Mandevilla (Mandevilla velame)
Care, watering, light and tips for Mandevilla on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Mandevilla
Mandevilla velame, also known as velame-branco, is a tropical climbing plant from the Apocynaceae family, cherished for its abundant bloom of white or creamy-white bell-shaped flowers. Its woody stems and glossy dark green leaves give it an ornamental appeal, perfect for covering pergolas, trellises, or as a hanging plant in baskets, adding an elegant and exotic touch to gardens and patios.
Native range
Tropical South America, including Brazil and Paraguay.
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure or partial shade with plenty of light for optimal flowering. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering periods; reduce frequency in winter. It prefers well-drained soils, rich in organic matter, and with a slightly acidic pH. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Mandevilla
- Warning signs
- Yellow or brown falling leaves, soft or dry stems, no blooms.
- First aid
- Check watering (moist, not soggy soil), prune damaged stems, move to partial shade.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing root rot or lack of light. Also extreme cold.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted and some stems are still green.