Introduction
Mandevilla is a genus of tropical and subtropical flowering vines that are among the most popular plants in home gardens. They produce large, showy flowers in shades of white, pink, red or yellow on vigorous climbing vines that can reach up to 20 feet long. Propagating mandevilla will ensure you have an abundance of these beautiful blooms year after year. There are two main methods used for propagating mandevillas – stem cuttings and layering – but both require some patience and tender loving care before they begin producing their own new growth.
Things You’ll Need for Propagation
• Pruning shears
• Potting mix (houseplant variety)
• Plant stakes or trellis
• Rooting hormone (optional)
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are the easiest way to propagate a mandevilla as it does not require any special tools or equipment. First, you should select healthy stems from your existing plant that have at least three leaves on them. Using pruning shears, make a clean cut just below where the leaf meets stem so there is no flower attached to the cutting. Make sure each cutting has at least two sets of leaves; if it doesn’t yet have any roots don’t worry as this will happen naturally over time once planted in soil! Place the cut end into moist potting mix, making sure to leave enough room around it so air can circulate freely without overcrowding other plants nearby. If desired, you can also add rooting hormone which helps speed up root formation by stimulating cell division within tissues contained inside the cutting itself – this is optional however so do not feel obligated to use if unsure about its effects! Cover with plastic wrap until roots form before transplanting into larger pots with more soil when needed later down line – typically takes anywhere between 6-8 weeks depending on conditions your environment offers such as sunlight exposure et cetera…
Layering
An alternative method for propagating mandevillas is through layering; this involves taking one branch from an established plant and burying part of it under soil until eventually new shoots start forming off from where buried portion was placed originally! To prepare for layering first remove any lower foliage closest ground level then bend stem downwards towards ground while keeping upper half raised above surface still exposed light source like sun exposure otherwise process cannot take place successfully due lack photosynthesis required energy production needed sustain life-cycle progression onwards… When ready position branch onto prepared bedding area adjacent tree trunk/surface using rocks/stakes secure spot desired depth being careful ensure hole dug not too deep since oxygen needs flood cells order initiate regrowth afterwards carefully fill space surrounding newly buried section back same material removed during preparation stage lastly water regularly keep moist helping establish connection between shoot underground root system slowly over course several months before finally severing top portion original parent organism once strong connection established thus creating child clone ‘parent’ stock created initially
