- How regularly should the parrot beak plant be watered?
- What should be considered when repotting a Congolese?
- When and how is the Congolese pruned?
- Which pests can be dangerous for the parrot beak plant?
- Are there diseases that are more common in Congolese?
- How is the parrot beak plant optimally fertilized?
- How do you get a Congolese through the winter unscathed?
There are quite a few plants in nature whose flowers are reminiscent of the characteristic shape of a parrot's beak. One of the most popular examples of this is the parrot's beak plant (Impatiens niamniamensis), also known as Congolese.
The Congolese inspires with its parrot beak-like flowers
How regularly should the parrot beak plant be watered?
The top layer of soil in the pot of a parrot beak plant should always be allowed to dry between waterings. If the plant is then watered again after a few days, no water should then remain in the saucer. In principle, the Congolese should only be watered with water that is as lime-free as possible. In summer, the water requirement of a Congolese can be quite high, especially in a sunny location. Make absolutely sure that the soil in the pot of this plant never dries up to the roots.
What should be considered when repotting a Congolese?
When repotting this plant, care should be taken to ensure that the new planter offers the Congolese roots enough space to develop. A drainage layer should be placed in the lower third of the plant pot, which can consist of the following materials, for example:
- potsherds
- coarse gravel
- Clay balls for hydroponics
The Congolese should always be put back into the substrate at the same height. After transplanting, the substrate in the pot is pressed medium firmly and watered extensively.
When and how is the Congolese pruned?
Since the plant grows very compact by itself, no pruning is usually necessary. However, withered plant parts should always be removed. For example, regularly pluck the withered flowers so that new flowers can form quickly. A radical pruning is very poorly tolerated by this plant.
Which pests can be dangerous for the parrot beak plant?
The plant is relatively susceptible to spider mites, so the plants should also be checked regularly in winter for possible infestation with these pests.
Are there diseases that are more common in Congolese?
The Congolese can be attacked by various fungal diseases. Affected areas should be cut out as quickly as possible so that the plant still has a chance to recover. The removed plant parts should not end up on the compost heap, otherwise fungal diseases can spread further.
How is the parrot beak plant optimally fertilized?
With proper care of the Congolese, heights of about 50 to 150 cm can be reached, depending on the location and incidence of light. From March to September you can provide the plants with the nutrients they need for lush flowering by administering a liquid fertilizer. Alternatively, you can also use a long-term fertilizer in economical doses.
How do you get a Congolese through the winter unscathed?
Although the Congolese is not hardy, it can be overwintered well in a frost-free place in the house. Like the South Sea myrtle and the purple mare, the Congolese needs a lot of daylight in its winter quarters.
tips
Room air that is too dry can promote pest infestation in the parrot beak plant. Prevent by spraying the leaves of the plant with low-lime water from time to time.