Oleander brings Mediterranean flair to the balcony and terrace. However, it is one of the extremely thirsty plants. Its water requirement is very high, especially in summer, and the ornamental plant also needs regular watering in its winter quarters. How to properly water oleanders.
In a nutshell
- Oleander needs a lot of water
- water several times a day in summer
- Reduce watering to once a week in winter
- do not water with rainwater
- lukewarm well or tap water is ideal
Table of contents
- watering in summer
- Watering in the winter quarters
- Irrigation water for oleanders
- frequently asked Questions
watering in summer
For the thirst of Oleanders (Nerium oleander) to quench, consider the flowering shrub
- water daily from spring to autumn,
- water two to three times a day on hot summer days.
The best time is in the evening and/or in the morning when the sun is not shining on the substrate. If the watering frequency has to be increased to three times a day in summer, water oleanders at midday as soon as the soil is in the shade.
You don't have to worry about waterlogging, because wet feet don't bother the plant. In summer they are even desirable. Therefore, the coaster can be well filled with water in the warm season. In this way, the rose laurel can take care of itself. So that self-sufficiency does not become oversupply, you should pay attention to the following:
- Only fill up the coaster when it is "empty".
- empty the lower shell from time to time in continuous rain
A notice: You should use a large bowl so that the oleander can draw enough water out of the saucer. Ideally, the lower bowl has a diameter that is 10 to 15 centimeters larger than the bottom of the pot. In addition, it should be a few centimeters high.
Watering in the winter quarters
If the flowering shrub has moved to its winter quarters, it needs less water. Therefore it is enough during of hibernation from watering oleanders once a week. The root ball may occasionally dry out slightly, but it should not dry out completely. Permanent wetness like in summer is unfavorable in winter.
Irrigation water for oleanders
In contrast to many potted plants, rainwater is not suitable irrigation water for Nerium oleander. With long-term use, the substrate becomes acidic, which means that the roots can no longer absorb nutrients and water. That's why you should take the flowering shrub with you
- Pour tap or well water
- ideally warmed up (lukewarm)
- Place the watering can with water in the sun for several hours
- Alternatively: leave it inside overnight
Watering the oleander with preheated water may seem complicated at first glance. However, the measure is necessary because the flowering shrub is extremely sensitive to temperature changes in the sense of cold feet. In the spring, the warm irrigation water is of particular importance: the lukewarm wet stimulates flowering.
A notice: If the oleander gets a rain shower from time to time, it will not be damaged. However, since the flowers suffer from the rain, you should give the rose laurel a rain-protected location on the balcony or terrace.
frequently asked Questions
Pour oleander into the saucer ("from below") or from above directly onto the ground. With the latter, you should make sure that the leaves are not wetted. If the summer is hot and dry, you should water the rose laurel from above once a week so that the entire root ball is soaked. Under no circumstances should the flowering shrub be overpowered. Because the well-intentioned shower damages the flowers and favors the appearance of oleander crab.
Due to its high water requirements, the flowering shrub quickly gives up. In hot summers, a lack of water can set in after just one or two days.
If the flowering shrub turns its leaves yellow in summer due to drought stress, immediate action must be taken. Treat smaller specimens with the immersion method. Water large shrubs in several stages so that the roots can draw enough water. After these immediate measures, pour oleander according to the instructions above.
