Unveiling Million Bells: Hidden Soil Strategies to Prevent Plant Demise
Million Bells, also known as Calibrachoa, are vibrant and popular flowering plants that brighten up any garden or container. However, these heavy feeders require careful management to ensure they thrive. Here's a guide to help you properly water, fertilize, and care for Million Bells.
- Watering
To avoid soggy conditions that can lead to root rot, use light, airy, fast-draining soil. Avoid heavy clay or muddy soils. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, watering deeply and allowing excess water to drain thoroughly. For container plants, ensure pots have drainage holes and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Million Bells prefer full sun to partial shade and benefit from good air circulation to reduce fungal problems.
- Fertilizing
Million Bells are heavy feeders that require a balanced diet of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for growth and blooms. Feed them regularly during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to prevent nutrient deficiencies and promote continuous blooming. A balanced formula like 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply fertilizer every 4–6 weeks, or use a slow-release organic fertiliser or compost tea for steady nutrient supply throughout the season. Stop fertilizing by late fall when the plant enters dormancy.
- Additional Care
Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily (full sun to partial shade), adjusting shade in very hot climates to avoid stress. Maintain good air flow around the plants to prevent fungal diseases exacerbated by excess moisture. Remove yellow or damaged leaves to keep plants healthy and encourage new growth.
In cold climates, Million Bells must be grown in pots and moved to a heated greenhouse for the winter, or protected with horticultural fleece. Algae on soil can be beneficial for some plants, but for Million Bells, it is generally considered a foe as it can impede water and nutrient absorption, leading to plant stress.
To avoid over-fertilising, choose a slow-release or liquid fertiliser with a nutrient ratio that favours blooming, measure carefully, apply fertiliser around the base of the plant and water it in, observe the plant, and always wear gloves and a mask when handling fertilisers. If signs of excess fertiliser are noticed, such as yellowing leaves, browning tips, a white crust on the soil surface, stunted growth, or sudden leaf drop, act quickly by stopping fertilising, flushing the soil with water, pruning damaged foliage, and potentially repotting the plant with fresh soil.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your Million Bells thrive, bloom beautifully, and remain healthy throughout the growing season. Happy gardening!
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- For a thriving Million Bells garden, follow care practices such as using light and airy soil, regular fertilizing with a balanced formula, and providing ample sunlight and air circulation to prevent fungal problems.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts who live in cold climates may need to transport Million Bells plants to a heated greenhouse during the winter months or protect them with horticultural fleece to keep them alive.
- To maintain the health and wellness of your Million Bells garden, practice mindful fertilizing techniques: choose a slow-release or liquid fertilizer with a bloom-friendly nutrient ratio, apply it sparingly, and be aware of signs of over-fertilization such as yellow leaves, stunted growth, or sudden leaf drop.
