Eustoma, also known as the prairie gentian or Japanese rose, is a relatively unknown houseplant in this country. It was initially grown primarily as a cut flower. The plant with its beautiful flowers is not hardy. It is therefore not suitable for cultivation in the garden.
Is the eustoma plant hardy?
Eustoma is not hardy and should be overwintered as a houseplant at around 10 degrees Celsius. Overwintering is possible in a bright location by watering sparingly and not fertilizing while controlling pest infestation.
Eustoma is not hardy
Eustoma is native to the USA, where it grows in very sunny, warm locations. She cannot tolerate cold. In our latitudes it is therefore only cultivated as a houseplant.
It should never get colder than ten degrees at the location.
Prairie Gentian is rarely grown for longer than one season
Overwintering a eustoma is difficult. She needs a very bright place where it is not too warm. This is why it is usually disposed of after flowering.
Overwinter Eustoma properly
- Bright location
- not below 10 degrees
- water little
- do not fertilize
If you want to overwinter a prairie gentian, look for a location that is as bright as possible. If the plant doesn't get enough light, it won't survive the winter. The temperatures should be around ten degrees. In winter, water only very sparingly so that the substrate does not dry out completely.
If the prairie gentian is in a warmer location in winter, such as in the living room, you will have to water it a little more often. There is no fertilization in winter.
Watch out for pest infestations during overwintering. In a warm location, Eustoma is particularly susceptible to spider mites.
Location claims of the Eustoma
In the warm summer you can put the Eustoma outside on the balcony or terrace. There it prefers a location with at least four hours of direct sun per day.
Place the prairie gentian under a rain cover. Do not use saucers or planters to prevent water from pooling on the roots.
Since the Eustoma is not hardy, it is only allowed outside when there is no longer any fear of subsequent frosts, i.e. from the end of May. Bring them back into the house in good time before the nights get too cool in autumn.
Tip
Propagate Eustoma is not that easy. It can be grown from seeds. However, consistently high temperatures must be guaranteed.
