Q: I bought a mango tree for my husband for
Christmas, and we are having kind of a butting of heads on how to take care of it.
I personally feel that he has over-watered and over-fertilized. Any advice
how to take care of a mango tree in winter?
A: We're happy to help you with your mango tree.
It sounds like you're facing some common issues, and we'll guide you through
the best care practices, especially for winter.
Watering.
During winter, mango trees need minimal watering. Overwatering can cause
root rot, especially when temperatures are low. Water the tree only when the
soil feels dry about 2 inches deep.
Fertilizing.
Avoid feeding in the winter with dry fertilizer. It may cause root burn,
plus encourages new growth that is more susceptible to cold damage. Wait until
spring when the weather warms up to resume heavy feeding your tree. You can
continue using Sunshine Boosters natural liquid fertilizers - Sunshine Mango Tango: it is safe to apply year around since its intake
is regulated by reduced water, and only the necessary amount of essential
elements will be delivered.
Temperature Protection. Mango trees are sensitive to cold. If you live in a region with
freezing temperatures, move your mango tree indoors or to a sheltered location like
a garage with a bright light source. If it's in a small container, consider
bringing it inside for the winter.
Sunlight. Ensure the tree gets as much sunlight as possible. If indoors, place it
near a South-facing window where it can soak up the sun during the day.
Check for Pests. Winter can bring pests indoors. Regularly inspect the tree for any
signs of insect problems around the leaves and stems.
By following these guidelines, your mango tree will be healthier and
better prepared for the next growing season.
Why my Lychee tree is not producing fruit and why I can't grow a Lychee tree from a seed? Practical advice on propagation and harvest- for the previous post
Propagation and mycorrhiza
Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and plant roots. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.
Why my Lychee tree is not producing fruit and why I cant grow a Lychee tree from a seed?
Lychee tree in a pot, Litchi chinensis
Lychee tree in a pot with fruit, Litchi chinensis
Lychee tree in a pot, Litchi chinensis
Lychee tree, Litchi chinensis
😡 Why my Lychee tree is not producing fruit and why I can't grow a Lychee tree from a seed?
Practical advice on propagation and harvest- for the previous post 👆
🍑 Propagation and mycorrhiza
💋 Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and plant roots. In a Lychee orchard, mycorrhiza plays a crucial role by enhancing the nutrient uptake of lychee trees, particularly phosphorus, leading to better growth and fruit production, especially in soils with low phosphorus availability.
💋Lychee trees are typically propagated by air layering, as they cannot be propagated effectively by seeds or grafting.
💋Lychee seedlings do not grow well because they require a special mycorrhizal environment that, in nature, is only provided under a mature mother tree. This dependency on mycorrhiza explains why lychee seedlings lack vigor and cannot serve as rootstocks for grafting.
💋If you have tried growing lychee from seed, you may have noticed that the seedling, after reaching a few inches in height, often stops growing or even shows signs of retarded growth. This is a clear indication of a lack of mycorrhiza.
💋The easiest way to have a healthy, productive Lychee tree, is to obtain a quality, air-layered tree from a reputable source.
🍑 Alternate Bearing in Lychee Trees
💋 Lychee trees often produce fruit every other year due to "alternate bearing", where the tree focuses on a heavy crop one year, leaving less energy for fruiting the next.
💋This cycle is influenced by weather, tree variety, and how flower buds develop alongside the current year's fruit. For example, "Mauritius" trees may bear fruit annually, while "Brewster" trees may produce a good crop only every 3-4 years.
By considering these factors and providing appropriate care, you can enjoy the beauty and bounty of a lychee tree in your garden.
How to grow a Lychee tree and have a reliable crop How to grow a Lychee tree and have a reliable crop. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.
How to grow a Lychee tree and have a reliable crop
Lychee fruit on a tree, Litchi chinensis
Lychee tree in a pot with fruit, Litchi chinensis
Lychee tree with fruit, Litchi chinensis
Lychee fruit, Litchi chinensis
🧳 How to grow a Lychee tree and have a reliable crop. Practical Guide to Growing Lychee.
🍑 Lychee (Litchi chinensis) is a tropical evergreen tree renowned for its delicious, aromatic fruit. Native to southern China, lychee trees can reach heights of up to 40 feet and are prized for their attractive foliage and bountiful fruit clusters.
🍑 Important factors to consider when planting a Lychee tree
💋Climate: Lychee trees thrive in tropical and subtropical climates with warm, humid summers and cool, dry winters. They require a period of winter chilling (100-200 hours between 32F and 45F) to induce flowering. Mature trees can tolerate temperatures as low as 25F, but young trees are susceptible to frost damage.
