Mango trees need 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water every 1–2 weeks. A young mango plant will need more frequent watering than a mature tree. Supplemental watering is especially important during the first 2 years of growth even during the rainy season. Water mango trees every 2–3 days for the first 2 years. For a mature mango tree, only water once per week. These amounts will ensure quality mango growth.
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How Much Water Do Mango Trees Need Per Day?
Mango trees need varying amounts of water depending on the age of the tree. Mango seedlings and juvenile trees need to be watered every 2–3 days for the first 2 years. Mature mango trees only need to be watered once a week. No matter what age the mango tree is, the amount of water stays the same: 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water over the course of the week.
- Mango trees do not need daily watering.
- Mangos need 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week.
- For mango trees less than 2 years old, supply 1 inch of water spread over 2–3 weekly watering sessions.
- For a mature mango tree (over 2 years old), supply 1 inch of water in a once-weekly watering session.
One thing to keep in mind is that how much you water your mango will change depending on rain patterns. Mangoes need to be watered even when it is rainy but they will need less water than normal. Be sure to invest in a simple rain gauge to track how much water your plant is getting to know how much more water it needs. This rain gauge in particular is affordable and simple to use.
How Do You Water Mango Trees?
When watering mangos, it’s important to thoroughly soak the taproot and then let the soil dry out. Depending on climate conditions and the size of the tree, this can require different volumes of water. The key is to make sure that the root zone is soaked without the soil becoming waterlogged. This will ensure optimum growth.
- Water with a soaker hose or watering can to allow the water to really soak into the soil.
- You want to soak the mango taproot without waterlogging the soil.
- Stop watering if water begins to pool on the soil surface.
Use a soaker hose or large watering can to soak your tree’s roots. Let the soaker hose run on a low setting if using that. Be sure to take frequent breaks while watering to make sure the soil is draining sufficiently. If the water begins to pool, stop watering at once. Make sure your tree is planted somewhere with plenty of access to direct sunlight to help eliminate excess moisture. Sunlight exposure helps to evaporate excess water and dry out excess moisture quickly.
Do Mango Trees Like Wet or Dry Soil?
Most varieties of mangoes prefer moist soil but they tolerate dry soil better than wet soil. This is because mangos developed in a tropical climate that alternates between rainy and dry seasons. Thus, mangoes need a lot of water, they are used to it draining quickly and then staying dry for a while. Sandy soil is the key to excellent drainage. Wet, swampy, or waterlogged soil is highly damaging to the root ball.
- Mango trees prefer slightly moist soil.
- Your mango tree will tolerate dry soil better than wet soil.
- Make sure your mango tree has well-draining, fertile soil.
The root of the mango tree needs air flow and circulation. Too much water can drown the tap root which will kill your tree over time. Be sure that your soil is dry at least 3 inches (7.5 cm) below the soil surface before you water again. This will help prevent overly wet soil.
Can You Overwater a Mango Tree?
The most common mistake most mango growers make is overwatering their trees. Mangos need frequent watering when young but they are not thirsty plants. So, young mango trees need frequent, small amounts of water. It can be hard for amateurs to gauge that level. Here are some signs of overwatering to watch out for:
- Water pools on the soil surface
- Loss of green leaf coloring or halted leaf production
- Issues with mango fruit development
- Failure to bloom
- Limbs and foliage become fragile
- Root rot and fungal disease in extreme cases
It’s important that you give your mango cultivar time between waterings for the water to drain. A healthy mango tree doesn’t require as much water as many people assume. Even if your soil is dry at a depth of 1 inch (2.5 cm), you’re probably closer to overwatering than your plant would prefer.
How Do You Know If a Mango Tree Needs Water?
Underwatered mango trees are recognizable by their discoloring leaves (yellow leaves), leaf drop, and wilting frame. You may also notice the soil around an underwatered mango plant cracking due to dryness. A good way to tell that it’s time to water is to see if the top 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) of soil are dry to the touch. If they are, it is time to water again. Also, watch out for the soil drying too much due to excess sunlight and heat during the summer season.
- It’s time to water when the top 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) of soil are dry to the touch.
- Yellowing mango leaves are a sign the tree needs water.
- Consider using mulch to control the soil moisture around your tree.
If you are worried about your tree drying out too quickly, it may be worth using organic matter as mulch. This will help soil moisture retention and prevent your tree from drying out too quickly. Sugarcane or pea straw make especially good mulches for most types of mangos. Organic mulches have been proven to be beneficial to growing fruit trees.
Mango Tree Water Requirements
Mango trees require frequent watering but not a lot of water in most cases. While they do need a higher volume of water while young, 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week should suffice. Here are a few key tips to watering a mango tree:
- Provide mature trees with 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water once per week.
- Water seedlings and juvenile trees every 2–3 days, adding up to 1 inch of water per week.
- Mango trees prefer slightly moist soil but tolerate dry soil better than wet soil.
- You can easily overwater a mango tree since they hate wet soil.
- Be sure to let mango tree roots dry out between waterings to simulate the rain cycles of their native habitats.
- Your mango tree needs more water when the soil is dry 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) below the soil surface.
Mangos are amazing tropical fruits that grow great over most of the United States. You’ll find that they’re pretty easy to maintain once you try growing one yourself. It’s even worth growing dwarf mango trees in containers if you feel your garden just isn’t right for them!
