Grow Light for Mandevilla Indoors Over Winter
A grow light for mandevilla indoors helps the vine through winter when window light falls short. NC State Extension notes mandevilla indoors needs bright indirect light, average room temperature plus high humidity. University of Missouri Extension notes lack of light is the most common factor that limits plant growth indoors.
The short answer
Mandevilla indoors needs bright light. NC State Extension advises bright indirect light at 65 to 70 degrees F. University of Missouri Extension advises plant tips 6 to 12 inches from the light source. Run lights 12 to 14 hours a day with some window light, or 16 to 18 hours with none.
How much light does mandevilla need indoors?
NC State Extension advises bright indirect light. University of Missouri Extension notes even low light plants usually get too little light more than 10 feet from a window.
| Setting | Guide |
|---|---|
| Distance to plant tips | 6 to 12 inches |
| Hours with no window light | 16 to 18 a day |
| Hours with some window light | 12 to 14 a day |
| Room temperature | 65 to 70 degrees F |
Source: University of Missouri Extension plus NC State Extension.
Should mandevilla be cut back before coming inside?
University of Minnesota Extension notes plants too large for indoor space may need pruning. NC State Extension advises pruning before the plant goes back out in spring. Trim stems too long to fit near the light.
How do you water it in winter?
NC State Extension advises letting the soil dry out during winter when it comes indoors. Summer needs plenty of water. University of Minnesota Extension advises checking for pests at each watering.
How to: step by step
- Bring the plant in before nights drop below 50 degrees F.
- Rinse leaves plus check for pests.
- Use a free south window if you have one.
- Hang the light 6 to 12 inches above the tips.
- Set a timer for 12 to 18 hours.
- Let the soil dry between waterings.
Troubleshooting
Leggy, stretched stems: light is too far away. Drop it to 6 to 12 inches.
Sticky leaves or white fluff: mealybugs or scale came in. University of Florida IFAS notes mandevilla is bothered by both.
Leaf drop after moving inside: the move was abrupt. University of Minnesota Extension advises a gradual move indoors.
For related reading see grow lights for cannabis, led light distance cannabis plus grow light timers. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Mandevilla, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
- Mandevilla, NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- When to bring houseplants inside for the winter, University of Minnesota Extension
- Lighting indoor houseplants (G6515), University of Missouri Extension
FAQ
Which pests come inside with mandevilla?
University of Florida IFAS notes mandevilla is occasionally bothered by scale plus mealybugs. NC State Extension lists mites, aphids, thrips plus whiteflies. University of Minnesota Extension advises rinsing the leaves before bringing plants in, then checking them at each watering for any sign of insects.
Can it go dormant instead?
NC State Extension advises bringing mandevilla indoors in areas with frost plus letting the soil dry out during winter. A cooler, drier rest is an option when there is no room near a light. Prune it before it goes back outside in spring so new growth fills in.
How warm should the room be?
NC State Extension notes mandevilla grows well at 65 to 70 degrees F. It also advises average room temperature plus high humidity indoors. University of Florida IFAS notes the vine dies back if exposed to freezing temperatures, so it needs to come in before frost.
When can it go back outside?
University of Minnesota Extension notes temperatures below 45 to 50 degrees F can damage many houseplants, so wait until nights stay above that. NC State Extension advises pruning before moving it out in spring. Shift it gradually so it adjusts to sun plus wind again.
Is a light timer needed?
University of Missouri Extension notes a timer is a valuable asset because lights should go on plus off regularly. A 24 hour timer is adequate. Set it for 16 to 18 hours if the plant gets no window light, or 12 to 14 hours if it sits near a window.
