Cleantus

Cleantus description

The Cleantus plant belongs to the legume family. First appeared in New Zealand, as well as in Australia. It is an attractive, flowering evergreen shrub plant. It has a height of 80 cm to 3 m.The leaves are complex, the length can be up to 15 cm, they include numerous pairs of practically sessile leaves, each of which reaches 2.5 cm in length, have an oblong-oval shape, of a green hue. During the flowering period, the stems begin to be covered along their entire length with bright flowers that have an unusual shape, large size, white, pink and red color. The length of the flowers reaches 8 cm, they can be similar to the beak of parrots, they gather in racemose axillary inflorescences.

Cleantus care

Temperature conditions. In summer, the usual room temperature, about +20 degrees, is suitable. During rest, in winter, the temperature is considered optimal to drop to +10 degrees.

We choose the right lighting. The plant can tolerate a partial shade area, but if you want your plant to bloom profusely and luxuriantly, then it is better to choose a place where there is good lighting. In spring and summer, sunlight is allowed on the plant only in the morning and evening. As for growing in winter or autumn, you will need to try to find a well-lit area. It is best to place the plant on a balcony or terrace, provided that the weather is already warm. The plant must be protected from strong winds, drafts and freezing. The peculiarity of the plant is - breaking the stems that require support. After flowering is over, it is necessary to carry out a strong pruning of very long shoots. The main difficulty is that the plant needs a cool content for normal growth and development. It is possible to grow the plant as a climbing plant to create a beautiful decor.

Substrate preparation. It will be necessary to start preparing a mixture in advance, which will include: leaf humus, peat, pine bark (a small amount) and coarse river sand in order to create a good drainage system. The soil must be alkaline.

We apply fertilizers. When the plant is actively growing, it is necessary to apply fertilizer once every 2 weeks.

Flowering period. Flowering occurs in spring - summer. If you take proper care of it, flowering can be about 2 times - spring and autumn.

Air humidity level. It is desirable that the air movement be good. If the air in the room is just dry, then it is necessary to resort to hair trimming.

Soil moisture level. In spring and summer time must be done on time. The condition of the soil should be wet, but you need to beware of waterlogging. In autumn and winter, allow the plant to dry out (at least halfway) before the next watering.

We carry out a transplant. Most often, the plant is used as an annual plant, for this reason it does not need a transplant. If you have chosen the cultivation of a perennial, then the transplant should be carried out in the spring. If necessary, it will be necessary to change the soil, in the case when it is immediately clear that the pot is old and uncomfortable, and also, the root system is visible from the drainage holes. It is best to simply transfer the plant from one container to another so as not to harm the plant's root system.

Cleantus reproduction

For propagation, the seed method and the stem cuttings method are suitable. For 1-2 days, the seeds should be kept in water.For growing the plant, the temperature was +20 +22 degrees.

Diseases and insect pests

If the air is too humid, as well as lack of ventilation can lead to the appearance of powdery mildew, spider mites, mealybugs.

Some varieties of the plant are distinguished by the fact that with age the plant begins to lose its former gorgeous appearance. Therefore, it is better to acquire new ones every time.