Is your oleander no longer so bushy but looks bare? Then now is the right time to care for the shrub. We explain how to repot and prune your oleander so that it grows lushly again.
Repotting oleander: How often for young and old plants?
How often and when exactly you should repot your oleander depends primarily on its age. Annual plants are not cut back or repotted. From the 2nd year onwards, the young bushes require annual pruning and then have to be repotted. This is necessary for two reasons: the oleander increases in height by around 40 cm every year. In these first 5 to 8 years the shrub is a heavy feeder and requires a lot of nutrients. So it needs more space every year so that it can develop its root system. The substrate must also be changed annually so that the exotic species receives sufficient nutrients. Fertilizing alone is not enough.
However, once the plant has reached its maximum height, it begins toto bloom vigorously. During this period, underground and above-ground parts of the plant grow less intensively and the oleander can be repotted every 2 to 3 years.
What you should consider when repotting the shrub
If you want to repot your oleander, there are a few things you should consider. We answer the most important questions about the beautiful potted plant.
When to plant oleander?
The right time to repot your exotic is in spring and early spring. Around the beginning of March to mid-April is perhaps the most favorable period, as the potted plant comes out of winter dormancy but still grows very slowly.
Repotting during the growing season can put the plant under stress. The same applies to the flowering period: If the oleander is then repotted, it puts all of its energy into root formation. Flower production slows down and the old flowers wither much more quickly because the shoots do not receive enough nutrients.
Which soil should you use?
When repotting you can buy substrate for oleander. But you can also mix the soil yourself. For this purpose you need potting soil, garden soil with a high clay content and compost. Mix the three in a ratio of 3 to 3 to 1. This mixture can be used for both large and small plants.
How do you repot young plants? Instructions
Young plants are simply carefully dug up, including the root ball, and placed in a new pot. You should first fill the bucket halfway with the homemade mixture and then carefully cover the roots with the rest of the substrate. Then water thoroughly and, if you are working with purchased substrate, also fertilize.
How do you repot a large oleander?
Repotting a large plant is not always possible. Not only the weight, but also the height plays a role. In this case, you can remove the top layer of soil from the bucket and incorporate compost instead. Then water vigorously from above so that the nutrients are washed away from the compost into the lower soil layers and the oleander can absorb them through the roots.
Cutting back oleander: tips for bushy growth
Immediately after repotting is the right time for a caring pruning. You can achieve a lot with this: For example, changing the growth pattern and promoting growth. All shoots that are too long are shortened to a pair of buds using pruning shears. If necessary, diseased branches and dried shoots can be removed.
The oleander is only grown in...Cut back in spring, even small pruning measures in summer or autumn can confuse the plant and lead to new shoots. However, these young shoots can easily freeze when there is frost. This weakens the entire plant. In spring, however, the oleander has enough time to recover until autumn.
By the way, both young plants and large oleanders are cut. Pruning is usually only done when necessary.
