Yes, Mandevillas are Easy to Grow. How to Grow and Care for Mandevillas (Even in Winter)

Would you like to brighten up your home during the spring and summer months? Look no further than the mandevilla. This brightly-colored, viney plant thrives in warm weather, and adds a refreshing touch to your indoor or outdoor living space.^{[1]XResearch source} You don’t have to be an expert gardener to grow your own mandevillas; in fact, we’ve answered all your frequently asked questions to help you get started.

Question 1 of 9:

Are mandevillas easy to grow?

Yes, they’re very easy to grow. Mandevilla plants are pretty low-maintenance, and don’t require too much extra work. Also, these flowers only bloom outside when it’s warm, so you don’t have to worry about them during the colder weather.^{[2]XResearch source}
- You can grow your mandevilla all year by bringing it inside during the colder months. However, your mandevilla won’t grow as much during the winter.^{[3]XResearch source}
- You can plant mandevillas in a variety of places, like hanging baskets, portable containers, and wire fence panels.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Try growing several mandevillas on a small trellis to create your own living wall.^{[5]XExpert SourceMonique Capanelli
  Plant SpecialistExpert Interview. 22 September 2020.}
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Question 2 of 9:

How do you plant mandevilla seeds?

1
Plant your mandevilla seeds in well-drained soil.^{[6]XResearch source} To test your soil, dig a large hole that’s around 12 to 18 in (30 to 46 cm) wide and 12 to 18 in (30 to 46 cm) deep. Pour water into the hole and see how long it takes to drain. If the water drains out in 10 minutes or less, your soil is suitable for mandevillas.^{[7]XResearch source}
- If your soil doesn’t drain well, mix something organic into your soil, like decomposed manure, peat moss, or compost.
- If you’re growing your mandevillas in a pot, fill the container with an even mixture of peat moss, builder’s sand, and potting mix.^{[8]XResearch source}
^{[9]XResearch source} Then, bury your mandevilla seeds beneath about 2 to 4 cm (0.79 to 1.57 in) of soil, so they’re fully covered.^{[10]XResearch source}
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Question 3 of 9:

Do mandevillas need a trellis?

Yes, they usually do. Mandevillas are vine-like flowers that need some extra support as they grow. If you don’t have a trellis, install a trellis or frame instead.^{[11]XResearch source} Mandevillas are “twining” vines, so they’ll circle and attach to the trellis or support automatically.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceEDISElectronic database of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences's peer-reviewed articlesGo to source}
- You can also grow your mandevillas in a hanging basket.^{[13]XResearch source}
- If you’re planting mandevillas in a container, stick an obelisk in the soil. Your mandvillas will train to the obelisk as they grow.^{[14]XResearch source}

Question 4 of 9:

Can mandevilla take full sun?

Yes, it can.^{[15]XResearch source} However, mandevillas also do fine in partial shade.^{[16]XResearch source} If you’re growing a mandevilla indoors, give it plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.^{[17]XResearch source}
- In general, mandevillas thrive in at least 70 °F (21 °C) weather during the day, and 60 to 65 °F (16 to 18 °C) at night.
- Mandevillas do well with 6 hours of full sun, but they’ll be fine in partial shade, too. If you grow your plant in a shadier spot, make sure it gets at least 2-6 hours of direct sun throughout the day.^{[18]XResearch source}
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Question 5 of 9:

What fertilizer do mandevillas need?

Nourish your mandevillas every 2 weeks with phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Spread this fertilizer during the summer months.^{[19]XResearch source} Thankfully, mandevillas don’t need fertilizer in the winter, even if you bring them inside.^{[20]XResearch source}
- A 10-20-10 fertilizer works well for mandevillas.^{[21]XResearch source}
- Wear gloves whenever you handle mandevillas. The plants create a sap that may irritate your skin.^{[22]XResearch source}

Question 6 of 9:

How often do you water mandevillas?

1
Water your plants frequently so the soil stays moist. To test your soil, slip a wooden chopstick into the dirt. Let the chopstick sit for 10 minutes, and then remove it. If part of the wood changed color during this time, your soil is moist.^{[23]XResearch source}
- Your soil should feel damp, but not soaking wet.
- During the hotter months, spritz your mandevillas with a light mist of water.^{[24]XTrustworthy SourceRoyal Horticultural SocietyLeading gardening charity in the U.K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plantsGo to source}
Mandevillas don’t need to be watered that much during their rest period. Leave the soil mostly dry, but make sure it doesn’t dry out all the way.^{[25]XResearch source}
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Question 7 of 9:

Do you prune your mandevilla?

Mandevilla plants grow pretty aggressively, and pruning helps keep your plant under control. After planting the seeds, wait for several shoots to emerge from the soil. Choose 3-5 of the strongest shoots to let grow, and prune back the others. Then, continue to trim back any small or overcrowded growths on your plant.^{[26]XTrustworthy SourceRoyal Horticultural SocietyLeading gardening charity in the U.K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plantsGo to source}
When you remove these small shoots, your vine looks a lot bushier.^{[27]XResearch source}
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Question 8 of 9:

When will your mandevilla start flowering?

Then, your plant will continue to flower until the first frost hits.^{[28]XResearch source} Mandevilla flowers are typically pink, white, or red, and grow along green vines.^{[29]XResearch source}

Question 9 of 9:

How do you care for a mandevilla during the winter?

1
Bring your plant inside and prune it back. Mandevilla plants die if they’re left outside during freezing weather.^{[30]XResearch source} Once your plant is inside, trim back the vines so they’re only about 8 to 10 in (20 to 25 cm) long.^{[31]XResearch source} Don’t worry—your mandevilla will grow back during the warmer months.
- As an extra precaution, wash the plant carefully to remove any bugs or critters that crawled on the vine during the warmer weather.^{[32]XResearch source}
2
Store and tend to your mandevilla in a 55 to 60 °F (13 to 16 °C) space. Your mandevilla won’t be flourishing during the colder months, but it won’t be dying, either.^{[33]XResearch source} During the winter, lightly water your mandevilla once every 5-6 weeks.^{[34]XResearch source}
- You might keep your mandevilla in the garage, or in another slightly cool space.
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Expert Q&A

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Question
How do you make a Mandevilla trellis?
Monique Capanelli
Plant Specialist
Monique Capanelli is a Plant Specialist and the Owner and Designer for Articulture Designs, an innovative design firm and boutique in Austin, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Monique specializes in interior botanical design, living walls, event decor, and sustainable landscape design. She attended the University of Texas at Austin. Monique is a Certified Permaculture Designer. She provides plant and botanical design experiences, from small gifts to entire transformations, to shoppers as well as commercial clients including Whole Foods Market and The Four Seasons.
Monique Capanelli
Plant Specialist
Expert Answer
Start by getting a small trellis. Then, plant several Mandevillas along the base of the trellis. The Mandevillas will grow up the trellis to create a living wall.
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Warnings

Mandevillas are toxic to both people and pets. If you have children or pets at home, plant your mandevilla somewhere out of reach.^{[35]XResearch source}
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Mandevilla plants tend to attract common pests, like mealybugs, red spider mites, scales, and whiteflies. If you notice any pests on your flowers, spray them down with a strong stream of water. For a more long-term solution, treat your mandevillas with safe insecticidal soaps or insecticides.^{[36]XResearch source} According to experts, products like Akari, Avid, Floramite, Pylon, Tetrasan, and Ultiflora are safe to use.^{[37]XResearch source}
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