When your Angelonia plants aren’t blooming, it can be frustrating, especially when they’re known for producing an abundance of vibrant flowers. I’ve had my share of struggles with Angelonia over the years, and each time I’ve learned something new about what causes these beautiful plants to halt their blooming. Let me share what I’ve experienced, and hopefully, these tips will help you get your Angelonia back to full bloom.
Lack of Sunlight
One of the most common reasons Angelonia doesn’t bloom is insufficient sunlight. These plants love the sun, and when they don’t get enough, the blooms tend to be few or nonexistent. If your Angelonia is in a shady spot, try moving it to a location where it gets at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. When I first planted mine, I had them in a partially shaded area, and they barely produced any flowers. Once I relocated them to a sunnier spot, they bloomed consistently.
Improper Watering
Overwatering or underwatering can seriously affect your Angelonia’s ability to bloom. I once made the mistake of watering my plants too frequently, thinking they needed more moisture during hot summer days. This led to root rot and no flowers. Angelonia prefers well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. If you’re unsure, less is usually better than more when it comes to watering.
Lack of Nutrients
Your Angelonia may not be getting the nutrients it needs to produce blooms. If you haven’t fertilized recently, try using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. I use one designed for flowering plants, and it has made a noticeable difference. I once had a patch of Angelonia that stopped blooming altogether. After adding a light application of fertilizer, the blooms returned within a few weeks.
Temperature Stress
Extreme temperatures can also play a role in your Angelonia’s blooming. They prefer warm weather but can stop blooming if it gets too hot or too cold. If you’re dealing with scorching temperatures, you might notice fewer flowers. In this case, try providing some afternoon shade to help them cope with the heat. On the flip side, when a cold snap hit my garden one summer, the plants took a break from blooming until the temperatures warmed back up.
Deadheading Spent Blooms
Angelonia is considered a self-cleaning plant, meaning it doesn’t necessarily need deadheading to keep blooming. But from my experience, removing spent flowers can encourage even more blooms. I’ve noticed that when I make an effort to trim back the dead blooms, the plants seem to produce even more flowers. It’s a small task that can make a big difference.
Other Possible Solutions
Overcrowded Roots
Angelonia can sometimes stop blooming if they’re root-bound or competing for space in a container. If you have them in pots, check to see if they’ve outgrown their current home. I had a couple of Angelonia plants in containers that stopped blooming until I repotted them into larger pots. It made all the difference.
Pest Problems
Although Angelonia is relatively pest-resistant, certain insects like aphids or spider mites can stress the plant enough to affect blooming. Check the undersides of the leaves and new growth for any signs of pests. A gentle spray of water or an insecticidal soap can usually take care of the problem. I haven’t had many issues with pests, but when I did, a quick rinse with the garden hose was all it took.
Final Thoughts
Getting your Angelonia to bloom can take a bit of trial and error, but once you figure out what’s causing the issue, these plants are quite rewarding. Whether it’s adjusting the sunlight, modifying your watering routine, or adding some fertilizer, small changes can bring big results. Just remember, sometimes it takes a little patience before you see those beautiful blooms again.
