How to grow eustoma flowers at home?

A very beautiful flower, it is now gaining popularity among many indoor plant lovers. Eustoma ("Irish rose", "Texas bell", "beautiful mouth") has strong stems up to a meter high, one can have up to 35 flowers. The color of the petals is varied, from almost white to purple, from monochromatic to with various combinations. In the ground, flowers can be grown as biennial or annual plants. At home in pots, the flower feels great for several years.

Eustoma: growing from seed

Biological features of eustoma

Before you start growing a flower from seed, it will be very useful to get acquainted with its biological characteristics. Such knowledge will allow you to avoid some mistakes, increase the chances of success in the business you have started. We will give beginner growers one piece of advice - if your seeds did not sprout in the first year, do not lose heart. Analyze your actions carefully, find mistakes and start over. Be sure that the result will justify all your efforts.

Beautiful eustoma

1. Plants love even, diffused light. Do not keep it in the shade as well as in the sun. Sunlight is useful only during seed sprouting, its rays stimulate the awakening of sprouts.
2. The optimal soil is mixed in equal proportions with humus from the bark of deciduous trees (you can take coconut) and peat.

Important. Check the acidity carefully, it should only be neutral.

How to check the acidity of the soil at home? Very simple. Place a few drops of vinegar on the soil to be examined. If bubbles begin to appear, it means that a chemical reaction is taking place between vinegar and lime in the ground, the soil is neutral or slightly acidic.In acidic soil, the presence of "own acid" has already used up all the lime, chemical reactions with the release of hydrogen oxide do not occur.

Neutral soil acidity - there is a reaction with vinegar

Acid soil acidity - no reaction with vinegar

1. Do not try to propagate eustoma with cuttings, they will never give a root system. The method of dividing one bush into several will not work either. Even on large plants, the root system is so underdeveloped that it will not tolerate any separation, both bushes will certainly die. For the same reason, the flower cannot be transplanted.
2. In order to increase the flowering time at home, the plant should be kept in a cool room.

Consider these features of plant development and avoid annoying troubles.

It is best to plant eustoma with seeds.

What varieties are recommended to grow from seeds

In nature, there are more than 60 plant species, but only a few are used for breeding. For indoor breeding, it is recommended to take low-growing species with a height of no more than 45 centimeters, and for a garden or flower beds, you can take tall ones with a height of 60-120 cm.

Practical tips for growing eustoma from seeds

Eustoma, cultivation

It should be noted right away that this is a painstaking task, the seeds cannot always sprout. Reason: violation of the recommended agricultural technology or poor quality seeds. It is very important to purchase seeds only from trusted, reputable distributors. One of the difficulties is that the seeds are very small, on average there are more than 20 thousand seeds in one gram. In addition, they have a very low germination rate, if about 30% of the planted seeds grow, then such an indicator is considered a great success.

Eustoma (lisianthus)

Important. The germination rate of treated seeds does not exceed 40%, although producers claim that this figure is 60%. Untreated seeds in many cases will not sprout at all, do not purchase them, do not waste time.

If you plan to plant plants in the garden, then you need to deal with seeds in February or early March. Specific dates are selected depending on the climatic characteristics of the area with the expectation that flowers appear in July – August.

We grow beautiful eustomas

How to get the most out of seed growing?

Step 1. Substrate preparation. There is only one recommendation here - use the purchased one. It must be sterilized, neutral or slightly acidic in acidity.

Soil (substrate) for flowers universal

You can also use peat tablets, before that they need to be soaked for at least a day.

Peat seedling tablets (swollen)

Step 2. It is advisable that the seeds are processed by the manufacturer and sealed with a special gel. This not only significantly increases the percentage of germination, but also allows you to evenly sow seeds into the soil.

Terry eustoma, seeds in a bag

Eustoma sapphire

Step 3. Sow seeds into the prepared substrate. The earth should be moist, but not soaked, soft in structure. In no case do not sprinkle the seeds, just press them lightly to the ground. Watering is necessary only with a sprayer, make sure that the seeds do not "fall" into the ground.

Sowing eustoma seeds for seedlings

Moisten the seeds

Step 4... Cover the container with plastic wrap or plastic bag. It is recommended to leave small gaps through which air will circulate. Seeds sprout in 14-15 days, be patient.

Cover the container with the planted seeds with foil

Growing eustoma seedlings

Important. The germination of eustoma is greatly influenced by light, it serves as a natural stimulator to awaken life processes. In this regard, the use of artificial light is mandatory, the duration of the light period should be approximately 12 hours per day. Place the containers in such a place that the daytime temperature is not less than + 20 ° С, and at night it is not less than + 14 ° С.Temperature parameters are very important when growing plants from seeds, their violation often becomes the reason for the complete absence of seedlings.

Step 5. As soon as shoots appear, immediately remove the film, as the substrate dries, spray with a solution of phytosporin.

Fitosporin

Step 6. In one and a half to two months, the plants should have several pairs of true leaves, at which time you can start diving. The height must be at least 4–5 centimeters. Do the procedure very carefully, the root system of plants is underdeveloped, the roots are easily injured or torn off.

