Kufeya

Cufea description

Kufeya is an original and rather interesting type of vegetation. In the wild, it can only be found in American territory, namely, in the south and center. The name of the plant comes from the Greek word "kyphos", which means "bent, crooked". It is possible that the plant is so named because it produces curved fruits. On the American territory, there are about 250 varieties of this culture, this includes subshrub and shrub plants that are 1 year old.

As an annual, kufeya is grown by flower growers who live in the regions located in the north. But this vegetation is cultivated at home. It tolerates the winter season of kufeya in the south, it is grown there in frequent cases as a perennial.

The plant blooms for quite a long time, begins to bloom on March days, ends only in the second autumn month. At the flowering stage, terry bushes are incredibly decorative and sophisticated. Often, kufeya is planted in very large flowerpots or in concrete containers.

Laurel acid, which is used in the chemical industry, is derived from annual seeds. The plant began to be cultivated by flower growers not so long ago, about fifteen years ago. Breeders have developed about ten new varieties of kufei.

Kufa planting and leaving

The site for planting is selected so that it is well-lit by light. Consider the fact that kufeya needs direct sunlight, then it will grow and develop well.

How to choose a site for planting.

In the south, this culture is planted directly in the garden as an annual shrub. Also, these ornamental plants, which have splendor, can be grown on a balcony, terrace, in flower beds, in a container, in a pots.

If the plant is grown in a container, then in the summer it can be rearranged in outdoor conditions for oxygenation. The container is placed where it is light and there are no winds. When the second autumn month comes, the kufei must be brought indoors. When frosty periods come, the plant returns to its permanent place.

For decorative and well-groomed shrubs, it is necessary to systematically cut and tear off dried leaves and flowers, as well as those fragments that have died out.

Temperature conditions.

The culture needs abundant watering in spring and summer. With the onset of cold weather, the frequency of watering decreases, but gradually.

The shrub grows well under room temperature conditions. In the winter season, a temperature regime of +5 degrees is required. Pruning is carried out at the end of the winter season. The branches are shortened by one third. Pruning is done in order to rejuvenate old shoots.

Watering.

Watering is frequent and abundant in the spring and summer seasons. In the autumn season, the frequency of watering is reduced, in winter it is brought to a minimum amount.

Fertilization.

You need to feed the plants quite often. The bush responds well to organics. In the spring and summer seasons, fertilizers are applied with every watering. For this purpose, 20 g of a complex of minerals must be dissolved in 10 liters of water.

If you want, once every 7-14 days, you can feed the kufeya with a water-soluble complex, apply it over the leaves, or rather, spray them. You can also add a top dressing for flowering vegetation.

Transplanting.

Kufeya is transplanted annually. The transplant soil must be well-drained and fertile.To prepare the potting mix, mix the leaf soil yourself (sterilize it in advance), sand and peat in a proportional ratio of 2: 1: 1.

Kufeya breeding

For the most part, the bush can be propagated by cuttings. For this purpose, not very lignified shoots are selected. It is recommended to propagate the plant in this way in a warm spring, the temperature conditions in the daytime in outdoor conditions should be +18 degrees, no less.

For greater decorativeness, kufei can be planted in one container not one stalk, but several at a time. After the appearance of three pairs of true leaves, the tops of the seedlings are pinched.

The second method of propagation of this beautiful crop is the seed method. For this purpose, grains of varieties "Lancetovidnaya" or "Gollandskaya" of red selection are purchased. Sowing can be carried out on April and May days. Seedlings will sprout well under temperature conditions in the range of 18-22 degrees (with cuttings, the same temperature regime is needed). The seeds are laid out in a shallow container, covered with plastic material on top. The container is placed on a warm window. Moreover, the soil is not filled up. When sprouts appear, the seeds are planted in individual small cups. After the seedlings grow up, they are transplanted into larger containers.

Diseases

The formation of dark spots on the leaves may occur, and the root collar or other plant fragments may also rot. A whitefly can attack the kufeya. In frequent cases, the disease is associated with the appearance of gray rot or mold. If you find this, immediately treat the plant with a special anti-rot agent and fungicidal preparations.

Plant varieties

Kufeya "Prostrate".

An adult kufeya grows up to 0.5 m. The bush is decorated with dense, decorative leaves and amazingly beautiful flowers, which are painted in white or purple colors. The plant is cultivated by the seed method, but it is quite difficult to find seeds. Seed germination is high, sowing of seeds is carried out in greenhouse conditions or under the open sky.

Kufeya "Blazing Bonfire".

This is the best of the best that a breeder could produce. This is an ampelous bush, it gives a great many blooming flowers of a deep red color, which fall in a cascade. Also, this variety can be grown as a small bush. His beautiful appearance will not leave anyone indifferent, she attracts attention to herself among all the other flowers. And all because the rich red flowers play well in contrast with the foliage of a dark shade.

Kufeya "Fiery Red".

This variety is very popular with flower growers; it grows well in indoor conditions. Another name for the species - "cigarette" - is given because the flowers of the plant resemble pipes, and they are painted in a red tint and have edges of a dark tone, and this is very similar to a smoldering cigarette. This plant is thermophilic, it is taken out into outdoor conditions only at the end of May or at the beginning of June. Presented in the form of a small compact bush blooming with flowers of deep red color. Kufeya will decorate your window, loggia or balcony.

"Pale" kufeya.

An annual shrub, graceful and beautiful. Its leaves are distinguished by their density, beauty, dark coloration, the flowers are small enough, painted in a wine-red color. In frequent cases, kufeya is grown in a hanging planter, in flower beds or in a container. The culture also goes well with other plants in group compositions, and the flower is planted alone. Reproduction is carried out by cuttings, cuttings begin to bloom from the beginning of the summer season of next year.

Koufea "Issopolistnaya".

A compact, small shrub, perfectly retains its shape and will not decay due to rain or winds. Propagated by cuttings. Since May days, cuttings can be bought in a specialized store.The flowers are small, but the plant still looks very beautiful when it blooms, because the flowers of pink, white, lilac color literally shower it in large quantities. The variety is very fond of warmth, it requires the introduction of volumetric watering. Often cultivated in courtyards or balconies.

Kufea "Lanceolate".

The plant usually grows up to 90 cm. Flowers are dark purple in color, tubular, oblong, very beautiful. Flowering lasts from July to October days. Usually the bush is propagated by seed.

Interesting fact.

There is an opinion that this lovely plant can bring people closer. Therefore, it is often grown in meeting rooms and offices. If the container with kufei stands in the house, then the “weather in the house” will be positive and cheerful.