Mango
Also known as
Mango tree, Indian mango, Common mango, Aam, Mangga, Manga
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
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Mangifera indica, commonly known as mango, is a long-lived, evergreen fruit tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It forms a dense, rounded canopy with a strong central trunk and leathery, lanceolate leaves that flush copper-red when young before maturing glossy green. In late winter to spring, erect panicles bear hundreds of tiny, fragrant, mostly male flowers, a fraction of which set fruit. The ripened drupes vary widely among cultivars in size, shape, fiber content, and flavor, surrounding a single large, flattened seed. Mango tolerates seasonal drought, thrives in deep, well-drained, slightly acidic soils, and develops a vigorous taproot with extensive lateral roots. While typically a large landscape tree, dwarf cultivars and grafted specimens can be trained in containers with regular pruning. Mango is culturally and economically important across the tropics, valued for fresh fruit, beverages, preserves, wood, and shade. Sap can be irritating to sensitive skin, and flowers and leaves may attract pollinators and occasional pests.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Mango
Water
Water deeply and then allow the top 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) of soil to dry before the next irrigation. Young or containerized trees need more frequent watering; aim for evenly moist but never waterlogged media. In hot weather, check moisture every few days; in cool months, reduce frequency. Use a soak-to-drain approach and empty saucers promptly. Established in-ground trees tolerate short droughts; brief pre-bloom dryness can encourage flowering, but do not allow prolonged wilting or soil compaction.
Light
Provide full sun for best growth and fruiting: at least 6–8+ hours of direct light daily. Outdoors, plant in an open, unshaded site. Indoors or in greenhouses, place at a south-facing exposure and supplement with high-output grow lights (400–800 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD) if needed. Gradually acclimate plants moved from shade to sun to prevent leaf scorch. Insufficient light reduces flowering, increases legginess, and encourages disease by slowing leaf drying after irrigation.
Nutrients
Feed during active growth (spring through late summer). Young trees benefit from a balanced, slow‑release citrus/fruit tree formula (e.g., NPK around 8‑3‑9) with micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, B). Apply lightly but regularly: monthly for container plants; 2–3 times per season for in‑ground trees. Reduce nitrogen as trees approach flowering; emphasize potassium and calcium to support bloom and fruit quality. Keep chloride low and avoid over‑salting. Supplement with composted organic matter and mulch to improve soil biology and moisture retention.
Temperature
Mango thrives in warm, frost-free climates: ideal daytime 24–35°C (75–95°F) with nights above 13°C (55°F). Brief dips to 4–7°C (40–45°F) may stunt flowers and young flushes; freezing causes severe damage. Provide heat during cold snaps for containers, and shelter from desiccating winds. High summer heat is tolerated if roots are mulched and watered. A slightly cooler, drier period in late winter can induce flowering in many cultivars, but sustained cold or wet conditions increase disease pressure.
