I planted a Nam Doc Mai mango tree 1.5 years ago. It has not grown 1 inch. I live in Dade Cty. FL. Help!

Question

How can I make the tree grow? I have 4 others in my back yard and they are growing very nicely. But they are Kiett’s, Glenn, Valencia Pride and Tommy Atkins. It this strain more difficult to grow?

Answer 1

Nam Dokmai is the most popular mango variety here in Thailand. It is easy to grow here, I don’t why it wouldn’t be in Florida, its been a favorite there since it was introduced in 1973.

It could be a low vigor individual from the grower, but if I were you I would look first to the growing conditions. What is different from your other mango trees? Soil and water management are the first considerations. What are the site and soil characteristics, what fertilization do you provide?
Are there any compromising factors for that particular tree, pavement or planter restricting the root zone, compaction or lawn area within the root zone?
Send us some photos and more information on the site and your management program and we may be able to help with more specific advise.

Answer 2

Girdling roots are more common than you would think. If the tree was in a container in the nursery for a long time before you acquired it, there may have been a root bound or girdling root condition develop that it has never grown out of.