tango twirl mandevilla - Knowledgebase Question

Cleveland, Oh
Avatar for mark478
Question by mark478
October 26, 2006
I bought a tango twirl last spring and grew it on my balcony. You guys are genius. The blooms look just like roses! I have brought it in for the winter and there is defoliation but the plant is still healthy(new growth is sprouting at the base). Should I prune this back? Please advise when to prune and how far back? Also what would you recommend for aphids? I have sprayed it with orthenex and used a soil systemic but they are still there. Should I contintue spray every 5 days? please advise.


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Answer from NGA
October 26, 2006
Glad that you're seeing new growth - that's always a positive sign! Defoliation is not all that unusual when you take a plant indoors. As it adjusts to the changes in light, temperature and humidity it is likely to look quite puny for several weeks. I'd prune it back to new growth, just to get rid of the bare stems. Pruning it back will also remove the potential for another aphid infestation because you'll be removing any eggs they've left behind. I wouldn't treat with Orthenex while the plant is indoors, or drench the soil. If you find aphids (do a daily check) direct a spray of insecticidal soap on them. It's relatively harmless to the plant (and to people) but it wipes out aphids on contact.

Best wishes with your Tango Twirl!

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