Eustoma diving rules

Step 7. Two weeks before planting eustoma in open ground, you should start the hardening procedure. Do this gradually; in the early days, expose it to the open air for only a few hours. Avoid direct sunlight. Hardening should be done only in warm weather.

Step 8. If the plants are planted in open ground, then you should first prepare the place: loosen the soil, weed the weeds, water.

Eustoma seedlings

Before planting, dig up the soil on a shovel bayonet and apply full mineral fertilizer

If you want the eustoma to bloom in the room in winter, then the timing of sowing seeds should be postponed to July – September. The cultivation technology is no different from the one described above.

Important. The amount of water during irrigation should be carefully monitored. Pay attention that the leaves must dry out by the evening.

Rotting of the root system (black leg) is almost not treated and in most cases causes the death of plants.

Tips for caring for plants at home

Eustoma: growing at home

The plant is quite moody and reacts very quickly to deteriorating conditions. Fresh air is always needed, but drafts should not be allowed. In addition, flowers do not like direct sunlight; choose the location of the pots in such a way that the light is diffused. The optimum temperature is approximately + 22 ° C.

Eustoma on the window

As for irrigation, water from city networks should be defended for at least a day. The root system does not react well to the presence of a large amount of calcium ions in the water, it is recommended to water it with soft water. Waterlogging and drying out of the soil become stress for plants, such situations should not be allowed. During intensive vegetation, especially during bud formation and flowering, plants need to be fed. It is better not to experiment on your own, but to use purchased liquid fertilizers. Follow the instructions for use, do not exceed the recommended rates. If all the care recommendations are followed, then there is hope that in about three months you will be able to enjoy new flowers.

How to grow eustoma in the garden

Only transfer plants when the frost risks have completely disappeared. The place should be cozy: no scorching sun rays and drafts. The ground should not have excessive moisture. It is better to water the soil, these problems are easier to cope with, but it is much more difficult to deal with excessive moisture.

Plant seedlings in holes

Water the planted seedlings well

It is recommended to cover delicate and weakened plants with cut plastic bottles immediately after planting. During transplantation, in no case tear off a clod of old earth from the roots. Very carefully remove the eustoma from the container, before that, moisten the earth a little. The plant sits in the prepared hole along with a lump of earth. The distance between individual plants is approximately 15 centimeters. If you have taller varieties, then the distance needs to be increased.

Eustoma mulching

Practical advice

There are several "secrets" with which you can increase the number of flowers on one stem and extend the flowering time.

1. As soon as 6-8 true leaves appear on the stem, pinch the top.This stimulates it to branch, one plant will give an increased number of flowers.
2. During active growth, feed mainly with nitrogen fertilizers, they have a positive effect on the growth of green mass. Fertilizers with an increased potassium content can be used for the root system. If there is ash - great, if not - use commercially available preparations for feeding flowers.

   Fertilizers for flowers

3. The beginning of flowering is regulated not only by the time of sowing the seeds, but also by the time of transferring the seedlings to the garden or to the flower garden. If the weather changes in the direction of lowering the temperature, then do not be too lazy to make the simplest shelters over the bushes. These can be ordinary curved rods with a film, covering geotextiles, etc. Sharp temperature fluctuations, albeit within the values ​​permissible for a plant, not only postpone the appearance of flowers, but also cause death.
4. Plants have been preparing for winter since the end of summer. Some varieties can withstand significant frosts even during flowering. The main condition is proper care for them.
5. If flowering is over too early, re-bud formation can be stimulated. To do this, you need to cut off the wilted flowers, after one and a half to two months the eustoma will give another wave of flowers.

   Blooming terry eustoma

6. There are plants that can be watered both from the top of the pot and into the pan. There are plants that require watering only from the bottom. The eustoma is watered only on top of the pot. And in the pot it is imperative to do land reclamation. To do this, use small stones, the layer thickness is at least two centimeters. Excess moisture is the main enemy of the plant.

Each advice must be used wisely, be sure to take into account the peculiarities of plant growth. If you decide to grow flowers for sale, then the technology changes somewhat. The closest attention is paid to compliance with watering and feeding regimes. Breeding in greenhouses makes it possible to regulate important parameters of the microclimate, and to fully automate the control of soil moisture and the frequency of irrigation. Flowers are cut to the roots, and then new generations are grown.

Large-flowered eustoma

Dormant period

For the winter, the plant significantly slows down its vital activity. After the flowers have completely fallen off, the stems should be cut off, while leaving up to three internodes. There is almost no need to water; plant pots should be kept in rooms with temperatures no higher than + 15 ° C. In the spring, the plant begins to wake up. As soon as the first signs of resumption of vital activity become noticeable, the eustoma must be carefully transplanted into a new container and the normal care regimen resumed.

Eustoma in winter

Unfortunately, the withdrawal of flowers from the dormant period will not always be successful, especially for novice florists. To always have beautiful flowers in the room, keep seeds in stock. Plants have not come out of winter - start growing from seeds.

Diseases

Aphids and spider mites are dangerous for indoor plants. These pests can appear from other plants located in the same room. If you closely monitor their condition, then the eustoma will be healthy. Preventive measures are well known to everyone: plants are treated with drugs with antiseptic action.

