A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2004 Mandevilla trouble

About a month ago my co worker and I both got mandevilla red scarlet plants as gifts. My friend recently informed me that hers was not doing well. She said that the leafs were all turning brown and falling off and she had to cut off the top of the vine because it was dying. I noticed that some of my leafs have started to turn brown as well. Any ideas as to how to stop my plant from dying as well. When I got my plant I did notice some spider mites on it so I sprayed it with soapy water and it seemed fine until last week.


Thank you.

Chae

Hi Chae
I have a mandevilla growing outside since I'm in a pretty mild climate. I didn't know you could have it indoors but here's some info I found:

Mandevilla does well in containers and makes a great houseplant if given bright light and reasonable care. Gardeners in more northern zones are beginning to appreciate mandevilla's heat resistance and other qualities. It is often grown as an annual or cultivated in containers so it can be overwintered indoors.

Here's the rest of the article:
mandevilla

My guess would be that it needs more direct light than its currently getting. A very bright windowsill would probably make it happier. Brown leaves are a lost cause but hopefully you can help it produce some new ones for you.

Good luck and happy gardening!

Hi Chae...
Again, mine are planted outside....if you do a forum search you may find another thread related to this....I know I spoke about them earlier.

I know they like semi shade to full sun....mine are planted in full sun...one of the three I have the stems all died back but a few...I cut those out and I have noticed new growth appearing! I think in my case it was the shock of transplanting or a gopher had a little fun eating some roots underground before I destroyed him.

Oh yeah forgot to add...after letting the soap solution stay on the plant...did you wash off the solution with water??? I have noticed several people with this problem lately...you need to rinse the plant after the soap bath...otherwise yellowing of leaves will occur.