How to Grow and Care for Brazilian Jasmine

Brazilian Jasmine (Mandevilla sanderi) is a tropical vine with trumpet-shaped flowers and glossy green foliage. Native to Brazil, this plant adds a tropical feel to any space. Its flowers bloom in shades of pink, red, and white, with a contrasting golden throat, making it a favorite for trellises, balconies, and containers. This guide provides instructions on how to cultivate and maintain a healthy Brazilian Jasmine.

Brazilian Jasmine Care Requirements

Light

Brazilian Jasmine requires bright, indirect sunlight for at least six hours a day. While it can handle direct morning sun, intense afternoon rays will scorch its leaves. When grown indoors, a south-facing window is suitable if the light is filtered during peak hours.

Soil

Brazilian Jasmine needs a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic material. A quality potting mix combines equal parts peat moss, potting soil, and coarse sand or perlite. This composition prevents root rot while retaining moisture. A soil pH between 6.6 and 7.5 is optimal.

Water

During the spring and summer growing season, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. In the fall and winter, the plant’s water needs decrease, so watering can be reduced. Always check the soil moisture rather than adhering to a strict schedule.

Temperature and Humidity

Brazilian Jasmine thrives in warm and humid conditions, preferring temperatures between 68 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It does not tolerate frost, so if outdoor temperatures fall below 50°F, bring the plant indoors. To increase humidity for indoor plants, mist the leaves or place the container on a pebble tray filled with water.

Fertilizer

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content, like a 10-20-10 formula, to encourage blooms. Apply this fertilizer diluted to half-strength every two to three weeks from spring through summer. Cease feeding in the fall and winter when growth slows.

Pruning and Support

Pruning helps manage the plant’s size and encourages fuller growth and more flowers. Since blooms form on new growth, prune in late winter or early spring before the active growth cycle begins. Pruning too late can remove developing flower buds.

For a well-structured plant, establish three to five main shoots that form a permanent framework. Then, cut back the side shoots to within a few buds of this main framework. This stimulates the development of flower-producing wood. Remove dense or weak shoots to improve air circulation and maintain shape. Hard pruning of unruly stems can rejuvenate the plant and encourage new growth from the base.

As a climber, Brazilian Jasmine benefits from a support structure like a trellis, stake, or obelisk. This gives the stems something to climb, which helps display its flowers and maintain the vine’s health. Without support, it may grow into a sprawling, tangled mound. The structure should be put in place at the time of planting or repotting to avoid disturbing the root system later.

Propagating Brazilian Jasmine

Brazilian Jasmine is most effectively propagated through stem cuttings. This is best done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Select a healthy, mature stem from the parent plant. Take a four to six-inch cutting, making the cut just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone can increase the chances of success.

Insert the cutting into a small pot with moist, well-draining potting mix, ensuring the node is buried. Place the pot in a warm location with bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist. Covering the pot with a plastic bag creates a humid environment to help rooting, and roots should form within a few weeks.

Common Problems

Yellowing leaves are a frequent problem and a sign of improper watering. Both overwatering and underwatering can cause leaves to turn yellow. Check the soil moisture to adjust your watering frequency.

A lack of flowers can result from insufficient light or a nutrient imbalance. Ensure the plant receives at least six hours of bright, indirect sunlight. If light is adequate, a lack of phosphorus may be the issue, which can be corrected by using a fertilizer with a higher middle number (P).

Pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs can affect the plant, feeding on its sap and causing foliage to yellow and weaken. Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves. If pests are present, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.