Mandevilla: Plant Care and Growing Guide

When to Plant Mandevilla

• Plant mandevilla in spring after the danger of frost has passed when the temperature consistently remains above 50-55°F (10-13°C).
• In USDA hardiness zones 9-11, it can be planted in the ground anytime after the last frost date.
• In colder climates, plant mandevilla in containers and keep them indoors until the last frost date has passed.
• Mandevilla thrives in warm temperatures and does not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.
• Wait until the weather has warmed up before planting.

Where to Plant Mandevilla

• Mandevilla prefers warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight.
• It should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
• Well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients is important for healthy growth.
• Soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Mandevilla can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
• In colder climates, it can be grown in containers and overwintered indoors.
• When planting in containers, choose a pot with good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix.
• The plant is typically grown as a climbing vine and can be trained to grow on a support structure such as a trellis or arbor.

How to Plant Mandevilla

• Choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
• Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant.
• Add a layer of compost or aged manure to the bottom of the hole.
• Gently remove the mandevilla from its container and loosen the roots.
• Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping it down lightly.
• Water the plant deeply to help settle the soil and establish the roots.
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
• If planting in a container, choose a pot with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix.
• Plant the mandevilla at the same depth it was growing in its original container.
• Water the plant thoroughly after planting and keep the soil evenly moist.

How to Care

Here are some tips for caring for mandevilla plants:

• Sunlight: Mandevilla plants need at least six hours of sunlight daily to thrive. They can tolerate some shade, but full sun is best.
• Temperature / Humidity: Mandevilla plants prefer warm temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C) during the day and around 60-65°F (15-18°C) at night. They also prefer high humidity levels, ideally around 50-60%. However, they can tolerate lower humidity levels as long as they are not exposed to very dry air or direct heat sources. It is important to avoid exposing the plants to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) as they can be susceptible to cold damage.
• Watering: Mandevilla plants need regular watering, but be careful not to overwater. Water deeply, and allow the soil to dry out partially between watering.
• Fertilizing: Feed mandevilla plants with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Stop fertilizing in the fall and winter.
• Pruning: Mandevilla plants can be pruned to control their size and shape and to promote branching and more flowers. Prune in the early spring before new growth begins.
• Support: Mandevilla plants need support as they grow. Use a trellis or other support structure to help the plant climb.
• Winter care: Mandevilla plants are tropical and cannot survive cold temperatures. If you live in a cold climate, bring your mandevilla indoors in the fall and overwinter it in a bright, cool location. Water sparingly during the winter.

Potting and Repotting

Mandevilla plants can be grown in containers and make great additions to patios, balconies, and gardens. Here is some information on potting and repotting Mandevilla plants:

• Potting: Mandevilla plants should be potted in well-draining soil and a container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the container should have drainage holes to prevent root rot.
• Repotting: Mandevilla plants may need to be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Repotting should be done in the spring or early summer, just before the plant begins its active growth period. To repot, gently remove the plant from its current container and prune any dead or damaged roots. Then, plant the Mandevilla in a new container with fresh soil.

How to Propagate

Mandevilla can be propagated through stem cuttings or layering. Here are the steps for each method:

Propagation by Stem Cuttings:

• Take a cutting from a healthy Mandevilla plant in late spring or early summer. The cutting should be at least 6 inches long and have several leaves.
• Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few at the top.
• Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder.
• Plant the stem cutting in a pot filled with moist potting mix.
• Cover the pot with a plastic bag or dome to create a greenhouse-like environment.
• Place the pot in a bright, warm location, but out of direct sunlight.
• Keep the potting mix moist but not waterlogged.
• After 4-6 weeks, roots should have formed and the cutting can be transplanted into a larger container or planted outside.

Propagation by Layering:

• Select a long and flexible stem on a healthy Mandevilla plant.
• Gently bend the stem down to the soil and nick the stem where it will come in contact with the soil.
• Cover the nicked portion of the stem with soil, but leave the tip of the stem above ground.
• Secure the stem to the soil using a U-shaped wire or a stone.
• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• After a few weeks, roots should have formed where the stem was nicked.
• Cut the rooted stem from the parent plant and plant it in a pot or outside in the garden.

Mandevilla can also be propagated by seed, but it is a less common method.

Pests and Diseases

Mandevilla plants can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Here are some common issues to watch for:

Spider mites: These tiny pests can infest the undersides of leaves and cause yellowing and stippling. To control spider mites, you can use a spray of neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Whiteflies: These small, moth-like insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause leaf yellowing and wilting. To control whiteflies, you can use a sticky trap or spray the plant with insecticidal soap.

Mealybugs: These small, white, cottony insects can be found on the stems and undersides of leaves. They can weaken the plant and cause stunted growth. To control mealybugs, you can use a spray of neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can affect Mandevilla plants, causing leaf spots and stem cankers. It can be treated with fungicides and by practicing good sanitation in the garden.

Root rot: This can occur if the plant is overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant.

Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To control powdery mildew, you can use a fungicide spray or a mixture of baking soda and water.

By providing the right growing conditions and monitoring your plant for pests and diseases, you can keep your Mandevilla healthy and thriving.

Click here to compare all Mandevilla varieties

Frequently Asked Questions

Do mandevillas come back every year?

Mandevillas are tender perennials, which means they can survive the winter in mild climates and come back every year. In cooler climates, they are typically treated as annuals and need to be replanted each year. However, some gardeners have had success overwintering mandevillas indoors or in protected areas, such as a greenhouse or sunroom, and bringing them back outside in the spring.

How do you take care of a mandevilla in the winter?

• Move the plant indoors: Before the first frost, bring the mandevilla plant inside and place it in a bright, sunny window. The ideal temperature range for mandevilla during the winter is between 60-65°F (15-18°C).
• Watering: Water the plant only when the soil feels dry to the touch, but do not let it sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
• Pruning: Mandevilla can become quite leggy and overgrown if not pruned. You can prune the plant back to a more manageable size in the late fall before bringing it indoors.
• Fertilizing: Do not fertilize the plant during the winter months, as it is not actively growing and does not require additional nutrients.
• Pest control: Inspect the plant regularly for any signs of pests or diseases. Common pests that can affect mandevilla plants include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.
• Rest period: Mandevilla plants may go dormant during the winter, but this is normal. Do not be alarmed if the leaves drop or if the plant appears to stop growing. With proper care, the plant should begin to show new growth in the spring when the temperatures warm up again.

Does mandevilla like sun or shade?

Mandevilla need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow and bloom well. However, in hot summer areas, they benefit from some shade during the hottest parts of the day. In general, morning sun and afternoon shade is a good exposure for mandevilla plants.