Mandevilla Winter Care: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Mandevilla is a beautiful tropical vine that can add a touch of color to your garden. However, when the weather starts to cool, you’ll need to take steps to protect your mandevilla from the cold. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you care for your mandevilla during the winter months.
Overwintering Mandevilla: Two Options
There are two main options for overwintering mandevilla: allowing the plant to go dormant or bringing it inside to continue growing.
Dormant Mandevilla Winter Care
If you live in a cold climate, the best way to overwinter your mandevilla is to allow it to go dormant. To do this, simply stop watering the plant and let the leaves die back. Once the leaves have completely died back, prune the plant to about 12 inches (30 cm) and store it in a cool, dark place, such as a garage or basement. Do not fertilize or water the plant during this time.
Mandevilla Care Indoors
If you want to keep your mandevilla growing during the winter, you can bring it inside. However, you’ll need to provide the plant with plenty of light and humidity. Place the plant in a sunny window and mist it regularly with water. You should also fertilize the plant monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Light Requirements for Indoor Mandevilla
Mandevilla needs bright, indirect light to grow indoors. If you don’t have a sunny window, you can use grow lights to supplement the natural light.
Pruning Mandevilla for Winter
When you bring your mandevilla inside for the winter, you should prune it back by about half. This will help to keep the plant compact and manageable. You should also prune any dead or diseased leaves.
Watering and Fertilizing Mandevilla in Winter
Water your mandevilla sparingly during the winter months. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. You should also fertilize the plant monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Pests and Diseases
Mandevilla is relatively pest-free and disease-resistant. However, mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites can occasionally infest the plant. If you see any pests on your mandevilla, treat them with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips for successfully overwintering your mandevilla:
- Choose a cool, dark place to store your dormant mandevilla.
- Do not overwater your mandevilla during the winter months.
- Provide your indoor mandevilla with plenty of light and humidity.
- Prune your mandevilla back by about half when you bring it inside for the winter.
- Treat any pests or diseases that may occur.
By following these tips, you can help your mandevilla survive the winter and thrive again in the spring.
Additional Information
- How to Bring Mandevilla Inside for Winter: https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/overwinter-mandevilla/7174.html
- The Best Way to Keep Mandevilla Alive During Winter: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-care/perennials/how-to-overwinter-mandevilla/
- How to Prune Mandevilla for Winter: https://www.almanac.com/plant/mandevilla
- How Much Light Does Mandevilla Need in the Winter: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/mandevilla-dipladenia/mandevilla-light-requirements.htm
- Tips for Growing Mandevilla Indoors in Winter: https://www.thespruce.com/growing-mandevilla-indoors-1902966
- How to Fertilize Mandevilla During Winter: https://www.gardenmyths.com/fertilizing-mandevilla-during-winter/
- How to Water Mandevilla During Winter: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/mandevilla-dipladenia/watering-mandevilla-plants.htm
- How to Prevent Pests on Mandevilla in Winter: https://www.gardeningchannel.com/how-to-prevent-pests-on-mandevilla-in-winter/
- How to Get Mandevilla to Bloom Indoors in Winter: https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-get-mandevilla-to-flower-indoors/
