Callistemon

Callistemon callistemon citrinus is an evergreen plant of the Myrtle family that can be found naturally in Australia. The genus callistemons unites about 25 plant species, each of which boasts fragrant leaves and funny bright inflorescences that look like brushes or dishwashing brushes. In this article we will talk about lemon callistemon, it is this variety that is most often of interest to indoor plant lovers.

Callistemon description

Callistemon flower: photo

Callistemon citrinus, depending on the variety, is a small bush or compact tree. If you rub a callistemon leaf in your fingers, you will feel the clear scent of lemon - hence the name of the species "Lemon Callistemon".

The stems of the plant are brown, the young foliage is pale green, but over time, the leaves acquire a darker shade and become covered with a silvery coating, and also become more rigid. Like other plants in the Myrtle family, callistemon leaves contain essential oils. Essential oil plants emit a large amount of phytoncides, thereby purifying and disinfecting the air in the room in which they are located.

The plant blooms in summer. Callistemon flower inflorescences consist of many flowers with long stamens of white, pink, yellow and red. The most popular among flower growers are compact bushes of the Splendens variety, the bright red inflorescences of this plant look very impressive against the background of green leaves.

Callistemon: planting outdoors and at home

Before purchasing any plant, it is necessary to clarify what conditions it needs for its existence. After all, the more comfortable conditions you provide to the plant, the better it will look and the more chances you have to enjoy its flowering.

It is not recommended to place any indoor plants in direct sunlight during the daytime in hot weather. This is not a whim of a callistemon, this rule works for absolutely all plants - under the scorching rays of the sun, burns may appear on the leaves, the foliage withers and loses its rich shade. Callistemon loves light and will feel great on the windowsill of a window facing the south, but at noon the plant must be shaded. In summer, the plant can be placed on the balcony, but again, by organizing protection from the scorching sun for it.

If your windows face the north side and there is not enough light in the apartment, then experts recommend acquiring special lamps, since most indoor plants require a long daylight hours to maintain their decorative appearance.

In order for the Callistemon tree to bloom regularly, it is necessary to provide it with a noticeable temperature difference during the growing season and at rest. During the spring-summer season, the optimal temperature will be + 20 ... + 23 degrees, but with the onset of the cold season, it is necessary to place lemon callistemon in a room with a temperature not lower than +12 and not higher than +15 degrees. If in the winter, being at rest, the callistemon flower is located in the same warm room as in the summer, then it does not bud, and therefore, flowers cannot be expected in the coming spring.

Air humidity does not play a decisive role in the cultivation of the Callistemona tree. In the warm season, it is recommended to spray the plant from a spray bottle, maintaining the air humidity of 70-80%.But in winter this is not necessary, since spraying during this period often provokes the development of fungal infections.

Callistemon: home and outdoor care

Callistemon lemon: photo

Plant care consists of watering, replanting periodically as needed, and formative pruning.

In the spring and summer, watering the callistemon shrub is required quite often, as soon as the topsoil in the pot is dry. Make sure that the water does not stagnate (this will not happen if you took care of the drainage layer during planting). In the winter months, watering is carried out much less often and less liquid is used.

In the first years, any Callistemon tree is actively growing, so it must be replanted annually, each time increasing the size of the pot. When active growth stops, it will be enough to transplant callistemon every two to three years. The soil for this plant should not be calcareous; the best option would be a self-prepared mixture of sand, leafy earth and peat in a ratio of 1 to 2 to 2.

Callistemon Lemon tolerates pruning well, so you can form a beautiful bush. Timely pruning stimulates shoot growth and the plant becomes more lush.

Callistemon: reproduction

The callistemon shrub is propagated by rooting cuttings. The procedure should be carried out in spring or early summer, cut cuttings of callistemon 10-13 cm long, peel half of the leaves, soak for several hours in a growth stimulator, then deepen a few centimeters into the nutrient soil and cover with a film, a jar or a plastic bottle to make a mini greenhouse. The air temperature must be maintained at least +20 degrees, the soil must be regularly moistened, and the shelter must be raised to ventilate and remove condensate. You will learn that rooting has taken place by the young leaves. After that, the shelter can be removed, and the rooted callistemon cuttings can be looked after in the same way as for adult plants.

Callistemon lemon is a plant with beautiful flowers and a pleasant citrus scent, it is extremely unpretentious, so it is not at all difficult to provide it with comfortable conditions.