Pizonia - Pisonia

Pizonia belongs to the Niktaginov family. This family includes about 50 species, which are evergreen trees and shrubs. In the wild, the plant loves to grow most of all in the subtropics and tropics of Australia, as well as on the American continent, the Pacific Islands and Hawaii.

Pizonia: flower description

Pizonia flower: photo

Pizonia plants are united by their distinctive feature: they have narrow, long fruits, while the entire surface of these fruits is covered with a sticky substance. Because of this, small birds and insects stick to the fruits. Due to these properties, the plant is popularly called the “bird-catcher tree”.

As a houseplant, pizonia is grown in only one form - it is an umbrella pisonia. Pizonia umbellate looks outwardly like a small tree, which has a fairly large number of branches. Umbrella pyzonia can grow up to 5 m. The leaves have short petioles and are located opposite each other. The length of the leaf plate of the umbrella pyzonia can be up to 20 cm, the surface of the leaves is glossy.

The shape of the leaves here is oval, slightly elongated, and the leaves are also characterized by a wavy edge. The leaves are green, however, when growing pyzonia at home, they usually choose those varieties that have a variegated color of leaves. They also have small white or yellow spots.

The pyzonia plant does not bloom very abundantly. The size of the flowers is small, but they smell pleasantly sweet, and also have a light green color. Flowers gather at the top of the plant in inflorescences and form an umbrella or can form a ball. After the flowering period, the ripening period of the fruits begins, which form a pod. Outwardly, ripe fruits look like fingers spread apart in different directions, as they grow with their tips up. In indoor conditions, this plant does not exceed one and a half meters and is characterized by low growth force.

Pizonia: home care

Pizonia: photos

In order for the plant to bring its decorative benefits, you should know some of the features of the culture.

Light

The light for the growth and development of the pyzonia flower should be bright enough, but at the same time it should not be exposed to direct sunlight. If the flower grows on the south side, then it is necessary to create an artificial shade from the sun. The best place for growing a bush will be the west or east side of the apartment. It should be borne in mind that varieties with variegated leaves require more light, otherwise the leaf plates will lose their decorative effect.

Temperature

The temperature here will be about 18 - 20 degrees. Heat is not suitable for growing this crop. The dormant period of the plant begins in the winter months, so it is better at this time to lower the temperature by a few more degrees. It is unacceptable that direct drafts fall on the pyzonia, therefore, during airing, the plants should be removed from the window.

Watering and humidity

The pyzonia plant requires regular, however, moderate watering. Here you need to focus on the topsoil and water only after the top substrate has dried. The earthen lump should not be allowed to dry out, as this can negatively affect the plant. During the dormant period, watering is reduced and you need to focus here on the state of the leaves. It is important that they do not fade. Water for irrigation must be pre-settled, as well as clean, filtered.

Humidity for pyzonia is suitable for the room conditions. The plant does not require a higher level of moisture.Also, the plant tolerates the heating period quite steadily. However, it will be better if you clean the sheet plates from dirt and dust. You can do this with a damp sponge or arrange a warm shower for the plant from time to time. However, in this case, excessive ingress of moisture into the ground is unacceptable.

Pruning and soil

Since the pizonia flower is characterized by weak growth, the bush does not need to form a crown; it is only recommended to pinch the stems of young plants in order for the tree to be more lush.

The soil here must be loose and fertile, nutritious and light so that air and moisture can freely pass to the roots. Also, it should not be sour. Neutral soil is best. You can make it easier for yourself and buy ready-made soil in the store, then you just have to add vermiculite or perlite to it. You can prepare the soil yourself. To do this, it is necessary to take in equal proportions grain and leaf soil, humus, peat and sand. A thick layer of drainage must be laid at the bottom of the pot, for which pebbles, expanded clay or clay fragments will be the best option.

Feeding and transplanting

Like any houseplant, pyzonia needs to be fed throughout the growing season about once every two weeks. Liquid solutions that are specially designed for indoor plants are perfect fertilizers. Those crops that have variegated leaves need special complexes. Feeding stops only during the dormant period of the plant.

Each year, a young plant needs to be transplanted into a larger container, as its root system grows. Adult plants are rarely transplanted, only if there are signs of a lack of space or the soil has become poor. This is due to the fact that the plant itself grows slowly, but the root system grows in a very short time.

Pizonia: plant propagation

Pizonia flower: photo

The pizonia plant is propagated using semi-lignified cuttings. To do this, you need to wait for the summer period, then cut off the stalk. It is important to ensure that it must have at least three internodes. Cuttings take root for a very long period and not all. It will be better if you pre-place the stalk in some kind of growth stimulant. It will also go faster if you organize the bottom heating.

Diseases and pests

From common diseases and pests, parasites such as spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs and others are isolated. If you see signs of insects, you need to douse the plant with hot water. However, not all pests can be destroyed, therefore, for example, scale insects and worms must be removed mechanically using a cotton pad treated with an alcohol solution. If the above means did not help, then it will be necessary to carry out an insecticide treatment.

From diseases, only powdery mildew or gray rot is isolated. Typically, these diseases occur when proper care is not followed. At the first signs of the disease, it is necessary to treat the plant with a solution of foundationol or use a fungicide when it comes to gray rot.

Conclusion

Pizonia: indoor plant video

The pizonia flower is a rather spectacular exotic plant that is also grown indoors. In order for the plant to perform decorative functions, you need to know some of the features, as well as follow the rules for care.