Oleander care guide
How to keep oleander healthy at home: how much to water it, the light it needs, and how to catch common problems early.
At a glance
- Light
- Bright / direct light
- Typical interval
- Every 6 to 8 days (summer)
Every 14 to 22 days (winter) - Climate
- 10–27 °C (50–81 °F)
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
- Scientific name
- Nerium oleander
When and how much water
Water your oleander when the top 4 cm (2 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. 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
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
Oleander is comfortable between 10 and 27 °C (50–81 °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.
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.
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 (2 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.
How much light does an oleander need?
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.
Is oleander safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains cardiac glycosides. Chewing it can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Keep oleander out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like areca palm, wax plant, sweetheart plant, or Gerbera daisy.
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
Last reviewed:
