TheNaturePlanet

Today, let's introduce a small work of art in nature - it is the shining pearl from South Africa, "Lobelia erinus". This flower has become popular in recent years because it has a very long flowering period (4-6 months). At the same time, after it blooms, the flowers present a dark blue color tone, giving a dazzling and refined feeling against the sunlight.

You can easily find Lobelia erinus in botanical gardens. Placed appropriately in flower beds in courtyards, it is also suitable for being maintained as a potted plant. In appearance, its flowers are not large and have five petals. Three of the petals are relatively large. In the middle position, there are yellowish-white markings that guide insects to gather nectar. The other two are smaller and look like a pair of small ears.

If it is placed on the windowsill indoors, it can also brighten up the beauty of the home. If you maintain Lobelia erinus at home, its suitable growth temperature is between 15°C and 26°C. It likes light and can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, so that its flowers can bloom better and the color is more vivid. However, when there is not enough sunlight in winter and early spring, artificial lighting should be added.

When maintaining it, the soil should be loose and sandy soil with good drainage as much as possible. If possible, you can add some humus as base fertilizer, which is beneficial for its nutrient absorption. In terms of watering and fertilizing, water it once every 7-10 days. Before watering, you can touch the soil with your hand. When you find that it is slightly dry, you need to replenish water for it. In addition, when watering each time, it is best to pour it in slowly from the side of the flowerpot. Remember not to pour it directly on the leaves, because this is prone to diseases. For fertilization, applying nitrogen fertilizer once a week during the growing season is enough to support the healthy growth of the plant.

As for daily pruning, its leaves and branches are prone to excessive growth. Therefore, regular pruning is needed to maintain neatness and beauty. This can help prevent nutrients from flowing to the decaying leaves. In addition, in terms of medicinal value, Lobelia erinus has been found to have certain medicinal effects, including being effective for symptoms such as swollen sores and bruises. Following the above maintenance points, Lobelia erinus can thrive at home and show its beautiful posture.