Lobelia Lobelia Lobella Ocean Flash = 'Nulo042'

Water

Lobelias, such as the Lobelia 'Ocean Flash', should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil without becoming waterlogged. They typically require watering once or twice a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. During hot and dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary. It's important to ensure that the plant receives about one gallon of water per week, although this can be adjusted based on rainfall and temperature. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.

Light

Lobelia 'Ocean Flash' thrives best in full to partial sunlight. The ideal location offers morning sunlight with some afternoon shade, especially in regions with very hot summers. Indoor plants should be placed near a window that receives ample but diffused light. Avoid deep shade, as this can reduce flowering and cause the plant to become leggy.

Temperature

Lobelia 'Ocean Flash' grows best in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum summer temperatures up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Sudden temperature changes and frost can harm the plant, so it's ideal to grow it in conditions that remain fairly stable within this temperature range.

Pruning

Prune Lobelia 'Ocean Flash' to encourage bushier growth and more blooming. Deadhead the spent flowers regularly to extend the flowering season. Cut back up to one-third of the plant's height after the first flush of flowers has faded to revitalize the plant and encourage a second round of blossoms. The best time for pruning is after the initial flowering period, which is usually in late spring or early summer.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Lobelia plant prefers a well-draining, fertile soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. An ideal soil mix could be a blend of peat, loam, and sand, which ensures adequate drainage while retaining sufficient moisture for the roots. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer will help keep the Lobelia thriving.

Repotting

Lobelia plants usually benefit from being repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. It's important not to let the plant become root-bound, so repotting should be done in early spring before the onset of the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Lobelia plants thrive in environments with moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40-70%. They benefit from a moist atmosphere but do not tolerate stagnant or overly damp conditions that can lead to fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Ensure partial shade and water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Lobelia 'Ocean Flash', also known simply as Lobelia, starts its life as a seed, typically planted in well-drained soil during the warm spring months after the threat of frost has passed. The seeds germinate and sprout into seedlings, and as they grow, they develop a rosette of leaves and a root system. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative stage, developing stems and more leaves, and eventually begins to produce distinctive flowers, which can be a variety of colors including blues, purples, and reds. After pollination, which is often assisted by insects like bees, the flowers produce seeds and the plant enters a reproductive stage. Once the seeds are mature, they are dispersed, completing the plant's life cycle, although Lobelia 'Ocean Flash' may survive multiple seasons as a perennial in suitable climates. Finally, after several years, or less if conditions are not ideal, the plant will end its life cycle, different parts will wither, and it will die, leaving seeds to start the next generation.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Lobelia 'Ocean Flash' can be effectively propagated through seed sowing. This method is widely considered as the most popular for this variety of Lobelia. To propagate by seed, one should sow the seeds thinly onto the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix during late winter or early spring. The seeds require light to germinate, so they should not be covered with soil but merely pressed lightly into the medium. The container should be placed in a warm area with temperatures ranging between 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius) and kept consistently moist. Seedlings usually emerge within two to three weeks and can be transplanted to individual pots when they are large enough to handle. It is important to wait until all danger of frost has passed before transplanting the seedlings outdoors.