Mangoes are famous for being delicious and super healthy, so it’s no surprise that more and more plant parents want to bring a little tropical vibe into their living rooms. Growing your own mango tree is actually way easier than you might think! With a few simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to success.
Why Grow a Mango Tree?
I’ll be honest with you: unless you live in the tropics, you probably won’t be harvesting homegrown mangoes anytime soon. Our climate is just too different from their natural habitat. You also won’t have to worry about the tree hitting its massive natural height—while they can soar up to 130 feet in the wild, an indoor mango tree usually tops out at a manageable six to ten feet. Even without the fruit, you’re getting a stunning, low-maintenance exotic plant that adds a great pop of green to your home.
How to Get Started
Finding mango seeds at a local garden center can be a real headache since most shops don’t carry them. But here’s the good news: the solution is right in your grocery store! You can grow a tree using the pit from a regular mango. Just pick out a nice, ripe fruit and enjoy the snack. Once you’re done, clean all the pulp off the pit and let it soak in water for a week or two. After that, it’s ready to go into some good potting soil.
Another method is to carefully pry open the hard outer husk with a dull knife or a similar tool. You just want to create a small gap—be super careful not to nick the actual seed inside! Once opened, plant the seed upright in some seedling starter soil. Leave about an inch of the seed poking out above the dirt. If you keep it happy, you should see it start to sprout in about three to four weeks.
Keeping Your Mango Tree Happy
Your little mango tree needs a warm, bright spot to really thrive. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. If you can, use rainwater or filtered water, as these trees (especially the young ones) can be a bit sensitive to the lime found in tap water. Also, make sure you start with a pretty deep pot right away—mangoes are known for growing long taproots. Pro tip: cover the pot with some plastic wrap to create a mini-greenhouse effect and keep the humidity high.
Quick Summary
- Use the pit from a ripe mango
- Clean off all the fruit flesh thoroughly
- Soak the pit before planting
- Alternative: Carefully open the husk and plant the inner seed
- Use high-quality potting soil
- Choose a large, deep pot
- Keep the soil moist
- Find a bright, warm spot for your new friend
