Growing and Caring for Mandevilla: A Guide to Cultivating These Climbing Plants

Mandevilla is a genus of tropical and subtropical flowering vines that belongs to the family Apocynaceae and the sub-family Apocynoideae. It is a frost-tender perennial plant with shiny leaves and eye-catching blooms available in shades of crimson, pink, yellow, purple, cream, and white.

The flowers generally bloom in summer and can stretch into fall, though they bloom year-round in warm climates. The Mandevilla plants can be grown as perennials and should be planted in mid-to-late spring once the temperature is warm and the risk of frost has passed.

How To Grow Mandevilla From Seed

Mandevilla Flowers Varieties

Growing Mandevilla from seeds is pretty easy though it is best achieved from fresh seeds. The seed pods should remain on the plant to dry before removing them. 

Once the seed pods are dried, they will turn brown and begin to split open and will reveal fluffy and dandelion-like seeds. Once this happens, the seeds are ready to be collected. For better and faster results, soak the Mandevilla seeds in water for about twelve hours before sowing them in well-draining soil.

The seeds require shallow planting and covering lightly with soil. Keep them moist and warm, about 65 to 75 degrees. Also, could you place them in bright indirect light?. This would help the seeds germinate within a month.

How To Grow Mandevilla From Cuttings

Mandevilla is straightforward to grow from cuttings and the best time to take cuttings is in spring. You can also take cuttings in late summer or fall with some success.

1 . Take a sharp shear and cut at least 5 to 6 inches long stem cutting from the plant.

2 . Ensure the stem cutting has some set of leaves on it. It shouldn’t be too woody. Use soft, green stem cutting.

3 . Remove all leaves from the bottom half of the stem cutting to promote stem growth.

4.  If possible, dip the end of the stem cutting in rooting hormones to promote fast growth.

5. Plant the cutting in a small pot or a large pot directly in the ground.

6. Use a potting mix and well-drained soil. Ensure your pot have adequate drainage holes to flow water outside.

7. Water them thoroughly to make sure water flows from drainage holes.

8. Cover the whole cuttings with a plastic cover. Be careful not to bend the stem cutting. This process helps to retain moisture.

9. Place the pot in partial shade and bit in direct sunlight, and it doesn’t have roots yet.

10.  Remove the plastic cover in the afternoon to allow air in.

11.  It will grow within 14 to 20 days and get established within a month.

12.  When the roots start coming outside the pot, transplant them into a bigger pot.

How To Care For Mandevilla Plants

Mandevilla Bloom. Image-pixabay. com

Mandevilla Plants are easy to care for as long as you get their growing conditions right.

1 . Light

Mandevilla plants thrive best in full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight on most days. However, it can tolerate partial shade and might also appreciate shelter from the hot afternoon sun in summer.

2.  Soil

Mandevilla plants thrive in soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. They grow in loam or Sandy soil, provided it drains well.

3.  Water

The Mandevilla plants prefer a consistent level of moisture. Do well to keep the soil damp but not soggy. Water the plants slowly to give the soil time to soak up moisture.

4.  Temperature And Humidity

The Mandevilla Plants require warm temperatures and high humidity. The temperature should be at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and not lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

5.  Fertilizer

Fertilize your Mandevilla plant in early spring at the start of the growing season. You can use a liquid fertilizer at half-strength every two weeks from spring to fall.

Common Pests And Diseases

Mandevilla plants usually don’t have severe problems with diseases. However, it would help if you always looked for these plants and diseases.

The most common Mandevilla plants include;

  • Aphids
  • Scale insects
  • Mealybugs
  • Red spider mites
  • Whiteflies

Aphids attack plants that are weakened due to inadequate care or poor location. To get rid of aphids, use a strong water spray and follow up with treatment using insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Mealybugs and scale bugs usually show up on thirsty plants due to a lack of proper watering in the summertime or low humidity indoors.

Spider mites turn up when conditions are too hot for the health of the plants. Treat with neem oil and relocate your plants to a cooler and more sheltered location.

5 Commonly Grown Varieties Of Mandevilla Plants

There are more than a hundred varieties of Mandevilla plants present in the world.

1 . Mandevilla Sanders

Commonly known as Brazilian Jasmine, this species of Mandevilla grows very fast and can reach about 15 feet in ideal conditions. It produces twining woody stems and large pink-red blooms.

2.  Mandevilla Taxa

They are also known as Chilean Jasmine. This Mandevilla species produces heavy white scented flowers reaching 20 feet tall.

3.  Mandevilla Boliviensis

This Mandevilla species is also known as white Mandevilla and is notable for its delicate white blooms. It can grow up to 3 to 10 feet tall and spread up to 3 to 6 feet wider.

4.  Mandevilla X Amabilis

Also known as Alice Dupont, Mandevilla X Amabilis is a hybrid Mandevilla cultivar. It produces evergreen foliage and pink trumpet-shaped flowers with its leaves which are oval, dark green, and glossy. It is recommended as a good choice for hanging baskets.

5.  Mandevilla Splendens

This variety of Mandevilla is also known as shining Mandevilla. It is a tropical plant with married leaves that produces pink flowers which gradually turn to rose color as they mature.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 . How Do I Keep My Mandevilla Blooming

Mandevilla plants bloom and thrive in direct sunlight. The more sunlight it receives, the more flowers it produces.

2 . Does Mandevilla Come Back Every Year?

Mandevilla flowers grow back every year if given an early spring dose of fertilizer.

3 . Why Are My Mandevilla Leaves Turning Yellow And Falling Off?

Insufficient water can cause yellow leaves on a Mandevilla. Leaves will curl and turn yellow if the plants are getting too little water. 

To prevent this, water the plants when necessary. Nutrients imbalance and pests attacks can also make Mandevilla leaves turn yellow.

4 . What Is The Best Fertilizer For Mandevilla?

To promote healthy blooms, give your Mandevilla vine high Phosphorus food every 2-3 weeks at the beginning of the flowering season and use organic Fertilizers to help protect the environment.

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