follow label instructions; fertilize during active growth; flush soil occasionally.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced (10-10-10) slow-release fertilizer in spring and mid-summer. Dilute liquid fertilizers to half-strength for young trees. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large amounts of mango skin. The sap can cause skin irritation due to urushiol.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities or if skin comes into contact with sap
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large amounts of mango skin. The sap can cause skin irritation due to urushiol.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities or if skin comes into contact with sap
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe sap and skin of Mangifera indica contain urushiol, a compound that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Ingestion of large quantities may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities or if skin comes into contact with sap
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take for a mango tree to bear fruit?
A: Typically, a mango tree takes 3–5 years to bear fruit from seed, while grafted trees may fruit within 2–3 years.
Q: Are mango leaves edible?
A: While mango leaves are not typically consumed, they are used in traditional medicine and can cause mild toxicity if ingested in large quantities.
Q: What are the common diseases affecting mango trees?
A: Common diseases include anthracnose, powdery mildew, and bacterial black spot, which can affect leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Anacardiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–14 days, depending o |
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