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Could I grow a mango sprout in the same pot as my plum tree?

8 years ago

In order to save money for the time being I'd like to put two plants together in a pot 22" wide x 18" deep. Could I... leave it there? I want both trees to grow as fully as possible despite being kept as potted plants. The container which houses a two year plum is filled with gritty mix so I feel the roots would be freer to either both plants' good fortune or detriment when sat together. I don't know how long I'm going to keep my plum potted, so in time it ~might~ eventually move outside where I can prune it to grow a little bigger. The little mango is just a tiny thing but I could still see inconvenience or being choked out. While I'm weighing all of this in my mind, I'm already semi-convinced to just go for it maybe until I feel the mango's gotten too big. Would leaving the plants to inhabit together for a long time (read: months or years) be okay?

If you're wondering why I'm inquiring instead of buying a larger pot, I'm seventeen living under my parents' roof and working minimum wage. Just to give you some perspective every penny counts and I've rediscovered gardening... so of course I want to focus my attention on every area in my care at once..! but I want to do it as cheaply as possible. BUT if the plants deserve separate pots then I guess I can get a smaller one for the mango and pot up :)

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Comments (2)

Eric Ferguson
8 years ago
I have heard of some trees having defenses that inhibit growth of nearby competiton. I dont know which species, sorry. No tree will grow to its potential in a pot, and they will grow slower potted. So I would say that they both need pots. You could use a five gallon bucket found where pro painters are working for free, just wash it clean. Just put a bunch of 1/4" holes in it on the bottom and some on the sides down low for drainage. Your mango should grow quickly in warm conditions. But remember they are tropical and have other needs than other trees. It may grow happily in a cheap colander, which promotes good roots for bonsai or before going in the ground. They make overwatering very hard to do in a gritty mix. Mangos have long leaves that are too big for bonsai. I didnt see where you live but mangos can grow but never fruit in some places. I live in Costa Rica at 1300 meters, and the trees grow great but fruit very little or dont fruit at all. A few hundred meters lower they fruit like crazy.

I dont want to discourage you at all, but some other species may be better for you, so you enjoy the hobby. I would say ficus are a good tree to start with as they can be awesome bonsai and are not too expensive. Other people may have more advice. If you really like bonsai, join a local club. Your surely starting at a good age, bonsai is a life long journey of learning. I hope you stick with it. I like your energy and that you want to learn! Enjoy your journey and always ask questions...
Alexia Raya thanked Eric Ferguson
Alexia Raya
Original Author
8 years ago
The colander also seems like an interesting experiment, although remembering how a friend remarked that he thought salad plants growing in colanders was the stupidest idea definitely makes me pause for prideful reasons. Whatever works, right? I might have to prove him wrong. I really love your suggestions. The mango is going it alone in a bucket with drainage.

The tropical/colder climate duo does come across as a strange sort of partnership, as you're correct in guessing it's not warm enough for the mango to fruit here. Still, I appreciate your help in my growing the leafy thing. I've always been content to watch a full sized avocado beauty that hasn't fruited in sixteen years!

Thanks again for your help. I'll likely return to these forums for advice at some point in the future!
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