Repotting is one of the most important care measures for oleanders. In order for Nerium Oleander to grow well, various factors must be considered, such as the right planter, substrate and the time of repotting. Therefore, you will find instructions for the correct repotting of oleanders here.
Oleander repotting
Especially young oleander plants that are still growing in height need a new pot or bucket every year. Once the oleander has started to bloom, you can increase the interval between pot changes. Adult oleanders no longer need to be repotted as often. Here it is sufficient if you put it in a new planter every five to ten years. However, you should fill up the planter with fresh soil in the spring, as the heavily consuming plant uses up the soil quickly.
tip: The latest time to repot is when the roots are sticking out of the drainage hole of the planter.
time
The best time in the calendar for repotting is after the winter break just before the oleander with the new growth begins. If you repot later, the plant will not be harmed, but it will then put all its energy into rooting through the substrate and only sparsely form flowers.
planter
Nerium oleander belongs to the so-called shallow roots. This means that the roots are broader than deep. The planter must also do justice to this circumstance. Therefore, you should choose a pot or bucket that is wider than deep. The ideal size of the planter:
- twice the size of the root ball
- two fingers wide around the root ball
The material of the planter is up to you, but it should definitely be about drainage holes provided to allow excess water to drain away.
tip: If you use a planter that is too large, the oleander will put all its energy into rooting and will not produce any or only a few flowers.
substrate
When it comes to the substrate, Nerium oleander is a bit picky. He is rarely satisfied with conventional soil from the discounter. In order to meet its requirements, the substrate should
- nutritious
- water storing
- permeable
being. The optimal pH for the oleander is between 5.8 and 7.0. You will find this composition in high-quality potting soil or in special soil for Mediterranean plants. Alternatively, you can mix the substrate yourself. The following has happened mixture proven:
- 5 parts unit soil (low peat content)
- 3 parts clay soil
- 1 part of inorganic components (e.g.: sand, lava granules or perlite)
- 1 part garden or vital lime
Another mixture consists of:
- 5 parts potting soil
- 1 part clay powder or clay
- 1 part garden or vital lime
The simplest mixture for the oleander consists of one part potting soil and one part garden soil containing clay.
It is best to add three to five grams of a long-term fertilizer per liter of soil to all mixtures in an NKP ratio of 15:12:8 (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)). You can determine the correct pH value with test strips from the hardware store or garden center.
tip: If the oleander thrives in the previous substrate, then you should keep it.
Repotting: instructions
Before Nerium oleander can move into the new planter, the plant and the container must be prepared accordingly so that the oleander feels comfortable in its new home.
Prepare planter
At the bottom of the jar, place one or more domed ones potsherds with the bulge facing up, covering the bottom. This prevents the substrate from being washed out during casting. Put a thin layer of substrate over the potsherds so that the root ball of Nerium oleander does not touch the shards. In this case, you do not need to create your own drainage layer, as the potsherds fulfill this function.
tip: Provide a higher coaster. On hot days, water can collect up to a third of the way up there, because it then serves as a water supply for the oleander.
Prepare oleanders
Using an old kitchen knife, loosen the roots from the edges of the planter. Then pull the oleander out of the pot or bucket carefully, but large plants also like to pull it out vigorously.
Since handling large oleander plants is often difficult, you should
- tie the oleander together beforehand,
- get a second person to help
- lay the oleander aside,
- Water oleanders about an hour before repotting.
Once the oleander is potted, you should take the opportunity to examine the root ball. To do this, shake off the old soil from the root ball. If you see rotten, diseased or dried out areas on the root ball, these must be cut off with a clean and sharp knife. Is the root network centimeter thick, you should tear it up a bit so that the roots can spread out better in the fresh substrate.
tip: With an adult oleander, you can also taper the root ball downwards so that it fits back into the old planter. You should note that in this case you should also cut back the above-ground part of the oleander to about the same extent.
stew
Once all the preparations are complete, you can pot the oleander. Place the plant in the center of the planter. You should choose the planting depth so that the root disc is about five centimeters below the edge of the pot. Then fill up the pot in small to medium portions. To avoid cavities, always gently press the soil in between. Finally, water the oleander well.
Protection of hands and arms
Since all parts of oleander contain the highly toxic cardiac glycoside oleandrin, you should protect your hands and arms from the plant sap when repotting. Because even small amounts can lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions.
