The cotton plant does not have an exclusive relationship with the textile industry. Even if it’s hard to believe, It can be grown at home as an ornamental plant.

Its natural beauty, with delicate fruits like clouds, makes it a very attractive option for gardening lovers.

The cotton plant grows naturally in regions tropical and subtropical with dry periods, although it needs a lot of water. There are about forty varieties of cotton, but four are preferred for cultivation. Here we will focus on the variety Gossypium barbadense, native to South America, and we will see what care this ornamental cotton plant needs so that it grows beautifully and provides your home with a very original touch of elegance.

COTTON IS AN ANNUAL PLANT

In its native habitat, the cotton plant grows as a perennial shrub reaching a height of two to three meters.

In cultivation and for ornamental use, the plant has a rather short-lived life and, since it is difficult for it to survive the winter, it usually only It is cultivated as an annual species which reaches approximately one meter in height.

The large leaves, with three to five lobes, are quite decorative and can measure up to 20 centimeters.

The spectacular thing is its FLOWERS and fruits

Depending on the time of planting, the cotton plant begins to open its flowers in summer or fall.

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First They are yellowish in color and, within 24 hours, they acquire a pinkish color dark.

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These flowers contain capsules that develop giving rise to the fibrous and white fruits, which are cotton clouds which are often misleadingly described as «flowers».

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The best location for your cotton plant

As its tropical origins suggest, cotton Gossypium barbadense he likes warm weather with temperatures between 20 °C and 30 °C.

You need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, Therefore, it is ideal to place it next to a south-facing window or on a balcony or terrace with the same orientation.

in summerthe dry environment suits it well, although it needs watering. If you have kept the plant indoors, you can take it outdoorsgradually accustoming it to direct sunlight.

What pot and substrate to use

It is best to plant cotton in a high-quality potting soil, slightly acidic (pH between 5.8 and 7) and characterized by a balanced mixture of coarse grain and humus (organic compost).

It is important that the container be large and deep, with a minimum capacity of 10-15 literssince this plant develops a deep root system. The pot must have good drainage so that the roots do not remain in excess moisture.

How to water your cotton plant

During the growth phase, the cotton plant should be watered abundantly. However, you must Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.

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Avoid watering on the leaves of the plant to avoid the development of fungi.

You have to pay EVERY TWO WEEKS

The medium-high nutrient requirements of the cotton plant can be covered with applications of complete organic liquid fertilizers every 14 days.

TRANSPLANTATION and pruning

If you can make the cotton plant survive the winter, it is worth transplanting it to a somewhat larger container with fresh soil in spring.

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The branching of the cotton plant is, of course, quite satisfactory, so it is enough remove dead or annoying branches in autumn.

How to multiply your cotton plant

Since the cotton plant is rarely found in stores, it is recommended grow it from seeds.

1. Start sowing very early, preferably in late January or early February, so that the plant has a high probability of flowering and fruiting in the same season.
2. To facilitate germination, Soak the seeds in water for a day. The black seeds are placed about a centimeter deep in the soil.
3. A cover speeds up germination; The ideal is to use additional light to provide the necessary luminosity and, in addition, ensure temperatures of at least 20 ºC.
4. Keep the seeds evenly moist; After two to four weeks the first seedlings should appear.
5. If the seedlings are too close together, transplant them individually into pots or, at the latest, when they reach approximately ten centimeters in height.

DISEASES AND PESTS

The cotton plant is especially susceptible to mite infestationswhich are aggravated by excessively dry air.

The best way to increase humidity in indoor spaces is to spray it frequently . Lack of humidity can especially affect plants during heating periods. Placing water evaporators can be a good solution, also for your cotton plant.

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