Lobelia

Family. Campanulaceae.

Origin. South Africa. 

What does it look like? Lobelia is a large and diverse genus of annual or perennial plants, including more than 400 species. Indoors, dwarf varieties are found mainly. The stems are erect or thin, recumbent; the leaves are simple, green. Flowers with 5 petals, about 2 cm in diameter, in shades of blue, white, purple and crimson colors cover the bush so abundantly that they completely hide it.

Height. 15 - 60 cm.

Planting, care

Temperature

Lobelias prefer rather cool conditions; if the temperature is too high, they may stop flowering.

Lighting

Prefers a brightly lit place, it is desirable that the shoots and leaves receive direct sunlight in the morning and evening.

Growing at home

An unpretentious flower that does not require much time for care. Lobelia can be rejuvenated by cutting the stems by half their length. Pruning also promotes the formation of lateral shoots, and the plant will look bushier.

Soil

Nutrient-rich soil with good drainage and a high content of organic matter in the form of peat and leaf humus.

Feeding

Feed monthly during active growth. Lobelia loves organic fertilizers. 

Purpose

It can be used as a pleasant ground cover species or as an ampelous flower. In the latter case, the stems will effectively hang over the edge of the pot. Suitable for landscaping balconies, loggias and terraces.

When does bloom?

From June to October. Indoor lobelia may stop flowering during the summer heat, but if you cut the stems at this time, flowering will occur again in the fall. The flowering period is long. 

Air humidity

It tolerates dry air in heated rooms well. If the air has become too dry and you have started spraying the leaves, provide the flower with a location where it will receive sufficient air movement, and the moisture will quickly evaporate from the leaves.

Soil moisture

Plants do not tolerate drought; it is necessary to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.

Transplant

Many species are grown as annuals and do not require replanting.

Reproduction

Seeds that are scattered on the surface of the soil in the spring. There is no need to cover the seeds - they need light for germination, which occurs within 1 - 2 weeks. 

Pests and diseases

Excess moisture in the soil and air leads to putrefactive manifestations. Lobelia stretches when there is a lack of sunlight.

Of the harmful insects, thrips can bother flowers. When grown in open ground, plants can be attacked by slugs and snails.