Dipladenia, a tropical plant among the most loved to decorate balconies and terraces, in the summer it needs targeted care to offer the best: abundant blooms and bright leaves that capture the gaze.
Those who cultivate this elegant climbing know: few flowers give as much satisfaction as those of Dipladenia. Its intense colors and glossy leaves create a tropical corner even in the smallest of the balconies. But summer is not a simple season. Hot, strong sun, soil that dries quickly … in short, the plant needs more attention than usual. So what to do, when the heat becomes torrid and flowering risks slowing down? A simple but effective gesture can be controlled the soil every evening: if it is dry, water regularly but without exaggerating.
During the summer months, The needs of Dipladenia they change considerably. The high temperatures, intense light and the fastest evaporation impose some more precautions to keep it in splendid shape.
Where to arrange the dipladenia and how much sun is too sun?
Dipladenia loves the sun, but not at any cost. A simple rule? Intense light yes, direct sun all day no. If exposed for hours under the scorching sun, the leaves can lose brilliance and flowers dry quickly. Better to choose a place where he receives sun in the morning and shadow in the hottest hours of the afternoon. A balcony exposed to east or south-east is ideal. The important thing is to avoid the reflection of the sun on light glass or walls, which could amplify the heat effect.
Another important detail: attention to the wind. Too much air movement, especially hot, dry the ground quickly and stress the plant.
The golden rules to water (without making mistakes)
In summer there is always the risk of exaggerating with water, driven by the fear that the plant suffers. But Dipladenia, even if tropical, cannot stand the stagnation. A constantly wet soil, in fact, causes radical rots difficult to recover. And when the roots begin to rot, the plant tends to lose vigor and stop flourishing.
Better to follow these simple rules:
- Check the soil every day with a finger: water only if the first 2-3 cm are dry.
- Always use water at room temperature, never too cold.
- If grown in pots, make sure the drainage is perfect.
- Avoid wet the leaves during the hottest hours.
A useful trick? Place an expanded clay and water sauce to maintain humidity without drowning the roots.
And if you notice a slowdown in flowering, the problem is often the excess of water: the plant enters a sort of vegetative pause to protect itself.
Summer fertilization of Dipladenia and small tricks to have more flowers
During the hot months, Dipladenia needs a little help to maintain the rhythm of flowering. It is not just enough to water: Feeding the plant is fundamental.
The difference make a few targeted gestures: use a liquid fertilizer for flower plants every 10-15 days and choose fertilizers rich in potassium and phosphorus, but poor in nitrogen. Remove the dry flowers regularly stimulates new gems, while cleaning the leaves with a damp cloth keeps shiny and healthy.
Another useful trick? Turn the vase every week of the round to ensure homogeneous sun exposure on all sides.
Those who have a careful eye, will also notice the presence of any parasites: in summer, aphids and ladybugs can become a problem, especially in the most humid areas. In that case, it is better to intervene immediately with a natural product based on soft soap or Neem oil.
Finally, it should not be forgotten that Dipladenia, if cultivated well in the summer, is prepared for one Spectacular recovery also in autumn.
It is enough to observe, adapt, and enjoy the show.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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