Video - How to grow eustoma from seeds

In this article, I would like to tell you and show you what perennial eustoma is - planting and care, photos of buds and inflorescences that simply amaze with their different shades. This delicate and at the same time luxurious flower has many names. The plant belongs to the gentian family, its homeland is Central America, but it is also very widespread in South America, Mexico - wherever it is quite humid and warm at the same time. She does not like drafts and sudden temperature changes (and what flowers do they like, if you think so?).

Eustoma, photo:

As for the names, they are no less attractive than the flower itself - "Irish rose", "Texas bell", "tulip gentian", "prairie flower". And yet, despite the fact that this botanical name of this genus is considered rather outdated, eustoma is also called lisianthus, which in Latin means “bitter flower”. Since this representative belongs to the gentian family, it is easy to draw parallels. Moreover, the plant itself contains many bitterness, such as gentianin, genseopicrin, genciamarin and other similar derivatives.

On the Internet, on the relevant flower forums and in groups, you can often come across the following question: eustoma and lisianthus - what is the difference? The answer is predictable - there is no difference, this is the name of the same plant.

If we briefly go into the details and origin of the names, then Eustoma - from the Greek "Eu" means: "beautiful", "beautiful", and the same Greek word "Stoma" - means "mouth". As a result, we get a "beautiful mouth" or "lovely mouth" - whichever you prefer.

It is interesting that in each country this flower is called in its own way: in Ireland - an Irish rose, in Japan - a Japanese one, in Mexico - it is generally called a Texas bell, in France - a French rose of love. Be that as it may, these poetic names correspond to reality and once again demonstrate the sympathy of many nationalities for this amazing flower.

↑ to content ↑ Features of the eustoma flower

It differs not only by names, but also by the colors of the buds, the shape of the flowers themselves. Representatives of a particular variety essentially resemble a rose. A person far from the world of floristry can even confuse them. Certain varieties resemble in size and shape poppies, terry mallows, some members of the lily family. Lisianthus stems are most often massive (as, for example, in a carnation), it is noteworthy that one shoot can accommodate 20 or even 30 flowers (and sometimes even more!).

Eustoma - photo of flowers:

The leaves of the plant are not particularly distinguished, they are medium in size, slightly elongated with a sharp tip. But the color scheme of colors, as mentioned above, simply amazes with its multicolor. Red, blue, cream, snow-white, lilac, two-color - with a transition from one shade to another, pink, lilac, yellow - any shades can be eustoma-lisianthus! With its exquisite beauty, this flower can compete with the bride's bouquet - and it's not in vain! In addition to their visual appeal, these flowers are very durable when cut. Various celebrations, banquets are often decorated with her bouquets, decorative arches are made out. And all because they can not lose their freshness and beauty for 15 or 20 days (naturally, being in water or in a special wet floristic sponge).

Irish rose differs in size, stem height. For example, depending on the variety, it can grow in the open field, in a greenhouse, in a pot on a windowsill at home (the so-called dwarf varieties). In its natural growing environment, this plant is a biennial, however, if you want to grow it in your summer cottage, count on the fact that you will have it as an annual. But potted versions of lisianthus are perennials.

Thus, perennial eustoma can exist exclusively in the home (apartment) version. The same factor applies to the length of the stems - tall representatives go to decorate bouquets and all kinds of decorations, and undersized lisianthuses delight your eyes at home, on window sills and flower shelves.

Lisianthus, by the way, is not quite capricious in cultivation and care. He will not require any special "dances with tambourines" even from a beginner-grower, both at their summer cottage and at home.Naturally, if you treat this matter with interest and care, do not forget about watering, adhere to simple rules and recommendations of experienced florists or neighbors in the country, where it successfully grows and blooms.

↑ back to content ↑ Some popular varieties and types of eustoma

The main differences between these colors, of course, consist in the external difference of each variety, in colors and shades, a variety of forms. On flower forums, you can most often find references to the varieties listed below. I would also like to show them here.

Eustoma large-flowered Russell (Eustoma russellianum). It has a straight stem, the bud itself is somewhat similar to a poppy (in shape), the petals can be with or without fringe. It can have completely different shades of buds.

Eustoma Russell, photo:

Lisianthus Echo is probably the most common variety for bouquets. It can reach a height of 60 cm, and the color range of the buds has approximately 11 shades, both monochromatic and with a gradient (one shade, smoothly turning into another).

Echo variety, photo:

Lisianthus Aurora (Aurora) - an early cultivar, reaching 1.5 m in height, double flowers, saturated pink, snow-white, blue shades.

Eustoma Aurora, photo:

The Flamenco variety is a highly decorative species of Lisianthus, also reaching a decent height (approximately 1.3 meters). It is very unpretentious to care for and also boasts a multicolor bud.

Flamenco variety, photo:

Florida Pink has pink flowers! At least here it is not difficult to get lost in the bright variety. This is a perennial, the shoots of which are abundantly covered with flowers.

Lisianthus Florida Pink, photo:

The variety "Mermeid" is a potted species with a stem height of up to 15 cm. It is presented in a predominantly blue-violet range (mermaid-sea associations), but sometimes pink and white representatives are also found.

