How to grow oleander at home?

The alluring exotic name evokes memories of Mediterranean relaxation, hot sun and salty air. Oleander is mentioned by ancient poets, he is depicted in paintings, sung in folk songs. And the indigenous people cannot imagine the environment without the bright lush thickets of oleander. In Russia, the plant is grown as an indoor flower that loves warmth and sunlight.

Description of oleander

Botanical classification assigns the plant to the kutrovy family (Arosupaseae). It grows up to half a meter with an erect branching stem of a brownish color with lenticular growths. The leaves are bright green saturated color lanceolate with a pointed end. Plates are smooth, flat, with short planting petioles, separated in the middle by a light green radial line.

The shape and size of flowers depends on the variety, there are small, large, double, smooth. All are united by the shape of the inflorescence - a shield with five-leafed flowers. The flower is distinguished by the presence of a pleasant aroma, the intensity of which can vary from the conditions of detention, varietal variety. Red, white, yellow, pink oleanders are more common, but the color can change intensity, combine several shades on one bush.

In nature and in favorable conditions, the plant reaches 3-4 meters. For indoor cultivation, the maximum recorded height is 1.5 meters. Oleander is a liana creeping plant, so at home it easily wraps its stem around erect supports.

How to grow oleander at home

Oleander photo home care We propagate oleander by cuttings

Like all southern plants, oleander loves bright sun, an abundance of light and warmth, loose sandy loam soil. He is grateful for feeding, watering on demand, loves water procedures.

Seat selection

It is best to set aside a room with a bright sun for permanent residence, preferably on the south side, but the eastern part is also suitable. The sun's rays should illuminate the oleander throughout the day, provide additional sources of daylight in winter. Small species are placed on stands or low shelves, the grown bushes are moved to the floor.

Temperature regime

The plant is not demanding for high temperatures, for optimal growth, abundant flowering, 22-25 degrees in summer and 10-15 degrees in winter are enough.The temperature is reduced gradually, decreasing by one degree every day. If the apartment is hot, it is recommended to ventilate the room more often. Better not to plant next to heat-loving plants. Oleander easily tolerates subzero temperatures, but not for a long time. Wintering outside is detrimental to the plant.

Lighting

On the south side, the sun floods the room from morning to evening. Oleander is not afraid of direct sunlight, easily tolerates the summer heat, therefore, on a hot day, it is taken out to a closed balcony or loggia. In winter, the sunshine of the northern regions is not enough, so artificial daylight will be organized to replace solar energy.

Watering and irrigation

The plant does not need abundant watering, but in the heat with the scorching sun, it is imperative to leave water in the pan. It is better to maintain water balance through root nutrition, when the soil is not moistened from above, and all moisture comes from the pan of the planter. The soil should not dry out, therefore, at the first signs of a lack of water on the surface of the earth, it is necessary to shed the plant. In winter, water procedures are reduced to give the flower a rest before the upcoming abundant flowering. The main threat of waterlogging is root suppuration, which leads to the death of the flower.

Gratefully responds to water treatments under the shower and a spray bottle. In the absence of a humidifier with heating on, oleander should be sprayed and wiped every 2-3 days. In the sultry summer, place the flower for a short time in a bath of cold water, pouring cool water on top.

Top dressing

Loosening the soil for air exchange allows the roots to breathe, but over time, the soil depletes its energy capabilities, the plant begins to wither, and flowering becomes scarce. Experienced florists advise changing the soil after 2-3 years, and during the growing season and swelling of buds, use special or universal mineral and organic complexes. Before buying, pay attention to the purpose: indoor, abundant flowering, bush, warm and light-loving.

Oleander transplant

• The young plant is transplanted every year, increasing the capacity according to the size of the flower.
• You cannot immediately take a large pot: the large size of the bowl will not allow the green mass to form, there will only be root growth.
• A small capacity does not allow roots to grow, changing the appearance of the plant: the lower leaves fall off, growth slows down.
• After 3-4 years, the bush is considered fully ripe, the soil in the pots of such a plant is changed every 4 years.
• To do this, pour a lump of earth into a new container of suitable size, having previously drained the soil well with sand and pebbles. This procedure avoids soil caking, better aeration, and soil mineralization.

