Question
Mango plants
Hi, I bought some mangos (asian I think, they are the orange/yellow colored ones that are shaped like a teardrop), and decided to research how to grow a mango tree. I know about the crossbreeding causing a problem with the plant I get from this seed, but I did it anyway.
After cleaning it and drying it for one day, I cracked the shell of the seed open just down the front side of the seed (to give it a way to grow out easier), planted several in soil, put the little pot out on the balcony and watered it, not expecting any to actually grow.
To my surprise, One grew, then another, then a third!! The rest didn't, but that's okay I'm happy with these. The only downside is that the red color on their stems and the reddish brown leaves have now all greened, and I really hoped they would stay that color!
Anyhow, I know this pot is WAY TOO SMALL for these seedlings, but seeing as I planted them about one month and a half ago, is it a terrible time to repot them, or should I do it??
Also, I have NO idea why, but wild mushrooms just keep coming out of the soil these are in!! like LOTS!!! I ALWAYS pull them out on sight, but my question is, is this normal? And why is this happening? Could it be all the seeds that didn't grow, or?
I have been fertilizing them with a 19-31-17 powder fertilizer I have at less than 1/2 strength one watering, and then I water it twice with pure water (I water once daily). Is this okay? The only other fertilizer I have is 14-7-7 which isn't good (it's for leafy houseplants), but if I should buy a different one, which do I get?
I live in Toronto Canada, and have EXCRUCIATINGLY HOT weather now, daytime temps are 30 C or 86 F, and with humidex (what it FEELS like) is 38 C or 100 F; night time temps are 20 C or 68 F. They are in my west-facing balcony. I plan to bring them indoors for the winter, or when it cools down in the fall.
Please let me know what you think I should do to keep these plants growing, and maybe even get them to fruit someday (hey, you never know, it MIGHT taste good)!
Thank you for your time and care!
AnswerHi Sophia, good for you! you accomplished the toughest part and that is germination, now you do need to separate them into separate containers with a "new" sterilized potting mix, the mushroom spores are in the soil that you are presently using , hence the continual popping up of mushrooms; when you transplant, make certain that you scoop the entire soil ball surrounding the seedling, without disturbing the seedling itself, this should be easy enough if the soil is damp. Don't be too concerned with fertilizer at this point, use "miracle-grow potting mix" this will give the little fellas all they need to eat for the time being. Full Sun once they are acclimated is the ticket for them and don't allow the soil to be dry for too long, keep it somewhat damp with a good drainage medium at the bottom of the containers (ie: pebbles, gravel etc.)mist the leaves frequently in the morning to imitate humidity, for they are "tropical" and need that. Now for the bad news, don't expect them to fruit for you, they really need to be in the ground in a place like Florida or the Carribean LOL!....but you can expect a nice looking plant if you do your best to simulate tropical surroundings. Nick
