Dipladenia (Mandevilla) Overwintering Indoors: Dormancy Care Protocol

Five dipladenias brought indoors before frost in Southern Ontario need semi-dormant care to survive until spring.

Winter Protocol

• Light: East or south window (max available).
• Water: Weekly—just enough to prevent desiccation.
• Fertilizer: None until spring.
• Expect: Leaf drop, leggy look, minimal growth.
• Spring: After frost, acclimate 10 days in shade before full sun.

Why This Works

Tropical vines enter rest period triggered by short days/low light. Forcing growth weakens them. Minimal care = strong spring rebound.

Spring Restart

• Repot if rootbound.
• Resume regular water/feed (bloom booster).
• Prune for shape.

They look terrible in February but glorious by June.