- How often does the magic bell have to be watered?
- What should you consider when repotting the magic bell?
- When and how is the magic bell cut?
- Which diseases and pests attack the magic bell?
- How is the magic bell fertilized optimally?
- Can the magic bell be overwintered?
The magic bell (Calibrachoa) is a close relative of the petunia and is often referred to as the mini petunia because of its very similar appearance. While the magic bell has similar site conditions as the petunia, it reacts less sensitively to rainy periods and has no sticky shoot tips.
The magic bell has a high water requirement
How often does the magic bell have to be watered?
The magic bell loves warm and sunny locations, which is why it thrives particularly luxuriantly on balconies. However, this is also accompanied by a special need for water, which increases even further in the case of drought and persistent heat. The plant substrate, which is at best slightly acidic, should be protected against waterlogging with a drainage layer, but should never dry out completely. In the summertime, the magic bell needs daily, moderate watering when the weather is nice. Ideally, these should not be administered during the midday heat, but rather in the morning or evening hours near the roots.
What should you consider when repotting the magic bell?
The roots of the magic bell are relatively sensitive, which is why repotting should always be done very gently. Light-colored planters are preferable to dark-colored specimens, as the latter can heat up a lot when exposed to sunlight. In addition, when repotting, a slow-release fertilizer can be mixed directly with the slightly acidic petunia or rhododendron soil.
When and how is the magic bell cut?
In contrast to the petunia, the withered flowers of the magic bell are less annoying and therefore do not necessarily have to be plucked off regularly. Since the magic bell is not a hardy plant, it is usually not necessary to cut it back to achieve a more compact growth habit. However, you can cut back the magic bell to a shoot length of about 10 centimeters if you want to try overwintering the plant.
Which diseases and pests attack the magic bell?
The magic bell is occasionally attacked by pests such as whitefly or aphid colonies. Light-colored leaves usually do not indicate a disease, but rather a deficiency caused by improper care. They often occur with an incorrect pH value or after watering with lime-rich water. A special iron fertilizer for the Calibrachoa can help here.
How is the magic bell fertilized optimally?
Basically, you should ensure that the magic bell has a low-lime water supply and that the plants have a sufficient supply of iron. In addition, you can significantly increase the growth and abundance of flowers during the summer season with weekly fertilizer applications.
Can the magic bell be overwintered?
The magic bell is actually an annual plant, but it can easily be propagated from seeds. However, attempts by ambitious gardeners have shown that overwintering can be successful under the following conditions:
- Cut back the shoots to a maximum length of 10 centimeters
- Temperatures of maximum 14 degrees Celsius (in the house or conservatory)
- Place in a bright place
- economical water supply and cessation of any fertilization
tips
Since all Calibrachoa species are very sensitive to frost, overwintered specimens, seedlings and young plants should only be planted outdoors after the icy saints.