Gentian trees are also known as Lycianthes rantonnetii and enchant with their flowers. However, they require appropriate care. Here we'll show you what's important.
Location
Some factors must be met for the South American plant. A space is required that meets the following criteria:
- protected from drafts
- bright and sunny
- warm
For example, the south side on the balcony or a sunny spot on the house is ideal. Also note the dimensions that a gentian tree can reach. In the open field a height of four to five meters is possible. The container usually does not exceed two meters.
Substrate
A substrate that meets the following requirements is recommended for the gentian bush:
- permeable and loose
- moist
- nutrient-rich
Soil for flowering plants is therefore suitable. Commercially available potting soil can also be mixed with mature compost and coconut fibers and used.
Pouring
The gentian stem requires a substrate that is always slightly moist. When it comes to irrigation water, you should make sure that it is low in lime and at room temperature.
Suitable variants are:
- stale or filtered tap water
- low-lime, soft tap water
- Rainwater
- untreated aquarium or pond water
Tip:
Make sure that the soil never dries out completely but that it does not become waterlogged either. When cultivating in a bucket, it is advisable to add a drainage layer.
Fertilize
The gentian bush has a high nutrient requirement. A larger amount of fertilizer is therefore required during the growth phase. Liquid fertilizer for flowering plants should be administered directly via irrigation water from March to September.
Tip:
An alternative is Blaukorn. Make sure you water sufficiently. Otherwise, chemical burns may occur on the roots.
Plants
The gentian tree is not hardy and can therefore only be planted outdoors to a limited extent. It is better to overwinter in a frost-free area and therefore grow it in a container. To make care easier, it makes sense to dig it in with a planter. This means that larger amounts of water and nutrients are available to the roots or the plant without you having to put in more effort.
Bucket Culture
A gentian stem can be easily cultivated in a bucket. Since the plants are not frost hardy, this is actually the better choice. This makes wintering much easier. However, you must note that this can make care more complex. This is especially true for the growth phase.
Since there is less substrate available to the plant, watering and fertilizing must be done more frequently. Especially in summer, it may be necessary to water several times a week and provide additional nutrients.
Repotting
Due to the high water and nutrient requirements of the gentian, the soil is used up very quickly. Repotting or at least changing the soil should therefore take place every one to two years. Proceed as follows:
Thorough removal of the earth
The substrate must be completely removed from the roots. If this is not possible when it is dry, the root ball can also be carefully soaked and rinsed. This reduces the risk of pests and pathogens.
Choose a planter
The new pot should be a few centimeters larger than the previous pot. This allows the roots to spread. In addition, more substrate and therefore larger reserves are available. This reduces the effort involved in care.
Insert
The gentian tree is placed in the substrate so that the soil reaches up to the transition between the trunk and roots. Make sure that you press the substrate lightly.
Water
To enable growth, you should moisten the soil well. Alternatively, you can place the pot in a bucket and immerse it in the water until no more air bubbles rise or water in a flowing manner.
Tip:
Choose a planter that is stable. Also add a drainage layer to prevent waterlogging. This can consist of coarse gravel or pottery shards.
Blend
The gentian is cut after the first flowering. The following will be removed:
- protruding branches above the crown
- long side shoots
- dried flowers
Make sure you don't shorten too radically. More than a third of each shoot should not be removed. In addition, the cutting tool must meet the following requirements:
- sufficient pressure distribution
- clean
- spicy
Pruning shears with sharpened and disinfected blades are ideal.
Wintering
Wintering is comparatively easy. If the outside temperature drops below 15 degrees Celsius, the plant should be brought indoors. A bright room with at least 12 degrees Celsius is ideal.
Fertilization is suspended. However, the gentian tree still needs to be watered. Never allow the root ball to dry out completely. Another option for overwintering is to cultivate the gentian tree at normal room temperatures. However, the light then has to be adjusted. Because during the winter there is not enough UV radiation for the gentian bush. A special plant lamp can help.
