Rechsteineria: home garden care

Rechsteineria is native to the southern American continent, where tropical regions have become its habitat. It was from there that this plant came to Europe in order to decorate the homes of all flower lovers with the beauty of its decorative leaves, stems and flowers.

That short perennial belongs to the Rechsteinenia genus, loves to grow in well-lit, warm places and in well-moistened soil. Compliance with these conditions is enough for the plant to be an integral part of the home collection for many years.

Rechsteineria description

Rechsteineria - belongs to the Gesneriev family. It is a herbaceous perennial with a lignified tuberous root system slightly protruding above the ground. Most often, white-haired Rechsteineria (Rechsteineria leucotricha) is used for growing at home, which is distinguished by its stems and leaves that are densely covered with a soft silvery pile. The leaves of the plant are petiolate, painted in a rich green color and have an oval shape. Its stems are straight and grow up to 40 centimeters in height. Pink or bright pink flowers with a corolla painted in a bright orange hue are collected in small inflorescences, and can also grow as solitary and have a tube-shaped shape.

Rechsteineria care

During the autumn-winter period, vegetative dormancy begins in Rechsteineria and this is due to the fact that daylight hours decrease. This leads to the shedding of leaves, which again begin to actively grow with the arrival of spring.

Lighting level and temperature conditions:

In order for the Rechsteineria to develop well, it must be provided with bright diffused lighting. You can meet all the requirements of the plant by placing it on the south side of the house or in the southwest.

The plant is not tolerant of drafts and sudden changes in temperature, so this must be avoided.

The most comfortable conditions of detention will be at an air temperature of +24 to +26 degrees. It is worth remembering that if the thermometer drops below +16 degrees, the leaves will drop, because this temperature indicates that it is time to go on vegetative rest.

Moisture level and watering rules:

Rechsteineria loves moist air and it is important to provide it, however, spraying is not recommended. To maintain the desired moisture level, you can use special devices that humidify the air, which can provide a level of 60%, which is quite enough for this type.

Regular moderate watering using warm water is also important for the plant. Despite the love for moisture, plants should not be flooded too much and liquid stagnation should be allowed, because this will cause the development of rot on the roots. To protect the plant from this, it is necessary to lay out a drainage layer of broken brick or expanded clay on the bottom of the pot.

As soon as the dormant period begins, and this is the period of November-February, watering must be excluded and the plant must be moved to where the thermometer will be at +17 degrees.

Soil selection:

Rechsteineria loves light, rich in nutrients, friable, well water and air permeable, with a low or neutral level of acidity. The plant is transplanted every year after the period of active wakefulness ends. An earthen mixture can be made from peat, leaf humus, sand and expanded clay, which will increase the drainage of the soil. All components, except for expanded clay, are mixed in a proportion of 2x1x1, 1 part of expanded clay is laid out in a layer at the bottom of the pot.

Fertilization:

For top dressing, universal organic fertilizers are used, which must be applied during watering, making a weak solution. They must be entered with a break of 14 days. Banana peels can also be a good fertilizer.

How to propagate:

Reproduction is carried out using the vegetative method, dividing the plant or separating cuttings from it. When the dormant period ends, you need to remove the plant from the pot using a clean and sharp tool, divide the roots into pieces and transplant into different pots.

With the arrival of the summer season, it is necessary to prepare cuttings, cutting off young shoots so that two pairs of leaves remain on them, and planting them in a wet mixture of sand and peat. After that it is necessary to cover with a film, creating the conditions of a greenhouse and place at a temperature of +24 degrees.

Possible troubles

Rechsteineria is prone to disease, but due to violations of the rules in care, diseases not associated with infections can begin to develop.

If the humidity level is too low, the leaves will begin to curl and wilt. If you water it too much, the root system will start to rot.

If you take care of the plant that has endowed her with care and attention, then for many years she will delight with her tropical beauty.