Mermeid variety, photo:

The Little Bell variety may seem rather simple in appearance, especially against the background of some lush fellow tribesmen, but this is precisely its charm and touchingness. It is also suitable for potting.

Lisianthus Little Bell, photo:

White Large-flowered (Lisianthus grandiflorum) is probably one of the most impressive varieties. This is exactly the eustoma from which wedding bouquets are made and with which they decorate the interiors of banquet halls. A very impressive and luxurious variety.

Lisianthus grandiflorum, photo:

In fact, there are about 60 varieties of this flower in nature, all of them are at the same time somewhat similar, but at the same time, they are completely different in appearance.

↑ to the content ↑ Features of growing eustoma in the garden, collecting seeds

In order for this beauty to feel comfortable and bloom in a violent color on your site, you need to decide in advance on the landing site. It should be sunny, and the soil on it should be fertile. Watering lisianthuses should be done as the upper layer of soil dries up.

Top dressing and fertilization is a matter of course, as in the case of any flowering garden dweller. This flower should be fertilized when it is already firmly rooted in a new place, this happens about a month after the seedlings are transferred to the flowerbed (in open ground). According to experienced florists, lisianthus prefers special complex preparations, similar to those recommended for the vast majority of their flowering counterparts.

How to grow eustoma? Top dressing "Plantafol Growth" or simply "Plantafol" is applied at the very beginning, when the flowers require fertilizers with a high concentration of nitrogen. When they begin to form buds (about mid-summer / August), you can begin to add Plantafol Budding to the root - it contains much more phosphorus than nitrogen. Preparations "Kemira" or "Kemira Lux" will contribute to a longer and more luxuriant flowering.The main thing - do not forget that all such additives must be diluted with water. And, one more important nuance, which is not indicated on the fertilizer package, but is strongly recommended by experienced flower growers - dilute a slightly lower concentration of fertilizer in water than is written in the instructions for use!

The Irish rose begins to bloom in mid-summer (in July) and continues to delight the eyes with lush buds until mid-autumn (until about October). As mentioned above, this flower is quite "tenacious", both in cut and in natural form - lisianthus inflorescences on one shoot may not fade up to 2 months. If you carefully cut the twig, it will grow back and be covered with new flowers. The duration of flowering also depends on the growing region: the warmer it is in your area, the longer it will bloom. For example, in our Kuban lisianthus will bloom for a long time and will repeatedly give new buds!

Eustoma - photo of flowers:

↑ back to contents ↑ How to collect eustoma seeds

Now let's get to the more serious part of the growing process - collecting seeds and further manipulating them. The seed pods of the flower are formed after pollination. In the open field, of course, plants are pollinated by insects. If you are breeding Lisianthus at home, then solving this problem with an ordinary (soft) brush will not be difficult and will not take much time. As with other flowers, seed pods remain in place of dried buds that have not been removed from the shoots.

Planting eustoma with seeds almost always has a positive result. The seeds sprout pretty well, both those that you managed to collect yourself and those that were purchased from the flower shop.

They are very small in size, those that are sold in the store are already "rolled up" in a special thin shell, which consists of components that promote better plant germination and growth. It is most convenient to stock up in advance with special cassettes for seedlings, and even better - peat tablets! In these tablets, the soil mixture has already been selected with a competent calculation of the composition, and it is much more comfortable to plant these tablets later in the open ground. And there - see how it is more convenient for you.

Eustoma seeds, photo:

Both purchased store-bought and self-collected seeds are most conveniently buried in the soil with a toothpick, as shown in the photo above. Seeds are sown in winter or at the very beginning of spring - most often in February or early March, but there are also frequent cases of successful planting in January.

↑ to content ↑ Eustoma - growing from seeds

As mentioned above, for convenience, saving time and effort, you can buy peat tablets, you can also buy a ready-made soil mixture in a flower shop (the one that is designed for planting Saintpaulias or violets is perfect).

At the same time, you can approach this process in detail and make up the soil mixture yourself. At the time recommended for sowing, take a light garden soil that should pass water and air well. It should be clean land from a garden plot (without any plant residues or stones), peat and calcined river sand. Put all these components together in equal proportions. Additionally, you can add a couple of tablespoons of wood ash.

To play it safe and be sure that the sowing will be done in a clean earthen mixture, decontaminate the soil - this can be done by spilling the soil with a solution of potassium permanganate or steaming (not roasting in the oven!) a quarter is filled with water, put on fire. From above, earth is poured into a colander and covered with a lid on top. The whole process takes about 1 hour. The hot steam from the water flows through the holes in the colander and kills any bacteria in the soil.However, this method has one drawback - with harmful bacteria, beneficial microorganisms can also be destroyed that help resist future plants. In any case, the choice is yours. Subsequently, the steamed soil will have to be saturated with useful biofungicides, such as "Fitosporin" or, for example, "Trichodermin", "Baikal M1".

It is also extremely important to consider that sowing should be done only in disinfected containers! It can be like cassettes for seedlings (they can be seen in the photo above), ordinary plastic or paper cups. Drainage holes are required for any containers you choose. Not only the soil mixture, but also the pots must be treated with appropriate disinfectant solutions. Even the container for peat tablets should be decontaminated as well.

