Mandevilla Vine

How to Care for Mandevilla Vines

Mandevilla vines can be grown outdoors in zones 9 to 11. In zone 9 they usually go dormant or semi-dormant in winter, but are evergreen zones 10 and 11. Mandevilla plants thrive in hot, sunny climates. Plant them in full sun for the most abundant blooms. They are adaptable to any well-drained soil. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Mandevilla vines prefer slightly moist soil, but do not tolerate wet soil. Prune your plant back anytime to control growth and promote a bushier habit. Feed your mandevilla a slow release fertilize in spring.

How to Grow Mandevilla as a Houseplant

A mandevilla vine makes a lovely houseplant if you have a sunny spot. If the light is too low, your plant will produce few, if any, blooms. As an alternative you can purchase a plant light and leave it on at least 8 hours per day. Choose a pot that has good drainage and isn’t more than twice the size of the current container. Water your mandevilla plant when the soil is dry. Fertilize your plant 2 times per year with our slow release fertilizer. Keep your mandevilla vine trimmed by pinching back new shoots to encourage a less vining and more compact habit.

Repot your mandevilla into a larger pot when the roots begin to fill the pot. You will know it is time to repot your mandevilla vine when you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes or up to the top of the soil and the soil becomes unable to hold water as the roots take over.

How to Plant Mandevilla in the Ground

Choose a sunny location. Dig a hole twice the size of the width of the rootball. Place your mandevilla plant in the center of the hole. Be sure the soil line of your new plant meets up with or is slightly higher than the existing soil line of the ground. Fill the hole with water even before backfilling the hole. This ensures optimal moisture and helps reduce transplantation shock. Backfill the hole with the existing soil or a 50/50 mixture of existing soil and planting mix. Tamp down the soil gently to remove air pockets. Water again until the soil is thoroughly saturated. Fertilize with our slow release fertilizer. It will never burn your plants. Apply 1 to 2 inches of mulch around your mandevilla plant, extending a few inches past the rootzone to protect the roots, help retain moisture, and keep weeds at bay.

How to Plant Mandevilla Vine in a Pot

Water your plant thoroughly. Find a sunny spot for the location of your potted mandevilla. If you are growing your mandevilla indoors choose the brightest spot you have, like a south facing window or glass door. Pick a pot slightly larger than the one your plant came in and be sure that the container drains well. Use a good quality potting mix. Add some to the bottom of the container. Gently take your plant out of its original pot and place it in the container. Backfill the planting mix or soil around the plant only applying a very thin layer over the top of the plant’s existing soil. Tamp the soil down gently to remove air pockets. Water well until the soil is saturated.

How to Grow Mandevilla Vines in the Landscape

These climbing vines look stunning growing up a trellis, arbor, mailbox, balcony, or front porch or flowing over a hanging basket. The Mandevilla vine is used as an annual in climates other than very warm climates like growing zone 9 through 11. However, you can grow mandevilla plants in containers and move them inside in winter to enjoy year after year.

How to Overwinter Mandevilla Vines

Move mandevilla plants inside when temperatures are dipping around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Check for pests before moving your plant inside. Use neem oil or insecticidal soaps if you aren’t sure or you notice minor insect activity. These products are safe for humans and pets. Trim back your mandevilla vine by at least ⅓. It can tolerate severe pruning so you can even prune it back to the ground if you are looking more to preserve it for next year rather than having a pretty plant inside. Put your plant in a bright spot. Even plants that are completely dormant should be watered on occasion. Dormant plants should be watered every few weeks while active plants should be watered when the soil is dry. (about once weekly) Do not feed your mandevilla vine in winter.

How to Propagate Mandevilla Vines

Mandevilla plants can be propagated by cuttings, but it tends to be a challenging and lengthy process. Trim tips or side shoots at a length of about 3 inches. Remove all but the top 2 leaves (you want the plant focusing on making roots). Wet the cut end and dip it into a rooting hormone about a ½ inch. Poke holes in your planting medium and gently place your cuttings in the holes, taking care to avoid knocking off the rooting hormone.