Pruning oleander at home

To form a tree-like sturdy stem, pruning of basal shoots is used. Otherwise, the plant grows, forming a shrub, as in nature. To create the desired shape, use garden shears or pruning shears. The procedure is carried out by wearing gloves, a mask and glasses so that the poisonous juice does not get on the skin and mucous membranes. Due to its aggressive internal content, the plant is not grown in children's rooms, institutions and organizations with children.

After flowering, you can form the desired shape of the bush by removing excess branches and shortening the remaining ones in height, which is not often used: natural natural forms are in priority. Faded inflorescences are not immediately removed, because they can bloom again.

Reproduction of oleander

Low prevalence on the continent, low germination of seeds, picky about growing conditions made the seed method of growing uncommon. Reproduction by cuttings or aerial shoots is more often used. You can buy these in a greenhouse or nursery, seeds are purchased in a specialized garden store.

Oleander from seeds at home

Oleander from seed photos of seedlings

A pack usually contains 3-5 seeds, treated with a special solution that prolongs germination. According to statistics, no more than 75% of the seeds germinate, so you can buy several packages at once to surely get the result.

Before sowing, the seed is treated with a fungicide, soaked in a growth stimulator for an hour. Then they are placed on the surface of the soil of the seedling box, it can be small, 10/15 / 2.5 cm.

• For germination, the seeds need a temperature above 30 degrees, therefore they cover the box with thermal film, place it in a warm place, preferably with heating.
• After the first shoots appear, the film is removed, watering is reduced to optimal moisture without water stagnation.
• When 2-3 true leaves appear, the bushes are transplanted into pots one at a time, the size of the pot should not exceed 10 cm in diameter.

How to propagate oleander by cuttings

Propagation of oleander by cuttings at home How to cut an oleander photo

An adult plant in autumn and spring gives off shoots from the root, which, when planted in a new place, will grow into a healthy adult bush, otherwise they are cut off.

• Shoots 15 cm long are cut, placed in prepared soil, and after a month new roots can be observed.
• The place of the cut in an adult plant is treated with ash or a special solution for houseplants purchased from a garden store.
• Oleander cuttings take root well in plain water. When the roots grow back, a new bush is planted in a pot. No complications!

Propagation of oleander by air layers

Reproduction of oleander by air layers photo

The method is a little more troublesome than the previous two methods, but it allows you to quickly prepare the plant for transplantation and speed up the appearance of buds.

• Roots are germinated on the layering before planting.
• To do this, cut the bark, wrap it with a bag, forming a bag where sand is placed.

How to breed oleander photo

• A lump of sand at the base of the layer is constantly moistened.
• After the roots appear, the prepared branch is cut from the mother plant and planted in a new pot.

This method of breeding oleander is convenient in that a strong viable seedling is obtained without much investment of time, almost without your participation.

Care problems

Sometimes oleander leaves dry out or fall off, change color or slow down growth. You can identify a lack of care by appearance.

• The leaves dry at the tips - there is not enough moisture, you need to shed the bush to moderate moisture, and maintain a constant water level in the pan.
• Lower leaves fall - not enough light, it is necessary to organize an additional artificial source of daylight.
• Poor flowering - no favorable conditions: little light, heat, water.

Useful qualities of oleander Is it possible to keep oleander at home

The flower is used not only to decorate a garden, room or park, but also as a component of decoctions to maintain immunity, cleanse the liver. For this, dry leaves and flowers are used. The saturated color of the petals is used as a dye for dyeing fabrics, drinks, dry mixtures.

Dangerous plant vapors can harm a person, therefore, the flower is not planted in small apartments and rooms where there is a large crowd of people. An excellent option for him will be the living room, the foyer of the organization with southern windows, where the presence of people is short-lived and not numerous.

Can oleander be planted outside?

Oleander may well become a decoration of the garden if the climate is mild and frosts do not exceed -11 ° C. In autumn, the plant is pinched, young shoots are cut off so that the wood matures and can survive the winter. Before wintering, the bush is bent to the ground and covered. So that the branches are not injured, the plant is planted slightly at an angle, preferably in a trench. So with minimal damage it will be possible to bend the branches to the ground and raise them in the spring.

