Question
I just bought this gorgeous plant--1 gallon container.  I know it needs support, but am having trouble finding out exactly what kind of support.  I purchased a wire obelisk about 42 inches tall (Pretty open between wires) to put in the pot, but am having second thoughts.  It's pyramid shaped and would fit over the plant in the container.  Will this work?  Would a bamboo (U-shaped) support be better?  It seems like that is what I see in pix when I can see anything at all.  It will need to be brought in during the winter, so height & weight are considerations.  

Thanks!

Answer
Barbara,

Where do you live? Mandevillas are difficult to keep indoors over the winter, they do not like it too warm. I would move it to a 10-12 inch pot, no larger, and use whichever support I liked the looks of best. Fertilize it regularly with a blooming plant fertilizer and it will produce a lot of flowers. In the fall it should be cut back and brought in but put in a cool location such as in a cool basement under a florescent light on a timer getting 14 hours of light per day and temperatures no warmer than 45 degrees. Or in an unheated attached garage in front of a window. They just need to be kept above freezing and not too warm, they need a rest period, they will not bloom all winter, they may drop most of or even all of their leaves but don't worry, in the spring when night temps are above 50 degrees put it back outside in full sun and it will come back. If you have more questions feel free to write again.

Darlene