How to Take Care of a Mandevilla Hoop Plant
Mandevilla, also known as hoop plant, is a perennial vine valued for its climbing growth habit, ornamental flowers and ease of care. The plant blooms during summer, producing flowers in shades of pink, yellow and white, depending on the variety. Mature vines can reach 6 feet in length, though most only reach a fraction of this size when grown indoors. Native to Central and South America, mandevilla thrives outdoors in zones 9 through 11, but is commonly grown as a houseplant throughout the United States.
Grow mandevilla hoop plant in a medium-sized container filled with a growing medium made of one part peat moss, one part potting soil and one part builder's sand to provide proper drainage for growth. Keep the plant in bright, indirect sunlight throughout the day.
Maintain a constant temperature of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Keep a thermometer near the plant to ensure the temperature does not leave the desired range, which can stunt the plant's growth.
- Mandevilla, also known as hoop plant, is a perennial vine valued for its climbing growth habit, ornamental flowers and ease of care.
- Grow mandevilla hoop plant in a medium-sized container filled with a growing medium made of one part peat moss, one part potting soil and one part builder's sand to provide proper drainage for growth.
Water mandevilla hoop plant once every five days during spring, summer and fall to keep the soil consistently moist. Decrease watering frequency to once per week during winter, when active growth has ceased and the plant requires less water.
Feed mandevilla once every two weeks during spring and summer using a high phosphorous 10-20-10 NPK fertilizer. Water after fertilizing to release the nutrients into the soil. Apply at the rate recommended by the instructions on the package for the best results.
Prune the plant during late winter just before new growth begins in spring. Use pruning shears to remove any overgrown, damaged, diseased or bare growth to improve the visual appearance and overall health of the plant.
- Water mandevilla hoop plant once every five days during spring, summer and fall to keep the soil consistently moist.
- Decrease watering frequency to once per week during winter, when active growth has ceased and the plant requires less water.
Store mandevilla hoop plant in a cool, dark room during winter, such as a garage, basement or root cellar. Maintain a temperature of 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit to properly induce a dormant period. Move the plant back into its original location in early spring, just before active growth resumes.
Tip
Grow mandevilla hoop plant outdoors in zones 9 through 11 only. Plant in partial shade in a site composed of well-drained, fertile soil. Provide a trellis or a similar support structure for the plant to climb. Mulch lightly to improve moisture retention. Water once per week and fertilize once every two weeks during spring and summer using a 10-20-10 NPK fertilizer. Mandevilla hoop plant benefits from spending spring and summer outdoors. Place the plant outside in partial shade as long as the temperatures stay above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Warning
Mandevilla is considered a toxic plant and should not be consumed or ingested. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Related Articles
References
- Clemson University Extension Home & Garden Information Center: Mandevilla
- University of Illinois Extension Homeowner's Column: Winter Care for Tropical Bloomers
- “Indiana Gardener's Guide;” Jo Ellen Sharp and Tom Tyler; 2004
Tips
- Grow mandevilla hoop plant outdoors in zones 9 through 11 only. Plant in partial shade in a site composed of well-drained, fertile soil. Provide a trellis or a similar support structure for the plant to climb. Mulch lightly to improve moisture retention. Water once per week and fertilize once every two weeks during spring and summer using a 10-20-10 NPK fertilizer.
- Mandevilla hoop plant benefits from spending spring and summer outdoors. Place the plant outside in partial shade as long as the temperatures stay above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Warnings
- Mandevilla is considered a toxic plant and should not be consumed or ingested. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Writer Bio
Willow Sidhe is a freelance writer living in the beautiful Hot Springs, AR. She is a certified aromatherapist with a background in herbalism. She has extensive experience gardening, with a specialty in indoor plants and herbs. Sidhe's work has been published on numerous Web sites, including Gardenguides.com.