Indoor oleander can also be planted in the garden for the summer so that the plant gains strength, drove out more branches, and in the fall it can be transplanted into a spacious tub and installed in the room. You just need to remember that in winter the oleander needs peace, and therefore low temperatures and coolness are desirable. It is better to keep it in the coolest room or on the loggia, and if the temperature drops below 2 ° C, bring it into the apartment.

Oleander varieties with photos and names

Cultivated and bred cultivars of common oleander, its other names are "Indian oleander", "fragrant oleander". The wild-growing species has small flowers, more often spine-petal red or pink. Cultivated varieties are distinguished by the variety of colors and the size of the inflorescences.

Common oleander is the only species of its kind nerium oleander

Oleander ordinary photo of the variety Nerium oleander 'soleil levant' pink flowers

Soleil Levant with pink monochromatic open flowers, the branch of inflorescences has more than 40 corollas;

How to care for oleander at home In the photo, the variety Petite Salmon Oleander

Petit salmon - a plant of pastel color with a bright yellow center;

What does an oleander look like? Oleander 'Variegata' in the photo

Variegata one of the specific species, its needle-like inflorescences fall to the ground with a waterfall from a height of one and a half meters, the bouquet reaches 1 m in diameter;

Oleander flower photo and description In the photo, the variety Hardy Red Nerium Oleander

Hardy red - a bouquet of bright scarlet flowers is framed with green leaves with drops of silvery color, the petals are velvety to the touch;

Oleander photo indoor variety Nerium oleander Cardinal Red

Cardinal deep burgundy color with smooth petals;

EmilieSalut inflorescences of salmon color, lush, long flowering.

For fragrant oleander, single-flowered flowering is characteristic, double inflorescences, large. The height of the plant is just over half a meter, the thicket varies from 30 to 55 cm. Distributed on the slopes of the Asian mountains, where the sun illuminates most of the day.

Indian oleander, brought from the coast of the Indian Ocean, grows up to 4 meters. Its five-petal flowers are red, yellow, turquoise, pink. Attracts insects with a sweetish aroma that surrounds the plant from early June to mid-autumn.
It is worth choosing a variety and type for permanent cultivation based on taste preferences, environmental conditions.

Oleander is a flowering plant of the Kutrovy family that grows in areas with a subtropical climate in the form of luxurious and spreading shrubs.

Now it is customary to actively use this culture in landscape design, decorating alleys, parks and gardens with it. And although in our homeland such pleasure is provided mainly to the residents of Crimea, any citizen of Russia can enjoy the bright oleander bloom at home.

Yes, for some time now this wonderful plant has been cultivated in such an environment. Therefore, a completely logical question arises: how is the care and cultivation of oleander carried out at home? Is it possible to multiply and reproduce it on your own? If so, in what ways? This and much more will be discussed in our article. Illustrations and photos of the oleander flower will also be submitted. Home care, vegetation, and appearance will also be considered.

First, let's briefly find out what this beautiful heat-loving plant is and why it is remarkable.

Description of culture

Oleander is a fairly large evergreen shrub with densely branched light brown stems. The leaves of the plant are narrow and lanceolate, located on short petioles. In length they reach ten, less often - fifteen centimeters, in width - no more than three centimeters.

Bright and large flowers, consisting of five petals, form beautiful and lush inflorescences at the end of each shoot.

Breeders have bred a wide variety of shrub varieties, differing from each other in color and shape of flowers, as well as in the peculiarity of their structure.

The plant is considered a poisonous crop, so in the process of breeding oleander at home (cuttings, layering, and so on), some precautions should be taken to prevent the juice from entering the human or animal body. For example, when in contact with a plant, it is important to use gloves.

How to carry out an effective culture transplant?

What is grafting

First of all, it should be noted that there are several options for the reproduction of oleander: cuttings, seeds or air layers. In this article, we will talk about the first method, since it is considered the easiest and most common.

