We return one more day with a file that you will surely like, especially if you are a lover of gardening or flowering plants. Today we are going to show you everything about lobelia .Lobelia is a flowering species that stands out for its decorative uses in gardens, terraces, rockeries or windows. The tones that its petals present make it perfect for filling a space that may a priori be bland or boring with life and color.
Table of Contents
What is lobelia?
The lobelia , as we told you at the beginning of this article, is a plant that is characterized by developing flowers . Of South African origin, it is a genus of plants that includes more than 400 different species. It grows as bushes, although it can also be planted in a pot.
The lobelia is a small plant , as it can reach about 30 cm in height. It is shaped like a ball, which is why it is usually grown in large containers.
It is annual or, in other words, it grows, blooms and dies in the same year. However, in warm climates it can behave as a perennial species.
Its leaves are alternate, oval and spatulate.
But, if there is something that attracts attention about this plant, it is its flowering. It blooms in spring and its flowers can last until late autumn. Its petals have a blue hue that fills any corner with life and serenity.
There are varieties that can develop white, pink or violet flowers.
How is lobelia grown?
Location
Many times we forget that the planting location will be decisive for the correct development of a plant.
With lobelia, this is no different.
It is of tropical origin so its care will be conditioned by it (in a certain way). It is grown throughout the world and, although native to tropical regions of the planet, will grow adequately in virtually any climate.
That said, you should know that the ideal is to place it in full sun or, failing that, in semi-shade. In summer, it does not tolerate high temperatures, so it is better to place it in shady areas. In addition, it does not tolerate winter frosts.
Irrigation and humidity
Your lobelia will need frequent watering . And with this you must be extremely careful, because you only have to water it from below , never above or on the flower, as you could damage it.
Do not waterlog the plant.
Watering should be abundant in summer , especially if you have planted it in a pot. Don’t let the substrate dry out and keep in mind that it needs good drainage.
Regarding environmental humidity , you should know that an environment that is too dry can cause the appearance of red spiders.
Pass
Fertilizer yes or no? It is a very common question when we are faced with the cultivation of a species and a very important process that, if done wrong, will have fatal consequences.
Well, lobelia should be fertilized every 15 days (approximately) in summer, this way flowering is encouraged. This compost should be peat and rich in nutrients .
If in doubt, consult a professional before doing anything.
Lobelia propagates by seed and should be planted in late winter. To grow it, you need moist soil and a substrate rich in nutrients.
How is it planted?
Lobelia propagates by seed and should be planted in late winter. To grow it, you need moist soil and a substrate rich in nutrients.
To plant lobelias, follow these recommendations:
Before doing anything, look for a place that favors the development of the plant. Keep in mind what we explained to you in previous sections, that is, it prefers full sun and an area protected from frost and high temperatures.
Once you have planned the location, choose the container in which you are going to plant.
Use a substrate rich in nutrients and kept moist. Place the seeds and cover with plastic wrap . You will remove this every day to control the humidity of the soil.
Once the seeds have germinated, remove the film and place the container in a sunnier location, but one that does not receive direct sunlight.
The plant will begin to grow and when it no longer has space in the container, transplant it to the pot or garden .