From my perspective as an Oleander, the pot you choose is my entire universe. It must be a sturdy, well-anchored home because my top-heavy, flowering growth can make me prone to tipping in the wind. Most importantly, my roots demand excellent drainage. I despise having my feet constantly wet, as this leads to root rot, a condition that is often fatal for me. Ensure my container has ample drainage holes. A pot that is 12-16 inches in diameter is a good start, but as I mature, I will appreciate being moved to a larger home every 2-3 years to accommodate my expanding root system.
I require a well-draining, slightly alkaline to neutral soil mix to truly thrive. A standard commercial potting mix is acceptable, but I would be even happier if you amended it with some perlite or coarse sand to increase aeration and drainage. This creates the loose, breathable environment my roots need to explore and absorb nutrients effectively. Avoid heavy, clay-based soils or moisture-retentive mixes meant for other plants, as they will hold too much water around my roots and cause me significant stress.
My watering needs change with the seasons. During my active growth in the heat of summer, I am quite thirsty and will require deep, regular watering once the top inch of my soil feels dry. However, I am drought-tolerant by nature, so I prefer you to err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering. In winter, when my growth slows, please reduce watering significantly to prevent the soil from becoming soggy. As for sunlight, I am a sun-worshipper. I need a minimum of six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily to produce the abundant blooms I am known for. A sunny patio or balcony is my ideal location.
To support my vigorous growth and prolific flowering, I am a heavy feeder during my growing season. I would greatly appreciate a feeding schedule. Please provide me with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring as I break dormancy. Then, throughout the spring and summer, a monthly dose of a liquid fertilizer high in potassium (such as a tomato feed) will encourage me to put all my energy into creating a spectacular display of flowers for you to enjoy. Cease feeding in the late fall and winter so I can enter my natural rest period.
While I am adaptable, I am not frost-hardy. If you live in a region where temperatures dip below 20°F (-6°C), my potted life is a blessing, as I must be moved to a protected location for winter. An unheated garage, shed, or cool greenhouse is perfect. I need a cool, bright dormancy period. I must also offer a word of caution: every part of me is highly toxic if ingested. This is my natural defense mechanism. Please place me where curious children and pets cannot reach my foliage or flowers, and always wear gloves when pruning me or handling my clippings.
