Erika

According to the latest data, the genus "Erica" ​​has about 800 plant species, among which you can find both small bushes no more than 20 cm in height, and medium-sized shrubs up to two meters in height, as well as trees, the height of which can reach 6-7 meters. All these plants belong to the Heather family. Under natural conditions, different types of erica can be found on the African continent, in Western Europe, as well as in the Caucasus.

Florists grow Erica as a garden and as a houseplant and appreciate her not only for her unpretentiousness and decorative qualities, but also for a long life expectancy, because with good care, some types of plants can live for more than 30 years. How can you achieve such impressive results? It is on this topic that we will talk in this article.

Erica description

Historically, Erica grows in nature mainly on scarce soils and at the same time feels great. This is due to the symbiosis of the plant with the simplest fungi, as a result of which the roots of the plant produce mycorrhiza. With its help, Erica is able to obtain nutrients from even the poorest soil. And one more feature - the seeds of the plant can germinate only in the "Heather" land, that is, not far from the mother plant.

Erica blooms in winter, when most of the plants are dormant, and this also affects her popularity with flower growers. Flowers similar to bells are collected in apical inflorescences, they rise above the bush and look very impressive. Depending on the type of plant, flowers can be painted white, in different shades of pink, red or lilac. After the flowering ends, do not rush to cut the plant, since its decorative effect will persist for some time - the flowers do not fall off, but dry up in their original form, and look no less attractive in the form of dried flowers than during the flowering period.

Erika's leaves are needle-like, somewhat similar to needles, painted in different shades of green.

Erica care

When you bring Eric home, it's a good idea to keep him away from other indoor plants for a while. This quarantine is needed in order to identify diseases or pests that could arrive at your apartment from a store or greenhouse along with a new plant. If indeed those are found, the plant will need to be cured, if no problems arise, then Erica can be transferred to a permanent place.

Lighting. Erica loves light, so it is recommended to place the plant on east, south and west windowsills.

Air temperature and humidity. Erica does not like heat and prefers moderate air temperatures and a cool rest period. Flowering usually begins in November. And while it continues, it is necessary to maintain the air temperature + 18 ... + 21 degrees. But in the summer it is recommended to provide Erica with a rest period by lowering the temperature to + 10 ... + 13 degrees.

You can spray the plant from a spray bottle with pre-settled water. Eric should be placed in a group of plants that require above average humidity (from 60%).

Watering. Erica tolerates a short-term drought more easily than waterlogging of the soil, reacts very badly to stagnant water and to a high lime content in the water. It is categorically impossible to water the plant with water that has just been poured from the tap, it must first settle for several days. Periodically, the water for irrigation can be acidified by adding citric or oxalic acid to it.

Fertilizers. When growing Erica, you must completely abandon organic fertilizers. Heathers feel quite comfortable on poor soil. But still, you can periodically carry out top dressing using strictly defined fertilizers that do not reduce the acidity of the soil. Complex fertilizers for Saintpaulias, azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons are suitable for you, while the concentration of the solution must be halved.

Pruning. Flowers are always formed on young shoots, so after flowering, pruning should be carried out, which will not only help form the crown of the bush, but also stimulate the growth of young branches.

Transfer

The plant should be repotted as it grows, while increasing the flower pot. The transplanting process is carried out by the transshipment method, that is, a fundamentally important condition is the preservation of the earthen coma from the previous flower pot.

Place drainage on the bottom of the new container, then carefully and quickly move the plant and add the right amount of suitable soil to fill the voids. Use only acidic soil made for azaleas, hydrangeas, camellias, etc.

Erica breeding

Erika is propagated in three ways: by sowing seeds, dividing the bush and rooting cuttings.

Small seeds are sown without embedding in the soil, covered with glass or foil and kept in this form for about a month - it is after such a period of time that the first shoots should appear. All this time, the air temperature should be around +20 degrees, the soil must be kept moist, the shelter must be raised daily for ventilation. After the seedlings appear, they are looked after, like any other seedlings.

Rooting of the apical cuttings of Erica can be carried out either before the beginning of flowering, or a month after its end. Otherwise, rooting will not take place, since the plant simply will not have the strength to do it.

Cuttings 3-4 cm in size by a third are immersed in moistened soil, covered with a jar and periodically fertilized with micronutrient fertilizers. Rooting occurs in about three to four weeks.
The division of the bush is carried out during the transplantation process, for this you need a sharp knife, which must be disinfected first. Then each piece must be planted in its own flower pot of the appropriate size.

Possible difficulties

Difficulties periodically arise in the process of growing a houseplant. Carefully observe the appearance of Erica, by its changes you can guess what exactly needs to be changed in caring for the plant.

If Erica develops very slowly and almost does not add in growth, then the problem is in the wrong composition of the soil: an insufficiently high level of acidity, or too much calcium, or an overdose of nitrogen occurred during the feeding process.

If the twigs and flowers of the plant begin to dry out, then this may be for the following reasons:

• violation of the irrigation regime, which led to the drying out of the earthen coma.
• too dry indoor air.
• low level of soil acidity.

If the young twigs wither, and the color of the foliage changes from green to brown, then the problem is excessive watering and stagnation of water in the soil.

If you find a white-gray bloom on the leaves, then most likely your Erica is sick with powdery mildew. To treat the plant, you can use the fungicides "Fitosporin-M" or "Alirin-B", if the disease has spread strongly, then you should use the stronger preparations "Topaz", "Chistotsvet" or "TiovitJet".

Sometimes Erica is affected by aphids or spider mites. With regular examinations, it is possible to detect the appearance of parasites at the initial stage. The preparation "Fitoverm" will help in the fight against pests.
It is very important to isolate the plant affected by pests or disease in a timely manner and keep it in a separate room until it recovers completely.