The Dipladenia, or Mandevilla, is actually quite easy to care for. Nevertheless, there are a few things to consider when watering and fertilizing to avoid rot or pest infestation.
Caring for the exotic plants with their magnificent flowers is less complicated than you might think. The diversity of species is not a problem, Dipladenia are all quite undemanding permanent bloomers. If the watering is forgotten, the plant forgives this because it is able to store water in its roots. However, a few tips regarding the care and cultivation of Dipladenia, also known as Mandevilla, should be observed so that you can enjoy these pretty plants with their expressive flowers for as long as possible.
Water Dipladenia correctly
Watering the plants requires a bit of finesse. Water regularly but rather sparingly. The plant can also survive a few days without water, but the root ball must not dry out. On warm days it should be watered regularly. It is important to avoid waterlogging in any case. Excess water should be removed from the cachepots and saucers regularly, otherwise the roots would be attacked and possibly caused to rot.
➔ Tip: Pour with low-lime, warm water. Rainwater is well suited.
If watered too much, numerous new shoots will develop, but the flowers will appear rather poor. During the winter months the plant is watered less. However, the root ball must also be protected from drying out during the dormant phase.
Watering tips at a glance
✓ water regularly✓ avoid waterlogging
✓ provide drainage
✓ use low-lime, tempered water✓ Remove excess irrigation water from pots
✓ Root ball must not dry out
✓ Water less in winter
Fertilize Dipladenia correctly
Due to the lack of winter hardiness, Mandevilla are mainly cultivated in tubs. This results in an increased need for nutrients, because the plant has to provide itself with all the necessary nutrients in a relatively small space. Already at the planting stagePotting soil can be enriched with compost or peat. In addition to this organic long-term fertilizer, conventional liquid fertilizer for flowering plants can be added to the irrigation water every two weeks during the growth phase.
➔ Tip: Plants have the highest need for nutrients during the flowering period.
Fertilisers should be stopped in late summer. The plant spends the winter indoors and begins hibernation as early as August. Only in the spring, when the plant starts to sprout again, do you start fertilizing again.
Summary of tips for fertilization:
- mix in compost or peat as long-term fertilizer when planting
- fertilize regularly during the growth phase
- Use liquid fertilizer for flowering plants
- Stop fertilizing from August
Dipladenia pruning
So that the Dipladenia does not miss its lush flowering in the following year, it is advisable to cut back in autumn. Flowers are only formed on one-year-old wood. Therefore, the shoots can be cut back by about 2/3 after flowering. This stimulates the growth of the plant. If only a topiary is to be done, it is sufficient to cut the side shoots along the main shoots. If a stronger pruning is necessary, this is usually not a problem and is well tolerated by the plant. If pruning was missed in autumn, this can be made up for in spring, before budding.
Warning: All parts of the plant are poisonous. Gloves should be worn when cutting. The escaping milky juice can cause skin irritation.
Dipladenia care tips at a glance
| Care Measure | Notes |
| Casting | » When watering, you should slow down your zeal. The plants have roots reminiscent of turnips, which serve as a water reservoir. » Longer periods of drought are tolerated well. » However, the root ball should not dry out. » Regular watering is required during longer periods of heat necessary. » Waterlogging attacks the root system and should be avoided. |
| Fertilize | » Potted plants generally need more nutrients than outdoor plants. » Compost can serve as long-term fertilizer and be added to the potting soil. » Excessive flowering is guaranteed by adding commercially available liquid fertilizer during of the growing season. |
| Cut | » Since the flowers form on one-year-old wood, the shoots can be shortened after flowering. » TheThe plant also tolerates radical pruning measures if they become necessary. » By using sharp pruning tools, injuries to the plant are avoided and no more poisonous plant sap escapes than is necessary. |
Dipladenia - beautiful but poisonous
Similar to the oleander, the dipladenia is one of the dogbane plants. All parts of the plant are poisonous because a sticky milky sap escapes. This leads to symptoms of poisoning when consumed. Skin contact may cause irritation. The care measures should be carried out with gloves. Small children and pets should not come into contact with the plants or their waste.
Dipladenia - avoid care mistakes
As a robust and easy-care plant, Dipladenia are largely spared from diseases and pests. Mistakes in care are usually the cause when an infestation with pests or fungi does occur.
In this context, the following were observed:
■ Aphids■ Spider mites
■ Scale insects■ Mealybugs
■ Fungal diseases
Infestation with aphids usually occurs in early summer. The plants should be checked regularly. If a pest infestation is recognized in good time, it can also be successfully counteracted with biological means.
Extracts from: onions, nettles and garlic have proven themselves.
Affected plants are sprayed with an extract from the plants mentioned. Aphids can usually be removed by simply hosing them off with a jet of water.
If you don't water enough in summer, you have to reckon with an infestation of scale insects and mealybugs. These pests are usually more stubborn and can often only be eliminated with commercially available pesticides.
The right location
The right location can ensure that the plants remain free from fungal diseases. On the other hand, if the plant is too shady and receives too much water, fungal diseases can become noticeable through discoloration of the leaves. The affected parts of the plant must be removed. Disposal should not take place in the compost. The fungal spores can continue to multiply there.
➔ Tip: If some older leaves turn yellow and fall off in late summer, this is completely normal and not an explicit sign of disease.
Waterlogging is particularly dangerous for the Dipladenia. If the shoots are already beginning to die off, there is usually no way to save the plant.
This is how care mistakes are avoided:
✔ warm and sunny location
✔ sheltered location from wind and rain
✔ water sparingly
✔ avoid waterlogging and dry bulbs