In spring the overwintered oleander can go outside again. However, you shouldn't be too hasty about this. Pruning and fertilizing promote the flowers.
In April, when the days get warmer, you can put the oleander that has overwintered indoors back into the fresh air. But this shouldn't happen permanently from one day to the next. Although the plant can tolerate short-term frost, if the nights get cooler again, it is still sensitive to sunlight this early in the year. Some care measures such as pruning still need to be done to give the oleander a good start on the balcony or in the garden.
Too strong spring sun causes sunburn on oleanders
The oleander copes well with dry, hot summers. However, if it is put out from mid-April, you first have to get the plant used to the sun: so that it doesn't get sunburned, it is better to put the plant in partial shade for two to three weeks. If the oleander in the house is in a very warm place above ten degrees Celsius and has formed new shoots, it is better to wait for the last night frosts to reach the ice saints so that they do not freeze.
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Oleander pruning is often not necessary
Before moving outdoors, it is a good option to cut back the oleander a little. Best in early spring (March). This is not absolutely necessary for older plants, unless you want to rejuvenate them and encourage them to produce more flowers. If the plant is younger, pruning will result in denser growth - even at the risk of the oleander blooming later: older and weak branches are cut back to around 20 centimeters and above a pair of leaves. Diseased or slanted branches are removed.
Either way, you should avoid cutting off existing buds. Severe pruning should only be done every three to four years. Exception: An oleander that is obviously sick or heavily infested with pests can be shortened to a length of up to ten centimeters. Of course, the flowers will not bloom this year.
Repotting and fertilizing the oleander
For older plants, repotting the oleander is only necessary every two to three years. For younger ones, it is recommended every year to promote growth. Spring is a very good time for this. Even if this is not on your plan this year, the plant will still appreciate some fresh soil. In any case, it makes sense to add fertilizer: A long-term fertilizer for Mediterranean plants is enough for about half a year; alternatively, from now on, additional nutrients in the form of liquid fertilizer are important every two weeks at the latest.