| I purchased a blooming mandivilla that has survived two winters indoor. Each summer I have put it outside in a sunny location and the leaves grow profusely and have a dark shiny green color. My problem is this is the second summer that my plant has not bloomed. I fertilize it with slow-release fertilizer first thing in the spring and have added more at intervals, but still not one flower. What can be wrong? The vines are profuse and the leaf colors are healthy and robust. I'm at a loss. |
| Mandevilla needs full direct sun all day long, evenly moist yet well drained soil, and ample fertilization to grow and bloom its best. As a semi tropical plant, it also needs a long growing season to do well. Make sure it is in the sunniest, warmest location possible. (It does best at temperatures of 70 and above.) Avoid exposing it to temperatures below about 50 degrees. When you set it out in the spring, this may mean bringing it indoors at night until the weather settles. And in the fall, leave it outside as late as possible, again protecting it on cold nights to extend the time it is outside in the sun. In addition to the slow release fertilizer such as 10-10-10, you might also use a water soluble fertilizer with an analysis such as 10-10-10 plus minors and an occasional top dressing of compost. If it has grown a great deal, pot it up to a slightly larger container to accommodate the larger root system. I hope this helps. |
