The mammoth leaf, which comes from Brazil, lives up to its name; after all, a full-grown human can hide under this decorative leafy perennial. It's hard to believe that this plant can also be grown in a container.
Can the mammoth leaf be grown in a bucket?
The mammoth leaf can be cultivated in a container by choosing a smaller variety, using a large container with good drainage, using high-quality soil, watering and fertilizing regularly, avoiding waterlogging and overwintering the plant frost-free.
Can the mammoth leaf be grown in a bucket?
There are definitely different varieties of Gunnera, which is the botanical name of the mammoth leaf. A smaller variety is more likely to be content with a bucket than a large one. Try to find one. In principle, however, it can be assumed that a mammoth leaf in a pot will not reach the maximum possible height and may also grow more slowly.
In general, a mammoth leaf needs a fairly large bucket with sufficient stability and good drainage (€7.00 at Amazon). When waterlogged, the roots begin to rot very quickly. When planting, you should also think about the mammoth leaf's high nutrient requirements and mix plenty of compost into the potting soil. The plant thrives best in a partially shaded location.
Water and fertilize correctly
Of course, your mammoth leaf needs special care in the pot, as it cannot take care of itself there. Not only does a lot of water evaporate through the large leaves when the sun is shining, so daily watering is necessary. You should also fertilize your mammoth leaf regularly, but only between April and around June. Complete fertilizer or organic fertilizer such as compost or manure is suitable.
Where to put the bucket in winter?
In the fall, when the leaves of the mammoth leaf die, it is time to prepare the plant for winter. If available, add another good portion of compost or manure. If your decorative perennial is in a pot, then frost-free overwintering is advisable. But it doesn't have to be bright in the winter quarters, a cool, dark basement room is definitely suitable.
The most important things in brief:
- cultivation in a bucket is possible
- if possible choose a small variety
- take as large a bucket as possible
- use high quality soil
- water and fertilize regularly and not too little
- Avoid waterlogging at all costs
- best to overwinter frost-free
Tip
The mammoth leaf can also be cultivated in a bucket, but is relatively maintenance-intensive.