💋Sunlight: Plant lychee trees in full sun to ensure vigorous growth and optimal fruit production. They require at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
💋Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soils rich in organic matter are ideal. Avoid heavy clay soils or areas prone to waterlogging, as lychee trees are susceptible to root rot.
💋Spacing: Ensure adequate space for the tree's mature size by planting at least 20 feet away from other trees or structures.
🍑 When and how do you harvest lychee fruit?
💋Lychee trees typically begin to produce reliably after 3-5 years, with the fruit ripening in early summer.
💋Timing: Wait until the fruit's skin turns bright red or pink, indicating full ripeness. Lychees do not ripen off the tree, so it's essential to harvest at the right time.
💋Method: Use pruning shears to cut entire clusters, leaving a short stem attached to each fruit to prolong freshness. Handle the fruit gently to avoid bruising.
💋Post-Harvest: Consume fresh lychees within a few days or store them in the refrigerator to extend shelf life. The skin may darken when refrigerated, but the fruit's quality remains unaffected.
🍑 How to grow a Lychee tree?
💋Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. However, avoid overwatering, as lychee trees are sensitive to waterlogged conditions. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
💋Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to support healthy growth and fruit development. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can inhibit flowering. Sunshine Boosters C-Cibus - natural liquid fertilizer - is the best choice, and is safe to use with every watering year around.
💋Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead or diseased branches and shape the tree to maintain its structure. Pruning after harvest can encourage new growth.
🍑 More practical advice on propagation and harvest in next post 👇
How to protect tropical plants in Winter How to protect tropical plants in Winter Winter Care Tips for Tropical Plants Cut watering: Reduce watering to prevent root rot. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.
How to protect tropical plants in Winter
🥶 How to protect tropical plants in Winter
🧤 Winter Care Tips for Tropical Plants
· Cut watering: Reduce watering to prevent root rot. Cold + wet = dead roots.
· Water before frost: Thirsty plants are more vulnerable. Water them before a cold night to prevent damage.
· Wind protection: Wind is more harmful than temperature drops. Plant near structures like houses or trees for shelter.
· Prepare for long cold periods: If cold weather lasts for hours, use all available protection, including Christmas lights and propane heaters.
· Don't use dry fertilizer in winter: Heavy fertilizing encourages tender growth, which is more susceptible to cold damage. Sunshine Boosters liquid fertilizers are safe to use year around as their intake is controlled by reduced watering.
· Use fabric covers, not plastic: Plastic can cook plants in the sun, while fabric allows better ventilation.
🧤 Prepare for Cold Nights:
· Wrap plants: On cold nights, cover individual plants or trees with sheets or blankets to shield them from wind chill.
· Use Christmas lights: A simple string of lights can add extra warmth, protecting your plants during frosty nights.
· Use propane heaters: For added warmth in a larger area, place a propane heater near your plants. Make sure to follow safety guidelines and keep the heater at a safe distance from flammable materials. This can help maintain a few extra degrees of warmth, especially in more open garden spaces or temporary greenhouses. Always ensure proper ventilation to avoid harmful gas buildup.
· Affordable winter greenhouse: For large plant collections, you don't need an expensive greenhouse. A mobile carport with plastic or fabric covering, costing around $200, can house up to 100 plants!
🧤Key Factors for Survival:
· Cold duration: Tropical plants can survive brief cold spells but long durations, even above freezing, can be deadly.
· Wind-chill: Wind chill can be harsher than the temperature itself.
· Exposure: Southern-facing slopes hold heat longer, making them ideal for your plants.
· Humidity: Proximity to lakes or oceans can create a milder micro-climate.
· Gradual temperature Drops are safer. Plants adjust better to slow temperature changes than sudden cold blasts. Gradual cooling allows plants to prepare, reducing the risk of damage.
🧤Strengthen Plant Hardiness:
· Health and maturity: Well-established, healthy plants are more cold-hardy.
· Boost plant immunity: Use products like SUNSHINE-Epi to improve cold resistance. Apply it before and during cold snaps to protect your plants.
· Healthy plant is hardy. Make sure to fertilize your plants on regular basis - healthier and stronger plants are more cold hardy
What are these beautiful trees blooming right now? If you happen to be in Florida during Winter months, you must have noticed Orchid trees in full bloom, and the most beautiful of them - Bauhinia blakeana - Hong Kong Orchid Tree. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.
