African Wild Mango Plant Care
Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Irvingia gabonensis is a species of African trees in the genus Irvingia, sometimes known by the common names wild mango, African mango, or bush mango. They bear edible mango-like fruits, and are especially valued for their fat- and protein-rich nuts.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for African Wild Mango?
Plant African Wild Mango in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the African Wild Mango?
African Wild Mango (Irvingia gabonensis) belongs to the Irvingiaceae family within the Irvingia genus. African Wild Mango is also known as Dika Nut, Ogbono, Irvingia.
African Wild Mango displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. African Wild Mango produces small clusters of white or cream-colored flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a African Wild Mango?
Water a young or newly planted African Wild Mango 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the African Wild Mango Need?
African Wild Mango thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing African Wild Mango in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the African Wild Mango Prefer?
Irvingia gabonensis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. African Wild Mango prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a African Wild Mango?
Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for African Wild Mango to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African Wild Mango?
Feed African Wild Mango 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a African Wild Mango?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
African Wild Mango is suited to USDA Zone 13b.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a African Wild Mango?
African Wild Mango can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 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.
How Do You Prune a African Wild Mango?
Prune African Wild Mango 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.
How Do You Care for a African Wild Mango in Winter?
African Wild Mango 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.
How Do You Propagate a African Wild Mango?
African Wild Mango can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to malayan wild mango plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the African Wild Mango Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list African Wild Mango, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the African Wild Mango?
African Wild Mango is susceptible to spider mites, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the African Wild Mango Need?
African Wild Mango grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow African Wild Mango as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
African Wild Mango is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Irvingia genus — compare its care with other Irvingia species on PlantoScan.
Irvingia is part of the Irvingiaceae plant family — browse all Irvingiaceae genera and species.
African Wild Mango thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill., family Irvingiaceae (first published in Traité Bot. Méd. Phan. 2: 841 (1884)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list African Wild Mango, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
