Eustoma, also called Lisianthus, are cultivated primarily for their exotic flowers that can be used in bouquets and for interior decoration. These plants are great for eye-catching purposes and many choose to add a splash of color by decorating walls, gates, fences or hedges. Eustoma species are rated as non-poisonous. There are no documented cases of symptoms of poisoning in pets or children. In this complete guide you'll find everything you need to know about eustoma care.
Eustoma Care – Consider these factors
With their low-maintenance nature, Lisianthus plants are an excellent choice for novice gardeners who can sometimes be a little forgetful.
- They are light lovers who enjoy warm days in full sun. If you live in a region with a very hot climate, these plants appreciate some afternoon shade. If you are growing them indoors in pots, place them in front of a sunny window or somewhere that receives adequate bright, indirect light. In winter, these plants can tolerate more direct light. Eustoma is not winter hardy.
- Eustoma Care – Lisianthus thrive at daytime temperatures between 75-80°F (23.8-29.4°C). At night they prefer temperatures in the range of 15.5-18.3 °C.
- Plant your potted eustoma in slightly acidic to neutral soil (6.5 to 7.0 pH) that has good drainage. These plants do not tolerate soil that is too acidic and shows this through yellow leaves and a lack of vigor. The ideal growing environment for eustoma plants is a raised garden bed. Look for potting soil that is rich in organic matter, such as compost, manure or leaf mold.
- In addition to their unconditional love of sunlight, lisianthus plants benefit from regular nutrient-based fertilization. Feed them during the growing seasonwith a flower fertilizeraccording to the instructions on the packaging. The fertilizer should contain 1.5 more nitrogen than potassium.
- Because of their sporadic flowering, eustomas tend to bend when there are too many flowers on one stem. But this is not an alarming sign! You can always help your plant with beautiful, decorative supports.
- They respond well to pruning because this process can encourage your plant to bloom again in the fall. After the first flowering in spring, you can cut the stems back to the basal rosette of leaves. Pamper your lisianthus with regular watering, weeding and nutrient-rich fertilizer. You should have new blooms for your fall bouquets by mid-September.
How do you measure soil pH yourself? Thefind out here!
What else – How to water Lisianthus correctly
- Watering lisianthus plants can be quite easy, even if it seems a bit complicated at first. They are susceptible to fungal diseases, so you should not overwater them. However, these plants are not very drought tolerant and will show this through unhealthy blooms or weak stems and leaves.
- Eustoma Care – During the growing season, Lisianthus require frequent watering to produce beautiful and healthy flowers. They prefer consistently moist soil, but it is best to reduce watering when the plants are dormant.
- Make sure to keep checking the soil before your next watering to avoid overwatering your plant. When the soil feels dry, it's the perfect time to water.
- These plants benefit from a drip irrigation system because it provides them with enough water to stay in peak condition. If you grow them indoors, they need to be misted regularly to maintain the ideal humidity.
Things worth knowing about eustoma care: Lisianthus plants do not regularly attract pests. The most common pests on Eustoma are fungus gnat larvae, which like to feed on its roots. These parasites can cause irreversible damage to plants. Aphids, leaf miners, whiteflies and thrips can also attack Lisianthus. If you notice signs of an infestation, you can treat your plant with insecticidal soap.
Propagating Eustoma Plants in Pots
Lisianthus plants are still new to the world of potted plants and few gardeners have experience with their propagation. Most gardeners do not keep Eustoma from one season to the next. However, you can easily propagate them from seeds or from cuttings of young plants. Even if you are tempted to take them outto grow seeds, it is better to look for a specimen from the nursery that already has some flower buds or developed flowers.
When you grow these plants from seed, they take a very long time to mature and bloom. However, if you are a patient gardener, you can keep them in a greenhouse. Remember that they need strict conditions to grow healthily and produce lots of beautiful flowers. When propagating Eustoma from seeds, you must carefully select its growing environment. Plant them in a terracotta pot and add a rich, well-drained potting mix.
Conclusion:There is always a place for lisianthus plants in your garden or home. Their flowers are truly something special, which is why they are loved by many gardeners. They look so delicate and come in so many colorful varieties that you often forget that, unlike other flowering plants, they have no scent. Lisianthus plants are very easy to grow as annuals given the right environmental conditions. Eustomas require bright light when growing them both indoors and outdoors. They thrive in warm and comfortable temperatures, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, and regular watering. These plants are an excellent decorative companion for everyday life or for special occasions. We recommend you give them a chance to win your heart.
