Without exaggeration – the parrot plant is a real rarity! If it weren't poisonous, you should let its extraordinary flowers and fruits melt in your mouth. But she can only play along with species-appropriate care
How to properly care for a parrot plant?
The parrot plant needs fertilization every 2-3 weeks, regular watering without waterlogging and is hardy. Potted plants need a cool location in autumn. Pruning is only necessary if necessary and propagation takes place through cuttings.
At what intervals should the parrot plant be fertilized?
Fertilize this plant every 2 to 3 weeks. Fertilization is particularly recommended during their flowering period, which can last up to 4 months. That would be between June and September. When growing in a container, the plant should be fertilized every two weeks.
Which fertilizers are suitable?
When growing outdoors, it is sufficient to provide the plant with compost in May. You can carefully rake this under. Potted plants should receive a conventional flower fertilizer (€12.00 on Amazon) or other liquid fertilizer (for example for potted plants).
Is watering constantly necessary?
The parrot plant tolerates temporary drought. However, you should not challenge their ability to deal with drought. A substrate that is too dry limits, among other things, their flowering (fewer flowers, shortened flowering time).
Water this plant regularly, especially in summer. It is best to use rainwater or stale tap water for this. Waterlogging should be avoided from the ground up by creating good drainage when planting. The general rule is: it's better to be dry than too moist.
How do you properly overwinter the parrot plant?
This is what you should know:
- Leaves fall off in autumn
- the stems also retreat
- sufficiently hardy in this country
- new shoots in spring
- It is better to protect yourself in rough situations
- suitable for protection: brushwood, leaves, compost
- Put potted plants indoors from autumn onwards (cool location)
Do you have to cut this plant?
In general, the parrot plant does not require any pruning. It should only be cut if necessary, for example if it takes up too much space or some leaves or shoots are annoying. The best time for this is in spring. You can finally use the clippings for propagation. The plant can be propagated by cuttings.
Tip
Since the parrot plant is poisonous in all parts, you should wear gloves as a precaution when handling it. For sensitive people, for example, the milky juice can cause skin irritation.
