The Leucospermum plants are actually a
genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Protea family, and they are about
fifty species which are most native to South Africa. Leucospermum has different
varieties ranging from low-growing ground covers to small trees. Some of the Leucospermum
varieties have become popular indoor plants, valued for their color and also
their pincushion-like blooms. Continue reading to learn how to grow Leucospermum
plants in your home or garden.
How to Grow Leucospermum
For growing Leucospermum outdoors, the
Leucospermum plant hardiness is limited to growing in the warm climates of USDA
plant zones nine through eleven. The Leucospermum plants growing conditions actually
include full sunlight and poor, well-drained, acidic soil. Drainage is so very important;
in fact the Leucospermum plant is often placed on elevated mounds or slopes.
Also, the Leucospermum plants may not
survive in rich soil or in crowded conditions where air circulation is actually
limited. For this reason whether the Leucospermum plants are grown indoors or outdoors,
the Leucospermum plants should not be fertilized. The indoor Leucospermum plants
prefer sandy, well-drained potting mix. A bright, indirect light, along with
temperatures between sixty-five and seventy-five degree Fahrenheit produces
their lush blooms.
How to Care for Leucospermum Plant
Like I said earlier, the Leucospermum
plant care consists primarily of keeping the Leucospermum plant well drained
and aerated. Though the Leucospermum plant is somewhat drought-tolerant, the
plant benefits from regular water during warm, dry weather. Make sure you water
early in the morning so that the Leucospermum plant will have all day to dry
before the arrival of cooler temperatures in the evening. You can water at the
base of the plant and also keep the foliage as dry as possible. You may also want
to add a layer of mulch in other to keep the soil dry and staunch the growth of
weeds. Also make sure you keep the mulch away from the base of the plant in
other to prevent rot and other problems caused by excess moisture. The indoor Leucospermum
plants should be watered deeply, though only when the potting mix is dry. Like any
other outdoor plants, the foliage should be kept as dry as possible. You have
to be very careful not to overwater and never let the pot stand in water.
Whether the Leucospermum plants are grown inside or out, make sure you remove
fading blooms to encourage continued blooming.
Post a Comment