For us Lobelias, thriving in your indoor hanging baskets requires a specific set of conditions that mimic our natural preferences. We are tender perennials that adore bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or west-facing window is ideal, as the gentle morning or afternoon sun provides the energy we need to produce our prolific blooms without scorching our delicate leaves. Direct, harsh midday sun through a south-facing window can cause our foliage to wilt and fade. We also appreciate consistently cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Please keep us away from hot drafts from heating vents or cold blasts from air conditioners, as we find such sudden temperature fluctuations very stressful.
The foundation of our health lies in the medium we are planted in. We require a well-draining, peat-based potting mix that retains some moisture but never becomes soggy. Waterlogged roots are a death sentence for us, leading to rot and a swift decline. The goal is to keep our soil consistently moist, like a well-wrung-out sponge. This means watering us thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, allowing the excess water to drain freely from the holes in the bottom of the basket. We are thirsty plants, especially when in full bloom, so you may need to check our moisture levels daily. However, we do not enjoy having our foliage and flowers wet, so please water us at the soil level to keep our leaves dry and prevent fungal diseases.
Our main appeal is our spectacular cascade of flowers, which can blanket our trailing foliage in shades of blue, violet, pink, or white. To support this immense energy expenditure, we are heavy feeders during our active growing season. We request a regular supply of nutrients. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength, applied every two weeks, will provide us with the sustenance we need to continue blooming profusely. Alternatively, a fertilizer formulated specifically for blooming plants, higher in phosphorus, will encourage even more flowers. Please note that over-fertilizing can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of blooms, so moderation is key.
Our natural growth habit is trailing, making us perfect candidates for hanging baskets where our stems can elegantly spill over the edges. To maintain a dense, bushy, and floriferous appearance, we require occasional pruning. Pinching back the tips of our stems when we are young encourages us to branch out and become fuller. As the season progresses, a light trim—removing about a third of the stem length—if we become leggy or if flowering slows, will often prompt a fresh flush of growth and blooms. Regularly deadheading, or removing our spent flowers, also signals to us that we should produce more blossoms instead of focusing energy on seed production.
