Overview

Embark on an exciting journey of growing your own exotic fruits with this lemon drop mangosteen live plant. Also known as Garcinia intermedia tree, this fascinating tropical American species is renowned for its delectable, sweet and sour yellow fruits. Originating from the rich biodiversity of tropical regions, the lemon drop mangosteen is not only a source of delicious edibles but also makes for an attractive ornamental tree, especially when laden with its vibrant, inch-diameter fruits. This fast-growing tree can reach heights of up to 10-15 feet in optimal conditions and is well-suited for container cultivation, making it a versatile choice for various garden sizes or even indoor growing in cooler climates. Our 3-6 inch seedling starter plant provides a strong foundation for you to cultivate this unique and rewarding tropical fruit tree in your own home or garden.

The Garcinia intermedia tree is a robust and adaptable species, tolerant of a wide range of soils and capable of thriving in various environments up to an altitude of around 4000 feet. Its evergreen foliage and small, perfect whitish flowers add to its aesthetic appeal year-round. With proper care, this tree can begin fruiting in as little as 2-4 years, offering a relatively quick turnaround for fresh, homegrown tropical produce. The fruits, smooth spheres with a thin yellow, orange, or red rind and white pulp, are typically enjoyed fresh but can also be used to create refreshing drinks, jams, and jellies. Discover the joy of nurturing this beautiful and productive yellow mangosteen plant.

Key Benefits

Adding a lemon drop mangosteen live plant to your collection offers a multitude of benefits, from the unique culinary experiences to its ornamental value. This tropical gem is more than just a source of food; it’s a conversation starter and a rewarding gardening project. Cultivating a garcinia intermedia tree allows you to enjoy fresh, organic fruit right from your backyard or patio.

• Exotic Fruit Production: Enjoy the unique, appealing sweet and sour taste of fresh lemon drop mangosteens. The fruits are perfect for eating out of hand, or for making juices, jams, and jellies, providing a versatile culinary ingredient.
• Ornamental Appeal: The Garcinia intermedia tree features attractive evergreen foliage and small white flowers, making it a beautiful addition to any landscape or container garden. It’s particularly striking when in fruit, often year-round.
• Container Friendly: This tropical fruit tree grows successfully and fruits well even in a large pot, making it ideal for patios, balconies, or for those in cooler climates who wish to bring it indoors during winter.
• Relatively Fast Fruiting: With good care, the lemon drop mangosteen live plant can begin producing fruit in as little as 2-4 years, offering a relatively quick reward for your gardening efforts.
• Adaptable & Resilient: Tolerant of a wide range of soils and capable of thriving in full sun to light shade, this tree is surprisingly adaptable, making it a good choice for various growing conditions.
• Organic & Healthy Harvest: Growing your own ensures you have access to fresh, organically grown fruit, free from pesticides and chemicals, contributing to a healthier lifestyle.
• Unique Garden Addition: Stand out from traditional fruit trees with this distinct yellow mangosteen plant, adding a touch of the tropics and an interesting focal point to your garden.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your lemon drop mangosteen live plant involves providing the right environment and consistent attention to encourage healthy growth and abundant fruiting. This tropical species thrives in warm, humid conditions. When your garcinia intermedia tree arrives, it’s crucial to allow it to adjust. Place it in a spot with moderate temperatures (70-80°F) and good light, but avoid direct sun for the first two weeks as it acclimates from shipping. Small plants are particularly sensitive to direct sunlight, which can cause burning.

For optimal growth, the Garcinia intermedia tree prefers full sun to light shade. In very hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial. It requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Well-draining soil is essential to prevent root rot. A good quality potting mix enriched with organic matter works well for container-grown plants. The ideal USDA hardiness zones for this tree are 9b to 13, meaning it is not frost hardy and will need protection if temperatures fall below 60°F. If you are in a colder zone, growing lemon drop mangosteen in a container that can be moved indoors during colder months is highly recommended.

Fertilize your yellow mangosteen plant regularly during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for tropical fruit trees. Ensure the plant receives adequate humidity, especially if grown indoors; misting or using a humidity tray can help. Gradual acclimatization is key when moving the plant from indoors to outdoors, or vice versa, to prevent shock. Protect young plants from strong winds and extreme temperatures. With consistent care and attention to its specific needs, your lemon drop mangosteen live plant will flourish and reward you with its delicious fruits.

Size & Details

You are purchasing one lemon drop mangosteen live plant, a Garcinia intermedia tree seedling starter plant, which measures approximately 3-6 inches tall. This measurement does not include the height of the 2.5-inch square pot it comes in. These young plants are grown from seeds and offer an exciting opportunity to cultivate a unique tropical fruit tree. The mature tree can reach a height of 10-15 feet (about 3-5 meters) when planted in the ground, but it also adapts very well to container growing, where its size can be managed. The time to fruit for this tropical fruit tree is typically 2-4 years from planting, depending on growing conditions and care.

The yellow mangosteen plant is evergreen, providing year-round foliage. It features small, white blooms. The fruits are smooth, spherical, about an inch in diameter, with a thin yellow, orange, or red rind surrounding a white, edible pulp. This plant is organically grown, ensuring a healthy start for your new tree. It is hardy in USDA Zones 9b to 13, requiring protection from frost. This particular offering is for a young seedling, perfect for those who enjoy the process of nurturing a plant from its early stages. Instructions for initial care and acclimatization are crucial for its successful establishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this lemon drop mangosteen live plant get? A: This starter plant is 3-6 inches tall. Mature trees can reach 10-15 feet in height when planted in the ground, but they can be kept smaller and fruit successfully in large containers, making them versatile for various spaces.
• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: The garcinia intermedia tree seedling is shipped in a 2.5-inch square pot. You will need to transplant it into a larger pot as it grows, or directly into the ground if your climate permits.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The lemon drop mangosteen live plant is a tropical plant suitable for outdoor growing in USDA Zones 9b-13. In colder zones, it can be grown outdoors during warm months and brought indoors as a potted plant before temperatures drop below 60°F.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: This tropical fruit tree thrives in full sun to light shade. Young plants should be protected from harsh direct sun for the first couple of weeks after arrival to allow them to acclimate.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: While it requires specific tropical conditions, the Garcinia intermedia tree is considered relatively easy to care for once its needs for warmth, humidity, and consistent watering are met. It’s a rewarding plant for those interested in growing tropical fruits.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your yellow mangosteen plant will arrive as a healthy, organically grown seedling in its original nursery pot, ready for careful acclimatization and planting.
• Q: How long until it blooms and fruits? A: With proper care, the lemon drop mangosteen live plant can begin to bloom and produce fruit in as little as 2-4 years from the time of planting.
• Q: Can the fruits be used for anything other than eating fresh? A: Absolutely! The sweet and sour fruits of the garcinia intermedia tree are excellent for making refreshing drinks, delicious jams, and jellies, offering culinary versatility.
• Q: What is the minimum temperature this plant can tolerate? A: This tropical plant is not frost hardy. It requires protection when temperatures fall below 60°F and certainly won’t survive freezing temperatures.
• Q: Will growing lemon drop mangosteen from seed produce an identical tree? A: Trees grown from seeds are not genetically identical to the parent tree, meaning there may be some variation in fruit characteristics, although they will still produce delicious mangosteens.