Content
- Is it possible to cultivate oleander as a houseplant?
- Oleander needs a sunny location
- Water well and fertilize regularly
- In winter, keep quiet
- Tips
Oleanders need a lot of light
Is it possible to cultivate oleander as a houseplant?
Around the Mediterranean, the oleander (Nerium oleander) is widespread and is there, especially in wet floodplains and wild awake. For us, the evergreen shrub, as it is not sufficiently hardy in this country, should preferably be cultivated in pots. The oleander feels most comfortable in the open air, if possible in a sunny and warm location. With good care, you can also leave it in the apartment.
Oleander needs a sunny location
But whether on the terrace, on the balcony or in the apartment: Oleander needs a lot of light and warmth, otherwise it will not bloom. Especially in lack of light you wait in vain for the lush flowers. Of course, it is now in an apartment not as bright as a sunny spot in the garden. This is mainly due to the windows, which filter a large part of the light. It is best to place the oleander directly in front of a bright window, but slowly accustom it to direct sunlight. Also make sure that the flowering shrub can not tolerate drafts.
Water well and fertilize regularly
In its home regions, the oleander grows primarily on rivers that occasionally overflow the banks and flood the plants. Therefore, oleander naturally requires a lot of water, its root ball must not dry out under any circumstances. In addition, the shrub belongs to the strong-consuming plants and should therefore be supplied during the growing season once or twice a week with a good flowering plant fertilizer. Flowered inflorescences are not cut back, as they are at the same time the facilities for new flowers. Instead, you can pluck off the blooms but carefully, this also serves to prevent disease.
In winter, keep quiet
Oleander should over the winter months (say: from November to February) as cool as possible at about five degrees Celsius (but frost-free!) And bright, a hibernation in the warm living room is not advisable. The shrub needs a break, otherwise it can weaken and get sick. If you still want to cultivate the plant over the winter, you should definitely install an additional plant light. Otherwise, the oleander, in search of light, forms non-viable, weak shoots and thus loses only strength.
Tips
Be careful if your household has small children or animals: All parts of the oleander are highly toxic.