Calliandra
Content:
Calliander: description
Despite the fact that among calliandras there are trees up to 6 m in height, herbaceous perennials are mainly used in floriculture, the height of which, on average, is about 1 m.There are shrub varieties with a height of about 2 m.
Decorativeness is inherent not only to the flowers of calliandra, but also to its foliage. The leaves of this plant are usually pinnate and include smaller green lanceolate leaves in pairs. Young leaves are characterized by the presence of a copper shade in the color. During the flowering period, which can last from 2 to 3 months, flowers bloom - red, white or bright pink. They form inflorescences of a cylindrical or spherical shape, the diameter of which is 8 cm. A feature of calliandra flowers is the presence of a large number of long and thin stamens, creating the effect of a fluffy panicle.
Calliander: growing and care
Calliander: photo
Caring for a calliander plant directly affects its flowering - if the necessary recommendations are not followed, it may not occur at all. This culture belongs to light-loving and moisture-loving plants, besides, it has certain requirements for the temperature regime. Also, an important condition for the successful cultivation of calliandra is its regular pruning, which allows you to maintain a compact and attractive appearance of the plant. In late winter or early spring, the longest shoots should be shortened - calliandra successfully tolerates this procedure, with which it can be shaped into a bonsai.
- Temperature regime
The optimal temperature for a comfortable stay of calliandra at home is about 21 degrees. As in the case with other southern plants, it will not be superfluous to take care of daily temperature drops - it is desirable that the thermometer shows 13-15 degrees Celsius at night. Since it is rather difficult to achieve this in a room, it is recommended to take out the pot with calliandra to an open balcony at night.
- Lighting mode
Despite the delicate fuzz crowning the calliandra inflorescences, one should not be afraid of harm from direct sunlight. It is important to choose the time when they will illuminate the plant wisely: it is better if this happens in the morning or evening hours. Duration of sunbathing in summer is 3 to 4 hours; in autumn and winter, it is equal to the duration of daylight hours. The calliandra plant loves sunlight, so in winter, its owners will not be able to do without additional lighting sources.
- Soil composition
Calliander: photo
Calliander flower loves slightly acidic soils - both nutritious and poor. The substrate for its cultivation can be prepared independently by mixing peat with coarse river sand and perlite. Loose components will make the soil looser and at the same time play the role of drainage.
- Fertilization
In the spring and summer, it is recommended to feed the calliandra plant every half month with liquid fertilizers diluted to half the concentration.
- Air humidification
A high degree of air humidity is very important for the successful cultivation of calliandra. Dry indoor air during the heating season can cause this southern plant to feel unwell. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of air humidification. The easiest way is to place the calliandra pot on a tray filled with wet pebbles. Also, regular spraying with well-settled water at room temperature has a beneficial effect on the state of the foliage of the plant. The ideal habitat for calliandra can be created with a humidifier.
- Watering mode
In the spring-summer period, watering should be frequent and abundant - the earth in a pot with a calliandra should not dry out. With the arrival of autumn, the frequency and volume of irrigation can be reduced, however, the soil should still not dry out in the intervals between them.
- Transplant recommendations
Calliander: photo
Due to its rapid growth, the calliandra flower needs to be transplanted annually into a larger container, since the lack of space for the root system will reduce the rate of development of the plant. Transplanting should be done very carefully, since the roots of calliandra do not penetrate too deep into the ground and are easily damaged. For adult plants that do not grow as vigorously as young ones, periodic replacement of the soil with fresh one will be enough. To do this, it is enough to remove 5-6 cm of the top layer of the earth from the pot and pour fresh soil mixture in its place.
- Reproduction methods
The best way to propagate a calliandra plant is by cuttings. To do this, at the beginning of summer, shoots with a length of 15 cm are cut from the top of the bush. It is necessary to cut off the lower leaves from them and place them in a powder growth stimulator of the root system. Then the cutting can be transplanted into a nutrient mixture consisting of moistened peat and sand. Future seedlings should be covered with a plastic or glass cover and placed in a warm room, protected from direct sunlight. Soon enough, the cuttings will form an independent root system and will be ready to be transplanted to a permanent place without shelter.
Protection against diseases and pests
Calliander: photo
There are several fairly common ailments affecting calliandra. All of them are the result of non-compliance with the recommendations for caring for her.
- If flowering does not begin for a long time, the lighting mode should be adjusted - the calliander clearly needs sunlight.
- Yellowing of foliage signals stagnation of moisture in the soil - the number and volume of irrigation should be reduced.
- Dry and shriveled leaves are a sign of too dry air in the room where the calliander flower is located - it is necessary to increase the humidity of the air.
- Among the harmful insects, aphids, mealybugs and red spider mites are dangerous to the calliander plant. You can get rid of them with insecticides.