A stalk is a specially separated part of a plant that can be used for propagation. After planting it in the substrate, the young seedling will have roots and buds, after which it can be rooted in the planned place of growth.

How to choose the right planting material

In our case, it will be a young tender shoot or a non-woody branch from a bush. Why are such shoots suitable for propagation of oleander by cuttings at home? The fact is that green elastic stems will take root faster than their stiff counterparts.

The cuttings for vegetation should be young, but well matured, without visible damage and diseases.

So, the planting material has been found. What to do next?

Seedling preparation

What are the general rules for propagating oleander by cuttings?

First of all, the cut branch should be shortened to a length of ten to fifteen centimeters. It is important to sprinkle the cut edges with charcoal and allow time for drying. This is necessary for the open wound to heal slightly and heal.

Then it is recommended to remove the lower leaves from the planting material, and cut off the upper ones (a little more than half).

These manipulations are of great importance, since thanks to them, the leaves will take up less moisture and nutrients. Then all the useful elements will be spent on rooting the plant, and not on growth or flowering.

Can oleander propagate by cuttings in summer? This time of the year is not recommended for the growing season, since it will be difficult for the plant to cope with two tasks at the same time during the hot period: rooting in a new place and the fight against unpleasant growing conditions.

The most optimal breeding season for oleander cuttings is spring. Also, this procedure can be carried out in the fall.

Below are photos of oleander propagation by cuttings.

The first way of rooting

What to do after the planting material is prepared for reproduction? There are two options for planting a seedling.

The first of these is the propagation of oleander by cuttings in water. In accordance with this method, the planting material is placed in a container with water. It is recommended to add a few pieces of charcoal to the liquid.

A jar with a handle (preferably dark glass) is best placed in a place out of direct sunlight. The water needs to be changed every week.

The second way of rooting

What is the second method of propagation of oleander by cuttings? First of all, this is the grounding of the shoot in a mixture of sand and charcoal, taken in equal quantities. It is recommended to water the substrate regularly, but it is important not to overdo it here, since excessive moisture will provoke rotting of the planting material.

This option is not as good as the previous one, since it does not involve regular monitoring of the development of the root system.

Further actions

Within how long should the cuttings take root? Usually this process does not exceed four weeks.

When the root system reaches about three centimeters in height, the seedlings can be grounded in small pots, the diameter of which would not exceed seven to eight centimeters. What kind of soil is suitable for these purposes?

Best of all, the cuttings will take root in such an earthen mixture:

• thirty percent turf;
• thirty percent peat;
• thirty percent humus;
• ten percent sand.

How to care for rooted shoots?

Care of young seedlings

Above all, pots with freshly planted cuttings should be hidden from direct sunlight. When the additives grow, they will need to be gradually and carefully accustomed to sunlight. Watering young plants should be done carefully so as not to overmoisten the soil.

If the reproduction of oleander by cuttings occurred in the spring, then in the summer the seedling can bloom. In this case, the delicate buds should be cut off to conserve the vigor of the shrub for growth and rooting.

How to care for an established plant?

Premises

First of all, it is very important to choose the right place for growing oleander. It should be a spacious and bright room, since the shrub has impressive dimensions: it can reach two meters in height and width!

Moreover, the place where the plant will stand should be inaccessible to children and animals. It is very important to observe this precaution, as oleander has a dangerous toxicity - a drop of bush juice can lead to cardiac arrest!

It is also not recommended to install the plant in the bedroom or in the immediate vicinity of the recreation area - the aroma from the flowers is quite toxic and can provoke headaches and bouts of vomiting.

Light and air

Fruitful care and cultivation of oleander are fraught with some secrets, which we will talk about below.

The plant is very fond of sunlight and fresh air. To do this, it can be taken out in the warm season to the balcony, loggia and even to the courtyard.

And in winter, it is recommended to create additional lighting in the form of a fluorescent lamp. This is important because if a shrub stops receiving the light and air it needs, it will weaken, its leaves will fade and shrink, and its flowers will thin out and wither.

The optimum air temperature for a plant is twenty-twenty-five degrees in the summer and ten to fifteen in the winter.

Moisturizing

What else does the oleander flower need? Home care involves regular and correct watering.