How eustoma is planted with seeds:

1. We take containers and fill them with a moistened earthen mixture.
2. We put the seeds on top (you can use a toothpick or a sharply sharpened match - for convenience), do not deepen it much, just press it a little into the soil.
3. Sprinkle with water from a spray bottle.
4. We cover the containers with plastic (or thin food) film so that it must transmit light.
5. Then the seedlings are transferred to a bright, warm place with an average air temperature of + 20 .. + 25 ° C. Advice - a south window is perfect for this. Sometimes it happens that the usual daylight hours are not enough for the harmonious development of plants. In this case, fluorescent lamps will come to your aid (i.e. supplementary lighting of seedlings). It is important that the plants do not start to stretch out from the lack of light!
6. Once a day, briefly lift the film and ventilate the seedlings, along the way, gently moistening the soil with a spray gun.
7. With the onset of night, you can move the containers to a cooler room, but with a not too significant temperature difference - this is not a prerequisite, but with the right approach it will not be superfluous.

If you do everything right, then the first small sprouts will appear in 10-12 days. After the eustoma-lisianthus has shown itself to the world, the protective film should be removed, irrigation should be moderated, the containers with plants should be transferred to a cooler room - with an air temperature of about +15 .. + 18 ° C. This flower is gaining growth slowly, the first true leaves appear after about a month and a half. By this time, it is already worth thinking about diving, although it is usually done two months after sowing.

Eustoma seedlings in the photo:

About diving:

1. Before diving, water the soil in containers with plants.
2. The fact is that even one seed can give 5 or 7 shoots, therefore, at a given time (2 months), the best, strongest representatives are selected, after which it should be very carefully, using a suitable miniature object, to remove the sprouts from the ground, and then transplant in individual pots or, again, in cups.
3. Do not forget about drainage - pour a thin layer of fine expanded clay or even foam balls on the bottom of the pot.
4. Deepening in the soil mixture can be done using an ordinary pencil, and the "operation" of the transplant itself using a metal manicure spatula, for example.
5. Lisianthus seedlings have a very delicate root system - remember this always, not only at the time of transplanting.
6. In the process of diving, bury the plant in the ground up to the very leaves.
7. After that, it is advisable to place the containers with flowers in a shaded place, where the air temperature will be approximately +18 ° C.

In most cases, lisianthus tolerates the picking process very comfortably, so the adaptation period in a new place is successful and the plant begins to grow rather quickly. After two or three months (as the weather in your region will allow), the Irish rose is transplanted to a permanent place of residence - either in a room pot, or on a flower bed, a summer cottage.This must be done carefully, using the transshipment method, together with the earthy lump - there is nothing new here. For this process, it is better to choose late spring / early summer, when any frost is 100% excluded.

Lisianthus after a dive, photo:

↑ to content ↑ How to grow eustoma in peat tablets

If we pay attention to the method of planting Lisianthus in peat tablets, then, I repeat, it is undoubtedly more convenient in all respects. Just take tablets of the appropriate size - for this plant you need a "circle" with a diameter of at least 5 cm. Further, I think, you will figure it out according to the instructions - the tablet is moistened with water at room temperature, swells to the required size, excess water is removed. The seed with the help of tweezers or a toothpick is placed in a specially designed hole, slightly pressed, irrigated with water from a spray bottle.

Eustoma - cultivation in peat tablets, photo:

Then, too, everything goes as usual - covering with a film (creating a kind of greenhouse), airing, placing in a warm and bright room. Everything is the same as in the case of planting in soil. But when the first small leaves appear, immediately put the pill in a plastic cup. Thus, the roots will not intertwine, and each Lisianthus will be in its place.

↑ to the content ↑ Eustoma lisianthus - we plant it in the ground

We already know that it is preferable to choose an unshaded place on the site. About the absence of winds and drafts - too. For planting in open ground, we choose a cloudy day or evening after sunset. The month is May or June, when sudden cold snaps will definitely not come. To release the plant from the pot, we use the transshipment method (remember the delicate root system of the eustoma). The distance between the bushes should be approximately 20-25 cm.

An Irish rose Lisianthus is placed in a pre-prepared hole along with a lump of earth, lightly sprinkled with soil and carefully squeezed. The hole itself should correspond in size to the size of the pot in which the flower grew. Its volumes should freely accommodate the extracted plant along with an earthen clod. By the way, additional protection of Lisianthus at the beginning of life "on earth" will not be superfluous - on a sunny day, cover the bushes with glass jars or cut plastic bottles. Eustoma blooms regardless of which month of winter or early spring you sowed the seeds. Around the middle of summer, in July, you can see the first flowers of this delicate and graceful flower.

↑ back to content ↑ Perennial eustoma - root planting

Due to the fragile and vulnerable root system, this plant cannot be propagated by dividing the bush into fragments or by cuttings (they do not germinate). As a last resort, ready-made seedlings can always be purchased in the appropriate flower shops. It reproduces only by sowing seeds, by growing seedlings - and nothing else. Lisianthus roots do not tolerate replanting, any sudden or incorrect movement can ruin the plant!

