How to Grow Mango Trees from Cuttings in Water: A Step by Step Guide

Materials you will need:

1. Mango cuttings:  Choose healthy mango cuttings with at least two or more nodes. Nodes are where leaves and stems grow. The cuttings should be about 10 to 12 inches long.
2. Sharp knife or shears:  For making clean cuts on mango branches.
3. Paper towels or tissue paper:  to encourage root formation.
4. Container with water:  A clean, clear container to hold the cuttings as they develop roots. A glass or plastic container is fine.
5. Soft water:  Use clean water at room temperature.
6. Indirect sunlight:  Find a location with bright, indirect sunlight.
7. Well-draining potting mix:  for transplanting rooted cuttings into pots.

Step by step guide:

1. Select and prepare mango cuttings:
   • Choose healthy, disease-free branches of a mature mango tree. Each cut should have at least two or more knots.
   • Using a sharp knife or shears, make a clean cut at the bottom of each cutting, just below a node. This is where the roots will develop.
2. Remove bark and apply paper towels:
   • Carefully remove a small section of bark from the bottom 1 to 2 inches of the cutting. This exposed area will encourage root formation.
   • Wrap the exposed area with a couple of layers of damp paper towels or tissue paper. This helps keep the area moist and encourages root growth.
3. Place cuttings in water:
   • Fill a clean container with room temperature water.
   • Dip the prepared mango cuttings into the water. Make sure at least one or two nodes are under water.
4. Change the water regularly:
   • Change the water every few days to avoid stagnation and the growth of algae and bacteria. Use fresh water at room temperature every time.
5. Provide adequate light and heat:
   • Place the container with the cuttings in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can heat the water and damage the cuttings.
   • Maintain a warm, consistent temperature, as mangoes prefer warm conditions for rooting.
6. Wait for the roots to develop:
   • It may take several weeks to several months for roots to begin to form. Be patient and keep an eye on the progress.
7. Transplanting rooted cuttings:
   • Once the roots are a few inches long and appear healthy, carefully remove the cuttings from the water.
   • Plant each rooted cutting in a separate pot filled with well-draining potting soil. Make sure the planting depth is such that the rooted part is below the soil surface.
8. Care of Transplanted Mango Trees:
   • Place the potted mango cuttings in a location with indirect sunlight.
   • Water them regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
   • As mango trees grow, gradually expose them to more sunlight.

Further tips:

• It is good practice to make more than one cut to increase your chances of success.
• The success rate of propagation in water can vary depending on factors such as the health of the cuttings and the specific mango variety.

Growing mango trees from cuttings in water can be a rewarding and economical way to expand your mango orchard. Remember that while this method can be successful, it may take some time for the cuttings to develop into mature, fruit-bearing trees. Be patient and attentive to their needs as they grow.