In hot weather, it is important to water the shrub abundantly, as soon as the top layer of the soil dries up. It is also recommended to use a tray filled with water, which can be placed under the bottom of the pot. This is necessary to constantly moisturize the root system.

It is very important to spray the oleander with a hose or spray. This will help the leaves look fresh and full.

In winter, you need to water the shrub less often, carefully observing the soil so that it does not become waterlogged. Spraying (or sprinkling) during this period should be infrequent and less abundant.

It is recommended to water the plant with well-settled warm water.

Top dressing

It is very important to feed the oleander in the form of liquid mineral fertilizers. This can be done twice a month, preferably thirty minutes after watering.

The plant is in great need of such useful elements as nitrogen, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, as well as sulfur, zinc, manganese, boron.

Pruning

Pruning your shrub is very important. This will improve its flowering and growth rate. This procedure should be done carefully, as all parts of the plant are very poisonous and toxic. To prevent the juice from getting on the skin and mucous membranes, you should wear protective gloves and goggles.

It is best to prune the oleander in the fall, after flowering. First of all, it is important to remove all old and damaged shoots, and young and healthy ones must be cut in half.The remains after manipulation can be used as planting material.

During flowering, it is recommended to pluck out the shoots that may appear under the flower buds. This must be done, since excess shoots always prevent the inflorescences from developing correctly and intensively.

Diseases

Careful care of the shrub necessarily includes a daily inspection of the plant to identify possible diseases and pests.

Most often, oleander is attacked by parasites such as aphids, spider mites and mealybugs.

If this happens, it is very important to treat the plant with pesticides in accordance with the attached instructions.

Also, the shrub can be subject to such dangerous diseases as oleander cancer, or other fungal and bacterial ailments. In this case, the affected areas should be immediately removed, and the plant itself should be treated with specialized insecticides.

And finally

As you can see, oleander is a magnificent shrub with impressive size and beautiful inflorescences. It is quite undemanding and easy to grow.

By following the simple rules of care, reproduction and transplantation of the plant, you can enjoy the flowering of this beautiful, impressive garden culture for many years.

Oleander is a type of shrub from the Kutrovye family. The flower stands out for its interesting dark shoots, different overgrown, burgundy scaly lenticels. The foliage of the plant, the oleander is about 15 cm long and about three wide. Leaves are linearly oblong, smooth, fleshy in shape. A vein runs along the center of the leaf.

Oleander blooms in the summer. Inflorescences of a bright shade, large in size. The flowers are five-leafed and are located at the ends of the shoots, representing the shields. The color of the inflorescences is yellow, pink, white and red.

Portugal is considered the birthplace of this plant. In nature, it is still often found in the Crimea.

Varieties and types

Oleander ordinary occurs in the wild in Italy and Algeria. It grows near water bodies. This species reaches a height of four meters. Leaves on short stalks, linear, elongated, about 15 cm long and about two centimeters wide. The upper part of the leaf is deep green in color, and the inner side is lightish in color.

When flowering begins, the bush is covered with abundant large inflorescences that emit a pleasant aroma. The color in natural conditions in this species is either pink or reddish. Long-lasting flowering throughout the summer season, including autumn.

Oleander white unpretentious in care. Often grown in office buildings. It can reach a height of up to 2 meters. But you can use pruning to form the required height and shape of the plant. Long-lasting flowering from summer to frost. The inflorescences have a pleasant aroma.

Oleander pink terry it is a green shrub with oblong leaves like a willow. The shape of the bush is neat, compact. During flowering, the entire bush is covered with double inflorescences of a soft pink hue.

Oleander indoor loves good lighting. If he does not support such conditions, he will refuse to bloom and stop growing. The optimum temperature for it is where 20 degrees. Needs fresh air in summer. And in winter, the home oleander enters a state of dormancy. He needs to provide dark conditions where he will throw off all the foliage.

Oleander yellow it blooms bright, flowers resemble bells in shape. The seeds of the plant are similar to those of a chestnut. Inflorescences are thrown out in the form of brushes. Their shade is gentle - peach. Duration of flowering throughout the summer season and autumn. An amazing property of oleander, several plants can grow from one seed.

