From my perspective, a comfortable home is everything. Please choose a pot for me that has excellent drainage holes. My roots are fine and delicate, and they absolutely despise sitting in soggy, waterlogged soil; it will quickly lead to my demise from root rot. As for my bed, I need a lightweight, peat-based potting mix. This type of soil retains just enough moisture for me to drink but also allows excess water to drain away freely, keeping my roots happily aerated. A premium potting mix is perfect, as it provides the ideal structure for me to establish myself and thrive.
My relationship with water is a delicate balance. I enjoy consistently moist soil, but I am not a aquatic plant. Please check on me regularly. A good rule is to water me when the top inch of my soil feels dry to your touch. I will gratefully drink until water runs from my drainage holes, but please, never let me sit in a saucer of standing water. For food, I am not a heavy feeder. During my main growing and blooming periods (spring and summer), a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every four weeks is more than enough to support my vibrant display. Overfeeding me will only encourage leafy growth at the expense of my beautiful flowers.
To produce the profusion of blooms you love, I need abundant, bright light. A south or west-facing window where I can bask in several hours of direct sunlight is ideal. However, if the summer sun becomes too intense and scorching through the glass, a little filtering, like a sheer curtain, will prevent my leaves from getting sunburned. If your home lacks sufficient natural light, do not worry. I respond very well to living under a grow light for 14-16 hours a day, which can encourage even more spectacular flowering.
As a tender perennial, I prefer moderate indoor temperatures that mirror a pleasant spring day. I am most comfortable when the air is between 65°F and 75°F (18°C - 24°C). I struggle in extreme heat and will signal my distress by wilting or ceasing to flower. I also dislike drafts, so please keep me away from frequently opened doors in winter and direct blasts from air conditioners or heating vents. While I can tolerate average household humidity, I truly appreciate a boost, especially during dry winter months. A nearby humidifier or a pebble tray filled with water beneath my pot will make me feel right at home.
To keep me looking my best and flowering continuously, a little grooming is necessary. As my individual flower spikes begin to fade, simply pinch or snip them off. This process, called deadheading, tells me to stop producing seeds and instead redirect my energy into creating fresh new waves of blossoms. If I start to look leggy or overgrown in the middle of the season, don't be afraid to give me a more significant trim, cutting me back by about half. This might seem drastic, but it encourages me to become bushier and rejuvenates my flowering potential.
