Geranium

However, with the passage of time, humanity has lost interest in this remarkable plant. Today we can safely say geranium that she again finds its former success and demand.

Meanwhile, you need to be watered flower regularly and abundantly. Remember, geranium can not stand if a flowerpot stagnant water, so you just need to keep the ground moist, as well as to ensure good drainage.

Geranium: fertilizing and fertilizers

It is important to know that geraniums can not tolerate fresh manure! In principle, flower during the flowering and growth requires a standard fertilization. You can use a fertilizer for flowering plants, about twice a month.

The optimum temperature for the flower is considered normal room temperature. In the cold season, the most appropriate temperature for the flower from +10 to -15 degrees, so it is best to place the plant on a windowsill or in one of the coolest areas.

As for the lighting, the principle is: the more light the better. You can even allow some direct sunlight. As a result of the lack of light, the flower will have small leaves and will give you abundant flowering.

This is not surprising because this flower is one of those plants that can boast many advantages. Geraniums can be viewed in two variations: as a houseplant, and as a garden flower. A large number of species and varieties of plants are able to satisfy every taste.

The exception may be some cases if, for example, the roots of the plants have grown, and place in the pot was not enough or inadvertently filled with water plant.

Whether it's planting or transplanting remember that the flower does not accept large pots, but good drainage is very handy. The plant is quite suitable for the transplant ordinary garden soil or a universal zemlesmes. Particularly favorable conditions for the plants considered this recipe: eight pieces of sod land, two parts compost and one part sand.

At any flower arrangement she successfully take its place. Geranium has great potential medicinal properties. It should be noted that this plant terrifies many indoor pests. If you put a flower on the windowsill to other colors, protection from aphids is guaranteed.

Continue

Begonia

Begonia - one of the most beautiful plants that decorate our gardens, parks, gardens, and just flat. This flower belongs to the great family Begoniaceae. Today the race has about 900 full and 2,000 hybrid species. The first begonia was described back in 1690 by Michel begonias, and use it for decorative purposes only began 200 years ago.

From the history

The story began with the begonias Antilles, where Michel Begon first described it. Subsequently, this flower was named in his honor. Decades later described begonia blossom forever a native of Brazil, even later - the royal begonia with the Indian subcontinent and tuberous subspecies from South America. It was from the beginning they have all the modern variety. Following widespread use of this flower for decorative purposes, begonia became incredibly popular: it was only once hothouse flower, and then there are those who are resistant climate surprises.

Today, throughout the world there are a huge number of hybrids and cultivars of cultural begonias.

All types begonias divided into groups in accordance with decorative features:

Decorative flowering;
Dkorativno-deciduous.
Locus of begonias can be called the tropics and subtropics. They prefer shady and moist places, but are also found on the steep shores of the sea at an altitude of 4000 meters, found in the mountains and on the arid slopes.

The variety of forms and types of begonias

Begonia is diverse not only in form but also in size and coloring. It may be, as the herb, whose length is 3 cm, and can be quite large shrubs. Begonias are stemless, are - with only one leaf. Sami leaves are painted in any shade of green, or the reverse side of the sheet monochrome or covered with colored spots and patterns. Begonia flowers themselves have a wide selection of colors, mostly warm palette.

Begonias - this house plants that can blossom not only in summer but also in winter. Decorative flowering species are plants with large bright flowers and ornamental deciduous leaves have a beautiful rich, but the flowers have less attractive. Sami leaves covered with bright hairs.

Lighting

For begonias it is very important that the light was bright. Particularly acute in need flowering specimens. In the summer pritenyat best begonia from direct light, because otherwise you may experience sunburn. Begonia decorative foliage suitable diffused light is best to place them on the eastern and western windows.

Temperature conditions

The most optimal temperature for the flowers - 21-23 degrees in the summer, and in winter not lower than 15-18.

By ground for begonias no special requirements there. It can be purchased at specialty store, and you can easily do yourself. If you decide to prepare the soil on their own, you will need: pot half filled with ground sheet, and then add the mixture of peat, humus in equal proportions. Do not forget to put a little sand on the bottom of a conventional pot. If you properly prepare the ground for begonias, she will long to please you with its strong growth.

Repot this plant should be necessary for Mary. Time passes with the previous transplant, and now grown roots can not fit in the old pot. That is why the plant should be placed in a spacious pot. It is best to transplant in the early spring. The plant should be careful to get out of the pot and the roots cleaned of the old peat. After that, it is best to put the plant into the water with potassium permanganate for a while. Once the roots are purified from the sand, you will need to cut off part of festered.

It is important not to pour a full pot of begonias land for the transplant. It is best to wait until the roots are completely dry, and then add a little earth. The plant, which recently transplanted, often need to be watered. Also, do not put begonia immediately in the sun. Remember now for awhile you need a hard look after Begonia. Typically, the healing time for a new dwelling is about 1 month.

