At Rare Plant Cuttings, we specialize in sourcing and shipping high-quality propagation material for rare and exotic plants—including one of the most prized tropical fruits: mango. If you're looking to propagate your own mango tree, understanding how to use mango scions and budwood for grafting is essential.
What Are Mango Scions?
Mango scions are fresh cuttings taken from healthy, mature mango trees. These cuttings are not intended for rooting like typical plant cuttings; instead, they’re used in grafting, a propagation method that joins the scion to a compatible rootstock. Mango scions are typically 4 to 6 inches long and contain active buds, which are critical for new growth once grafted.
In horticultural terms, scions harvested for grafting are also known as mango budwood. They are selected from disease-free, vigorously growing trees to ensure strong genetics and successful grafting results.
Why Use Mango Budwood Instead of Seeds?
Grafting mango budwood guarantees consistency. Unlike seedlings, which may produce variable fruit due to genetic differences, grafted mango trees are clones of the parent tree. This means you'll get the exact fruit quality—flavor, size, and yield—you expect from a known variety. For home growers and commercial orchards alike, using scions ensures faster fruiting, better disease resistance, and uniform results.
How Mango Grafting Works
To successfully graft mango scions, the most important factor is aligning the cambium layers—the thin layer of living tissue just beneath the bark—between the scion and the rootstock. A tight, precise fit allows the vascular systems of the two plant parts to fuse, enabling the flow of nutrients and water. When done correctly, this union results in a healthy, fruit-bearing branch that carries the exact traits of the original mango tree.
Common grafting techniques used with mango budwood include:
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Cleft grafting
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Veneer grafting
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Side veneer grafting
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Whip and tongue grafting
Each method has its advantages depending on your tools, experience, and the stage of growth of the rootstock. We Find that Cleft grafting seems to be the most easy way for beginners and has the highest rate of success given the cambium layers are matched between the scion (budwood) and the rootstock.
Shipping and Storage: Why We Use Parafilm
To ensure the mango scions you order from RarePlantCuttings.com arrive in optimal condition, we wrap each piece of budwood in parafilm. This professional-grade grafting tape seals in moisture while still allowing the scion to breathe—preventing dehydration during shipping. With parafilm wrapping, fresh mango scions can remain viable for grafting for up to two weeks after harvesting, giving you time to prepare your rootstock and plan your grafting work.
Unlike refrigeration or moist towel methods, parafilm is cleaner, more efficient, and directly applicable to grafting work. Once you're ready to graft, the scion can be inserted without removing the film in most techniques, saving time and reducing contamination risk.
Final Thoughts
Grafting mango scions is a powerful way to propagate elite mango varieties and grow trees that bear superior fruit. At Rare Plant Cuttings, we take pride in providing premium mango budwood, harvested fresh and shipped with care, so you can achieve high graft success rates and exceptional fruit production.
If you're ready to try grafting or want to add new cultivars to your mango collection, explore our selection of mango scions and other rare tropical plant cuttings available now at www.rareplantcuttings.com.