Red Mandevilla is a beautiful tropical flowering plant. Its leaves are small, dark green in color, and it has red trumpet-shaped flowers. The Red Mandevilla is a climbing vine that can grow up to 10 feet tall in the right conditions, although it can be pruned to keep it more compact.
The plant can be grown in containers or trained to grow on trellis or walls with support. They also make beautiful potted plants that can grow indoors or outside. Proper care of the plant is paramount for its healthy growth and continued flowering. Let’s look at how to grow and care for a Red Mandevilla plant.
What is a Red Mandevilla plant?
Red Mandevilla is a tropical climber and can grow up to 10 feet long. It has the botanical name Mandevilla spp and is part of the Apocynaceae family. The plant is known for its beautiful red-colored flowers and lush green leaves. It’s sometimes referred to as the rocket trumpet due to the shape of its flowers. It can be grown as a vine or potted plant.
These plants grow in tropical and sub-tropical climates that originate from Central and South America. The Red Mandevilla has thick woody stems and dark green foliage. Flowers usually appear in the summertime when day and night temperatures are warm. Red Mandevilla’s can be grown outside in USDA zones 9 to 11. These plants may become dormant if left outdoors in winter in zone 9. If you live in colder regions, you can also grow this plant indoors and move it to a sunny patio or balcony in the summer.
How to care for a red Mandevilla plant
The plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors as a potted or climbing plant. They require bright sunlight for healthy growth but will tolerate partial shade during the day. The soil should be well-drained and allowed to dry slightly between watering. Here are some tips to help you care for a Red Mandevilla plant:
Sunlight needs
The Red Mandevilla plant prefers bright sunlight but can tolerate partial shade during the day. If you’re keeping your Mandevilla as a houseplant, you should ensure it’s placed on a bright, sunny windowsill so that it gets enough light. These plants need between 6 and 8 hours of sunlight a day to thrive. They can also be grown under a fluorescent light indoors.
Watering requirements
Red Mandevilla plants need moderate amounts of water, especially in warmer areas. Water thoroughly to moisten all soil and then allow it to dry slightly before watering again. The leaves will droop when overwatered, and root rot may occur, so it’s always best to test the soil with your finger to see if your plant needs water.
Fertilization
Fertilize your plant every month with a balanced fertilizer. Do not feed it too much, as this will result in leggy growth and poor flowering. Alternatively, use a slow-release fertilizer that can be given to your plant twice annually in the spring and fall.
Soil
Use a light, well-drained potting mix to grow your plant in containers. You can also use readymade garden soil mixed with organic compost, vermicompost, and aged manure. Repot in spring after flowering using a well-drained soil mix. Red Mandevilla plants prefer soil with a pH range of between 6.6 to 7.8. They can cope with soil that’s neutral or slightly acidic, or alkaline.
Repotting and pruning
Prune any broken stems with a sharp knife or secateurs. You can also cut the plant back by 1/3 if it’s getting too large. Red Mandevilla plants can cope with heavy pruning. Pruning will help to encourage your plant to become bushier.
Pests and diseases
Red Mandevilla plants are susceptible to pests such as scale, mealybug, whitefly, and aphids. Other diseases include leaf spot, root rot, and crown gall. Treat any disease with appropriate fungicides or insecticides as per package directions. Also, make sure you use safe pesticides for your plants to avoid killing them.
Temperature
Red Mandevilla plants grow well in moist, warm weather during the day and a little cooler at night. Ideal temperatures are 60 to 70 Fahrenheit during the day and 40 to 50 Fahrenheit at night.
When the temperatures fall below 50F, you can overwinter your plant by bringing it indoors or moving it into a greenhouse. As red Mandevilla plants are tropical, they aren’t very cold hardy and shouldn’t be left outside in cold weather, particularly if frost is expected.
Humidity
Higher humidity of around 70 percent is preferred for good flowering. If you live in a dry area, you can use a tray with pebbles and water to improve humidity. AS the water evaporates, it will provide your plant with moisture. Alternatively, spray your plant’s leaves lightly using a fine mist. Be careful not to soak the leaves, especially not the flowers, as this can cause fungal infections to develop. Other ways to improve humidity for your plant is to group it with other tropical species or invest in a humidifier.
How to propagate new Red Mandevilla plants
Start with taking cuttings of healthy vines in the early spring. It’s best to use sterilized scissors when taking cuttings. Cuttings should be between 4 and 6 inches long.
Prepare a garden bed by digging it up and adding aged manure or compost. Dip the end of the cuttings in rooting hormone and then plant in the prepared garden bed. Water well until new growth appears.
Keep your plant clean by removing dropped leaves or flower petals daily. Clean up any spills around the pot with a wet cloth to prevent fungal infections.
Conclusion
Red Mandevilla plants are relatively easy to care for and can be grown indoors and outdoors, provided they get enough sunlight. The plant should be watered well but not over-watered. Regular fertilization, pruning, and pest control will help you grow healthy clambering vines that overflow with flowers. The flowers look beautiful and are generally long-lasting.
If you are looking to make a garden with red leaves, here’s our guide to trees with red leaves.