The Bottle Brush plant (Callistemon, now often classified as Melaleuca) is an evergreen flowering shrub or small tree known for its bright red, pink, white, or yellow brush-like flowers.
Light
- Needs 6–8 hours of direct sunlight every day.
- More sunlight = more flowers.
- Avoid growing it in full shade.
Soil
Use a well-draining soil mix:
- 40% garden soil
- 30% river sand
- 20% compost or vermicompost
- 10% cocopeat (optional)
The soil should never stay waterlogged.
Watering
- Summer: Water every 2–3 days.
- Monsoon: Water only when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry.
- Winter: Water every 5–7 days.
Overwatering is the most common reason for yellow leaves and root rot.
Fertilizer
Feed every 30–45 days during the growing season.
Use:
- Vermicompost (1–2 handfuls)
- Bone meal (1–2 tablespoons)
- Mustard cake liquid fertilizer (once every 15–20 days, diluted well)
- A balanced NPK (10-10-10 or 19-19-19) once a month for faster growth
Before flowering, reduce excess nitrogen and give a fertilizer slightly higher in phosphorus.
Pruning
- Prune after the flowering season.
- Remove dried flowers and dead branches.
- Light pruning encourages more branching and more flowers next season.
Pot Size
- Start with a 12–14 inch pot.
- Shift to a 16–20 inch pot as the plant grows.
- Ensure several drainage holes.
Temperature
- Ideal: 18–35°C
- Tolerates heat well.
- Young plants should be protected from severe frost.
Flowering Season in India
- Main flowering: Spring to early summer (March–June).
- In warm climates, it may flower again after the monsoon or in autumn.
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