Here comes the Leadwort: A tropical, sun-loving, fast-growing, long-flowering plant suitable for growing as a climbing plant. What care is necessary to keep them happy for many years?
How do you properly care for a leadwort?
Leadwort care includes regular watering with low-lime water, fertilizing for 1-2 weeks during the main growing season, overwintering in light or dark conditions at approx. 8 °C without fertilizing, pruning before overwintering and in spring, as well as pest control if necessary.
Does the leadwort need regular watering and can it tolerate lime water?
Its lush growth coupled with its large number of evergreen leaves requires regular water supply. Water your leadwort when the top layer of its soil has dried out. The substrate should be kept moderately dry to slightly moist. Only such an environment ensures the formation of many flowers.
Waterlogging should, however, be avoided, as this does not affect the leadwort at all. Also make sure not to wet the leaves with water, but only to water the root area. Lime-free or low-lime water should preferably be used.
What needs to be taken into account when fertilizing?
In its main growing season between April and September, leadwort relies on plenty of nutrients. Fertilize it every 1 to 2 weeks with liquid fertilizer (€18.00 on Amazon). A high-potash fertilizer would be optimal.
Which place is suitable for overwintering?
Since this tropical plant is not hardy, it should be overwintered:
- either: bright, cool (approx. 8 °C) winter quarters
- or: dark, frost-free winter quarters
- water little
- do not fertilize
Are there special diseases and pests that can be dangerous?
Houseplants are often attacked by pests, including leadwort, especially in winter. Aphids often appear, but spider mites can also weaken it. The most notable disease is gray mold.
How and when are the shoots cut?
It is not uncommon for leadwort to proliferate. It grows very quickly when it is in the right location. Therefore, regular pruning is more than appropriate. Before overwintering and if necessary. In addition, in spring it should be cut by half or to a height of 15 to 20 cm.
Please note the following points when cutting:
- blooms on new wood
- remove weak, sick and old shoots
- If necessary thin out in summer
- Cutting off seeds encourages them to bloom again
Tip
If you decide to overwinter in the dark, you should make the poisonous leadwort lighter again from February onwards.
