From our perspective, the container you choose is our entire world. Please ensure it has adequate drainage holes. Stagnant water around our roots is a death sentence, leading to rot and suffocation. Fill this new home with a high-quality, lightweight potting mix. Do not use garden soil, which is too dense and may harbor diseases. We thrive in a mix that is rich in organic matter, like peat moss or coconut coir, which holds moisture just right, and perlite, which keeps the environment airy so our roots can breathe and spread comfortably. A slow-release fertilizer mixed into this soil will provide a steady supply of essential nutrients, setting us up for a long season of vigorous growth.
We are often tender and a bit root-bound when you bring us home from the nursery. Please be gentle. Before moving us, water us thoroughly in our original pots to reduce transplant shock. When you lift us out, carefully tease apart the outer roots. If the root ball is a tight mass, make a few shallow vertical cuts to encourage new roots to grow outward into their new spacious home. This simple act tells our root system that it is free to explore and expand, which directly translates to more lush growth above the soil.
We are social plants and enjoy the company of our own kind or other shade-loving companions. For a full, spectacular display, plant us close together. In a 12-inch hanging basket, for instance, three to four of us will quickly grow to fill the space, creating a beautiful, mounding cascade of color. When placing us in the pot, set us at the same depth we were growing in our nursery containers. Firm the soil gently around our stems to provide support and eliminate large air pockets, but avoid compacting the soil too heavily.
Immediately after planting, give us a deep, generous watering. This settles the soil around our roots and ensures we have the moisture needed to begin recovering from the move. Place our new container in a location with bright, indirect light. While we are known for loving shade, our ideal spot is one with dappled sunlight or morning sun only. Harsh, direct afternoon sun will scorch our delicate leaves and cause our blooms to wither prematurely. Allow us a few days to adjust to our new environment before making any final decisions on our permanent location.
Our thirst is our most defining trait. We have shallow roots and are in containers, so we dry out quickly. Check our soil moisture daily, especially in hanging baskets exposed to wind. Water us when the top inch of soil feels dry. In the heat of summer, this will likely mean a deep watering once, sometimes even twice, a day. A consistent watering schedule is the single most important factor in keeping us blooming profusely. To support this constant flower production, feed us every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer formulated for blooming plants. This replenishes the nutrients we eagerly consume to keep our flowers coming.
