Among the climbing plants, one of the best known is the Mandevilla splendens. It is one of those chosen by many because not only does it easily cover walls or places where you want to place it, but it is also able to bloom with elegant colorful flowers that attract lots of attention.
But how is the Mandevilla splendens? What care do you need? Do you have any curiosities? We are going to tell you everything you need to know about this plant.
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How is the Mandevilla splendens
Mandevilla splendens, mandevilla, dipladenia, Chilean jasmine, Chilean jasmine… There are in fact many names by which we designate the same plant. It’s a climbing and herbaceous plant. It is obsolete, so in winter it will be “peeled” but if you protect it well in spring it will grow back.
It grows very slowly but It can reach 5 meters in height. However, it is normal for it to be small. What you will notice on the stem of the Mandevilla splendens it is that it has a kind of down everywhere; This is something characteristic of this plant.
Its origin is in South America where it is evergreen due to the temperatures encountered throughout the year.
The most characteristic of this plant are its flowers, which can be red or white.
As for the leaves, they are quite large, intense green.
A point you need to consider if you have pets or small children, is that the plant is poisonous. You can touch it, but if you ingest leaves, flowers or part of the stem, it can cause serious situations. Therefore, it is best to keep it away to avoid accidents.
care of the Mandevilla splendens
As for the care, we will go step by step because this plant is a bit demanding and that means you have to be on top for it to survive; and, second, that it blooms for you. Dark?
Location
The Mandevilla splendens can be put inside and outside the house as long as lighting needs are met. It needs lots of light, lots of heat and a humid environment.
As a good tropical plant, do not give it direct sun, but partial shade, preferably for several hours. Also, if you live in a hot climate, you may need a source of moisture to prevent the leaves from drying out or the plant suffering from the heat.
By telling you that you can have it both inside and outside the house, it implies that it can also be grown in a container. Inside, it is good that you look for a bright room but do not place it near the window because it could have a mirror effect and burn it. It is best to place it in an area where it receives filtered light for several hours.
In addition, both outside and inside it would be practical had a trellis or similar for him to climb on and the branches do not fall.
Temperature
As a good tropical plant, does not tolerate low temperatures. In fact, from 10 degrees below, the plant will behave like a deciduous plant, losing its leaves.
Therefore, if winters are usually cold in your area, it is best to protect it since it will not tolerate low temperatures, let alone frost.
In its natural habitat, it is completely perennial, but in other regions where a constant temperature cannot be guaranteed, it behaves as exhaled. In fgeneral, its ideal temperature would be between 12 and 24 degrees.
earth
so that the Mandevilla splendens growing vigorously and healthily is important provide nutritious soil but at the same time it has good drainage. So a mixture of peat with coir, or peat and sand may be the best choice for this plant.
Others you can consider are compost, guano, etc.
Irrigation
Irrigation is one of the fundamental parts of this plant because it will require that the substrate is always moist and not waterlogged. Besides, neither the leaves nor the flowers can get wet as this will lead to the appearance of fungus.
Therefore, it is best to have it with a good mix of soil and drainage and water it more or less (depending on where you live):
- In winter, every two weeks.
- In summer, at least 3-4 times a week.
Now, despite the fact that we have told you that it is not practical to sprinkle or pour water on the leaves and flowers, the truth is that, to keep it in a humid environment, yes it will be necessary to spray on the leaves so they don’t get dehydrated. This is important because the Mandevilla splendens it is demanding in terms of irrigation and humidity.
As for watering, It does not tolerate drought, so it will take some time to know when it needs water and when it doesn’t. What many do is watch the first few days and when they see the soil starting to dry out, they water again.
In reference to moisture, it must be well supplied with it. For this reason, you will often have to leave a bowl of water nearby or apply a humidifier to cover this need.
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Fertilization should be done during the most important months, such as from spring to late summer. You can use a fertilizer for flowering plants that you apply in the irrigation water.
you have to use it every 15 days until the arrival of autumn.
Cut
Before the plant begins to bloom, in the spring, you will need to carry out a small pruning. This consists of remove broken or dry branches, but not much else is done as it is not a plant that tolerates pruning easily. Although, throughout the year you can make it more aggressive (adult and old specimens are more resistant to stronger pruning).
Transplantation
Unlike other plants, Mandevilla splendens transplanted in autumn. To do this, you must take into account the type of soil and drainage that is going to be used and do not abuse too large pots as this can deplete the energies available to the plant.
Plagues and diseases
The most common pests are red spider and scale insects. Both are easily avoided, in the case of scale insects by applying alcohol or soapy water to the plant. From red spider mite you can get rid of with potassium soap or neem oil.
Multiplication
Reproduction of the plant takes place by seeds (flowers) or by woody cuttings, that is, of adult specimens and with several years.
Do you have any other questions about Mandevilla splendens?