How to Grow Tropical Vines

Tropical vines do not tolerate the cold. They are often grown only in central to southern Florida, southern California and other year-round warm climates. This need not be the case; you can grow tropical vines in most climates. Simply plant them in containers if they are not hardy in your climate and bring them indoors for the cold months. Or grow them as you would annuals, replacing them every spring.

Trellis, fence or arbor
Fertilizer
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Grow tropical vines in an area that receives approximately six to eight hours of sunlight, since most thrive in full sun.
- 2
  Provide tropical vines with support if they are climbing vines. If they are hardy in your climate, plant them 3 to 4 inches away from a permanent fence, trellis or arbor. If they are not hardy in your climate and you choose to grow them in containers, use pot trellises that are portable along with the containers.
- 3
  Water tropical vines with 1 inch of water every day for one to two weeks right after planting. Then, reduce the watering to two to three times a week. In a few months after the roots are well established, rain, and an occasional watering when rain is scarce, will suffice.
- 4
  Fertilize tropical vines according to their needs. Some vines, such as mandeville, benefit from fertilizing every two to three weeks. University of Florida recommends fertilizing young vines grown in the landscape two to three times a year. Types of fertilizers will vary depending on how often and what type of vines you are growing. A university gardening site or gardening book provides this information for you.
- 5
  Mulch tropical vines with 2 to 3 inches of mulch. This will keep the roots during the summer. It also conserves moisture and reduces weeds.
- 6
  Prune vines. Most tropical vines benefit from a yearly pruning to keep them in a contained area and to encourage side branching and flowering. Vines vary on how they are pruned.
- 7
  Bring potted tropical vines indoors before temperatures drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Prune them back to about 6 to 10 inches first. Place them in a sunny area of your home and keep the soil slightly moist. If the leaves drop and the vines go dormant, move them to a dark place, such as a basement, where temperatures are around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Water only when the soil dries out. Take the vines back to a sunny area in the spring, and start watering it again more frequently. Then, when temperatures are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, move them outside to a sunny area again.

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