Care of the Clavelina or Chinese carnation

It is a real must-have for many people, and not by chance. Beyond the fact that Carnation care does not imply any complications, there is another reason to make it one of our top plants: its flowering. Discreet, small but extremely beautiful, it is also generous and constant from spring to, and depending on the weather, even autumn. How to give up putting color and beauty with hardly any demands?

Before seeing in detail the care of the Clavelina, let’s know something more about it. She originally from Korea, Mongolia and China; It is this last country that gives it the name by which it is popularly known: Chinese carnation. This geographical disparity that we mentioned gives us a clue to one of its benefits: it is an extremely versatile plant, capable of resisting heat but also cold. That is why it is not only an essential part of the list of heat resistant outdoor plants: it also has to be, yes or yes, in the top five of those who are looking for resistant outdoor plants for the whole year.

So, regardless of where we have in mind to enjoy it, let’s see what its needs are. Some perfectly affordable even for someone who is new to the world of plants or for those who have little time to dedicate to them.

THE 5 FUNDAMENTAL CARE FOR CLAVELINA

As we already pointed out, the care of the Clavelina is anything but demanding. This herbaceous plant, whose botanical name is Dianthus chinensis, is not spectacular in terms of its dimensions, but it is in terms of its layout. If we want to have it in the garden and taking into account the first thing, its size, it is advisable to plant it in a group with other specimens of the same species. In this way, we will be able to create a uniform massif full of color.

As important as knowing its size, which ranges between 30 and 50 centimeters, there is another detail that we must know to understand why it is highly decorative. La Clavelina, lacking woody branches, usually has them hanging. An ideal size that makes it a perfect plant for terraces, for pots but also to decorate windows.

Let’s take a closer look at what it needs to grow and display its humble yet precious bloom.

1. A lot of direct sun, essential in the care of the Clavelina

It is not negotiable! We are talking about the only requirement of this precious plant. We might think that it is enough to have it in a space with a lot of light, but no. Both for a matter of plant health and because it directly affects its flowering, we will have to place it in full sun. And yes: also if we live in a very hot climate in summer.

Failure to do so can weaken its stems and it will most likely not be able to create flower buds.

2. Location both indoors and outdoors, one of its benefits

We said before that it is a versatile plant, and this is precisely the best example of it. Although the usual thing is to have it outside the house, we can also enjoy it inside it if we meet the requirement of having the sun that it demands.

3. Irrigation adapted to each time of the year, fundamental

As with other plants that require full sun, during the hot months it is essential to maintain a good irrigation pattern. Depending on the characteristics of the climate in which we live, we may have to water daily in the hot months. During the rest of the year, autumn-winter, the irrigation pattern decreases significantly: one every four days or even a week will suffice.

For the well-being of our plant and to avoid unpleasantness, it is essential to know something. The Clavelina does not support waterlogging, so it is preferable to water it less than more. It is also crucial to avoid that gesture of leaving a plate of water under the pot. If you do, your roots will more than likely rot.

4. Subscriber from spring, the reinforcement of flowering

In order to cope with the wear and tear of flowering, the Clavelina needs a little help. Therefore, the ideal is to maintain a regular pattern of fertilizer from the beginning of spring until the end of summer.

To help in flowering, we can opt for both fertilizer for flowering plants and guano fertilizer. Either option will be perfect.

5. Pruning of withered flowers, key to their health

Due to its characteristics, the Clavelina does not require pruning as such. However, and if we want to increase its size, we can slightly lower its stems at the beginning of spring or autumn. In this way, we will be promoting our plant to create new ones and grow in contour.

Yes it is important that we remove the withered flowers. And not only because keeping them wears out the plant. In addition, its smell will be a true magnet for pests, so there is nothing like avoiding them by removing dead flowers in time.

To do this, the ideal is to cut the withered cocoon from the stem itself.

And ready! Incredible as it may seem, the Clavelina does not require more care. A perfect plant to enjoy nature without complications.