Mangosteen Plant Care

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) belongs to the Clusiaceae family within the Garcinia genus. Mangosteen is native to the Malay Peninsula and Borneo. Mangosteen is also known as Purple Mangosteen.

Mangosteen displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Mangosteen produces small, fragrant white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mangosteen every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Mangosteen thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Garcinia mangostana tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Mangosteen prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Mangosteen to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mangosteen every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mangosteen is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Mangosteen can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Mangosteen while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Mangosteen is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Mangosteen can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cowa fruit plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Mangosteen is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Mangosteen grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Mangosteen is native to the Malay Peninsula and Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Mangosteen as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.