Who doesn’t love a good mango? They’re easily one of the most popular fruits out there—delicious, sweet, and packed with nutrients. But did you know you can actually grow your own gorgeous mango tree right in your living room? In this post, I’ll walk you through how to turn this tropical superfood into a stunning houseplants.
Where Mangos Come From
Since mangos are native to tropical and subtropical regions, they’re big fans of warm weather and high humidity. Asia is the heavy hitter here, producing about 75 percent of the world’s mangos. But because they’re grown on almost every continent these days, it’s pretty much always harvest season somewhere. That’s great news for us, because it means you can find ripe mangos at the grocery store year-round. Some of the most common varieties you’ll run into are:
- Haden
- Keitt
- Kent
- King
- Manila Super Mango
- Nam Dok Mai
Growing a Mango Tree at Home
If you’re looking for mango seeds at your local garden center, you’re probably going to come up empty-handed. They just aren’t a standard item in most shops. But don’t worry—you don’t need to spend hours scouring the internet for seeds! You can grow a tree right from the pit of a store-bought mango. Just grab a nice, ripe fruit from the supermarket and enjoy it.
Once you’re done snacking, clean every bit of the fruit off the husk. Carefully use a sharp tool to pop the husk open and reveal the actual seed inside. Let it dry out for a few weeks, then plant it in some good quality potting soil. Make sure to choose a fairly large pot right away; mango trees grow long taproots and need plenty of legroom. Keep the soil consistently moist and cover the pot with some plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse. Place it somewhere warm, and you should see a sprout popping up before you know it!
Now, a quick heads-up: since we aren’t in the tropics, your indoor mango tree likely won’t produce fruit. The temperature difference is just too big compared to its natural habitat. It also won’t reach its massive natural height indoors. However, after about two years, you’ll have a lush, beautiful tropical plant that adds a great vibe to your home.
Why Mangos are Awesome
Mangos aren’t just tasty; they’re incredibly good for you. Even though they’re sweet, they’re a healthy choice you can feel good about. They’re loaded with Vitamins B, C, and E, plus folic acid, making them a total powerhouse for your immune system. And here’s a fun tip: your furry friends can get in on the action, too! A little bit of mango makes a fantastic healthy snack or reward for your dog.