Poisonous oleander, therefore, all manipulations with the flower must be done with gloves. It contains the poison oleanin. And at the end of any work with him, you should wash your hands with soap and water.If there are small children in the house, then you better refuse to grow oleander. Or leave the plant at a height not accessible to children.

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Oleander home care

The plant needs full lighting and ventilation too. Prefers the south side. In summer, it is better to take out on the loggias. In winter, the plant needs additional lighting with a lamp, otherwise it will shed all the leaves.

The temperature in the warm season will be optimal up to 27 degrees. And in winter, it should be slightly lowered to 15 degrees, but not less, and not a sharp drop.

Moisturizing the plant does not require constant, only in hot summer weather the plant should be sprayed. In winter, it is necessary to periodically spray the plant, otherwise in winter, when the heating season begins, the plant has a chance of drying out the tips of the leaves.

Watering prefers constant, just do not overmoisten. Water for moisturizing needs soft, warm and settled for a day. In the cold season, the plant is moistened every three days. But it is worth paying attention so that the earth is not sour and the root system does not rot.

In the care and cultivation of a plant such as oleander, fertilization is necessary. A complex fertilizer for indoor plants is suitable for this. Feed during the growing season every 14 days. This should be done in the evening after watering.

The plant needs pruning and shaping the bush in the shape you prefer. Pruning oleander at home is not difficult. The plant needs to be pruned more than half. Since the buds appear only on new shoots. Those branches that have been cut can be propagated.

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Soil and transplant

The composition of the soil should include deciduous soil, turf, humus, peat and sand, all in equal parts.

Home flower oleander requires transplantation as needed. As soon as the roots are entwined with an earthen ball, the oleander needs a transplant.

The second half of spring is considered a favorable period for transplanting. During transplanting, it is necessary to cut the roots, this is necessary for abundant flowering. An adult who has reached the age of five needs to replace part of the soil annually. The cut roots must be sprinkled with charcoal, chopped into flour.

The plant can be propagated by cuttings and seeds.

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Propagation of the oleander plant by cuttings

Cuttings can be done both in spring and in autumn. It is necessary to cut a stalk about 15 cm in length, from a well-formed bush and having several buds. The cut off place is treated with chopped charcoal and dried a little. After the cutting, it is necessary to plant it in a prepared mixture of charcoal and sand. Maintaining a rooting temperature of about 21 degrees.

Do not forget to make sure that the soil is not exposed to stagnant moisture. With the correct reproduction manipulations, the roots begin to appear in about a month. After rooting and a period of adaptation, the plant is transplanted into a prepared container with soil.

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Oleander from seeds at home

Seeds must be planted immediately after ripening, as they have a short shelf life. But before sowing, they must be soaked in a manganese solution for one hour. After manganese, they must be treated with a growth stimulant. Then sow into the soil of sand and fine charcoal, lightly sprinkling with earth.

After that, cover it with a film and place it in a well-lit place with a temperature of about 30 degrees. The first shoots begin in a week and a half. Seedlings must be sprayed, and when a couple of leaves appear, they must be transplanted into separate containers.

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Diseases and pests

Diseases in oleander at home can be triggered due to improper care. Also, the plant is susceptible to fungal diseases and bacterial. To do this, it is necessary to remove diseased leaves.

• Of the pests, the plant infects spider mites, aphids and mealybugs. To control pests, it is necessary to treat with insecticides.
• Oleander sheds leaves, what to do - this usually happens when the plant lacks lighting in the cold season. It is necessary to provide the plant with additional artificial lighting.
• Why oleander leaves dry and fall off - this is due to a lack of light and dry soil.
• Why oleander does not bloom at home - the reason may be poor poor lighting, improper pruning and lack of fertilization.

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An evergreen large shrub from the Kutrovye family - oleander - has long won the hearts of gardeners and indoor plant lovers. A magnificent, beautifully flowering plant with an amazing aroma cannot but delight. Previously, this fragrant shrub was mainly grown in gardens, then oleander moved to the homes of flower lovers. Grooming and growing at home was not difficult at all.

