Troubleshooting
Alphonso Mango problems — and how to fix them
Alphonso Mango (Mangifera indica 'Alphonso') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Anthracnose
Colletotrichum anthracnose blackens flowers, blights young fruit and spots leaves, especially in wet, humid bloom seasons. Improve airflow, keep foliage dry, and protect flowers with appropriate fungicide where pressure is high.
Failure to flower
Without a cool, dry rest period and ample sun, 'Alphonso' produces leaves but few flowers. Provide a distinct dry/cool spell and avoid excess nitrogen to trigger reliable bloom.
Cold and frost damage
Tender to cold; temperatures near or below freezing damage growth and can kill young trees. Grow under glass or move containers indoors when night temperatures fall below about 10°C.
Mango hopper and scale
Mango leafhoppers and scale insects suck sap from flush growth and panicles, causing sooty mould and poor set. Monitor flushes and treat early with horticultural oil or appropriate controls.
Prevent alphonso mango problems before they start
Most alphonso mango issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for alphonso mango in general rather than its problems? Read the full alphonso mango care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Alphonso Mango problems — FAQ
Why is my alphonso mango anthracnose?
Colletotrichum anthracnose blackens flowers, blights young fruit and spots leaves, especially in wet, humid bloom seasons. Improve airflow, keep foliage dry, and protect flowers with appropriate fungicide where pressure is high.
Why is my alphonso mango failure to flower?
Without a cool, dry rest period and ample sun, 'Alphonso' produces leaves but few flowers. Provide a distinct dry/cool spell and avoid excess nitrogen to trigger reliable bloom.
Why is my alphonso mango cold and frost damage?
Tender to cold; temperatures near or below freezing damage growth and can kill young trees. Grow under glass or move containers indoors when night temperatures fall below about 10°C.
Why is my alphonso mango mango hopper and scale?
Mango leafhoppers and scale insects suck sap from flush growth and panicles, causing sooty mould and poor set. Monitor flushes and treat early with horticultural oil or appropriate controls.