Chrispook's Garden
Dipladenia
Species: Dipladenia.
Given to me in Cluj on June 8th by modular students. It is a balcony climber and needs to be inside in the winter..
Advice from Flcrazy.
Here in the States, we call them mandevilla vines, and unfortunately they don't make pretty houseplants, but can be overewintered inside.
As the nights begin to cool off the Mandevilla will slow down. That is the time to give them some food to harden them up for the long winter.
Try to use a liquid fertilizer with a high middle number e.g. 10-56-14, (Lightly) since you can cause fertilizer burn. We are not trying to promote growth but to toughen the plant up. Don’t go over board with the fertilizer; let the plant stay outside as long as possible. It should be able to handle high 40’s for brief periods.
After about 3 weeks (if you can hold out that long weather permitting) prune the plant back. Not just tipping the plant, but cutting it down to about 12 inches above the soil line. I would also treat this vining plant for any possible pests probelms since it will be going indoors for the winter.
Next we want to begin slowing up on the water and let the plant run on the dry side. Remember that we have given the plant some fertilizer and removed a lot of growth so the requirements for water should drop.
When you bring the plant inside place it in as much light as possible. You are looking for maintenance not growth. You'll probably get some quick new growth, just try to maintain it. Some people place the plant in a clear plastic bag and over winter their Mandevilla in their heated garage
When spring comes you can move the plant outside. Expect the growth produced during the winter to be burned off by the sun !!!
I have a friend who overwinters my in a cold greenhouse that he keeps about 50 degrees faren. throughout the winter. Hope this helps and I hope to see some beautiful pics of it next year !
