Greetings, human caretaker. I am Lobelia erinus ’Queen Victoria’, a specimen of striking appearance with my fiery red foliage and vibrant electric blue flowers. To help me thrive under your care, please attend to my specific needs, which I shall now detail from my perspective.
I am a plant with a consistent and strong thirst. My soil prefers to be kept consistently moist, but never waterlogged. Please water me when the top inch of soil feels dry to your touch. I will likely require more frequent watering during my active growing and blooming season, especially if I am placed in a warm or brightly lit spot. I also appreciate a humid environment. If your home is dry, consider placing my pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure my roots are not sitting in the water) or occasionally misting the air around me to keep me content.
To maintain the rich, regal purple-red hue of my foliage and to produce my brilliant blue flowers, I require abundant bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or west-facing window is ideal, where I can bask in the gentle morning or afternoon sun. While I enjoy light, the intense, direct rays of the midday sun through a south-facing window can be too harsh and may scorch my delicate leaves. If you notice my leaf colors fading to a greener shade, it is a clear sign I am not receiving enough light.
I enjoy moderate temperatures that are comfortable for you as well, ideally between 65°F and 75°F (18°C - 24°C). I am particularly sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. Please keep me away from drafty windows, doors, and air conditioning vents. Similarly, protect me from excessive heat sources like radiators. I enjoy good air circulation but despise strong, direct drafts, which can dry me out and cause me stress.
I require a well-draining, peat-based potting mix to prevent my roots from becoming waterlogged and rotting. A standard houseplant potting mix amended with a handful of perlite or vermiculite will provide the perfect balance of moisture retention and drainage. To support my prolific blooming, I am a heavy feeder. During my active growth period in spring and summer, please nourish me with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every two weeks. This provides the energy I need to produce my spectacular floral display for you.
To keep me looking my royal best and to encourage a bushier, more compact form, occasional pruning is beneficial. You may pinch back the tips of my stems early in the season. Most importantly, to prolong my flowering period, you must practice deadheading. This means gently removing my spent, faded flowers. This simple act tells me to stop producing seeds and instead direct my energy into creating more beautiful blooms for your enjoyment.
