Congo cockatoo plant how to#
Congo cockatoo plant full#

Soil is moist without being soggy because the texture of the soil allows excess moisture to drain away. Moist and well drained means exactly what it sounds like. Watering Conditions : Moist and Well Drained In other areas such as Florida, plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received.

Congo cockatoo plant full#

If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun, such as the Pacific Northwest, a full sun exposure may be fine. Often morning sun, because it is not as strong as afternoon sun, can be considered part sun or part shade. Sunlight, though not direct, is important to them. Part sun or part shade plants prefer light that is filtered. Light Conditions : Partial Sun, Partial Shade For organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion, follow label directions as they may vary per product. Controlled, slow-release fertilizers are worked into the soil ususally only once during the growing season or per label directions. Water soluble fertilizers are generally used every two weeks during the growing season or per label instructions. organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion. temperature controlled slow-release fertilizers or 3. Plant Care Fertilizing How-to : Fertilization for Annuals and PerennialsĪnnuals and perennials may be fertilized using: 1.water-soluble, quick release fertilizers 2.

Google Plant Images: click here! Characteristics Cultivar: Congo Cockatooīloomtime Range: Early Summer to Early Fall Ideal for brightening a shady garden or for adding color to patios. Distinctive flowers are hooded with a hooked spur. Bright red or yellow flowers to 1 1/2 inches wide smother light green leaves throughout the summer. Scalloped dark green leaves are oval, 2 to 9 inches long, arranged spirally. niamniamensis ‘Congo Cockatoo’ is a traditional flowering perennial widely grown as an annual because it is short lived in colder regions. Keep the potting mix lightly moist by watering when the top of the soil feels dry, but never let the pot stand in water.įertilize the plant twice during spring and summer, using a regular fertilizer formulated for indoor plants.I. Place the plant in low or filtered sunlight. If you live in a cool winter climate, you can grow Congo cockatoo impatiens indoors in a pot filled with good-quality commercial potting mix. Always water immediately because fertilizer may scorch the roots. Don’t overfeed because too much fertilizer creates a full, bushy plant at the expense of blooms. Cut the plant back by 3 or 4 inches (8-10 cm.) if it begins to look tired and leggy in midsummer.įertilize the plant twice during the growing season, using a general-purpose liquid or dry fertilizer. Pinch the growing tips of newly planted Condo cockatoo impatiens to encourage full, bushy growth. A layer of bark chips or other organic mulch keeps the roots moist and cool. As a general rule, one weekly watering is sufficient unless the weather is hot, but always water immediately if the foliage begins to look wilted. Water the plant regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Congo Cockatoo CareĬaring for Congo cockatoo impatiens is simple and this colorful, vigorous plant thrives with minimal attention. The plant performs best in rich soil, so dig in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Although the plant will grow in partial sunlight in a cool climate, it won’t tolerate bright sunlight or hot summers. (7 C.) and above are ideal for this tender perennial.Ĭongo cockatoo impatiens prefer a location in full shade, especially if you live in a warm, sunny climate.

(2 C.), but the plant won’t survive even a light frost.

Congo cockatoo plant how to#

How to Grow Congo Cockatoo ImpatiensĬongo cockatoo impatiens tolerate temperatures as low as about 35 degrees F. Read on for tips on how to grow Congo cockatoo impatiens plants. Named for the clusters of bright, orange-red, and yellow, beak-like blooms, Congo cockatoo flowers grow year-round in mild climates. What is a Congo cockatoo plant ( Impatiens niamniamensis)? This African native, also known as parrot plant or parrot impatiens, provides a spark of bright color in shady areas of the garden, much like other impatiens flowers.