But at the end of the last century, many refused to grow an unusually beautiful flower in their homes. Why? We will answer this and other questions in the article. In addition, we will provide you with a detailed description, types and care of oleander in the garden and at home.

Description of the plant

Oleander is a shrub with branching brownish stems, which are covered with rounded lenticels. The leaves are long and narrow (10-15 cm long and 3 cm wide). They are entire-edged, located on short petioles. Leaves are leathery, not pubescent, with a light median vein.

Flowers

Oleander blooms in summer (June-July). The flowers of the plant are large, bright, five-petal, located in corymbose inflorescences. They can be of different colors, but the most common are white and pink flowers, yellow and scarlet are much less common. Now there are many new varieties with flowers of various shapes, many of which have magnificent double petals.

Spreading

Oleander grows naturally in the subtropics: from Portugal and Morocco in the west to southern China (in the east). It is often found in the beds of drying up rivers (wadis, cries). In our country and the CIS countries, the shrub is grown on the southern coast of Crimea, the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, in the south of Central Asia, in the Caucasus.

In more northern regions, oleander is found only as a houseplant, the cultivation and care of which is available even to novice growers.

Views

According to various sources, the genus Oleander (Nerium) has from 3 to 10 species. It got its name from the Greek nerion - "raw, moist". This is due to the fact that, despite the fact that the shrub loves a sunny hot climate and mainly grows in arid areas, it desperately needs an inflow of groundwater. The specific name of the plant consists of two words: oleo, which means "odorous" and Andros - the name of the Greek island, on which, according to legend, the Nereid lived.

In our country, three types are common:

• ordinary;
• Indian;
• fragrant.

Common oleander is a large shrub (evergreen) with erect branches, which reaches a height of 3-4 meters. Usually, garden forms of this species are grown in culture with larger, often double flowers. Common oleander today is represented by numerous varieties with different flower colors. The most popular ones are:

• Petit salmon;
• Soleil Levant;
• Hardy red;
• Variegata.

Fragrant and Indian oleanders do not differ in a variety of varieties, but they have their own characteristics. For example, the Indian oleander blooms for a long time (from June to October). Its five-leafed flowers are large, bright, with a pleasant sweet smell. They can be red, yellow, white, or pink.

Fragrant oleander is the shortest of the species presented: its height does not exceed fifty centimeters. The plant has a wonderful delicate aroma.

Oleander: care and cultivation in the garden

In the fresh air, oleander grows very quickly, decorating any suburban area. It is successfully used in landscape design. It is necessary to warn novice florists that only common oleander is cultivated by gardeners.

Garden oleander can be grown from seeds. Care and cultivation of a plant in this case is somewhat more difficult than from cuttings. Previously, the seeds are soaked in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for one and a half to two hours, then they are poured with warm water for several hours. Prepared seeds are placed in a pre-prepared substrate, which should include the following components:

• river sand;
• vermiculite;
• charcoal.

Sow the seeds in a damp pot. The container must have drainage holes so that moisture does not stagnate in it. The air temperature in the room at the time of planting should be about + 30 ° C. You will see the very first shoots already on the eighth day after sowing. The sprouts need additional lighting. During this period, the temperature in the room where the germinated seeds are located should be slightly lowered.

After two leaves appear on the seedlings, the plants dive into separate pots or cups and prepare for planting in open ground. At the same time, one should not forget about regular airing of the room.

Landing place

It has fabulously beautiful oleander flowers. Growing, caring for them should begin with choosing a place for planting seedlings. The shrub grows well on the sunny side and does not tolerate a lack of light at all. It should also be remembered that it is possible to keep this plant in the fresh air all year round only in the southern regions, where the air temperature in winter does not fall below + 8 ° C. And even in this case, the bush should be protected from frost using a covering material.

Care

In the open field, oleander needs fertile soil. Growing and caring for the bush will give good results if the soil is fertile. To do this, the following substances must be added to the landing hole:

• rotted manure;
• peat;
• river sand;
• humus.

