The Congo lily, originally native to East Africa - also known as parrot's beak flower - is rather rare as a houseplant. With its colorful flowers, it can add a splash of color to your home all year round. But how can you care for it to keep it he althy and blooming?
How do you properly care for the Congolian?
Care for the Congo lily by regular watering with low-lime water, fertilizing from March to September, cutting old flowers and diseased parts and overwintering indoors at 10-18°C. Watch out for pests like spider mites and thrips.
How do you water the Congolese tree?
When watering this exotic plant, please note the following points:
- Use low-lime water for watering (e.g. stale tap water)
- water when the top layer of soil has dried
- Keep the environment moderately moist
- Avoid waterlogging
- water abundantly in summer
- during drought: leaves hang limply
- feel free to spray from time to time (especially in winter (heating air))
How often and with what can you fertilize the Congolese tree?
The basis for abundant flowers is a good supply of nutrients. The Congolese tree should be fertilized at regular intervals during its main growing season. This is the case from March to September. Fertilize the plant once a week. You can either use a liquid fertilizer (€8.00 on Amazon) or a slow-release fertilizer. This plant is not fertilized in winter.
Which vermin can infect the Congolese?
In the cold season, pest infestation can quickly occur due to low humidity in the rooms. The Congolese is considered to be very susceptible to spider mites. Thrips also appear from time to time. Check the undersides of the leaves regularly for infestation!
Do you have to cut the plant?
The Congolese tree generally does not need any pruning or pruning. But if individual parts become ill, for example the leaves are affected by a fungal disease, it is advisable to use scissors. Cut away diseased parts. Old flowers should also be cut off. Otherwise: Never cut back radically!
Is wintering necessary and useful?
Basically, keeping it in a container is recommended because: The Congolese is not hardy. It should spend the winter indoors as it absolutely cannot tolerate frost. Ideal room temperatures for overwintering are between 10 and 18 °C. But it can also thrive in a warmer location in winter, as long as it is bright enough there.
Tip
If the care is right and the Congo lily is in the perfect location, it can bloom all year round!
