Oleander Management Methods and Daily Care Key Points

Oleander, also known as Bannianhong or Liuyetao, originated in Iran and India. Because it is evergreen and does not shed its leaves, has double-petaled fragrant flowers, comes in many colors including red, yellow and white, is easy to propagate, simple to manage, has a long flowering period and a well-formed crown, it is loved by people. It can be cultivated in both southern and northern China, whether in pots or in the ground, and is a commonly planted flower in courtyards and flower beds; it is also associated with good fortune.

However, in oleander management, three points must be handled well:

It must be pruned at the right time. The top branches of oleander have the characteristic of one branch dividing into three, and it can be pruned and shaped as needed. If a three-fork, nine-top form is needed, part of the top of the three forks can be cut off, and nine tops can then be produced. If nine tops and eighteen branches are needed, six branches can be retained and cut from the top leaf axils, and eighteen branches can then grow. Pruning should be done after each flowering. In the north, the flowering period of oleander is from April to October. Spent flowers should be removed in time to ensure concentrated nutrients. Generally, pruning is done four times: first, after Grain Rain in spring; second, during July and August; third, during October; fourth, winter pruning. If flowering is desired indoors, move it indoors to a sunny place at about 15°C. Prune immediately after flowering, otherwise there will be fewer and smaller flowers, or even no flowers. Through pruning, the branches are evenly distributed, the flowers are large and vivid, and the tree shape is beautiful.

Roots must be thinned in time. The fine hair roots of oleander grow relatively quickly. A three-year-old oleander planted in a pot 20 cm in diameter can fill the pot with roots by July of that year, forming a ball that hinders the penetration of water and fertilizer and affects growth. If the roots are not thinned in time, wilting, leaf drop and death may occur. The best time for root thinning is from early August to late September. At this time the roots are dormant, which is a good opportunity for root thinning. Root thinning method: use a sharp trowel to cut away the surrounding yellow hair roots; then use a three-pronged hook to loosen along the main roots. Remove about half or one third of the yellow hair roots, then replant in the pot. After root thinning, place it in shade and water thoroughly, keeping the potting soil moist. Keep it shaded for about 14 days, then move it to a sunny place. For oleander planted in the ground, in mid-September the yellow hair roots should also be cut around the main stem. After cutting the roots, water and apply a dilute liquid fertilizer.

Fertilizer and water must be applied at the right time. Oleander is a flower that likes fertilizer and water and prefers neutral or slightly acidic soil. For fertilization, about 20% organic mixed soil fertilizer should be maintained in the potting soil. If dried chicken manure is used, 15% is sufficient. Fertilization time: once before Qingming, once after Autumn Equinox. Method: dig a ring-shaped trench around the edge of the pot, apply the fertilizer, then cover with soil. After fertilizing at Qingming, apply topdressing of water-fermented soybean cake water about once every ten days; after fertilizing at Autumn Equinox, apply topdressing of soybean cake water or peanut cake water, or tenfold chicken manure liquid, about once every ten days. If the above fertilizers are unavailable, human urine fermented for more than seven days can be diluted with water five to seven times, poured along the edge of the pot, then water thoroughly. For fertilizers containing much nitrogen, the principle is dilute, light, little and frequent, and root burn must be strictly prevented. Proper watering is the key to managing oleander well. Improper watering in winter and summer can cause leaf drop, flower drop, or even death. In spring, water once a day; in summer, water once each morning and evening, keeping the potting soil moisture at about 50%. The leaves should be sprayed with water frequently. Excessive dryness easily causes leaf drop and wilting. In winter, water less, but the potting soil moisture should be kept at about 40%. The leaves should frequently be rinsed with clean water to remove dust. If flowering is desired in winter, keep the room temperature above 15°C; if flowering is not desired in winter, lower the room temperature to 7-9°C and place it in a bright place indoors without direct sunlight. In the north, oleander planted outdoors in the ground needs to be wrapped with straw mats to prevent freezing and cold damage, and the cold protection should be removed around Qingming. Although oleander is easy to manage, one must not be careless.