Author Topic: Potted Julie mango tree issue  (Read 561 times)

John1225

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Potted Julie mango tree issue
« on: January 03, 2026, 09:03:04 AM »
Good morning, everyone!

I have a potted Julie mango tree, and every time it pushes new growth, the leaves never seem to look healthy. There always seems to be an issue; I'm not sure if it is due to pests or disease, but any advice would be greatly appreciated. It's currently potted in a mix of perlite, sand, and peat moss.












FL Boy

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Re: Potted Julie mango tree issue
« Reply #1 on: January 03, 2026, 09:28:35 AM »
Looks like nutrient and/or salt burn.  I'd give it a good flush with water only for a while.  Also check the pH and EC of your water...  it could be the culprit if over-fertilization is not the issue.

John1225

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Re: Potted Julie mango tree issue
« Reply #2 on: January 03, 2026, 06:44:36 PM »
FL boy appreciate the reply. I'm going to look into the pH of my water. Thats the one thing that I never considered.

Tropicaltoba

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Re: Potted Julie mango tree issue
« Reply #3 on: January 03, 2026, 06:59:24 PM »
Also cold tap water is the worst during the winter, killed a bunch in pots. 70-80f works well for mine.

FL Boy

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Re: Potted Julie mango tree issue
« Reply #4 on: January 05, 2026, 03:02:17 PM »
FL boy appreciate the reply. I'm going to look into the pH of my water. Thats the one thing that I never considered.

Sure.  We’re you able to solve your issue?

ben mango

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Re: Potted Julie mango tree issue
« Reply #5 on: January 05, 2026, 04:32:16 PM »
It seems to be suffering from lack of nutrition, and possibly drainage issues.if you’re making and using your own soil mix you have to include some sort of fertilizer, compost and/ or earthworm castings ie Something that will feed the plant. Perlite, Peat moss and sand are practically inert meaning they won’t supply the necessary nutrients to the plant.

Orkine

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Re: Potted Julie mango tree issue
« Reply #6 on: January 05, 2026, 08:31:37 PM »
If you are in Florida, I suggest you use a very well-draining mix if you plan on re-potting or up-potting this plant.
While most people will recommend manure and organics, you may be better served in the long run with a sandy mix that drains well.  You get enough rain to keep the pot moist in the summer and mango does surprisingly well with a little less water than it does with a little more water than it needs.
If you wish to use manure, use it as top dressing dont mix it into your soil.

I think this is because in Florida, compost breaks down very quickly and results in compaction in your pot, reducing the soil's ability to drain well, which is bad for your roots.  I have pulled enough struggling plants to find nothing but brown roots in a very wet medium, despite not having applied any water.  If you are in Florida, do not mix compost in large quantities in your potting soil.  Use sands, perlite, some say pine bark fines (though I have never used this) should make the bulk of your material, and your objective is good drainage.

A quick search for mango mix on the forum should point you to some tested mixes that make strong plants.

« Last Edit: January 05, 2026, 08:41:51 PM by Orkine »

John1225

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Re: Potted Julie mango tree issue
« Reply #7 on: January 07, 2026, 09:30:08 PM »
Thank you all for the great info! I applied some slow-release fertilizer about a month ago, but I’m going to make a few changes based on your advice to see what works. It’s actually starting to push out some new growth now, so I hope it looks a little better this time around. I'll keep you all updated on its progress!

Coconut Cream

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Re: Potted Julie mango tree issue
« Reply #8 on: January 08, 2026, 08:11:05 PM »
I've had this happen to a few mango trees. When the leaf edges start getting wavy/crispy and the branches stop thriving and start dying back, it's trouble. The tree may not recover, or it may survive but grow at a much lower vigor. In my case I think the cause was root rot from overwatering and overtreating the tree. Once that happened, then ants/aphids/thrips started to attack.
USDA Zone 10A - St. Lucie County, Florida, USA - On the banks of the St. Lucie River

Artocarpus

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Re: Potted Julie mango tree issue
« Reply #9 on: January 14, 2026, 12:52:44 PM »
No one has mentioned the obvious, it is a Julie. I have had a Julie in the ground for many years and it is not any taller than me. My brother on his property the same. They are very low vigor trees to begin with. I am sure some have luck with them.