Relatively easy to care for and extremely decorative - this is how you could describe the Celosia in a nutshell. The long version then contains the description of the various flower shapes and colors of this ornamental plant, which is commercially available as a summer flower or indoor plant.

The exotic looking Celosia is quite easy to care for

Cockscomb or plume - the different flower shapes

Celosia argentea and its subspecies usually have plume-like flower spikes that are very decorative in their bright colors. These flower candles, the experts call them cymen, are made up of countless small flowers. With the Celosia argentea var. cristata, a completely different flower shape has appeared, the so-called cockscomb. This morbid mutation has been bred ever since and is available in many varieties.

plant celosia

Celosias like a warm location. It should be sunny, but not necessarily exposed to the blazing midday sun. The soil is best loose and humus. Depending on your needs, you can mix in some well-rotted compost or sand to adjust the soil.

Water and fertilize

You should water the Celosia regularly and fertilize as needed. This means that with fresh potting soil you can usually do without fertilizer at first, because it contains enough nutrients. If the Celosia is in nutrient-poor soil, add some liquid fertilizer containing potassium to the irrigation water about every four weeks.

cut celosia

Although the celosia do not need to be pruned, it does not harm them either. You can use the extremely decorative flowers as cut flowers. At the same time you encourage the development of new flowers and extend the flowering period of your Celosia. Since they retain their wonderful colors even when dried, Celosias are ideal for dried bouquets. The leaves are even edible.

The Celosia in winter

Celosias are not hardy, as one might assume given their tropical and subtropical origin. Unlike most other summer flowers, however, they should not hibernate cool, but rather warm.

The most important care tips:

  • sunny location
  • not in the midday sun
  • water regularly but not too much
  • fertilize moderately
  • winter warm

tips

If you need a large number of flowering plants by a fixed date, then sow Celosias in good time. They germinate, grow and flower very reliably and "on time".

Category:

Indoor plants