Sometimes it happens that novice growers under the concept of "Perennial Eustoma - planting by the root" mean precisely the division and subsequent planting of separated roots. Here it is necessary to clarify this small delusion, under the phrase "planting by the root" the usual action of transferring a plant into open ground with a "native" earthen lump and, naturally, roots formed in it, is often used. These two concepts should not be confused.

↑ to the content ↑ Eustoma - when to sow seedlings in apartment conditions?

To grow this flower at home, sowing seeds can be done whenever you want! Eustoma seeds are tough-growing, so it is better to sow them on the growing moon. Suitable dates can be viewed in the moon phase calendar by month.

The main thing is to remember all the nuances, temperature conditions, backlighting (especially in winter) - and you will succeed.For potting at home, low-growing (dwarf) varieties of Lisianthus are used. The plant will feel more comfortable on those windows that face the east or west side. Bright, slightly diffused lighting is what you need for a room eustoma, but on the south window, especially at noon, it is better to arrange light shading. There is a high probability that the Irish rose on the north window will not be able to develop harmoniously and may wither from lack of sunlight. If you purchased a ready-made flower in a store, give it time to adapt, do not expose it immediately to direct sunlight, so that the leaves and flowers do not burn.

Make sure that when watering the water does not get on the flowers and buds, otherwise decay will not take long. In general, when watering, try to adhere to the golden mean - do not let the soil dry out, but also do not overmoisten it too abundantly. The optimal soil condition for irrigation at home is the formation of 1.5-2 cm of a dry upper layer of soil mixture in a pot. There should always be drainage in containers for a given plant; fine gravel, clean disinfected small pebbles or fine gravel can be placed on the bottom. In general, according to observations, homemade eustoma-lisianthus gives flowers best and feels comfortable in a slightly cool, well-ventilated room.

↑ to the content ↑ Caring for eustoma - recommendations

Adding to the above, we can recommend preventive irrigation procedures with special agents containing fungicides. Preparations "Topaz", "Saprol", "Topsin" will protect the plant from powdery mildew, fusarium, leaf spot, gray rot. Unfortunately, it is difficult to protect yourself from pests if the flowers grow outdoors. The main enemies of eustoma are whiteflies, slugs, aphids, miners, mushroom mosquitoes - such drugs as Mospilan, Aktara, Confidor and the well-proven Fitoverm successfully fight against these parasites.

Remember the love of Lisianthus for light and light shade, the east or west sides of the site are the best places for its growth. Water it sparingly, but regularly, do not wet the foliage when watering, so as not to provoke the appearance of gray mold and harmful fungi. Irrigation is no longer necessary for an adult flower, and water for irrigation, ideally, should be soft or settled. When the air temperature drops, the volumes of water for irrigation should be reduced. Sometimes, after planting in the ground, some gardeners recommend covering the plants with large plastic cups or cut plastic bottles for the first couple of weeks. This is recommended for the adaptation of the flower, getting used to a new place of residence, protection from drafts and winds, as well as to retain moisture in the upper layer of the soil.

After the eustoma-lisianthus fades, it begins a dormant period, life processes slow down and the plant seems to "fall asleep", stops growing. By this time, fertilizers should be completely eliminated, watering should be minimized, in a word - to give the flower a rest. In order for the Irish rose to delight you with its splendor next year, be sure to cut off all the branches, leaving at most two or three main points of tillering (branching).

↑ to the content ↑ Eustoma - growing, summing up

Wherever she grows up, she needs to create a comfortable environment. On the plot or at home, in the room - it should be good, then it will bloom and smell, please you with a healthy look. This plant is capable of producing peduncles throughout the entire flowering period, if the shoots are not cut at the root. But in warm regions, even such radical pruning can lead to the re-development of stems and flowers on them.

Perennial tall eustoma will decorate your site and the surrounding area, it will harmoniously combine with other flowers and shrubs, will remain fresh for a long time and will perfectly tolerate transportation in a cut form, if the situation requires it. Low-growing varieties will become a bright decoration of your home, balcony, window sill.

It must be remembered that the Irish rose is a plant that will inevitably wither away without moisture. Drying out of the soil should not be allowed in any case. Excessive waterlogging will also not lead to anything good - the plant will begin to hurt, the roots may rot. Push the ground around the flower carefully (remember the delicate roots), we naturally remove the weeds.

Reading, getting acquainted with all the nuances, it may seem that this is too troublesome business, and the lisianthus eustoma itself is a capricious and characteristic plant. In fact, this is not at all the case, any green resident we cherish and cherish requires attention and care, sometimes individual. Trees, shrubs, any plants and flowers are creatures of nature, they are alive and also need comfortable living conditions. And the beautiful eustoma is not so different in terms of avoiding her neighbors with roses, fragrant hyacinths, surfinias and other decorations of our gardens and plots. There is hardly a florist or summer resident who does not like perennial eustoma with its delicate beauty, planting and care, photos of various varieties and shades will not leave anyone indifferent!

The word "eustoma" literally translates from Latin as "beautiful mouth" or "beautifully speaking." The magnificent flower has several other names that are used in different countries and regions: Lisianthus (bitter flower), Texas bell, Irish or Japanese rose.

