South America's Allamanda Plant
Germinating, Growing And Plant Care For This Flowering House Plant
Oct 28, 2007
Allamandas are a houseplant native to South America. They come in different shades of yellow, pink and violet and are available with single or double blooms. Allamanda Neriifolia produces clusters of flowers, while Allamanda Cathartica produces single blooms that may reach up to five inches across. One of the more popular varieties is Allamanda violacea Chocolate Cherry which has a dusky pink bloom.
Allamanda can be grown in a hanging basket; however, many people train them to climb up supports or pinch them back to make them bush. They can become leggy and are known to sprawl.
Learn how to over winter Allamandas in cold climates
If you live in a cold climate, over wintering Allamanda is easy to do. They prefer dry winter conditions in contrast to needing lots of water in the summer. Growing them in rich soil with additions of compost in late spring and again in mid-summer will help your plant perform its best.
Allamandas need at least four hours of direct sunlight. If you are growing your plant indoors, be sure to mist it on a regular basis.
Getting blooms on your houseplant
Do not repot your Allamanda until it is root bound so that it will bloom. The other reason a plant may not bloom is because it is not getting enough light.
Allamandas are toxic if ingested!
Keep Allamandas away from pets and small children because all parts of it are poisonous if they are ingested.
How to grow an Allamanda plant from seed
Allamanda are relatively easy to grow from seed. Soak the seed overnight in warm water. You will need to change the water several times to make sure it stays warm or place the container of water on top of a heat mat to keep the water warm. If you choose to use a heat mat make sure your container can handle the heat. Once the seed has soaked over night put the seed in a damp paper towel. Make sure the towel does not dry out. Seeds can take up to six weeks or longer to germinate using this method.
Once you have a germinated seed, plant it in a potting mix and place the pot where your Allamanda will grow. If you live in a warm climate where Allamanda can grow outside, allow your seedling to get some growth and a nice set of roots before planting it in the ground.
Give an Allamanda plant a try; even if you choose not to over winter the plant you can always take a few cuttings to root. The blooms, although not fragrant, are abundant and colorful.
