Mandevilla aka Dipladenia 'Rio'

Taxonomy

Mandevilla is a genus of tropical and subtropical flowering vines that belong to the family Apocynaceae. First described as a genus in 1840, Mandevilla is also commonly known as Rocktrumpet. Native to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and South America, many Mandevilla species originate from the Serra dos Órgãos forests in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The genus was named after Henry Mandeville, a British diplomat and gardener. This exotic, climbing perennial is known for its trumpet-shaped pink flowers with dark park centers that bloom throughout the summer. It is a low-maintenance plant that won't compromise its characteristic beauty despite its smaller size, making it a great space-saving option. Mandevilla comes in two varieties: vining or climbing and mounding or non-climbing. Mounding varieties grow in tidy small mounds, resembling bushes, while vining varieties require more space to grow. Mandevilla flowers can range in color from bright pink to deep red to white, and their shapes can vary as well. Typically, they bear numerous flowers towards late summer. With glossy green leaves, Mandevilla plants can be grown as houseplants but thrive when placed outdoors during warmer months. They require minimal care and are usually less than 18 inches tall. Additionally, their vibrant flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding to their appeal.

Common names

Dipladenia 'Rio', Aloha Mandevilla

How to care for Dipladenia 'Rio'

Difficulty

Caring for Dipladenia 'Rio' is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Dipladenia 'Rio' should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Dipladenia 'Rio' loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Dipladenia 'Rio' requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Aloha Mandevilla is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Dipladenia 'Rio'. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Dipladenia 'Rio' should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Dipladenia 'Rio'’s native range is Southwest United States to South America and the Caribbean.


More info:
Wikipedia