From my perspective as an Oleander, the choice of container is the foundation of my well-being. I require a pot that accommodates my robust and rapidly growing root system. A container that is too small will cause me to become root-bound, stressing me and stunting my growth. Please select a pot with a minimum diameter of 12-16 inches to start, with ample drainage holes at the bottom. As I mature, I will need to be repotted into an even larger home, typically every 2-3 years. Material matters too; heavy pots like ceramic or terracotta provide stability against my top-heavy growth and offer better breathability for my roots, though they can dry out faster than plastic.
I am not a fussy plant, but I am particular about my soil. I demand a mix that provides excellent drainage. Sitting in waterlogged soil will cause my roots to rot, which is a death sentence for me. A high-quality, well-draining potting mix is ideal. You can create a perfect blend for me by mixing two parts standard potting soil with one part perlite or coarse sand. This ensures that water flows through freely, providing hydration without suffocation. The soil should be neutral to slightly alkaline in pH for me to best access the nutrients I need to produce my vibrant blooms.
I am a child of the sun. To thrive and produce the prolific flowers I am known for, I require a minimum of six to eight hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily. Place my pot in the sunniest spot you have. Regarding water, my needs change with the seasons. During my active growth in the heat of summer, I am quite thirsty. Water me deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain away completely. In winter, when my growth slows, I need far less water. Overwatering during dormancy is a common and serious mistake.
To support my vigorous growth and constant flowering from spring through fall, I am a heavy feeder. I require regular nourishment. Please feed me with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring as I break dormancy. To encourage continuous blooming, follow up with a liquid fertilizer high in potassium (such as a tomato feed) every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Cease feeding me in the late fall to allow me to enter my natural dormant period and rest.
Pruning is essential for me to maintain a pleasing shape and encourage bushier growth with more flowers. The best time to prune me is after my main flowering flush, typically in late summer or early fall. Always use clean, sharp shears. A crucial point you must understand: all parts of my being are highly toxic if ingested. The sap can also cause skin irritation. Always wear gloves when handling me, especially during pruning, and keep me well out of reach of children and pets. My beauty is for admiration only.
