Mandevilla

Question

Have had plant for three years. I winter it over in basement, halogen lights on timer. Plant grows wild, no flowers. In late May, cut back and placed on deck. Facing east/south, strong and then dappled sun. Plant begins to kick in early August, yet still no buds or flowers. Have fertilized with liquid from QVC (where we got plant). Any suggestions?

Answer 1

The fertilizer might be causing more leaf growth and less flower formation if it has a higher nitrogen content. You might want to try a fertilizer made for flowering plants (more phosphorus) and see if that helps. You could also try giving it a teaspoon of Epsom salts dissolved in a quart of water.