How to Care for Mexican Flame Vines

Grow Mexican flame vines in a location that receives full sunlight for most of the day, or morning sun and light afternoon shade. Choose a site with well-drained soil of any quality. Flame vine doesn't require nutrient-rich soil to grow well.

Provide a support for the vine if growing it upright. Install a 4- to 5-foot-tall trellis, or plant the vine near a fence or railing. Flame vine climbs a support on its own, but it will sprawl as a low shrub if left unsupported.

Water the flame vines once weekly, and provide enough water to moisten the top 6 inches of soil. Mexican flame vines can tolerate drought, but they produce the most flowers and lushest foliage when the soil is kept evenly moist.

Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch over the soil surface surrounding the vine to help reduce weed growth and to conserve soil moisture. Pull any weeds that emerge through the mulch immediately so they don't establish.

Cut back the flame vine as needed throughout the growing season to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant. Pinch or cut off the old flowers after blooming to prevent seed production and force a new flush of bloom.

Increase the mulch depth to 3 inches in fall before the first frost. A thicker mulch layer insulates the soil and protects the roots, which increases the chance of winter survival in climates that receive light winter freezes.