What are these beautiful trees blooming right now?
Bauhinia blakeana - Hong Kong Orchid Tree, flowers
💌 What are these beautiful trees blooming right now?
🎈 If you happen to be in Florida during Winter months, you must have noticed Orchid trees in full bloom, and the most beautiful of them - Bauhinia blakeana - Hong Kong Orchid Tree.
How to increase libido? Cinnamon helps increase libido and reduce anxiety, - says the Nutritionist. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.
How to increase libido?
Cinnamon - Cinnamomum zeylanicum
💋 How to increase libido?
🥰 Cinnamon helps increase libido and reduce anxiety, - says the Nutritionist.
🥰 This spice also has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it is widely used in cosmetology for hair care, enhancing shine and radiance while adding elasticity.
Winter can be tough on plants, especially on tropical varieties. But with a little preparation, you can protect your garden and keep your plants safe from the cold. Here's how:
Winter Care Tips for Tropical Plants
Cut watering: Reduce watering to prevent root rot. Cold + wet = dead roots.
Water before frost: Thirsty plants are more vulnerable. Water them before a cold night to prevent damage.
Wind protection: Wind is more harmful than temperature drops. Plant near structures like houses or trees for shelter.
Prepare for long cold periods: If cold weather lasts for hours, use all available protection, including Christmas lights and propane heaters.
Don't use dry fertilizer in winter: Heavy fertilizing encourages tender growth, which is more susceptible to cold damage. Sunshine Boosters liquid fertilizers are safe to use year around as their intake is controlled by reduced watering. Use fabric covers, not plastic: Plastic can cook plants in the sun, while fabric allows better ventilation.
Photo above: we cover our plants in the nursery with a thin synthetic fabric (sintepon) called "frost cloth" or "strawberry cloth". It is light, breathable and allows light and water to go through unlike plastic that creates heavy water pockets.
Prepare for Cold Nights
Wrap plants: On cold nights, cover individual plants or trees with sheets or blankets to shield them from wind chill.
Use Christmas lights: A simple string of lights can add extra warmth, protecting your plants during frosty nights.
Use propane heaters: For added warmth in a larger area, place a propane heater near your plants. Make sure to follow safety guidelines and keep the heater at a safe distance from flammable materials. This can help maintain a few extra degrees of warmth, especially in more open garden spaces or temporary greenhouses. Always ensure proper ventilation to avoid harmful gas buildup.
Photo above: we use both propane and kerosene heaters at the nursery
Large Collections? Build a Temporary Greenhouse
Affordable winter greenhouse: For large plant collections, you don't need an expensive greenhouse. A mobile carport with plastic or fabric covering, costing around $200, can house up to 100 plants!
Photo above: Temporary wrapping around plant collection with a plastic or frost cloth protects from a windchill. It may also win you a few degrees even without a heater. In this particular case, according to our temp sensors, with 30F outside, it was 41F inside this "dome", no heaters used.
Southern Exposure and Garage Storage
Southern windowsills: Compact tropicals can thrive on southern-facing windowsills, getting plenty of sunlight during the day.
Move plants inside: If you have larger collections, move them into a well-lit garage for the colder nights or longer periods.
Photo above: using Christmas lights around plants while wrapping with frost cloth.
Key Factors for Survival
Cold duration: Tropical plants can survive brief cold spells but long durations, even above freezing, can be deadly.
Wind-chill: Wind chill can be harsher than the temperature itself.
Exposure: Southern-facing slopes hold heat longer, making them ideal for your plants.
Humidity: Proximity to lakes or oceans can create a milder micro-climate.
Gradual temperature Drops are safer. Plants adjust better to slow temperature changes than sudden cold blasts. Gradual cooling allows plants to prepare, reducing the risk of damage.
Strengthen Plant Hardiness
Health and maturity: Well-established, healthy plants are more cold-hardy. Boost plant immunity: Use products like SUNSHINE-Epi to improve cold resistance. Apply it before and during cold snaps to protect your plants. Healthy plant is hardy. Make sure to fertilize your plants on regular basis - healthier and stronger plants are more cold hardy.
With these steps, you can protect your plants and help them survive the winter months. Stay
warm and keep your garden thriving!
Podcast with Horticulturist Mark Hooten:
How to Protect Tropical Plants in Winter
What is your favorite Guava fruit for eating fresh? The sweetest and the most flavorful Cattley Guava variety is Hawaiian Gold (Yellow Pineapple Guava) - Psidium littorale var. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.
What is your favorite Guava fruit for eating fresh?
