Who doesn’t love a juicy mango? But did you know that beyond being a delicious snack, the mango tree is actually a total favorite for home gardeners? If you’ve ever wanted to grow your own tropical oasis, you’re in luck. All it takes is one ripe mango to get started. Here’s how to turn that leftover pit into a beautiful houseplant.
Prepping the Pit
First things first: head to the store and pick out a perfectly ripe mango. A ripe fruit is key because it ensures the seed inside is fully developed and ready to grow. Go ahead and enjoy the fruit first (guilt-free!), but save that pit! Once you’re done eating, give the pit a good scrub to remove any leftover fruit flesh.
From here, you’ve got two ways to go about it. The first method is the “patience approach”: soak the entire pit in water for a few days, then plant it whole in some seed-starting soil. It’ll usually start sprouting in a few weeks.
The second method requires a bit more of a steady hand. Carefully crack open the hard outer shell with a dull knife or pliers to reveal the actual seed inside. Place this seed in your potting mix and cover it with just a thin layer of soil. Since these are tropical plants, they love warmth—aim for around 77°F (25°C). A sunny spot near a heater works great! Mist the soil daily with rainwater or filtered tap water. To really mimic that tropical humidity, try stretching some plastic wrap over the top of the pot to create a mini greenhouse.
Choosing the Right Pot
One thing you should know about mango trees is that they love to stretch their legs—or rather, their roots. They grow long taproots very quickly. To save yourself some trouble, I recommend starting with a large, deep pot right away. This helps you avoid frequent repotting, which is great because mango roots are super sensitive; if they get damaged during a move, the whole plant might struggle. Also, make sure your pot has excellent drainage. When growing a mango, “wet feet” (standing water) is the quickest way to run into root rot.
Quick Checklist: Sprouting Your Mango
Getting a mango to sprout is pretty straightforward if you follow these two methods. It takes a little bit of finesse, but with this checklist, you’ll be well on your way to owning your very own exotic indoor tree:
- Always start with a fully ripe mango.
- Option 1: Soak and plant the entire pit.
- Option 2: Carefully remove the inner seed from the shell and plant it in substrate.
- Pick a pot that’s big enough for long-term growth.
- Whatever you do, make sure the soil drains well to avoid standing water!
