Watering, fertilizing, cutting & more

Does Echium wildpretii depend on regular watering?

Moderate and regular watering is recommended for this perennial. Pour at large intervals and in smaller quantities. The heart of the plant should definitely be kept dry. Therefore, it is only poured on the root area.

How do you fertilize this plant?

If Echium wildpretii is in the field, there is no need to fertilize. Lean soils are ideal for this poor soil-loving plant. However, if you have this plant in a pot on your patio or balcony, you should provide it with 0.2% cactus fertilizer every 2 weeks. The general rule here is: less is more.

When and how is the pruning done?

When this plant has faded, it is advisable to cut off the old inflorescence directly at the base between the leaves. If you do not do this, the plant will invest a lot of energy in developing its seeds, which often costs it vitality.

Are there any specific diseases or pests that may play a role?

This exotic is largely uninteresting for pests. In a pot culture at home and the air there is too dry, it is rare Spider mites appear. This plant is also not susceptible to diseases, unless care is extremely neglected or carried out incorrectly (too frequent watering e.g. B. directly on the leaves).

Does this perennial need to be overwintered?

Echium wildpretii can only tolerate temperatures down to -5 ° C. This means that the plant is not considered to be winter hard in this country. If you want to enjoy it for several years, you have to hibernate it.

Please note:

• Indoor wintering is preferable
• choose a cool room (temperatures between 5 and 10 ° C)
• Ventilate the room regularly
• little watering (about every 3 weeks)
• do not fertilize
• from April slowly get used to direct sunlight again