If the soil before planting is saturated with useful substances, then plant feeding is carried out only in the spring. Fertilizers are applied to the soil only during the colder months, while the plant is at rest. Under favorable climatic conditions, oleander is completely unpretentious. Growing and caring for this plant in the garden is within the power of even novice gardeners.

Houseplant oleander

As an ornamental plant, oleander has become popular in the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia. Today he has become a welcome guest in many homes in our country. If you know all the intricacies of caring for him, you can admire the beautiful flowering almost all year round.

However, do not forget that all parts of the plant contain poisonous juice, therefore, before purchasing this flower, you must take into account all the requirements for its content. Experienced flower growers who grow oleander recommend planting a plant only if it is in a room in which family members do not spend too much time. The placement of a flower in the bedroom, nursery, office is excluded.

It is undesirable to grow oleander in an apartment with small children. Toddlers can taste a beautiful leaf, which is very dangerous. Owners need to know that the juice of the plant that gets on the wound, as well as the consumption of any parts of it, can cause serious consequences, not excluding respiratory arrest. The room in which the plant is located should be spacious and well ventilated.

If you have pets in your house that like to pluck houseplants (especially cats do this), then you will have to choose between a beautiful flower and your pet.

So, you know the basic requirements for the content of this flower.All of them are observed, and you decided to have this luxurious plant in your home. What you need to know in order for the flower to grow actively and delight with its flowering for a long time? Let's start with the landing.

Choosing the right container

The first flower pot for a seedling should be quite large (at least 12 liters), given the rapid growth of the plant. Each subsequent container should be at least twice the volume of the root ball.

Priming

The plant needs a balanced, well-drained soil with an acidity not exceeding pH-7.8. You can use ready-made potting mix or prepare it yourself. For this you will need:

• perlite - 1 part;
• garden soil - 1 part;
• peat or leaf humus - 1 part;
• lime - 10 g per bucket of mixture.

The prepared soil should be warmed up in a water bath for an hour and a half.

Plant care

Most growers believe that oleander is not too difficult to care for. However, certain rules must be followed.

Site selection and temperature conditions

In order for your flower to develop well and bloom profusely, it needs a sunny place and regular ventilation. A south window is suitable for this. Located on the north window, the oleander will shed its leaves and need additional lighting.

In summer, it is useful to take the oleander out to the balcony, veranda, or into the garden. In winter, the flower may lack light. An eight hour backlight is required. The lamps are placed 70 cm above the plant. It is important to ventilate the room while avoiding drafts.

In spring and summer, the air temperature is comfortable for oleander from +20 to + 27 ° C, with the arrival of autumn it is gradually reduced to + 15 ° C, and in winter the plant needs coolness (from +8 to + 15 ° C). From mid-March, the temperature is set at + 15 ° C.

Humidity and watering

In spring and summer, oleander needs abundant watering. But it is carried out only as the top layer of the soil dries up. On hot and sunny days, excess water can be left in the pan so that the plant will absorb it over time. In winter and autumn, watering is reduced: after the top layer of the soil has dried, it is necessary to withstand another two days.

Try not to allow soil acidification, which will lead to rotting of the root system. In summer and spring, oleander does not need spraying: the flower will feel comfortable on a pallet with wet pebbles, but provided that the water does not touch the pot. In winter, oleander needs spraying. Use water for spraying and irrigation only soft, settled and rather warm (slightly warmer than the air in the room).

Pruning

Oleander blooms in summer. Like most shrubs, its flowering becomes more luxuriant after proper pruning of the shoots. Cut them in half or even 2/3 immediately after flowering, since flowers appear only on new, young shoots of the plant. If you skip pruning, the next bloom will be very weak.

It is equally important to pluck the shoots under the flower buds that appear during flowering.

Top dressing

Oleander is very responsive to feeding. Growing and caring for this plant involves regular fertilization of the soil with complex compounds. This should be done from April to August twice a month.

Oleander: care and cultivation at home (owner reviews)

According to the owners, this is an unusually beautiful plant. Observing all the rules for maintaining and caring for it, you can achieve an excellent result. Even novice florists will not have any problems growing and caring for it. Oleander sap is poisonous, so all work with this plant must be carried out with gloves and after they are completed, wash your hands thoroughly.