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Water
Pincushions are quite drought tolerant, but only once well
established after two years. Water immediately after planting and
regularly thereafter to keep the soil damp. In most loamy garden
soils watering two or three times a week in hot weather should be
enough. Young plants growing in sandy soil or in pots will need
water every day.
Drip irrigation with water at soil level is much better than
irrigating overhead – wet leaves is just an invitation for disease.Fertilising
Pincushions and other fynbos plants are adept at growing in poor
soil with root systems which will find the nutrients they need
without any help. The plants are very sensitive to fertilisers with a
high phosphate or nitrogen content.- Do not use bonemeal when planting.
- Do not use phosphates in any form.
- Do not use mushroom compost, chemical fertilisers, or any
kraal manures.
Fynbos growers recommend that young plants can be fed with
organic fertilisers derived from fish emulsion or seaweed at half the
normal strength to help them along.Pruning
A pincushion can become a fairly large shrub (1.5m high and 2m
wide, depending on the species or hybrid) and produces many
spreading side branches which carry the inflorescences at their tips.
To enjoy a healthy and neat plant for a long time, you will have to do
some basic pruning:- Regularly cut off the flowers for the vase or when they are
spent, by cutting the stems leaving a piece of stem with
healthy leaves of about 10-15cm long on the plant. - Remove weak or unproductive stems from the middle of the
plant to allow airflow and more light. This will help to prevent
pest and disease infestation. - Remove side growth growing downwards or lying on the soil.
- Prune in late spring directly after flowering.
- Never cut into old wood where leaves look sick or bleak.
Memory