Mangosteen is usually propagated by seedlings.[3][6] Vegetative propagation is difficult and seedlings are more robust and reach fruiting earlier than vegetative propagated plants.[3][6]
Mangosteen produces a recalcitrant seed which is not a true seed strictly defined, but rather described as a nucellar asexual embryo.[3][6][7] As seed formation involves no sexual fertilization, the seedling is genetically identical to the mother plant.[3][6] If allowed to dry, a seed dies quickly, but if soaked, seed germination takes between 14 and 21 days when the plant can be kept in a nursery for about 2 years growing in a small pot.[6]
When the trees are approximately 25–30 cm (9.8–11.8 in), they are transplanted to the field at a distance of 20–40 m (66–131 ft).[3][6] After planting, the field is mulched in order to control weeds.[3][8] Transplanting takes place in the rainy season because young trees are likely to be damaged by drought.[3][6] Because young trees need shade,[3][8] intercropping with banana, plantain, rambutan, durian or coconut leaves is effective.[3][6] Coconut palms are mainly used in areas with a long dry season, as palms also provide shade for mature mangosteen trees.[3][6] Another advantage of intercropping in mangosteen cultivation is the suppression of weeds.[3][8]
The growth of the trees is retarded if the temperature is below 20 °C. The ideal temperature range for growing and producing fruits is between 25 °C and 35 °C[9] with a relative humidity over 80%.[8] The maximal temperature is between 38 °C and 40 °C, with both leaves and fruit being susceptible to scorching and sunburn,[8][9] while the minimum temperature is between 3 °C and 5 °C.[9] Young seedlings prefer a high level of shade and mature trees are shade-tolerant.[9]
Mangosteen trees have a weak root system and prefer deep, well drained soils with high moisture content, often growing on riverbanks.[8] The mangosteen is not adapted to limestone soils, sandy, alluvial soils or sandy soils with low organic matter content.[9][10] Mangosteen trees need a well distributed rainfall over the year (