Hello! From my perspective as a carnation, my journey in your care begins with the foundation you provide. I need a comfortable home with excellent drainage. Please choose a pot with ample drainage holes; my roots absolutely despise sitting in soggy, waterlogged soil, as it will cause them to rot and me to perish. For my soil, I crave a light, well-aerated, and slightly alkaline mix. A standard potting soil amended with some perlite or coarse sand for drainage and a handful of lime to sweeten the pH is perfect. This gives my roots the perfect environment to stretch out, breathe, and anchor me securely.
My watering needs are quite specific. I prefer a "deep but infrequent" drink. Please water me thoroughly until you see it run out of the bottom of the pot, but then allow the top inch or two of my soil to dry out completely before watering again. Always aim your water at my soil, not my leaves and flowers, as wet foliage can invite fungal diseases. As for food, I am not a heavy feeder, but I do appreciate a balanced meal to support my vibrant blooms. A monthly feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength during my active growing season (spring and summer) is more than enough to keep me happy and flowering profusely.
I am a sun-worshipper at heart. To thrive and produce the best blooms, I require a minimum of six hours of direct, full sunlight each day. A south or west-facing window is my ideal spot indoors. Without enough light, I will become leggy, weak, and my flowering will be sparse. Regarding temperature, I enjoy conditions that most humans find comfortable. Daytime temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and slightly cooler nights are perfect. I can tolerate a light frost, but I am not frost-hardy, so please bring me indoors if you are growing me in a pot and temperatures are set to dip below freezing.
To keep me looking my best and encourage a longer, more prolific blooming period, a little grooming is required. As my individual flowers begin to fade and brown, please snip them off. This process, called deadheading, signals to me that I should stop putting energy into producing seeds and instead redirect it into creating new flower buds. After a major flush of blooms, you can give me a light overall trim, cutting back about a quarter of my foliage. This will help me maintain a bushy, compact shape and prepare me for another round of spectacular flowers.
Generally, I am a resilient plant, but I can sometimes face challenges. The most common issue is root rot from overwatering—my number one enemy! Aphids and spider mites might occasionally find my succulent new growth tempting. A strong spray of water or an application of insecticidal soap usually discourages them. Good air circulation around my leaves is also crucial to prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew. By providing me with the right conditions and keeping a watchful eye, you can help me stay healthy and strong.
