My Garden
| Category | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennial plant | |
| Medicinal Usage | Medicinal Usage | |
| Estimated Plant Lifespan | 30 years lifespan | |
| Toxicity | Toxic to: Cats, Dogs | |
| Sun Requirements | 4-6 hours direct sunlight (Partial Sun) | |
| Pollination | Method: Animal Notes: Pollinated primarily by a variety of insects, such as bees and butterflies, as well as nectar-feeding birds that are attracted to its abundant flowers. No specific manual pollination is typically required for garden specimens. | |
| Watering Requirements | Method: Deep watering Frequency: Regularly when young; once established, moderately drought tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Can tolerate periods of wet feet. Notes: While tolerant of moist conditions, ensure the soil is well-draining for long-term health, as stagnant water can still lead to issues if prolonged. Reduce watering in cooler, dormant periods. | |
| Humidity Requirements | Level: Moderate to high | |
| Care Instructions | Prune Melaleuca linariifolia after flowering to maintain its shape, encourage denser growth, and promote a more prolific bloom in the following season. It responds well to shaping and can be hedged if desired. Remove spent flowers to keep the plant tidy. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal issues, especially in humid climates. | |
| Temperature Range | Min: -5°C Max: 40°C |
Cultivars
English Lavender requires very dry, sharply draining soil and resents humidity and consistent moisture. Melaleuca linariifolia, while adaptable, thrives in and tolerates much moister conditions, including temporary waterlogging. Planting them together would lead to root rot and decline for the lavender due to incompatible watering needs.
Small, immobile pests that attach themselves to stems and leaves, sucking plant sap. Infestations can lead to yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and a sticky residue called honeydew, which can then lead to the growth of sooty mold.
Soft-bodied, white, cottony insects found in leaf axils and on stems, also sucking sap. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, honeydew production, and a general decline in plant vigor. Heavy infestations can significantly weaken the plant.
Steps:
- Take 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) long cuttings from healthy, semi-hardened growth, preferably from the current season, in late summer or early autumn.
- Remove leaves from the bottom half of each cutting to expose nodes.
- Dip the cut end of each cutting into a rooting hormone powder or liquid to encourage root development.
- Plant the cuttings into a well-draining propagation mix, such as a blend of perlite and peat moss, or coarse sand and peat.
- Place the planted cuttings in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Maintain high humidity by covering them with a plastic dome or bag, or by placing them in a propagation tray with a lid.
- Keep the rooting medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically form within 4-8 weeks. Once a good root system has developed, transplant the cuttings into individual pots.
Seaweed Extract
Promotes root development, improves plant resilience to stress, and enhances overall plant health through its natural growth hormones and trace elements.
Neem Oil Spray
A natural insecticide and fungicide that can be used to control common pests like scale insects and mealybugs. It works by disrupting pest feeding and reproduction cycles without harming beneficial insects when used correctly.
Native Plant Slow-Release Fertilizer
Provides balanced nutrients specifically formulated for Australian native plants, typically with lower phosphorus levels, which Melaleucas prefer to prevent phosphorus toxicity.
Compost or Well-rotted Mulch
Improves soil structure, adds organic matter, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds, contributing to the plant's long-term health and vigor. Apply around the base of the plant, keeping it away from the trunk.