The houseplant eustoma, a photo of which can often be seen on the covers of floriculture publications, belongs to the Gentian family. It is believed that the eustoma is a native of the southern regions of North America, the northern regions of South America, the islands of the Caribbean and Mexico. The American Indians have a legend that says that for the first time this flower bloomed on the grave of an innocent girl who fell victim to the spirit of war. The proud beauty refused to become his lover.

For Europeans, eustoma was discovered by the Irish botanist and physician Patrick Brown. It is popular among flower growers as a cut flower, since the eustoma can stand in a vase of water for up to twenty days, and as an ornamental plant for indoor cultivation. In the latter form, the flower has been cultivated since the mid-twenties of the last century.

Many flower growers dream of an indoor eustoma blooming in their house. Growing and caring for this plant raises many questions even for experienced flower lovers. In this article we will try to answer them. Today there are more than sixty species of this plant, which are divided into several conditional groups.

By type of cultivation:

• tall eustomas, which are most often planted in the garden and in personal plots;
• undersized varieties are suitable for indoor cultivation.

By the duration of the growing season:

• annuals are suitable for hobbyists as they are easier to grow;
• biennial - for professionals;
• perennial varieties do not exist.

By flower type:

• simple;
• terry.

Description of the plant

The eustoma has strong stems, which in open ground can reach a meter in height. Moreover, they are very graceful, like a carnation. Almost from the middle, the stems begin to branch, turning into a whole bouquet, numbering up to 35 buds, which bloom alternately.

The leaves of the eustoma are lanceolate-oval, matte, like waxy colored in a bluish or grayish shade. The calyx of the flower is deep and large, funnel-shaped.Flowers can be double and simple (depending on the variety), painted in different shades - lilac, pink, purple, white, solid or with a bright contrasting border.

When the bud is half-open, it looks very much like a rose, when the flower opens fully, it looks like a magnificent terry poppy. Under natural conditions, eustoma is a biennial plant, in garden cultivation it is usually annual.

Growing features

Many florists and gardeners are interested in the eustoma flower. Not everyone knows how to grow it, so we want to share with you some of the secrets of this plant:

• eustoma needs bright, but diffused light;
• the plant needs a soil consisting of equal shares of humus and peat;
• eustoma propagates by seeds, since cuttings do not germinate, moreover, a very fragile root system does not tolerate division;
• watering the plant should be carried out only after the soil has dried two centimeters deep;
• do not transplant eustoma: its roots will not tolerate transplanting;
• indoor eustoma, the photo of which you see below, blooms better in a well-ventilated room.

Growing from seeds

A rather capricious plant - indoor eustoma. Growing and caring for it is a rather painstaking task that takes time. Nevertheless, for those who master the difficult process, it will bring real pleasure. Indoor eustoma flowers at home grow their seeds, which it is advisable to purchase in a specialized store. The complexity of this process lies in the fact that eustoma seeds are very small: one gram contains 23 thousand pieces. Seeds purchased in the store are processed using a special technology to increase germination.

Indoor eustoma: growing and care

Sowing seeds at home should be in the first half of December. If you do this at this time, then by the end of August you will have blooming buds from which it is impossible to take your eyes off. Disposable cups are used for planting. The substrate should be loose, with a peat component. Soil with the addition of coconut is excellent.

The seeds are laid out on the surface of the soil, which is pre-watered and then sprayed. After that, the cups should be covered with foil and transferred to a warm place (+25 ° C). Once a day, the film is removed for a few minutes for airing, and the ground is moistened. After one and a half to two weeks, the indoor eustoma gives the first shoots. Growing and caring from this point on becomes more difficult.

The film is removed, and a lamp is installed above the young sprouts at a height of no more than 35 cm.When the seedlings reach 15 cm in height, they can be planted in permanent containers. A ceramic pot is suitable for this. Drainage (expanded clay) is laid on the bottom, in a layer of 3-4 cm. Then the container is filled with soil mixture, without adding it to the upper edge by three centimeters.

Care

The eustoma flower covered with numerous flowers and buds is very beautiful. Caring for it at home is not an easy task for one reason: the plant desperately needs diffused bright light and fresh air. This need can be met by installing an eustoma pot on the east or west window in a room that can maintain a temperature of + 19-22 ° C, with regular ventilation.

It is impossible to spray eustoma, as this can provoke leaf diseases. During the period of bud formation and intensive eustoma, they are fed with complex liquid fertilizers, at the rate of 10 ml per 10 liters of water. It is necessary to remove wilted flowers from the plant in time. Follow these simple rules, and eustoma will delight you in ninety days with re-flowering.

Watering

These indoor flowers do not tolerate drying out of the soil at all. Eustoma, home care for which involves regular watering, is also afraid of waterlogging, so the soil should be moistened only after the top layer has dried.The plant is watered at the root, trying to prevent water from getting on the leaves, at cool temperatures this can cause fungal diseases.

Temperature

For growing lisianthus, the daytime temperature is considered to be + 20-25 ° C, and at night - no more than + 15 ° C. If possible, in winter the flower is transferred to a room with a temperature of +10 ° C.

