Mandevilla Care: Growing Tropical Vines for Nonstop Color

Mandevilla (Mandevilla splendens) is a Brazilian woody vine with glossy leaves and large, showy flowers in red, pink, or white. Evergreen in tropics; grown as annual or container plant elsewhere. Blooms heaviest in summer.

Planting

• Sun: 6+ hours (essential for flowers).
• Soil: Slightly alkaline, sandy, acidic, or loamy—well-drained.
• Container: Large, well-drained; support (trellis/fence).
• In Ground: Hole 2″ wider/deeper than root ball; enrich with compost.

Propagation

6–8″ hardwood cuttings in spring/summer; rooting hormone; moist soil; roots in ~1 month.

Maintenance

• Water: When top soil dry; drought-tolerant once established.
• Fertilizer: Water-soluble every 2 weeks during active growth only.
• Pruning: After flowering; remove old wood; train young vines.
• Deadheading: During bloom for more flowers.
• Pests: Mealybugs, spider mites in dense foliage—insecticidal soap.
• Winter: Pots indoors; mulch/cover in-ground; water sparingly; no fertilizer.

With sun and seasonal care, mandevilla delivers tropical flair all year.