Mandevilla (Mandevilla) was attributed by scientists to evergreen shrubs from the Kutrovy family. The homeland of Mandeville is the tropics in the territories of North and South America. The flower got its name in honor of the famous British diplomat and gardener G. Mandeville.
The very first species that were found by botanists in Central and South America were named differently - dipladenia. But a little later, British scientists discovered another species of the same plant. And he has already been named Mandeville. But after a while, scientists agreed on a common opinion that these two differently named plants are representatives of the same genus. And it was decided not to change them, but to leave their own for each.
The leaves of the shrub are more egg-shaped, glossy, green or dark green, from 3 to 9 cm long. The flowers have a special unique aroma, pink, red or white. It blooms profusely, each flower can reach a diameter of about 10 cm.
Caring for Mandeville at home
Location and lighting
The homeland of Mandeville's origin suggests bright lighting for the plant. The flower tolerates direct sunlight well, but in order to avoid burns in the open sun, it is better not to leave or shade for a long time.
Temperature
The optimum temperature in the room for growing Mandeville in spring and summer should be in the range from 23 to 25 degrees, and in winter, with the onset of a dormant period, at the level of 12-15 degrees.
Air humidity
Mandeville prefers to grow in rooms with high (about 70%) humidity, so it needs to be sprayed regularly throughout the day. In winter, the plant also needs to be sprayed, especially if it is located near heating appliances.
Watering
In spring and summer, Mandeville needs abundant watering. As soon as the top layer of the substrate in the container dries up, watering must be done again. With the onset of the autumn-winter cold season, it is practically not necessary to water the plant. In winter, the soil is moistened only when the potted substrate is completely dry. Water for irrigation should be soft at room temperature or slightly higher. For 1 liter of water, you can add a little citric acid (about the tip of a knife).
The soil
The soil for a Mandeville must be nutritious. The optimal composition of the soil: clay-sod land, leafy soil, humus and sand in a ratio of 2: 1: 1: 1. A generous drainage layer is laid at the bottom of the pot.
Top dressing and fertilizers
Fertilizing the soil should be frequent - about 3 times a month from March to September. You can use a universal fertilizer for flowering houseplants. For the rest of the time, they stop feeding the flower.
Transfer
If the plant is young, then it must be transplanted every year in the spring.An adult plant is transplanted only when the root system is already cramped in the pot.
Pruning
Since only young shoots from above bloom in Mandeville, it is necessary to prune the plant in late October-early November. Unbranched shoots are shortened by about 2/3 of their length. Thanks to pruning next season, Mandeville will delight you with lush blooms.
Reproduction of Mandeville
It is customary to propagate Mandeville by cuttings-shoots about 8-10 cm long. Cuttings are planted in peat and covered with a transparent film and kept at a temperature of 25 degrees. Cuttings take root in a greenhouse for about 1-1.5 months. After the first roots appear, the film must be removed. After about 3 months, the young plant is transplanted into a separate pot.
Diseases and pests
Rarely, but leaf pests are found on Mandeville. More often the plant suffers from damage to the root system. Nematodes or root mealybugs can harm her. These parasites are transferred with the substrate during transplantation. Therefore, before planting a plant, the ground must be calcined.
Root rot is among the bacterial diseases affecting Mandeville. Its appearance is the result of improper care and overly moist soil.
Growing difficulties
- If the leaves of a Mandeville have turned yellow and fallen off, it indicates that the ambient temperature is unsuitable for it.
- In insufficient light, the flowering of the plant will be short and low-flowered.
- With dry indoor air, the leaves will be pale and lethargic and will soon crumble.
- With insufficient application of minerals and trace elements to the soil, Mandeville will develop poorly and grow slowly.
Popular types of Mandeville
Mandeville Bolivian - is an evergreen with curly branches that are smooth to the touch. Leaves are smooth and small, elongated, no more than 5-8 cm in length. White flowers reach about 5 cm in diameter, with a yellow center, shaped like a funnel.
Mandeville is superb - a liana with branches that are smooth to the touch with a slightly red tint, an evergreen plant. The leaves are smooth and pointed at the tips, the length rarely exceeds 4 cm. The flowers are red, are in tassels of 6-8 pieces. The diameter of each flower is 6-8 cm, the length is about 5 cm, tubular.
Mandeville Sandera - evergreen liana with branches smooth to the touch. Leaves are oval, with a smooth surface, have pointed tips, the length reaches 5 cm. It blooms in the form of tassels. Each brush contains 3-5 flowers, the diameter of which varies from 6 to 7 cm. The color is deep pink, the middle is yellow.
Mandeville brilliant - grows as a shrub with curly evergreen shoots. Large elliptical leaves with pointed tips, pronounced sinewy, up to 20 cm long. Flowers, as in previous species, are in a brush of 5-6 pieces each. The size of the flower is about 10 cm in diameter, the color is white, delicate or deep pink.
Mandeville loose - climbing plant, characterized by rapid growth and leaf fall. The branches are dense, about 5 m in height. The leaves are heart-shaped, elongated, the tip is pointed, bright green above, and green with a gray tint at the bottom. It blooms in the form of brushes, each having 5 to 15 flowers. The flowers are white with a cream shade, large diameter (about 10 cm). This variety is characterized by the corrugation of the flower petals.
