After years of wanting one, I finally bought a grafted Pickering mango. I understand this variety is what is known as a "condo mango", thus suitable for growing in a pot. Right now I have it potted up to an intermediate container: 10-1/2 inches inner diameter (ID) by 11inches deep. The tree is now close to 20 inches tall with about a 20 inch spread. One of the two main branches has just sprouted a new flush of leaves.
What size of container will I need if I want to harvest fruit and not to see the tree moisture stressed when it is mature? I have some 23 inch ID by 14 inch deep containers and one that's 22" ID by 17" deep, but if necessary, I will buy an even larger one. I have a range of smaller sized pots. My plan is to repot the mango into the recommended size of larger container which will be its permanent home. I don't think I'm in any hurry to repot again, but I thought I'd start asking now.
I mount my large plant containers on heavy duty casters for ease of movement, so that won't be any issue. I live in Tennessee, so I grow my tropical plants in my sunroom from mid fall through late spring. I move them outdoors for the summer. I think our summer weather and rainwater help keep them healthy.
I have decided that commercial potting mixes contain too much peat moss. My current potting mix is one-half Sta-Green potting mix and one-half ground coconut coir with a generous helping of Espoma Plant-tone organic fertilizer, mixed well. This mix drains very quickly yet retains plenty of moisture. Coconut coir is supposed to be highly rot resistant. If you have a soil mix that has met with great mango success, please let me know what it is.
Thanks!