Brunfelsia

Brunfelsia - belongs to the Solanov family and is a prominent representative of it. She is like an expensive perfume has a delicate refined aroma. This fragrant beauty comes from the Antilles. In the territories of South America, it can be found growing in natural conditions. In such conditions, the large-flowered Brunfelsia can reach about three meters, but for a long time. Growing it at home, the flower grows compact, no more than 50 centimeters in height. The bush is covered with dark green, matte, long leaves, and on top is decorated with white, purple or lavender inflorescences. There are also varieties where the inflorescences change their colors during the flowering period, thus making the bush even more unique.

This amazing flower got its name from the famous scientist Carl Linnaeus. He named the plant after Brunfels Otto, his colleague. But in addition to this name, there are people among the people, for example, "Manaka". The legend tells of a girl named Manaka. Brunfelsia was her favorite flower, which served as the basis for the preparation of a means to help fall in love with a loved one. Indeed, the extract from the flower has a psychotropic effect. Many shamans and sorcerers use this herb, which is considered “sacred”. The flower emits a special and unique aroma after the sun sets over the horizon.

Brunfelsia: home care

Brunfelsia flower: photo of the variety

In order to grow at home, only the Brunfelsia small-flowered variety is suitable. However, there are several subspecies with a similar shape and color of inflorescences. Brunfelsia has large flowers and various colors. The plant begins to release its flowers in the first spring month, and ends only with the onset of winter cold. Each individual flower lives no more than three days. But new ones constantly appear, creating the impression of continuous flowering.
Purple, brightly fragrant flowers cover the entire bush when flowering begins. They can become a decoration of any dark corner in the house, as they feel great in the shade. Not only bright shades of flowers in the form of a lush hat, but also their delightful aroma can be a pleasure.

Choosing a location for Brunfelsia

For room brunfelsia, it is better to choose a place in the shade, since it will be most comfortable there. But the diffused light of the sun should touch this beauty. Overcast weather and constant shade will make petals pale and blooms weak. But due to direct sunlight, the plant may experience burns on the leaves. In case of bright sun, a light-colored cloth can be used to shade the flower. The best location for him would be east or southeast. If there is enough light, then you can enjoy the spectacular colors of bright colors and foliage of rich colors.

Brunfelsia is a tall shrub. In order for it to grow and develop well, it needs to be given more space. In the summer, she will be comfortable on the veranda or balcony. The main thing is that the place is not hot. The heat is bad for flowering, making it more late. As for watering, spraying is more suitable for this plant.

Temperature regime

Indoor Brunfelsia loves a humid tropical climate. She will feel great at temperatures from +12 to +15 degrees. During the growing season, the thermometer should show a temperature from +20 to +22 degrees.In the autumn period from +9 to +14 degrees for the timely formation of buds. For two or three months it is necessary to maintain a low temperature at home. Further, gradually increase it. Brunfelsia must be constantly sprayed when growing at home, but completely stopped after flowering. The fragrant beauty should stand on a pallet where the limit is wet gravel. It is also very important for the Brunfelsia plant to ventilate the room where it grows.

Watering activities

Brunfelsia loves moisture, so watering should be done regularly. Water should not be hard, rain or water that has settled for at least a day is fine. The plant prefers acidic soils, so acidifying substances must be added to the water during watering. During the period when the bush blooms, it is necessary to water it twice a week, with the onset of cold weather one will be enough. The plant does not tolerate stagnation of water, so it must be regularly drained from the pallet. In case of excessive moisture, root rot may develop. If there is too little moisture, then all the flowers will fall off.

Fertilization

In order for Brunfelsia to bloom for a long time, colorfully and magnificently, it must be regularly fed with complex mineral fertilizers. They must be entered from 2 to 4 times within 30 days.

Brunfelsia bush formation

Brunfelsia plant: flower photo

Brunfelsia will completely bloom in the last days of February. Then you need to start pruning to form the future bush. This event will not allow the shrub to stretch too much in length. Also, thanks to this, new shoots will form better and more actively. If optimal conditions are observed, then this will facilitate re-flowering. The shrub itself will have a neat and compact shape.
When the flower stops blooming, you need to give it a couple of months to rest. During this period, it is necessary to maintain the air temperature from 10 to 15 degrees.

Reproduction of Brunfelsia

The methods for propagating the Brunfelsia flower can be different. You can use the method of cuttings using lignified or semi-lignified cuttings, shoots or seeds. The last method has its own nuances.
To root the shoots, you need to place them in a moist earthy mixture for which peat and perlite are suitable. The optimum temperature for rooting is 25 degrees or less. The best time for this event will be summer.
To grow brunfelsia from seeds, you need to sow them in small greenhouses. For the soil mixture, peat and sand must be used in equal proportions. The procedure is carried out from the beginning of winter to mid-spring.

Brunfelsia: flower transplant

Brunfelsia flower: photo

The Brunfelsia transplant should be carried out after flowering ends. At a young age, it must be transplanted regularly. Further, once a year will be enough. The land on the surface changes every year. For brunfelsia, the most suitable will be fertile, loose soil with good air and moisture permeability, well-drained and neutral soil. For the earthen mixture, you will need leafy soil, garden soil and river sand in a 2/2/1 ratio. Peat will also be useful here. Plants should be planted in medium sized pots with good drainage holes. A drainage layer of clay cuttings or pebbles is laid out on the bottom.

Brunfelsia: pests and diseases of the flower

Brunfelsia plant: flower photo

• Shieldis the main pest of beautiful brunfelsia, which sucks juices from plant cells, which is why leaves and flowers wither, turn pale and crumble. The only way to get rid of it is to treat the plant with insecticides.
• Spider mites Is another pest that loves to attack flower crops. Its appearance can be determined by sluggish leaves and a thin cobweb on the inside of the leaf.You can get rid of it with the help of a soapy solution, which you need to rinse the leaves, and then water the plant with a warm shower. If the ticks are wound up during the flowering period, then spraying cannot be carried out. Brunfelsia, severely affected by this insect, needs an insecticide treatment.
• Sometimes on the plant you can find aphids, whitefly, mealybug. Slugs and snails can only be found when grown in the garden. In case of the appearance of all these pests, it is necessary to treat the plants with the help of special products sold in nurseries or specialized stores.

Brunfelsia has a capricious and willful character and needs a lot of attention from its owners. However, beautiful and very original, it allows you not to think too much about these difficulties.
It is important to know that this plant is poisonous and gloves must be used when working with it. Orange fruits of Brunfelsia, similar to tomatoes, are considered the most dangerous to humans. In no case should they be tasted.

Brunfelsia: flower video