The Lantana is a beautifully flowering ornamental plant, which we mainly cultivate as an ornament for the balcony or terrace. Extremely easy to care for, it also thrives if you don't have the proverbial green thumb.

The Lantana is an easy-care beauty

How is it poured?

Lantana are sensitive to hard water, so only use stagnant or rainwater. Watering is always done when the upper centimeters of the potting soil feel dry. Excess irrigation water is poured away, since the lantana, like many plants, is extremely sensitive to waterlogging. On very hot days, it is better to water twice with a not too large amount of water than once in abundance.

The fertilization

In order for the lantana to bloom lushly, it needs enough nutrients. Fertilize once a month after hibernation until the first buds form, then at 14-day intervals. Commercial bloom fertilizers, which you administer in the dosage indicated on the packaging, are well suited. Be sure to avoid overdosing, as the plant is extremely sensitive to this.

Be careful when cutting

All plant parts of the Lantana contain dangerous toxins. Even if the concentration of these is highest in the ripe and unripe berries, you should always wear gloves when pruning. It is cut as follows:

  • After the hibernation, a pruning is carried out in which all branches are severely shortened. Since lantana develops numerous flowers only on the young shoots, this is indispensable. It is advisable to at least halve the shoot length. Even a taper cut to a hand's width is well tolerated.
  • During the entire flowering period, everything that has faded is regularly cut out. There are two reasons for this: Firstly, the plant forms more new flowers as a result. Second, the formation of the seeds in which the toxin concentration is highest is prevented.

How often to repot?

Whenever the roots begin to grow out of the drain hole, it's time to repot the Lantana. Choose a planter that is one or two sizes larger than the old one. The pot should not offer any more space, because the lantana tends to form more roots than leaves and flowers.

Which pests and diseases threaten

Lantana are quite susceptible to whitefly infestation. Here yellow panels or control with hatchlings of the genus Encarsia Formosa have proven themselves.

Occasionally, the lantana is attacked by aphids. The pests can be easily combated by spraying with soap solution, tea tree oil or commercial insecticides.

The hibernation

The heat-loving lantana does not get sub-zero temperatures at all. As soon as the first frosts threaten, the ornamental plant must therefore be overwintered indoors. Place the plant in a bright place where night temperatures do not fall below five degrees. Daily temperatures of ten degrees should not be exceeded during the hibernation.

tips

Due to the toxicity of all parts of the plant, you should make sure that no other people or even children come into contact with the clippings when disposing of them.

Category:

Indoor plants