Certain diseases and other problems - such as leaf shedding - are typical of oleanders. The popular ornamental shrub is quite tricky when it comes to care and reacts quickly to mistakes or carelessness. However, as sensitive as oleander is with regard to water or nutrient deficiencies, it is just as good at dealing with these negligence - as long as they are remedied quickly. Oleander likes to acknowledge a lack of water or insufficient fertilizer by shedding its leaves.
Too much or too little watering is one of the most common causes of the oleander shedding its leaves
Oleander generally sheds leaves after about two years
However, not every leaf drop has a pathological cause, because the oleander leaves are generally only about two years old and are then dropped due to old age. Before that, however, the shrub withdraws all the nutrients it contains, so that they become all yellow and blotchy. This type of leaf shedding occurs when only a few leaves are affected. In very warm and dry summers, however, it can also happen that the oleander suddenly discards all the older leaves at once and suddenly stands there almost bare.
Common causes of leaf shedding
Incorrect watering and/or fertilizing also leads to the leaves being dropped, although they often turn yellow beforehand. In contrast to shedding for reasons of age, the lower leaves fall first here, so that the oleander bare from below. Sometimes, however, it sheds the leaves in such a way that leaves are only left on the tips of the shoots.
Too much or too little water
In most cases, insufficient watering is responsible for leaf shedding. In this case, the leaves, as well as shoots, dry up, moreover, they are not shed in every case. Watering the oleander properly is not that easy: In the warm summer months, you can water the shrub heavily so that the water stands in the saucer. However, this is only advisable if the oleander is actually in the blazing sun. If, on the other hand, it is in a bright but not directly sunny location, it is better not to get its feet wet. In winter, on the other hand, it is sufficient to water the oleander about once a month - provided it is bright and cool at a maximum of five degrees Celsius. The warmer the plant is wintered, the more light and water it needs.
Insufficient fertilization
Yellowing and falling leaves can also be an indication of incorrect and / or insufficient fertilization. Oleanders are extremely heavy feeders and must therefore be supplied with nutrients on a regular basis. At best, you have mixed the plant substrate with a long-term fertilizer and give the plant additional nutrients via a liquid flowering plant fertilizer. (€10.47) Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions, because over-fertilization can also have fatal consequences.
tips
You counteract the gradual balding from below by cutting back the oleander every spring. This makeover ensures denser branching and strong foliage.