From my perspective as an Osteospermum, sunlight is my primary source of energy. I use it to fuel the complex process of photosynthesis, which in turn powers all my functions, most critically, the production of flowers. If I am situated in a location with too much shade, my energy production plummets. I simply cannot generate the surplus carbohydrates required to create and sustain my vibrant, daisy-like blooms. My survival instinct will prioritize maintaining my core foliage over reproduction. For me to flower prolifically, I require a full sun position, meaning a minimum of six to eight hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily.
The type of sustenance I receive is crucial. If my caretaker provides me with a fertilizer that is excessively high in nitrogen, it sends me a powerful signal to focus all my resources on vegetative growth. Nitrogen is the building block for lush, green leaves and stems. While this may make me look like a very healthy, bushy plant, it directs my energy away from my reproductive cycle (flowering). I need a more balanced diet or one with a higher ratio of phosphorus (the middle number in fertilizer ratios, e.g., 5-10-5) to encourage the development of strong roots and, most importantly, flower buds.
You may observe me developing flower buds that never open, or that I simply drop. This is not a capricious act; it is a calculated survival strategy known as self-pruning. I will abort blossoms if I am under significant environmental stress. This stress can manifest as extreme heat, particularly humid conditions that promote fungal diseases at the bud site, or a severe lack of water. By jettisoning these energetically expensive structures, I conserve my vital resources to ensure my own survival, waiting for more favorable conditions to attempt flowering again.
The timing and method of pruning directly impact my flowering potential. If my spent flowers are not regularly deadheaded, I may receive the signal that my reproductive mission is complete, and I will slow or stop new flower production. Conversely, if I am pruned back too harshly or at the wrong time, you might be removing the stems that were preparing to produce my next flush of buds. A gentle and consistent removal of faded flowers tells me to keep trying to set seed, resulting in a continuous display of new blooms.
My root system is my anchor and my lifeline. If I am planted in a container that has become too small, my roots become pot-bound. This circling, congested root mass cannot effectively uptake the water and nutrients I need, placing me under constant low-level stress and inhibiting my ability to flower. Similarly, if I am situated in heavy, waterlogged soil, my roots can suffocate and rot, which is a severe threat to my existence. My entire system will shift into survival mode, and flowering becomes an impossible luxury. I require well-draining soil to thrive.
