There are many different tree types in Minecraft, and mangrove is one of them. However, this one is a little different than the most basic ones you find in the wild: oak, birch, or spruce. Instead of planting a normal sapling, you plant a mangrove propagule, which actually works as a sapling. In this guide, we explain what mangrove trees are, how to grow them, and more tips and tricks!

What are mangrove trees in Minecraft?

Mangrove trees are large swamp trees that grow naturally in mangrove swamp biomes. They arrived with Minecraft’s Wild Update.

A mangrove tree does not look like most other Minecraft trees. It has tall logs, wide leaves, vines, and thick roots that reach down into the ground or water. These roots give the tree its signature shape and make mangrove swamps feel dense and messy in a good way. You can see what they look like below.

Mangrove trees can give you several useful blocks and items:

• Mangrove logs
• Mangrove leaves
• Mangrove roots
• Muddy mangrove roots
• Mangrove propagules
• Vines
• Sticks
• Moss carpet in some cases

Players often grow mangrove trees for building. Mangrove wood has a red tone, so it works well for cabins, swamp bases, docks, bridges, fantasy builds, and Nether-style designs. The roots also add detail to natural builds, especially near rivers and muddy areas.

How to grow mangrove trees

To grow mangrove trees in Minecraft, you need a mangrove propagule. Plant it on a valid block, leave enough open space above and around it, then let it grow naturally or use bone meal.

Here is the simple process:

1. Find a mangrove swamp biome.
2. Collect a mangrove propagule from under mangrove leaves.
3. Place the propagule on a valid block.
4. Leave open space above it.
5. Keep nearby blocks away from the future roots.
6. Wait for growth or use bone meal.

Mangrove trees need more room than small trees. Their roots can spread several blocks away from the planted propagule. If you plant one next to a wall, pillar, ceiling, or dense build, it may fail to grow even if you use a lot of bone meal.

For the safest setup, plant the propagule in an open 5x5 area. Leave at least six empty blocks above it.

Best blocks for planting mangrove propagules

Mangrove propagules can grow on several natural blocks. You do not need to plant them only on mud.

How to get mangrove propagules

Mangrove propagules grow under mangrove leaves. They look like long green shoots hanging from the tree. You can break mature propagules and carry them like items.

The easiest way to get them is to visit a mangrove swamp and collect several before you leave, just like in the image you see above. Once you have a few propagules, you can grow your own trees near your base and collect more from the new leaves later.

You can also create propagules with bone meal. Use bone meal on mangrove leaves that have empty space underneath. A hanging propagule can appear below the leaf block. Wait until it matures, then break it and plant it.

There is one important rule here: a hanging propagule does not grow into a tree while it hangs from leaves. You must break it first, pick it up, and plant it on a valid block.

Why your mangrove tree is not growing

Mangrove trees can fail to grow for a few common reasons. Most problems come from space, not from the propagule itself.

Check these points first:

• The propagule sits on a valid block.
• The area has enough light.
• At least six empty blocks sit above the propagule.
• Walls, pillars, or blocks do not block root growth.
• The propagule is planted, not hanging from leaves.
• A player stays close enough for growth to happen.

Bone meal does not always fix a bad setup. If the tree tries to grow and the game cannot place the roots or trunk, the attempt fails. Move the propagule to a wider area and try again.

Can you grow mangrove trees underwater?

Yes, you can grow mangrove trees underwater in Minecraft. Plant the propagule on a valid block under the water, then give it enough space to form its roots and trunk.