How to Care for a Trellis Mandevilla

Mandevilla (Brazilian jasmine) is a tropical plant that is hardy in zones 9-11. It grows well outdoors in the summer months and should be taken indoors in the winter. This plant is an evergreen and produces vibrant flowers, usually in shades of pink, red, white and yellow. The flowers are sometimes fragrant.

Things You'll Need

• Trellis
• Fertilizer
• Moss
• Builder's ssand
• Potting mix

Instructions

Care:

1. Mandevilla should be trellised to support its vines. The leaves tend to suffer if the plant is merely potted, and are more vibrant when the vines are given the room and support to grow. The vine will eventually grow and cover the trellis, which produces a beautiful effect. The plant should be trimmed regularly during growth spurts in warmer seasons. Trimming produces a denser plant and doesn't not reduce blooming. The cuttings can be used to start new plants.

2. Mandevilla grows best in warm environments. Leave the plant outside in the summer. Mandevillas grow well in partial shade environments. The soil should be rich and well drained. In warm temperatures, water the plant regularly. Because the plant does not fare well in cooler temperatures, bring it indoors when temperatures drop below 50 degrees.

3. To ensure that your Mandevilla fares well indoors and then blooms again in the spring, gradually increase the phosphorus in the fertilizer to help fortify the plant's health. (Phosphorus is indicated in the middle number on the fertilizer bag.) The plant also should be pruned and inspected for insect damage. Trim the plant so only 6 inches of vine remains. Water the pruned plant less frequently. Mandevilla thrive in direct sunlight and partial shade. Evening temperatures should be mild; 60-65F temperatures are ideal. Daytime temperatures should be upwards of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. The plant mixture should consist of one-third moss, potting mix and sand. For optimal blooming in the spring and summer months, mix in plenty of fertilizer.

5. The cuttings of an existing plant are a great way to propogate your plant. Otherwise, seeds can be propogated in well-drained soil and they require temperatures slightly higher than those of a mature Mandevilla. Minimum temperatures for propogating are 75-80F degrees.

References

• Plant Care
• Garden Services
• Dave's Garden