How to Help a Mandevilla Bloom With African Violet Food

Plant food ideal for African violets also supports mandevilla vine houseplants.

Mandevilla boliviensis, of the Apocynaceae family, is a tropical vine with trumpet-shaped blooms. The mandevilla is hardy to USDA zones 10 and 11. Since it cannot tolerate the cold, it is often grown as a houseplant. If grown indoors, keep the plant in area that gets at least partial sun and is above 65 degrees. Cut back the plant by one-third in February or March to stimulate new growth. Just like African violets, mandevilla requires high phosphorous fertilizer.

Things You'll Need

• African violet food, water soluble

Instructions

1. Look for new growth or buds on the plant. This indicates it's time to give the mandevilla its first feeding.

2. Water the plant until water trickles out of the bottom of the pot. Let the plant sit for one hour to allow the roots to absorb the moisture and the excess water to drain.

3. Follow the package directions to apply the African violet food.

4. Fertilize again in two weeks, repeating these steps, and continue on a bi-weekly regimen until the end of summer.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the mandevilla plant away from children and pets as it is poisonous if ingested.

References

• Backyard Gardener: Mandevilla boliviensis ( White Mandevilla )
• Clemson University Extension: Mandevilla