Oleander care guide
Nerium oleander
Quick answer
Water your oleander when the top 4 cm (1.6 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
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- Light
- Bright / direct light
- Typical interval
- Every 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 14 to 22 days · winter - Climate
- 5–27 °C (41–81 °F)
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
When and how to water
4 cm (1.6 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 14 to 22 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Light and placement
Bright / direct light
Oleander needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your oleander every 21 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate5–27 °C (41–81 °F)
Humidity40–60%
Oleander is comfortable between 5 and 27 °C (41–81 °F). It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above 5 °C (41 °F).
It does best at 40–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Overwintering oleander
Leave oleander outside until nights head toward 0 °C (32 °F), then keep it bright and cool at 5 to 8 °C (41–46 °F). In winter quarters, water sparingly, skip feeding and check it regularly for pests.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Wear gloves when you cut or repot it. Keep the sap away from your eyes and skin, and wash your hands afterwards.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Full oleander toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water an oleander?
Water your oleander (Nerium oleander) when the top 4 cm (1.6 in) of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 14 to 22 days.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · Kew Species Profiles: Cultivation · Hazards
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxDescription · container/houseplant note · Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems
- University of Florida IFAS ExtensionPlant overview · Oleander Aphid · Oleander Caterpillar · Sphaeropsis Gall · Oleander Leaf Scorch · Scale
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlScientific name · toxicity · cardiac glycosides · clinical signs
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