Air humidity

Begonia because of its origin likes high humidity, but the spray is not recommended. This is due to the fact that, falling on the leaves, the water provokes the appearance of brown spots. To plant not muchilos from excessive dryness of the air, it is necessary to place the plant on the inverted pallet, and after the whole structure must be placed in another larger tray. The circumference of the need to pour a concrete block, which periodically need to moisten. Vaporized, the water will be needed to maintain the moisture balance of begonias.

Watering

In the hot summer days begonia need very abundant watering, but avoid stagnation of water in the pan, and even more in the pot. Watering should supernatant water when 1-1.5 cm of soil has dried up since the last watering. In winter, reduce watering. Pay special attention to types of tubers: in the winter they hibernate, so they should be placed in peat and completely eliminate the watering.

Top-dressing

Begin to feed begonia needed 1 every 2 weeks after flowering. Fertilizers with nitrogen should be used only for deciduous varieties, as they inhibit flowering, however, improve the growth of leaves.

Continue

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe - one of the few plants that includes just two major functions - decorative and medicinal. This thick-flower has come to us from the warm countries: Madagascar. Despite this rather unpretentious kalanchoe houseplant that can be grown easily in the home, knowing a few pravil.Pri proper care Kalanchoe beautiful green blossom bright pink flowers, but the flowering period of the plant at the not so prodolzhitelnyy.Nesmotrya out Kalanchoe that came to us from the warm tropical countries, this plant does not tolerate excess moisture. If the soil is too wet constantly, it primarily affects the roots: it begins the process of decay, so to watering should be taken seriously.


In spring and summer watering the plants will be held as follows:
Kalanchoe watered with cold water (preferably hold a glass jar, constantly filling her watering is better to carry out the old water). Watering so that in any case the water does not touch the stem, when it gets wet, do not absorb it possible that the process will start rotting. Watering should be moderate, so that the soil would be sufficient moist but not wet, the water should not flow. If you accidentally poured more water than you need, then immediately release the tray from the excess fluid. Remember that it is much better to Kalanchoe would receive less water than more: the plant copes very well with the lack of water for two or three dney.Osenyu kalanchoe and winter should be watered two times less than in the warmer months. In no case do not leave the water in the pan (preferably even, that it was completely dry). The plant does not tolerate the cold, but from the presence of even a couple of drops may just freeze and begin to rot. Watering must of necessity: Wait until the soil is completely dry, and you can safely add water. Make sure that the water temperature would be equal to room temperature. Otherwise, the plant will be watered every stress.

Requirements for light

Kalanchoe - one of those plants, which are constantly in need of sunlight, but there are a few features of the lighting of the pot. From morning till two or three o'clock in the afternoon to keep the Kalanchoe can on the windowsill or any other place with abundant sunlight to flower. However, after dinner Kalanchoe should be closed or moved into the shadow, creating a feeling of the night. If you can not keep changing the location of the flower, the problem can be solved with a light shawl, which you cover the pot. In the hours after lunch Kalanchoe does not perceive the sun's rays, they are likely to spoil the leaves of the plant.

In the winter, or on days when the sun comes out, the plant can not endure, permanently leaving on a windowsill.

Temperature conditions

Similarly as in the case of water temperature mode can be said that less is more. Kalanchoe feels most comfortable at 17-19 degrees, but if the room temperature drops to 5-6 degrees with the plant did not happen. But when too much heat Kalanchoe feels bad, it begins to absorb too much fluid, but absorb much the plant can not, so you may experience a variety of diseases.

Air humidity

Kalanchoe can not be kept in rooms with high humidity. As we said earlier, the flower does not love a surplus of water, and this applies not only to soil, but also the air. The reason is that the moisture in the air is also fed into the plant, creating an overabundance of fluid accumulated in the stem, rather than in the root system. The consequence may develop fungus, mold, etc.

Try to keep the air was as dry land, especially in autumn and winter.

Fertilizer dressing

Kalanchoe is not very fond of different fertilizers. As well as the issue of the soil, the plant quite unpretentious, but if you begin to notice that the flowers do not have enough minerals, select sukkulentarnye fertilizer. In winter, fertilize the soil in any case impossible.

During this period, even if the Kalanchoe will begin to fade (except for diseases), do not overload the root system of various additives. The best time to feed - this is the end of spring, in an extreme case - the middle of summer. Fertilizers should be given two times less than that indicated on the package - believe me, and this amount is more than enough for your home doctor.

