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Fertilize oleander properly

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Author: Judy Howell
Date Of Creation: 4 July 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
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Oleander is very nutrient hungry

Fertilize oleander properly

The oleander (Nerium oleander) is one of the heavyweights and therefore has an exceptionally high nutrient requirement - rather a rarity in Mediterranean plants, which are usually used to barren soil. However, the oleander naturally thrives on frequently flooded river banks, where they are replete with alluvial nutrients. Therefore, you should not only water the oleander frequently, but also fertilize it at least once a week.

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Fertilize oleander during the growing season

During the winter months, the oleander must be poured, but not fertilized: The evergreen plant needs a break in the cold season and should therefore be as cold as possible winter. Start regular fertilization at the beginning of the growth period in March and continue until mid-term, but not later than the end of August. Thereafter, the oleander should no longer be supplied with nutrients, so that the shoots can ripen before the winter break in time - this grants only up to about minus five degrees Celsius winter-proof plant a certain protection against cold temperatures. Finally Oleander should be evacuated as late as possible to winter quarters.


Potash fertilizer and lime also do oleander well

Winter hardiness can also be increased by providing the oleander with potash fertilizer between the middle and the end of August. This supports the shoots in the timely maturation, but may not be used later than specified. Otherwise it can no longer be effective. In the spring, an additional dose of potash fertilizer and fertilizer lime at the beginning of the growth period makes sense, especially if you fertilize with long-term fertilizer.

Which fertilizer is suitable for oleander?

Oleander can be effectively supplied with a variety of fertilizers and tolerates both mineral and organic substances very well.

For the forgetful: slow-release fertilizer lasts long

Whoever is forgetful or just wants to play it safe, supplies his oleander at the beginning of the growing season with a long-term fertilizer for flowering plants. There are various means available on the market, covering three, four, six or even twelve months. Fertilize the oleander at the beginning of the season and work the fertilizer carefully into the substrate. Afterwards, you will have rest for the specified period of time, even overfertilization is difficult because of the very slow release of nutrients. Even after or during repotting, the oleander should be supplied with a long-term fertilizer.


Weekly flowering or oleander fertilizer

Alternatively, of course, a fertilization with a mineral flowering or special oleander fertilizer is possible, but - depending on the agent used - should be carried out once or twice a week. It is best to use a liquid fertilizer, which you can administer together with the irrigation water. This has the advantage that it reaches the roots faster and can be better absorbed.

Oleander tolerates organic fertilizers very well

If you like it more naturally, you can of course also resort to natural fertilizers such as compost, manure and horn shavings. These fertilizers release their nutrients only very slowly, so that over-fertilization is practically impossible. Provide your oleander in early spring and early summer with organic fertilizer, which is thoroughly incorporated into the substrate. Even when repotting (if possible in early spring!), The plant substrate can be enriched with compost and horn shavings.

Extra tip: Oleander with tea or coffee grounds fertilize

A very special as well as particularly favorable insider tip for the fertilization of strong-consuming plants such as Oleander is the use of tea or coffee grounds. In particular, coffee grounds contain a lot of valuable nutrients and is a valuable fertilizer, which is also free in many households - and is usually thrown away. You can use coffee grounds fresh, but also dry and then store them in an airtight sealable box for the next use.

Fertilize oleander with blue-grain

Blue seed fertilization is also possible with Oleander, many hobby gardeners have had very good experiences with it. However, the very nitrogen-containing blue grain can quickly over-fertilize, in which the shoot growth is immensely stimulated, but hardly flowers are formed - too much nitrogen in the fertilizer is poison for a rich flowering. However, you can not go wrong with Blue Grain (duly follow the instructions!). If you want to be on the safe side, you can also use compost to fertilize your oleander at the beginning of the growing season - this ensures a balanced mineral balance.

Detect nutrient deficiency in good time

The only sure signs of a lack of fertilization are yellow leaves - especially if the oleander not only has isolated yellow leaves, but many leaves turn yellow in a short time. Scattered yellow leaves are however normal, this is a natural aging of the foliage. Even a measly flower or stunted flowers can indicate a lack of nutrients, often in combination with fungal or bacterial diseases.

Tips

Especially with mineral fertilizers, you should strictly adhere to the dosage instructions of the manufacturer to avoid over-fertilization. However, if you meant it too well, it is not necessarily deadly. Pay attention to the leaf margins: If these become brown and dry, you should reduce the amount and / or frequency of fertilization or switch to another fertilizer. These leaf marguerites are unfortunately visible for a long time.