Brazilian Jasmine (Mandevilla sanderi) is a favored tropical vine, admired for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers and glossy green foliage. Native to the warm climates of South America, this plant thrives in consistent warmth and humidity. As temperatures drop in non-tropical regions, proper winter care is important for its survival. Its sensitivity to cold necessitates a shift in care routines to ensure it thrives until warmer seasons return.
Preparing Your Brazilian Jasmine for Winter
Transitioning your Brazilian Jasmine indoors for winter requires careful preparation to minimize stress and prevent issues. Bring the plant inside before the first frost, specifically when nighttime temperatures consistently fall below 45-50°F (7-10°C). Before moving it indoors, thoroughly inspect for pests, examining the undersides of leaves and stems. Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can help prevent indoor infestations.
Pruning the plant before its move indoors helps manage its size and removes any dead or diseased foliage. While heavy pruning is often reserved for early spring, a light trim makes the plant more manageable for indoor spaces. A gradual transition from outdoors to indoors also benefits the plant. Moving it to a shadier outdoor spot for several days before bringing it inside allows it to acclimate to lower light levels and reduce shock.
Essential Indoor Winter Care
Once indoors, Brazilian Jasmine requires adjusted care to accommodate its resting period. The plant needs bright, indirect light, ideally from a south-facing window. If natural light is insufficient, supplemental grow lights can provide necessary illumination. During winter, Mandevillas typically enter dormancy, and their watering needs decrease significantly. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot, a common issue.
Maintain an appropriate indoor temperature, ideally between 60-70°F (15-21°C). The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) if it enters a deeper dormancy. Protect from cold drafts and direct heat vents, as sudden temperature fluctuations cause distress.
As a tropical plant, Brazilian Jasmine benefits from higher humidity indoors, particularly in heated homes where the air can be dry. Placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, using a room humidifier, or grouping plants together can help increase localized humidity. Stop or significantly reduce fertilization during winter, as the plant is not actively growing and requires no additional nutrients. Ensuring good air circulation around the plant also helps deter fungal issues.
Troubleshooting Winter Issues
Even with diligent care, Brazilian Jasmine may experience common issues indoors during winter. Leaf yellowing and drop can occur from sudden temperature changes, improper watering (over or under), or insufficient light. This is also a natural part of dormancy. Adjusting watering and ensuring adequate light often resolves these concerns.
Indoor conditions can encourage pest infestations like spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids, especially in dry environments. Regularly inspect and treat affected areas with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Reduced growth during winter is normal due to dormancy. Leggy growth (long, thin stems) indicates insufficient light, requiring a brighter location or supplemental lighting. Lack of blooms in winter is expected, as this is not the active blooming season, especially with reduced light and cooler indoor temperatures.