From our perspective, the single most critical factor for our well-being in a pot is space for our roots. We are vigorous growers with an extensive, hungry root system. A container that is too small will quickly become root-bound. This strangles our roots, preventing them from effectively absorbing water and nutrients, which stunts our top growth and flowering. For a young oleander, start with a pot that is at least 12-14 inches in diameter and depth. As we mature, we will require repotting every 2-3 years into a container that is 2-4 inches larger in diameter. A mature, thriving oleander will ultimately need a very large pot, approximately 20-24 inches in diameter or even a half-barrel, to support our full size and floral display.
While we appreciate consistent moisture, our roots absolutely cannot sit in waterlogged soil. Soggy conditions lead to fatal root rot, which is one of the few things that can kill us. Therefore, the container you choose must have ample drainage holes at the bottom. Do not use a pot without them. Furthermore, we recommend placing a layer of coarse gravel or broken pottery shards over the holes before adding soil to prevent them from becoming blocked. This ensures excess water can always escape, providing the well-drained environment our roots need to breathe and remain healthy.
We are not overly fussy about soil but we do require a well-draining, fertile medium to thrive. A standard, good-quality commercial potting mix is perfectly adequate. Avoid using heavy garden soil, which will compact in the container and hinder drainage. To further optimize the mix, you can incorporate some perlite or coarse sand to increase aeration. Regarding nutrition, we are heavy feeders due to our prolific flowering habit. To support this energy-intensive process, feed us with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring as new growth emerges. Alternatively, a liquid fertilizer formulated for flowering shrubs, applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, will provide the sustained nutrients we need to produce our vibrant blooms.
We are sun-worshipping plants by nature. To photosynthesize efficiently and produce our best floral show, we require a minimum of six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. A full sun location is ideal. Without sufficient light, we will become leggy, with sparse foliage and significantly reduced flowering. When positioning our container, choose a spot that receives the most sun, such as a south or west-facing patio. Also, be mindful that being in a pot makes our root system more vulnerable to temperature extremes. In very cold climates, we may need protection or to be moved to a sheltered, cool but frost-free location like a garage for winter, as the roots are less insulated than they would be in the ground.
