Planting, caring for, propagating and more

Plant gentian bush properly

Plant a gentian tree that you have bought or grown yourself in a large bucket. The ornamental tree, which is sensitive to cold, is not suitable for cultivation in beds in the local climate.

• Lay some potsherds over the water drain as drainage
• The stuffed one gentian bush use in high-quality potting soil
• Leave a pouring edge of 2-3 centimeters and water generously

care tips

The demanding gentian tree requires daily attention, which is rewarded with a spectacular blossom festival throughout the summer. The maintenance program in a nutshell:

• Keep the substrate constantly moist
• Water with soft rainwater or decalcified tap water
• Liquid once or twice a week fertilize from March to September
• When standard pruning cautiously, even during the flowering period
• Trim wilted flowers to make room for new buds
• Central pruning before storage or in early spring

Bright, cool wintering at 7-12 degrees Celsius is of paramount importance for flowering. Continue to keep the soil from drying out and stop fertilizing from October to February.

Which location is suitable?

You can only look forward to the tireless flowering in a location that is protected from the wind and in full sun. If shade falls on the trunk due to the dense dress of flowers and leaves, this circumstance does not have a negative effect on growth.

What soil does the plant need?

The capricious gentian tree requires soil that meets the high demands. So don't buy the first one you find potting soil, but choose a substrate with these attributes:

• Rich in nutrients
• Structurally stable with superior water retention
• Relaxed and humorous
• Neutral pH between 6 and 7

Avoid a high percentage of peat as this material tends to compact. Instead, enrich commercial potting soil with compost and lava granules.

When is flowering time?

Last but not least, it is the never-ending flowering period that wins hearts over the gentian tree. The blue, violet or white bloom lasts from spring to late autumn. Regular cleaning encourages increased flower growth.

Properly cut the gentian bush

Professional pruning is one of the key factors in successful maintenance. The top priority here is to exercise restraint with the scissors. How to keep the gentian tree in shape:

• As a standard, shorten the shoots little by little during the season to preserve their shape
• Cut the branches by no more than a third before putting them away
• Alternatively, cut back in early spring

The younger a gentian bush, the more restrained the pruning. At an advanced age, a gentian tree with a strong trunk tolerates a more courageous pruning, but never more than 50 percent.
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Water the gentian bush

Adequate water balance requires a high level of sensitivity. Check the moisture content of the substrate daily - in the morning and evening in summer - with a thumb test. The soil must not dry out at any time. At the same time, waterlogging means the end for every gentian tree. This is how you handle the sensitive care issue correctly:

• Keep the soil evenly moist
• Use collected rainwater or stagnant tap water
• Empty the coaster after 10 minutes at the latest

Continue watering at reduced levels during wintering. The cooler and darker the quarters, the lower the need for moisture. Furthermore, the top priority is not to let the substrate dry out.

Fertilize the gentian bush properly

The gentian tree constantly requires a supply of energy so that the show of strength of a tireless flower succeeds. Therefore, fertilize the ornamental tree once or twice a week from March to September with a high-quality liquid fertilizer for potted plants.

Diseases

Sooty mildew disease can occur as a consequence of an aphid infestation, in the course of which the leaves turn black. As a rule, however, neglect in the care causes health problems, such as water and nutrient deficiencies or improper pruning.

pests

grab ins Eye, to cultivate a gentian tree, arm yourself against the following pests:

• aphids
• spider mites
• white flies

hibernate

The gentian tree does not tolerate frost. Therefore, carry the tub to a winter quarters with these conditions in autumn:

• Bright and frost-free with temperatures of 7 to 12 degrees
• Water less, but don't let it dry out
• Do not fertilize from October to February

If the gentian tree sheds all its leaves, there is no reason to panic. In this way, the wood compensates for the lack of light during the dark season.
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Propagate gentian bush

With every pruning, you have vital material in your hands for propagation with cuttings. Each shoot tip with a length of 10-15 centimeters is far too good to be disposed of, because it has what it takes to become a young gentian tree. Place the offshoot, which has defoliated in the lower half, in a pot potting soil, put a transparent hood over it and pour from below. This is how it goes on:

• Keep constantly moist in a partially shaded, warm window seat
• Air the cover daily to prevent mold growth
• If the cutting drives out, the hood can soften

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How do I plant correctly?

Every 2 to 3 years, the root ball in the bucket reaches its limits and is transplanted. Set aside a day for this measure in early spring after pruning, when the gentian tree is still dormant. Shake off most of the used substrate and pot the gentian tree in fresh soil just as deep as before.

Is gentian shrub poisonous?

The gentian tree belongs to the large family of nightshade plants. This results in a high degree of toxicity in all parts. Even minimal skin contact can lead to symptoms of poisoning. Consumption of the smallest amounts causes vomiting, stomach cramps, respiratory paralysis and even cardiac arrest. Keep the gentian tree out of the reach of small children and pets. Any gardening activity should be carried out with protective gloves.
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Gentian bush does not bloom

It is not a matter of course that the gentian tree blooms. First and foremost, hobby gardeners struggle with a lack of flowering after the winter break. We have compiled the most important triggers for this shortcoming with tips for remedying them here for you:

• Overwintering too warm: Gentian trees overwinter bright and cool at 7 to 12 degrees Celsius
• Excessive pruning: cut gentian trees by a maximum of 30 percent in autumn or spring
• Nutrient deficiency: Fertilize at least once a week, ideally twice a week in summer
• Unsuitable location: while the trunk in the penumbra can stand, the crown requires full sun
• Drought stress: Water regularly, in summer when it is dry in the morning and evening with lime-free water

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Yellow leaves

Yellowed leaves on the gentian tree are a symptom of a lack of nutrients due to water that is too calcareous. Only use soft water and fertilize at least once a week from March to September.