From our roots' perspective, our home is everything. Please choose a container that makes us feel secure but not cramped; a pot with excellent drainage holes is non-negotiable. We despise wet feet, as soggy soil leads to root rot, which is a death sentence for us. The soil you provide should be our sanctuary: well-draining, slightly alkaline, and rich in organic matter. A quality potting mix designed for flowering plants, perhaps with a handful of perlite or coarse sand mixed in, is perfect. It allows our roots to breathe, access water, and absorb nutrients without drowning.
Our watering needs are specific. We prefer a deep, thorough drink that reaches our entire root ball, followed by a period where the top inch of soil is allowed to dry out before you water again. Please test the soil with your finger; we do not like a strict schedule but rather a responsive carer. As for food, we are heavy feeders during our active growing and blooming season. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every four to six weeks gives us the strength to produce our vibrant, fragrant flowers. In our winter rest period, please withhold fertilizer, as we are not actively growing.
To photosynthesize and create the energy for our iconic blooms, we require an abundance of bright, direct light. A south-facing windowsill is our ideal spot, where we can bask in at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Without sufficient light, our stems become weak and leggy as we stretch desperately towards the sun, and our flower production will cease entirely. If your home lacks such a bright spot, consider supplementing with a grow light to keep us happy and blooming.
We carnations enjoy conditions that mimic our native Mediterranean habitat. We thrive in cooler temperatures, preferring daytime temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C) and slightly cooler nights. We struggle in excessive heat and dry, stagnant air. While we do not require tropical humidity, extremely dry air can stress us. Please keep us away from heat vents, radiators, and drafty windows in winter. Good air circulation around our foliage is also appreciated, as it helps prevent fungal diseases.
To encourage us to put our energy into creating new blooms rather than producing seeds, please deadhead our spent flowers. Simply snip off the flower stem just above a set of leaves. This practice signals to us that our work is not done, and we will often respond with a fresh flush of blooms. After a major flowering period, a light pruning of our overall shape helps us stay bushy and compact, promoting healthier growth for the next season.
