Spotted mangrove Plant Care

Spotted mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) belongs to the Rhizophoraceae family within the Rhizophora genus. Spotted mangrove is also known as Asian mangrove, Red mangrove.

Spotted mangrove displays a tall, mangrove tree with aerial roots growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Spotted mangrove produces small, inconspicuous flowers with unique aerial root system.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Spotted mangrove 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.

Spotted mangrove thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Rhizophora mucronata tolerates temperatures of 65–90°F. Spotted mangrove prefers humidity levels of 60–90%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Sandy, saline soil with high organic content for optimal growth. Good drainage is essential for Spotted mangrove to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Spotted mangrove every 8 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 sandy, saline soil with high organic content for optimal growth. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Spotted mangrove 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.

Spotted mangrove can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 Spotted mangrove 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.

Spotted mangrove 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.

Spotted mangrove can be propagated through propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to red mangrove plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Spotted mangrove is susceptible to mangrove tree borer, scale insects. 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.

Spotted mangrove grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Spotted mangrove as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.