Tips on Growing Mandevilla
The Mandevilla is a tropical beauty that deserves our attention, this vine is native to South America and can be seen growing in many gardens in tropical regions. I first was introduced to the Mandevilla vine many years ago as a groundsman where I was employed at a five-star resort. When first introduced I was blown away by the number of flowers these plants produce and how beautiful they were.
Since then I have become a lover of these plants. The Mandevilla produces glossy green leaves and flowers which come in many colors. This summer and spring beauty can brighten up your garden area bringing that much-needed flavor. Can you imagine growing this vine on your fence as they gracefully climb? what a delight to have a fence that is covered with lots of flowers. This will truly be a show stopper as many that pass by is captivated by their beautiful display.
The Mandevilla makes a great plant to have as a part of your landscape design, so if you desire to bring the tropics to your landscape and garden area then come on this exciting journey with me as we look at the growth and the care of this vine which is impacting garden designs with their beauty.
Planting Location
The Mandevilla is a tropical plant that requires the full sun, therefore, installing these vines in an area that gets lots of sunlight is a must.
Soil Type
Mandevilla requires soils that are sandy and well-drained, to build your soil it is also good to add organic material such as peat moss.
Watering Methods
The soil should be kept moist and not waterlogged because overwatering can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing Methods
In order for your Mandevilla to maintain its healthy flower bloom the use of a liquid feed fertilizer that is high in phosphorus during the growing seasons is a must. Before applying fertilizers read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Garden insect pests of the Mandevilla vine
Keep an eye out for these listed pests.
- Whiteflies
- Mealybugs
- Scale
- Spider Mites
These garden insect pests will suck the plant’s fluid and also secrete a sugary substance known as honeydew, this honeydew will cause black molds to form on your (sooty mold) plant leaves causing your Mandevilla to take on a sickly appearance. The use of horticultural oil or insecticidal soap will bring these garden insect pests under control. Before using pesticides read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law
Diseases of the Mandevilla vine
Mandevilla’s have a few disease issues but the good news is these diseases can be treated and brought under control. These diseases are as followed.
- Southern Wilt
- Leaf Spots
- Powdery Mildew
- Botrytis Blight
Southern Wilt
Southern Wilt is a serious bacterial disease that causes yellowing and browning of the lower leaves, The leaves also wilts and drops. This disease is encouraged by weather that remains cool for long periods of time. Plants that have this disease should be removed and disposed of immediately. The soil should be sterilized before replanting.
Leaf Spot
Leaf Spot is encouraged by fungi and also bacterias. Symptoms that your Mandevillas have contracted this disease appear as large brown leaf spots and irregular yellow and brown circles on the leaves, the leaves may also drop. Proper spacing of plants to provide good air circulation will prevent leaf spots also avoid overhead irrigation. Infected leaves should also be removed and the plant should be sprayed with a fungicide which will bring this disease under control.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery Mildew is caused by a fungus. The leaves of the Mandevilla that are infected by this disease take on the appearance of having a substance that resembles white powder on the leaves. To prevent or control this disease provide proper air circulation by the right spacing of plants, removing fallen debris and infected plant parts will bring this disease under control. Applying horticultural oil may also offer some help. Before applying chemicals read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Botrytis Blight
Botrytis Blight is encouraged by a fungus, this disease develops during cool weather and lots of moisture. The leaves of the Mandevilla may develop yellow or brown areas followed by wilting. The buds, the leaves, and the flower which is infected are covered by a fuzzy growth that is gray. To bring this disease under control avoid wetting the leaves and flowers during irrigation, provide proper air circulation by giving your Mandeville the proper spacing, removing infected plant parts, and clean up all fallen debris.
Some ideas on where to install them
Here are just a few ideas on where to install your Mandevilla vine.
1. These vines dose great planted along a fenced area as we discussed earlier, the climbers will really highlight that area.
2. Grow them from containers and place the containers on your patio or porch.
3. Place the container on either side of your door entrance.
4. What about installing some of them around the trunk of a tree where sunlight can get down to them and watching them climb as they wrap around the trunk with a beautiful display of flowers?
Container grown Mandevilla Vine
Container-grown Mandevilla is a great way to go because you have the advantage of moving around your plant especially in the most unfavorable conditions. But to have success with container-grown Mandevillas take a few simple steps. First, the container should be large enough to accommodate your Mandevilla at maturity.
The use of a well-drained soil mix with organic material will help to condition your soil, half the container with the soil then add your plant, continue to fill with soil. Once the soil reaches almost to the top leave a few inches of the container free from the soil because what you don’t want is for the soil to wash away from the container when you give it a drink of water.
The use of a trellis is also good. Because Mandevillas are vines they need a trellis to hold and guide them as they grow. The use of tie straps may be needed for support.
The container should be placed in an area that gets full sunlight when watering water to the point where the water runs out of the drain hole. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged also don’t allow the soil to dry out completely. Fertilize, and treat garden insect pests as discussed a bit earlier.
How to prune your Mandevilla vine?
In order for your Mandevilla to grow and look its best, it is best to prune at the end of winter or the beginning of spring before new stems begin to emerge. If you decide to prune your Mandevillas once they begin to grow will reduce the buds which will reduce the flower bloom.
Prune long stems that are growing away from the plant causing it to lose its natural form, remove stems that are damaged and diseased, stems that are old should also be removed at this time.
As your Mandevilla puts forth new stems begin to pinch them because this pinching will encourage a fuller plant which will keep your Mandevilla looking great as you enjoy nice blooms which are really amazing.
The final word
The Mandevilla vine is a gardener’s choice, this beauty is a show stopper that can bring much flavor to your garden and landscape area. If you want a taste of the tropics then I encourage you to give this plant a try I am sure you will be glad that you did as you brighten up that drab area so go for it and get a taste of the tropics with the Mandevilla vine.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.