Mandevilla Vine: Tips For Proper Mandevilla Care

The mandevilla plant has become a common patio plant, and rightfully so. The brilliant mandevilla flowers add a tropical flair to any landscape.

With over 100 species, Mandevilla is a diverse genus. These tropical vines are prized for their beautiful trumpet-shaped blooms and ability to quickly cover arbors and trellises. Though mandevilla flowers will require a frost-free climate in order to perennialize, many gardeners have found success growing them as an annual or indoors in containers. Read on for the basics of mandevilla care.

Quick Facts about Mandevilla

• Botanical name - Mandevilla spp.
• Height - 3-10 feet (1-3 m)
• Spread - 3-20 feet (1-6 m)
• Sun exposure - Full Sun, Part Sun
• Soil requirements - Well-Draining
• Hardiness zones - USDA Zones 9-11
• When to plant - Spring

When & Where to Plant Mandevilla

Mandevilla is most often planted in spring, after all chances of frost have passed and the soil has warmed. As the plants will languish under cool conditions, growers living outside of their hardiness range should wait until nighttime temperatures no longer dip below 50 F (10 C). Gardeners in regions that are known for their mild temperatures may require the use of greenhouses or cold frames in order to successfully grow the plant outdoors.

Tips for Mandevilla Care

When you buy your mandevilla vine, chances are good that it’s a lush plant full of flowers. You may wish to transplant it to the ground or into a bigger or more decorative container. Here are the basic mandevilla care requirements you need to follow.

Soil

Like many plants, mandevilla will thrive under a range of soil conditions. That being said, it performs best in rich soil that doesn't hold water -- work in compost or other organic material before planting to create nutrient-rich, well-draining soil conditions. Mandevilla in pots are most often planted in a quality growing medium that has been mixed with peat moss or sand.

Fertilizer

As mandevilla is considered to be a heavy feeder, routine fertilization will be a key aspect of its care. This is most often achieved through the use of a well-balanced feed designed for ornamental plants. If you want spectacular flowers, consider a fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus. Apply fertilizer in spring, continuing every two weeks through mid-summer.

Water

Mandevilla plants require consistently moist soil. At the same time, you should make certain to avoid getting them excessively wet or waterlogged. Supplemental irrigation may be required in regions that are especially dry, but it's generally not required. Those growing the plant indoors may also find that occasional misting is needed to maintain humidity levels.

Light

Mandevilla vines need full sun in order to flower well. They can tolerate partial shade, however. Plants grown in containers or in regions that are especially warm may benefit from afternoon shade.

Mandevilla Plant Care

Routine mandevilla care will help growers in maintaining the general appearance of their plants.

Pruning

At the beginning of the growing season, you may want to pinch your vining mandevilla. This method of pruning your mandevilla will create a bushier and fuller plant. To pinch your mandevilla vine, simply use your fingers to pinch off 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6-1 cm) off the end of each stem.

Safety

Wearing gloves and other protective gear will be essential when handling mandevilla plants, as exposure to its sap may cause rash, blistering, and other types of skin irritation.

Trellising

Mandevillas are vines and they will need some kind of support in order to grow as best they can. Be sure to provide a trellis or some other support for your mandevilla vine's new growth to follow.

Propagating Mandevilla

Though it is possible to grow mandevilla from seed, most plants are purchased from home and garden centers. You can also propagate mandevilla plants by taking cuttings. Stem cuttings, approximately 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length, can be rooted in a quality potting mix. Throughout their period of establishment, growing medium should remain consistently moist. A humidity dome is often necessary in order to maintain humidity and encourage rooting. You can expect mandevilla cuttings to root in roughly 1-2 weeks.

Problems, Pests, & Diseases

Several insects may affect the overall appearance of mandevilla foliage. These pests include whiteflies, mealy bugs, and mites, which are especially common in houseplants. Foliar diseases, such as anthracnose, may further lead to the decline of plant health. Symptoms of infection include the formation of spotted lesions, as well as yellowing and premature drop of leaves.

Winter Care for Mandevilla

Mandevilla vines vary in growth habit. While some species remain evergreen throughout the entirety of winter, others will die back or lose their leaves.

Temperature

Mandevilla is a tropical vine, and exposure to cold temperatures will cause it to die back quickly. Therefore, those who have planted mandevilla in cooler climates may need to protect plants from sudden dips. Plants which have been allowed to slip into dormancy will also die back. At this time, you should prune back each stem.

Growing Mandevilla Year-Round

The mandevilla plant is often thought of as an annual but, in fact, it is very frost tender perennial. Once temperatures go below 50 degrees F (10 C), you can bring your mandevilla plant indoors for the winter.

When you bring your mandevilla flowers indoors, be sure to check the plant carefully for pests and treat these pests before bringing it into the house. You may want to cut back the plant by up to one-third.

Once indoors, place your mandevilla vine in a place where it will get bright, indirect light. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.

In the spring, when the temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees F (10 C), remove any dead leaves and move your mandevilla plant back outside to enjoy for another summer.