Dipladenias, also known as Mandevilla, have been popular with gardeners as pot and container plants for years. Their graceful flowers make a beautiful addition to outdoor spaces in summer and although they are most often grown as potted annuals, it is possible to overwinter them as a perennial plant. In order to be able to admire it next year, the tropical plant needs optimal winter care.
Can you overwinter the Mandevilla indoors?
This tropical plant does not tolerate frost, so it is necessary to think about proper winter care. Overwintering Dipladenia indoors is a good way to protect it from the cold and ensure it thrives again next season. If it is cared for as usual, it can continue to bloom even during the cold season. One should just consider the following tips.
When is the right time for this?
As soon as the outside temperatures drop below 10°C in autumn, it is time to bring your plant indoors. So Dipladenia should arrive by mid-October at the latestmoved to winter quartersbecome.
Make sure beforehand that both the side shoots and the overall height of the plant should be cut back. Also remove any dead shoots to help the plant focus its energy on new growth. This way you also save space in your winter garden. Don't forget to wear gloves when pruning, as the Dipladenia secretes a sap that irritates the skin.
Choose the optimal location
Before you bring the Mandevilla indoors, check the plant for pests. It is recommended to quarantine them for a few days or weeks to protect the rest of your house plants from possible infestation.
Then choose a bright location in the bedroom or stairwell, ideally near a south or west facing window. Dipladenias thrive best in indirect sunlight. If you want natural light to be limited, you can also set up grow lights.
Pay attention to the optimal temperature - between 15 ° C and 21 ° C and keep the plant away from drafts, cold windows and heating.
Your plant shouldShed leaves, don't worry. As it adjusts to the new location, new leaves should appear soon.
If you don't have space in the apartment, the Dipladenia can also be hibernated in a cool place by resting. In this case, it should be watered less so that the root ball can dry out.
Watering and humidity
In winter, irrigation should be reduced. Check the top few inches of soil regularly and if it appears dry, water again. Be careful as excessive watering leads to root rot, which can be particularly problematic during cold months.
Mandevillas prefer a humid environment. To provide your plant with enough humidity, you should spray the leaves occasionally. A spray every 2 days is sufficient in the winter months. However, avoid excessive spraying as this can lead to fungal problems.
Another way to increase the humidity in the home is to use a humidifier. This is particularly effective when indoor air is dry due to heating systems during the winter months.
Should you fertilize the plant in winter?
Dipladenias should not be fertilized during the winter months. The exotic plant should only be planted in early spring (sometime in February), when new growth beginsbe fertilized again. It is best to use a water-soluble fertilizer about once a month.
Tipp:If you want to plant your Dipladenia outdoors again in spring, don't forget to acclimate the plant first. Place it in a shady spot for a few days to allow it to adjust to the stronger light and higher temperature. When the first new shoots appear, you should water the plant more heavily again, but avoid waterlogging.
