Oleanders are seriously thirsty plants! If you want those gorgeous Mediterranean blooms, you’re going to need to keep the water flowing. In this post, I’ll break down exactly how often to water your oleander and why your choice of water actually makes a huge difference.
The Best Water for Your Oleander
Here’s a tip that surprises most gardeners: skip the rainwater! While it’s great for most plants, rainwater can make the soil too acidic for oleanders, which prevents the roots from working efficiently. Instead, reach for your garden hose or tap. Oleanders actually prefer “hard” tap water. For the best results, let the water sit out for a bit so it reaches air temperature—they love it even more if the sun has warmed it up a little!
Summer Watering: Don’t Be Afraid of Wet Feet
In their native habitat, oleanders thrive along riverbanks and moist shorelines. This means that unlike almost every other plant in your garden, oleanders actually *love* standing water. When you’re watering potted oleanders, go ahead and leave some water in the saucer.
During the peak of summer, you’ll need to water heavily and often—at least once a day. On those scorching July afternoons, don’t be surprised if your plant needs a drink up to three times a day to stay happy.
Winter Watering Needs
Don’t put the watering can away just because it’s cold! You still need to water your oleander during the winter. While they don’t need nearly as much as they do during the spring and summer growth spurt, consistent moisture is key to their survival. Usually, a good soak once or twice a week is plenty to get them through the dormant season.
Feeding While You Water
During the spring and summer, your oleander is working hard to grow and bloom, which means it needs plenty of nutrients. A great pro-tip is to combine fertilizing with your watering routine. If you use a liquid fertilizer, just mix it right into your watering can. This helps the nutrients reach the roots instantly so the plant can get to work.
Quick Summary: Oleander Watering Cheat Sheet
To keep things simple, here are the golden rules for a hydrated, healthy oleander:
- Regular, heavy watering is a must.
- On hot days, check them multiple times and water as needed.
- “Wet feet” (standing water) is actually a good thing for these plants!
- Keep up the hydration in winter with a drink once or twice a week.
