Free Mandevilla Sanderi Plants

A very prettily flowered plant that at first looks more like a compact shrub than a climbing plant. It can in fact grow quite vigorously and will require a framework for support, or just a bamboo cane to climb up. To get the most from the Mandevilla it must be provided with a high level of humidity. The pink, trumpet-shaped flowers are first produced when the plant is still quite small, sometimes when it is only a few centimetres (an inch or so) above the rim of the pot. The flowers are produced on the previous year’s growth. As well as training the plant on to a frame, it may be worth lightly trimming or pruning the foliage at the top in spring to promote more compact side growth, which will produce flowers the following year. This plant is also known by the latin name Dipladenia sanderi.

Plant type : Flowering plant with climbing habit
Season of interest : Summer
Size : 100-250cm (39—98in)
Flower : Five petals forming trumpet, 5-7.5cm (2—3in) across, pink
Leaf : Pointed oval, 5cm (2in), green, glossy
Temperature : 16-21°C (61 -70°F)
Aspect/Light : Well-lit situation with some light shade from direct sunlight
Humidity : High
Watering : Just moisten compost in spring and summer, allowing to dry a little before re-watering; water just enough to prevent drying out in autumn and winter
Feeding : Once every two to three weeks with flowering plant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Plant 7.5cm (3in) tip cuttings in seed and cutting compost at 27°C (80°F) in spring
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Aphid, red spider mite
Availability : Occasionally available, usually as small, erect, bushy specimen
Uses indoors : Next to patio window with some shade; as floor-standing specimen in lounge; as table-top feature plant when small