If you’ve ever grown a mandevilla, you already know how stunning this tropical vine is—those big, bold blooms and twirling vines are summer showstoppers. But here’s the thing: mandevilla doesn’t like cold weather. At all.
If you live in a place where winters get chilly (hello Zones 8 and lower!), you’ve got to overwinter your mandevilla indoors to keep it alive. Don’t worry—it’s easier than you might think. Let me walk you through how I do it every fall, so your mandevilla can survive the winter and come back strong next spring.
Why Bother Overwintering?
Let’s get this out of the way first—mandevillas are tropical. That means once the temperature dips below 50°F (10°C), they start to get cranky. And if there’s even a hint of frost, well… game over.
Instead of buying a new mandevilla every year, you can bring it indoors and keep it cozy all winter. It’s cheaper, easier in the long run, and super satisfying to see your plant come back to life in spring.
When to Bring Your Mandevilla Inside
Timing is everything here. The goal is to get your plant inside before the first frost. That usually happens in fall, depending on where you live. I like to move mine in when the nights start dipping below 50°F.
Watch the weather and trust your gut. If you’re wearing a hoodie outside, it’s probably time to get that mandevilla indoors.
Getting Your Mandevilla Ready for Indoors
Before you drag your plant inside, give it a little love and prep. Here’s what I do:
- Prune Your Plant: Trim off about one-third to half of the plant. This keeps it tidy and helps it handle the transition better. Don’t be shy—mandevilla bounces back fast.
- Check for Pests: Look under the leaves and along the stems for bugs like spider mites or aphids. I like to spray the whole plant down with a gentle mix of water and neem oil, just to be safe.
- Potting and Soil: If it’s in a container, make sure the soil drains well and the pot’s clean. If you’re digging it up from the garden, replant it in a good-sized pot with fresh well-draining potting mix.
How to Overwinter Mandevilla Indoors: Two Methods
There are two main ways to overwinter your mandevilla indoors. Choose the one that fits your space and how much time you want to spend caring for it.
Keep It Growing (The Active Method)
If you’ve got a bright, sunny window or grow lights, you can keep your mandevilla growing indoors all winter.
- Light: Give it at least 6 hours of bright light. A sunny south-facing window is perfect. If you don’t have one, a grow light works just fine.
- Water: Water less often than in summer. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.
- Temperature: Keep it somewhere around 60–70°F. Mandevillas aren’t picky, but they don’t want to freeze.
- Humidity: Winter air can get dry, so I like to place a tray of water nearby or use a small humidifier.
Dormant Storage Method
Not enough light or just want less work? Let your mandevilla go dormant for the winter.
- Prune it back hard—cut it way down, just leave a few nodes on each vine.
- Stick it in a cool, dark place like a basement or garage where temps stay around 40–55°F.
- Water just enough to keep the soil slightly moist. Think “barely damp,” not soggy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Overwintering Mandevilla
- Don’t wait too long to bring it in. One frost and your mandevilla could be toast.
- Don’t overwater! It’s easy to do in winter. Too much water = root rot.
- Don’t skip the pest check. Bugs love hiding in warm houses and will spread fast.
- Don’t forget to prune. It makes overwintering way more manageable indoors.
Springtime: Bringing Your Mandevilla Back Outside
Once the weather starts warming up—usually around April or May—it’s time to bring your mandevilla back to life.
- Ease it into the sun. Put it outside for a couple of hours a day, then gradually increase its time outdoors. This helps prevent shock.
- Water more often, and give it a little plant food if it looks hungry.
- Watch for new growth—that’s a great sign it’s ready to party again!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I winterize my mandevilla plant?
To winterize your mandevilla, start by pruning it back and checking for pests. Then, bring it indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), and place it in a bright spot or a cool, dark area if you’re letting it go dormant. Water sparingly and keep it away from drafts or heating vents.
Can mandevilla be left outside in winter?
Mandevilla cannot survive outdoors in cold climates where frost occurs—it’s a tropical plant that’s very sensitive to freezing temperatures. In USDA Zones 9–11, it may survive mild winters, but anything colder can seriously damage or kill the plant. If you live in a colder zone, it’s best to bring it indoors before the first frost.
How do I bring my mandevilla back to life after winter?
When spring arrives, move your mandevilla back into bright light and slowly increase watering as new growth appears. If it was dormant, give it time—it may take a few weeks to wake up. Once temperatures stay consistently above 50°F, start acclimating it to outdoor conditions a little at a time.
