Hello there! From my perspective, the single most important thing you can do for me is to place me somewhere I can bask in the sun. I am a sun-worshipper at heart. I crave at least six to eight hours of direct, glorious sunlight every single day. This abundant energy is the fuel I use to produce my vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that blanket my foliage. Without enough sun, I become leggy, my stems stretching weakly for more light, and my flowering will be sparse and disappointing. Please keep me warm and away from chilly drafts; I thrive in the heat just like my native South American habitat.
My relationship with water is a delicate balance. I do not enjoy having my roots sitting in constantly soggy, waterlogged soil, as this will cause them to rot and I will become very ill. However, I am also not a drought-tolerant plant. During the peak of summer, especially if I'm in a hanging basket or container, I can get very thirsty. The key is to check my soil daily. Poke your finger about an inch down—if it feels dry, it's time for a deep, thorough drink until water runs freely from my drainage holes. This encourages my roots to grow deep and strong.
Producing a constant cascade of flowers is hard work and consumes a great deal of my energy. To keep up this spectacular show from spring until the first frost, I need a steady supply of nutrients. A regular feeding schedule is non-negotiable. Please provide me with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer formulated for flowering plants, diluted to half-strength, every other week. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer mixed into my soil at the beginning of the season. This consistent nourishment is what empowers me to bloom so profusely for you.
As the season progresses, you might notice some of my stems becoming long with fewer flowers—this is my natural growth habit. To keep me looking my bushy, vibrant best, I greatly appreciate a little grooming. Don't be afraid to give me a light trim or "deadhead" me by pinching off the spent blooms. This simple act signals to me that I should stop putting energy into producing seeds and instead redirect it into creating even more beautiful flowers and fuller foliage. A mid-season trim can work wonders to revitalize my appearance and encourage a fresh wave of blooms.
