From our perspective as Lobelia plants, not all varieties are suited for the unique life in a hanging basket. We, the trailing types like Lobelia erinus, are the ideal candidates. Our growth habit is naturally pendulous; we are born to cascade. Our stems are flexible and eager to spill over the edges, creating the beautiful, waterfall-like effect you humans admire so much. Compact, upright varieties would feel confined and frustrated in a basket, unable to express their true, bushy form. Choosing us, the trailers, means you are selecting a plant whose innate desires align perfectly with the environment you are providing. It’s a partnership that starts with understanding our fundamental nature.
Our roots are particular about their home. We demand a light, fluffy, and consistently moist environment, but we absolutely despise having our feet sitting in water. A well-draining potting mix is non-negotiable. Think of a mix rich in peat moss or coconut coir to retain moisture, but with plenty of perlite or vermiculite to ensure excess water can escape quickly. As for the container, please ensure it has ample drainage holes. A cramped, waterlogged root system is a death sentence for us, leading to rot and a swift, sad decline. A basket that is at least 12 inches in diameter gives our root community enough space to establish a healthy foundation to support our flowing top-growth.
This is perhaps the most critical aspect of our care. Our relatively small root mass, combined with our prolific flowering and exposure to drying winds and sun in a hanging basket, makes us incredibly thirsty plants. We will need a deep, thorough drink very frequently—likely daily during the heat of summer. Please, do not just sprinkle us lightly. Water should flow through the drainage holes, ensuring the entire root ball is hydrated. The best time to water us is in the morning. This allows our leaves to dry before evening, reducing the risk of fungal diseases, and it equips us with a full reservoir of water to face the heat of the day. Check our soil with your finger; if the top inch feels dry, it’s time for a drink.
To produce the masses of tiny, vibrant flowers we are known for, we require a steady supply of energy. We are heavy feeders during our blooming season. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every two weeks will keep us happy and flowering profusely. However, please avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they will encourage us to produce an abundance of leaves at the expense of our beautiful blooms. As for sunlight, we thrive in a location with full sun to partial shade. In very hot climates, we appreciate a little afternoon shade to protect us from the most intense heat, which can cause our flowering to pause. The right balance of light and food ensures we can put on our best show for you.
By midsummer, after our initial spectacular display, we may begin to look a bit tired and leggy. Our flowering might slow down. This is not the end! A simple, gentle pruning can work wonders. If you trim us back by about half, you are not hurting us; you are encouraging a fresh flush of growth and a second wave of blooms. This process, which you call "deadheading," but we see as a rejuvenating haircut, removes the spent energy of old flowers and stimulates new branching. It tells our system to redirect energy from seed production back into vibrant growth and flowering, extending our decorative life well into the autumn.
