Lantana (Lantana camara) is an easy plant to grow and maintain. Once established in your yard, these plants require little care and can even tolerate drier conditions. A good soaking once a week is really all they need to thrive and establish a healthy root system.
How To Tell If Lantana Needs Watered
If your plant seems to look dry and wilting and not producing flowers it may need more water. If the leaves are yellow it may be getting too much water or rather the soil is not draining well and the plant roots are sitting in water. A simple way to test moisture in the soil is to stick your finger down into the soil or to dig down to the root level and see if the soil is moist to the touch.
Simply testing the surface layer of the soil is not enough. Plants in the ground need watering regularly and a good soaking once a week should do the trick. If your lantana is planted in a container or hanging basket you will want to water it more frequently, even daily during warmer temperatures.
How Often To Water Lantana
When you first plant your lantana plants you will want to water them more frequently until the plant is established. This may be every day at first or every other day to ensure a healthy root system. Just make sure that the plant is not sitting in water as over watering can damage the root system.
Once established your lantana plant can withstand drier conditions and you will not need to worry about it as much as when you first planted it. Once a week a deep soaking should do the trick. The use of mulch will help retain moisture and slow down water evaporation in the soil. As the plant spreads out and matures you may not need to mulch at all as it acts as a ground cover.
If your plants are planted in containers or hanging baskets you may need to water them more regularly. Test the soil by inserting your finger down to the root level. Oftentimes containers may feel damp at the surface level but dry where the roots are. Keeping container plants well hydrated will keep plants healthy and thriving.
Best Time To Water Lantana
The best time of day to water your plants is in the early morning. This helps them start the day well watered. Depending on your growing zone and if your plants are being grown as a perennial or as an annual will also determine what months you will water your lantana. If you live in a cooler climate you will often lose your plants during the cold winter months. However, warmer climates often have lantana blooming in their yards year round.
How To Water Lantana
Water your plants from above with a good garden hose or drip system. You want enough water to keep the soil moist but not too much where it appears wet or boggy. If watering containers or hanging baskets, keep the soil moist to the touch and make sure your containers have good drainage. You do not want your plants sitting in water, this can damage the root system.
Lantana Watering Tips
- Check soil by sticking your finger down to the root level.
- Water newly planted plants more frequently, do not let them dry out.
- Established plants benefit from a good soaking once a week.
- Container plants should have good drainage.
- Hanging baskets can be soaked once a week and should be kept well hydrated.
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Author Janice Cox - Published 12-15-2021 |