Unveiling the Ground's Mysteries: Steer Clear of Soil Dangers to Preserve Your Million Bells Blooms
Million Bells, also known as Calibrachoa, are vibrant and colourful plants that can brighten up any garden or indoor space. To ensure these charming plants stay healthy and blooming, follow these simple guidelines for watering, nutrient management, light and temperature, and additional care tips.
Watering
To avoid issues like root rot and other root diseases, it's essential to keep the soil slightly dry and never waterlogged. Water only when the top inch of the soil is dry, typically 2–3 times per week depending on weather conditions. Using a potting mix with perlite or sand can help improve drainage and prevent standing water.
Nutrient Management
A balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength every 1–2 weeks during the growing season will support the plant's heavy feeding needs without risking fertiliser burn. Be mindful of over-fertilising, as it can cause nutrient toxicity and stress. Always follow recommended dosages carefully.
Light and Temperature
Calibrachoa thrive in full sun for at least 6 hours daily. In hot climates, some afternoon shade can prevent heat stress. It's important to note that Million Bells are sensitive to cold and can tolerate light frost down to about -2ºC. In colder zones or freezing winters, bring plants indoors to a bright room to prevent cold damage.
Additional Care Tips
Ensure good air circulation around the plant to reduce fungal diseases. Avoid letting the soil become too dry for prolonged periods, as underwatering will reduce flowering and overall health. Use containers or garden beds with good drainage and consider mulching lightly in colder seasons to moderate temperature swings.
By maintaining moderate, consistent moisture, regular but moderate feeding, adequate sunlight, and protecting from cold temperatures, you can keep Million Bells thriving and prevent common care problems.
Remember, Million Bells require a balanced diet of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to thrive. In cold climates, Million Bells must be grown in pots, moved to a heated greenhouse for winter, and put back outside after the frost risk passes.
If you suspect your Million Bells have been over-fertilised, stop fertilising, flush the soil with water, prune damaged foliage, and in severe cases, repot with fresh soil.
With proper care, Million Bells can bring a splash of colour to your garden all season long. Happy gardening!
[1]: Source for additional care tips [4]: Source for nutrient management and light/temperature requirements
To maintain the vibrant colors of your Million Bells, consider incorporating home-and-garden activities such as gardening to provide them with a suitable lifestyle within your home-and-garden space. For best results, ensure your Calibrachoa receive a balanced diet of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium through a routine feeding schedule during the growing season.