Continue

Aspidistra

Aspidistra - "friendly family"

The genus Aspidistra (Aspidistra) include 8 species of herbaceous ornamental deciduous plants lily family. Some sources indicate the family Landysheva (Conva-llariaceae). Homeland of this evergreen is East Asia. Aspidistra naturally grows in cool, heavily shaded forest.
The name is translated into Russian as "pointer snakes» («aspidis» - a snake, «tra» - Pointer). The shaded cool areas often live snakes and gray curved rhizome verdure too resembles a snake. People Razvan plants "friendly family".
Aspidistra has no stem. is flexible, dense, short. Because of the dense, half hidden underground rhizomes grow vertically dark green glossy leaves.
As a houseplant grow only one species - high Aspidistra (Aspidistra elatior Variegata). It has a decorative form aspidistra leaves with white or creamy yellow longitudinal stripes.
It blooms very rarely (usually in summer), and only one day. The flowers are sitting right on the rhizome, a special attraction are no different. After artificial pollination of flowers tied fairly large fruit with one seed inside.
Decorative value of carnations in her unpretentiousness and the Shade. This indoor plant is perfect for northern rooms for dressing rooms with a lack of natural light, for landscaping offices with artificial light. Aspidistra does not suffer from an excess or a lack of moisture, it does not need to feed. Therefore, this plant can advise beginner gardeners and all those who have no time to care rasteniyami.echebnye properties aspidistra:
Aspidistra has healing properties and at home is widely used in folk medicine. Aspidistra is a diuretic and anti-inflammatory action. The drugs include all parts of the plant. These broths are used in convulsions, gastro-intestinal diseases, diarrhea, pain in the muscles and stones in the urinary system.
Care aspidistra
Lighting. Aspidistra can grow in the back of the room away from the windows - it's unpretentious, shade tolerance, suitable for landscaping spaces north. A little more light requires a motley variety.
In the summer of "friendly family" feels great on the balcony or terrace.
Temperature. aspidistra can be grown under normal ambient conditions, it does not require the creation of a special temperature regime. In winter, the ideal temperature 10-12 ° C, but grows well at 20 ° C.
Watering. Do not allow drying earthen coma. However, the excess water in the pot is not desirable.
Humidity. Under normal circumstances, apartments aspidistra feels fine, but the dust from the leaves must be washed off.
Fertilizing. In the spring and summer of aspidistra fed complete mineral fertilizer is not more than 1 time per month. Variegated plants are virtually fertilize - too abundant food causes greening variegated leaves.
Transplantation. It grows slowly, in the year grows only about five leaves. The plant is transplanted not often when the entire ball is enmeshed roots better in April and May. In adult plants annually replace only the top layer of the earth. The rhizome should not completely fill with soil. For transplanted plants require large containers.
Soil. Aspidistra is not demanding on the soil composition. It grows well in normal garden soil or a vegetable garden.
Reproduction. Reproduction verdure is not working, are propagated by dividing the roots during transplanting. In April and May the rhizomes are cut into pieces with 3-5 leaflets, cuts sprinkled with powdered charcoal. Individual parts are planted in pots. The soil temperature at rooting should not be below 18 ° C.
Pests. Most often damaged aspidistra scale insects and spider mites. If a strong infection of the treated plants or karbofosom fufanonom.
With the defeat of spider mites carnations on the reverse side appears silvery leaves, very thin cobweb, leaves turn brown and dry up gradually. It is necessary to regularly moisten the air and spray the plant with lukewarm water. With strong infection process aktellik.

Continue

Zamioculcas

Zamioculcas - care at home
Homeland: East Africa, Madagascar
The family Araceae.

Grown as an ornamental foliage plant with large, glossy, dark green leaves and shoots. Green foliage throughout the year. In room culture grows up to 0.8m, the life expectancy of 5 - 10 let.V process of evolution, to survive in the arid climate, has formed a large underground tuber, which has a supply of water. Flower, like all Araceae, has the shape of the cob. In room culture is difficult to achieve flowering. All parts of the plant are toxic.

Lighting.

Optimal lighting: bright ambient light - partial shade. Lighting after 10-00 in the spring and summer, in direct sunlight will result in burns ground parts of the plant. Zamioculcas can grow in the shade, but its development is much slower. To leaves retain their position and shape of the plants will not be affected Zamioculcas from time to time should be rotated around the axis.

The temperature and humidity.

Zamioculcas is highly resistant to hot dry weather. Optimum temperature:

21-290S summer;
winter 15-180S.
In the winter, lowering the temperature of the plant is better tolerated by dry content (without irrigation). Summer useful to keep him on the street. Spraying for Zamioculcas not required. 1 is useful once a month to do the plant warm shower to wash away the dust.

Watering.

The frequency of watering - with a slight soft drying earthen coma. If in doubt - do not water more per day. Excessive watering leads to the yellowing of leaves, root rot and death of the plant. In autumn and winter watering Zamioculcas with the frequency of watering - with strong soft drying earthen coma. For irrigation use warm water.

Soil.

