Does it need a trellis?

Yes, it is a twining vine that requires a support structure to climb effectively.

How often should I water it?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Plant guide

Mandevilla.

Mandevilla sanderi

Pronounced man-deh-VIL-lah SAN-der-eye

Also known as Brazilian jasmine, Brazilian-jasmine, Mexican love vine

This lovely tropical vine is a favorite for its showy, trumpet shaped blooms. It loves climbing up trellises and adds a touch of the tropics to any sunny patio. You will find it thrives best when it has plenty of warmth and bright light.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Tropical vine
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 3 to 5 meters
Growth rate: fast
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Late spring to autumn

Care

Provide a sturdy trellis for support and keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure it stays away from cold drafts to keep it happy.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season but allow the top inch to dry out slightly between waterings.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks throughout the spring and summer.
Pruning: Prune back long stems in late winter to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Repotting: Repot in the spring if the roots have filled the container.
Soil: Well draining, peat based potting mix
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
Temperature: 10 to 30°C
Humidity: 50 to 80%
Drought tolerance: moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years in containers.
Fragrance: light
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth during the active growing season.

Safety

People: The plant contains milky sap that can cause skin irritation and is poisonous if eaten.
Pets: The milky sap is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of children as the sap is irritating and the foliage is toxic if ingested.
Contact allergens: The milky latex sap can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no significant reports of respiratory allergies associated with this plant.
Edibility: All parts of this plant are considered toxic if ingested and should not be consumed.

How to identify it

Glossy, dark green oval leaves
Large, trumpet shaped pink flowers
Twining woody vine stems
Milky sap when stems are cut

Height: 3 to 5m
Spread: 0.6 to 1.2m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: pink, red, white, 5 to 8cm

Common problems

Spider mites — These tiny pests thrive in dry conditions and cause stippling on the leaves.
Mealybugs — They appear as white cottony masses in leaf axils and suck plant sap.
Root rot — Overwatering or poor drainage leads to fungal decay of the root system.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings
When to plant: spring
Overwintering: Bring the plant indoors before the first frost and place it in a bright, cool room. Reduce watering significantly during the winter months while it is dormant.
In containers: It thrives in containers, provided the pot is at least 12 inches wide and has excellent drainage.

Stem cuttings

Take a 4 to 6 inch cutting from a non flowering stem in spring.
Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant in a moist, well draining potting mix.
Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity until roots form.

Pair with plants that have similar water requirements to avoid overwatering the Mandevilla.

Grows well with

Lantana — They share similar high light and moisture needs for a vibrant display.
Sweet Potato Vine — The trailing foliage provides a nice contrast to the upright climbing habit.

Keep away from

None notable — It generally plays well with other tropical plants in similar conditions.

Similar species

Dipladenia — It has a more shrubby, upright habit compared to the vining nature of M. sanderi.

Science

Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Mandevilla
Order: Gentianales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Native to the mountainous regions of Brazil.
Conservation: This species is not currently listed as threatened or endangered in its native range.

It grows as a woody climber in tropical forests, using its twining stems to reach sunlight.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: hummingbirds, bees, butterflies
Uses: container specimen, trellis climber, ornamental vine

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need a trellis?: Yes, it is a twining vine that requires a support structure to climb effectively.
How often should I water it?: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Where the name comes from

The genus honors Henri Mandeville, a British diplomat, while the species name recognizes the collector Sander.

Good to know

It is often called the Brazilian Jasmine despite not being a true jasmine.
The flowers are known for their distinct trumpet shape.
It needs plenty of sun to produce its best blooms.

Is your mandevilla looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.