Dipladenia

This is a Dipladenia sanderi - also sometimes known as Mandevilla. It will be happy in a conservatory, or a well-lit window or porch, producing bright trumpet flowers throughout the summer and autumn. In milder parts it will also be happy to spend the summer on a patio or balcony – but they do need to be protected from frost.

Your Dipladenia will appreciate a sunny spot near a window. However, try to avoid strong, direct sunlight if possible and place it a little way back from the window glass to avoid scorching.

Whilst the plants are in small pots you will need to water regularly, especially if in a warm spot. However don’t worry if you let it dry out between watering – the compost does not need to be wet, just slightly damp. Whilst flowering, it will also benefit from a general purpose feed added to the water every few waterings.

Cut off dead flowers to encourage more buds and train the plant upwards – it is a climber by nature. As the plant puts on more growth, it can be repotted into a larger pot with rich potting compost.

Problem solving

Brown edges or tips to the leaves is a sure sign of scorching, try moving back from any window glass to a slightly less sunny spot.

Yellow leaves and some leaf drop in the winter months is perfectly natural and a response to the lower light levels, reduce the amount you are watering to ensure the soil does not get waterlogged and expect fresh growth in the spring.

Yellow leaves in the spring or summer, are normally a sign that your plant is lacking nutrients. If your plant is looking a little large for its pot, now would be a good time to re pot into fresh compost. Alternatively, a good dose of general house plant feed should perk it up.