It can be fun and satisfying to grow a mango tree from leaves, but keep in mind that you might not be successful. But here are some things you can do to improve your chances of success:
Things you’ll need:
- Fresh mango leaves (pick leaves that are healthy and green from a full-grown mango tree).
- Potting mix (well-draining and heavy in organic matter).
- Seedling boxes or pots made of plastic.
- Make sure the bags or wrap are clear.
- Use string or rubber bands.
- A spray bottle with water in it.
- It should be warm, bright, and get filtered sunlight.
- Be patient.
What to do:
- Picking Leaves:
- Pick mango leaves that are healthy from a tree that is fully grown. Make sure they don’t have any bugs or diseases.
2. Get pots or trays ready:
- Put potting mix that drains well into plastic pots or seedling boxes. Make sure that the buckets have holes in the bottom so that water can drain out.
3. Getting the leaves ready:
- Cut the stems of each mango leaf down to about 2 to 3 inches long.
- Cut or slit the leaf just below where the stem was connected. This will help roots grow faster.
4. Put the Leaves Down:
- Make sure the cut or slit in the end of each leaf is covered when you mix the soil and the leaves.
- Leave some room between the leaves you plant in the same pot or tray.
5. Cover and Enclose:
- Put clear plastic bags or plastic wrap over the pots or trays to make the air more wet.
- To make a small greenhouse, tie the bags together or wrap them in rubber bands or twine.
6. Keep the pots or trays in a warm, bright place with indirect sunlight to keep the humidity up.
- Avoid direct sunlight because it can make the plants too hot and hurt the young ones.
- To keep the humidity up, spray water from the spray bottle inside the plastic bags or wrap them up.
7. Patience and observation:
- It can take weeks or months for mango leaves to grow roots and shoots. Wait for them and check on them often.
- Make sure the potting mix stays damp but not soggy all the time.
8. Transporting:
- When the mango leaves have formed roots and shoots and are a good size (a few inches tall), you can move them to bigger pots or, if the weather is right, straight into the ground.
9. Care for Young Plants:
- As your young mango plants grow, keep giving them the right amount of air, water, and care. Slowly get them used to being in strong sunlight.
- It’s important to remember that not all mango leaves will grow new plants, so be patient and reasonable in what you expect. Another more effective way to grow mango trees is to start them from seeds or grafts.