🥇 What is your favorite Guava fruit for eating fresh?
💛 The sweetest and the most flavorful Cattley Guava variety is Hawaiian Gold (Yellow Pineapple Guava) - Psidium littorale var. Lucidum. This one is our favorite for eating out of hand!
What are the Condo Mangos? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.
What are the Condo Mangos?
Mango tree with fruit
🥭 What are the Condo Mangos?A Practical Guide.
🟠 What Are Condo Mangos?
Condo Mangos, also known as dwarf mango trees, are perfect for small spaces. These trees can be grown in containers, making them ideal for balconies, greenhouses, or small suburban backyards. With proper care, they can be maintained at a manageable height of 6–10 feet through regular pruning. Some plant enthusiasts even manage growing Mango tree as an indoor plant!
🟠 The term “Condo Mango”
“Condo Mango” refers to mango varieties that thrive in containers and are small by nature, allowing them to be easily kept even smaller with selective pruning.
🟠 Size and Growth
Unlike traditional mango trees, Condo Mangos are compact. They naturally grow to around 6-10 feet, but with proper pruning, they can be kept small, making them an excellent choice for limited space.
🟠 Growing in Containers
· Condo Mango trees thrive in pots and containers.
· A 15-20 gallon pot is ideal to give the roots enough room to grow.
· Ensure your container has drainage holes to prevent root rot.
🟠 Planting Tips
· Plant Condo Mangos in full sun, where they’ll get plenty of heat and light.
· Use well-draining soil for optimal growth.
· Fertilizer regularly with quality plant food. Out best choice is Sunshine Mango Tango for edibles.
· Late Winter to early Spring is the best time to plant in containers, before the rainy season starts.
· Mangoes grow well in USDA zones 9-10, but if you live in cooler climates, you can grow them indoors or in a greenhouse, as long as you meet their heat and light needs.
🟠 Pruning and Maintenance
· Prune Condo Mango trees once a year to keep them at the desired height (6–10 feet), right after harvesting (late Summer to Fall)
· Trim the tips of the branches to maintain a compact shape and encourage healthy growth.
· Regular pruning will help keep the tree manageable and ensure better fruit production.
📝 See most popular Condo Mango varieties in the next post 👇
Condo (Dwarf)
Mango Practical Guide:
What varieties are good for container culture
or small yards
Q: "Our winters are too cold for a mango tree,
but I'd like to grow one in a pot so I can bring it inside during cold nights.
Which varieties do you recommend for container gardening? I've heard of Condo
Mango - do you carry them?"
A: Yes, we always carry Condo Mango varieties:
they are a fantastic choice for gardeners with limited space or in cooler
climates. They grow well in containers and can be easily maintained through
pruning. Whether you're growing them on a balcony, in a greenhouse, or in a
backyard, Condo Mangos provide the perfect mix of beauty and practicality.
What Are Condo Mangos?
Condo Mangos, also known as dwarf mango trees, are perfect for small
spaces. These trees can be grown in containers, making them ideal for balconies,
greenhouses, or small suburban backyards. With proper care, they can be
maintained at a manageable height of 6-10 feet through regular pruning. Some
plant enthusiasts even manage growing Mango tree as an indoor plant!
The term Condo Mango
Condo Mango refers to mango varieties that thrive in containers and are
small by nature, allowing them to be easily kept even smaller with selective
pruning.
Size and Growth
Unlike traditional mango trees, Condo Mangos are compact. They naturally
grow to around 6-10 feet, but with proper pruning, they can be kept small,
making them an excellent choice for limited space.
Growing in Containers
- Condo Mango trees thrive in pots and containers.
- A 15-20 gallon pot is ideal to give the roots enough room to grow.
- Ensure your container has drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Planting Tips
- Plant Condo Mangos in full sun, where they'll get plenty of heat and
light.
- Use well-draining soil for optimal growth.
- Fertilizer regularly with quality plant food. Out best choice is Sunshine Mango Tango for edibles.
- Late Winter to early Spring is the best time to plant in containers,
before the rainy season starts.
- Mangoes grow well in USDA zones 9-10, but if you live in cooler climates,
you can grow them indoors or in a greenhouse, as long as you meet their heat
and light needs.
Pruning and Maintenance
- Prune Condo Mango trees once a year to keep them at the desired height
(6-10 feet), right after harvesting (late Summer to Fall)
- Trim the tips of the branches to maintain a compact shape and encourage
healthy growth.
- Regular pruning will help keep the tree manageable and ensure better
fruit production.