It must be well-drained, not too heavy soil. The optimum acidity - pH 6.0.

The composition of the soil mixture: turf ground + 1 part ground sheet + 1 part peat, 1 part sand + 1 part sphagnum + 0.3 parts. You can use any part of the soil, which is used in the preparation of Peat mixture for cactus. Before applying the mixture must be sterilized.

Dressing.

During the growing season the frequency of feedings - 1 time in two weeks, alternating with organic fertilizer. The concentration of fertilizer (for feeding) 50% of the concentration of fertilizer recommended for indoor plants.

Once a month, it is desirable to foliar fertilizer: urea solution sprayed leaves or complex fertilizer containing trace elements in a concentration of 1 g / l. (See. Section foliar application).

Zamioculcas - transplant.

The best time for grafting - spring. Transplanting is carried out once every three - four years. When selecting the size of the pot, note that Zamioculcas plant of slow growth in the year formed 2-3 leaves, therefore, the size of the pot when transplanting choose not much more than the previous (10-15%).

After dredging plant from the pot, clean the roots of the plants from the ground. Cut the roots that are soft or have bad smell. Planting depth in the new pot should be at the previous year. The pot is required to be a hole for draining excess water. After the transplant, plant put in a penumbra.

The most frequently asked question - "yellow Zamioculcas ?!"

Possible causes:

Excessive watering plants. Between waterings soil in the pot should be dry. The problem is particularly acute in winter, when the plant reduces water consumption.
If your plant is directly exposed to sunlight for more than 6 hours per day, the leaves may be burned, and as a result turn yellow. In May - August from 11-00 to 15-00 is necessary pritenenie plants from direct sunlight.
Zamioculcas - slow growing plant (in the room culture). If you try to "accelerate" the growth of plants by means of feeding excess fertilizer, the roots are killed first, then the leaves turn yellow. Final - the plant dies.
The disease of the root system.
Zamioculcas - reproduction.

Zamioculcas is easily propagated vegetatively. Remember - all parts of the plant are poisonous!

1st method of reproduction - division of tubers (rhizomes). When transplanting the bush is divided into several parts. Delёnki planted in pots. The selected pot should match the size of delёnki (ie 2-4cm longer planted rhizomes) and not be deep. Soil mixture used for adult plants. Further care, both for an adult plant.

Continue

Sansevieria

Life form 

Herbaceous, succulent

Family

Agave - Agavaceae

Origin

Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Angola

Ease of cultivation

One of the easiest to grow and resistant plants, suitable for beginners

Size

Usually from 30 cm to 1.2 m

The intensity of growth

Approximately 2 or 3 leaves per year

Life

Perennial

Temperature

It prefers temperatures in winter and summer 16-24 ° C. In winter, when the plant is watered, can withstand a minimum temperature of + 10 ° C and a short-term reduction of even 5 ° C.

Humidity

Easy to carry dry atmosphere

Lighting

Plants with variegated leaves prefer bright diffused light, only in bright light may abundant flowering. Sansevieria easily tolerate direct sun, at the same time, the types of green leaves can survive pritenenie

Soil

For a mixture of self-cooking should be taken: 1 part sod land, 1 part leaf earth, 2 parts coarse sand. Required drainage of at least a third of the pot.

Watering

The top layer of soil between waterings should dry out in the summer in great depth. 1 watered every 7-14 days, winter 1 every 3-4 weeks. The plant is harmful excessive watering, especially the entry of water into the center of the outlet.

Fertilizer

During the summer of growth 1 time per month to feed liquid fertilizer for cacti.

Reproduction

Propagated by dividing rhizomes, otsazhivaya side shoots. That's how you can keep the yellow leaves from the edges. The plant is easily propagated parts of the sheet length of 5-8 cm, which are slightly dried and planted upright in the sand. In this case the young plants will be completely green. You can try to keep the edges, if you make a wedge-shaped incision at the base of the sheet so as to come into contact with sand and roots gave only the side portions of the sheet (with rim).

Flowering

It blooms throughout the year, but more often in the summer of fragrant star-shaped flowers on long stalk

Transplant

Every 2-4 years in March - April, when the roots fill the entire pot and begin to act from the top. The plant prefers to close the pots, they should be wide and low, as shallow root system

Features of Care

It is advisable to regularly wipe the leaves.

Difficulties

Affected spider mites, mealybugs, thrips. With an excess of moisture leaves wilt, turn yellow and rot at the bottom and die. Dark spots on the leaves arise from the lack of light and the yellow and brown spots can appear as a result of fungal infections or excessive watering. Leaves become pale from lack of light. The leaves are sometimes distorted by the action of mealy bugs. The edges of the leaves can be damaged when exposed to cold air from the window.

Clearing the air

Introduced by NASA in the list of plants, effectively absorb nitrogen oxide and formaldehyde.

Continue