Flowering secrets

Often, novice flower growers are interested in why indoor eustoma blooms poorly? Growing and caring for this magnificent plant is fraught with some secrets:

• a few minutes after watering, drain the water from the pan;
• in order for the plant to bloom more abundantly, maintain the temperature regime necessary for it and ventilate the room more often;
• if pests are found on a flower, start treatment immediately to prevent their spread to other plants.

Post-flowering care

When the eustoma has faded, its stems must be cut so that no more than three internodes remain on them, and the plant is transferred to a cool room (+ 10 ° C). During the dormant period, the plant is rarely watered, and feeding is stopped altogether. In the spring, after the appearance of new shoots, transplant the eustoma very carefully (using the transfer method) into a new nutrient soil and resume normal watering and care.

Indoor flowers eustoma (care): why does the ovary dry?

This question is of interest to many flower growers. It would seem that all the rules for caring for the plant are followed, but it drops the ovary. There are several reasons for this. Here are just a few of them.

1. The plant is standing in a draft. During airing, cold air can provoke buds to fall off, as well as leaf death. At this time, the flower should be removed from the windowsill.
2. Too cold water is used for irrigation: it must be separated, soft, at room temperature.
3. You can not transplant the plant during the period when it has blossomed or gained buds. Even minimal, at first glance, damage to the root system causes stress, as a result of which not only the ovary, but also the flowers fall off.
4. Another reason may be low room humidity. To increase it, gently spray the air around the plant, preventing moisture from getting on the flowers and buds.
5. With insufficient lighting, photosynthesis in the leaves slows down at first, which ultimately leads to the dropping of buds. Sometimes, it seems that they are about to disband, but this does not happen.
6. The ovary can dry even at high temperatures in the room. Eustoma blooms and pleases with its beauty for a long time at air temperatures from +12 to +15 ° C.
7. The cause of the falling off of the ovary can be pests: spider mites, whiteflies, thrips, scale insects.

Diseases and pests

Indoor eustoma is susceptible to fungal mosquitoes, which are dangerous distributors of fungal diseases, to fusarium wilting, powdery mildew, gray rot. In the process of growing a plant, periodically carry out preventive spraying with special preparations. But if you do find pests, then do not delay treatment. The following drugs are effective: Saprol, Topsin, Mospilan, Fitoverm, Confidor. Spraying is carried out 2-3 times.

As you can see, a rather whimsical indoor eustoma plant. Growing and caring for it will require some effort from the owners, but believe me, you will be rewarded with a great result when the eustoma blooms.

Eustoma (lisianthus) is a flower about which one could say "a long forgotten past." Previously, it was very popular, but, perhaps, due to the long growth, the flower was no longer cultivated in gardens and on window sills. Only in the last 5-7 years has interest in lisianthus appeared, making it the most popular crop among flower growers.The buds and blossoming flowers of this plant are the embodiment of tenderness that every grower awaits with awe, planting barely visible seeds, and waiting for the first flowers to appear for at least six months. Outwardly, the flowers resemble rosebuds, which became the basis for calling this flower popularly the French (Japanese, Irish) rose, as well as the Texas bell. But is it really that difficult to grow lisianthus in the garden or at home? What are the nuances of planting, growing and caring for annual and perennial plant varieties?

Description of eustoma as a culture + where it is better to cultivate it

Eustoma grows in South America and partly in Mexico in the wild. In specialized stores, gardeners will be offered dozens of its varieties of all kinds of flowers - this is the result of the work of breeders, since in nature there is an eustoma of the same color - purple. The plant belongs to the Gentian family. Its more ancient botanical name is lisianthus, but now it has begun to be used even more often than the modern "eustoma".

Eustoma of different varieties in a vase

According to The Plant List database, the genus includes 3 species:

• Eustoma small, Gentian small, Western gentian, Blue marsh eustoma (Eustoma exaltatum);
• Eustoma grandiflorum (Eustoma grandiflorum);
• Lisianthus, Eustoma Roussel, or Russell (Eustoma russellianum).

Terry eustoma resembles a rose

In nature, wild eustoma grows for 2 years, the same amount of time, provided certain conditions are provided, it can be grown in central Russia. After two years, the eustoma still remains viable under certain wintering conditions, but its former beauty disappears: the flowers decrease, deform, the bushes stretch out. Modern varieties of eustoma differ not only in a variety of colors, double or non-double flowers, but also in plant height (from 30 to 90 centimeters). It is the height that determines the place where the lisianthus is grown. As a rule, a tall eustoma is grown for cutting, but a low-growing one will show itself better in a room pot.

Wild form of eustoma

Irish (French) rose - another name for eustoma, belongs to the family of bittersweet. This is the first rival of the rose to become the queen in your garden. The flowers of the plant can be double or funnel-shaped, and its leaves are gray-gray with a waxy bloom. Incompletely blooming flowers resemble rosebuds outwardly, and non-double varieties, opening flowers, resemble a bell or a poppy. The eustoma has strong and even stems that start branching from the middle. One properly grown independent plant can replace a full-fledged bouquet, on which up to 30–40 buds are formed. Peduncles of any type of eustoma are long. The cut flower stalk of the eustoma retains its fresh appearance for several weeks.

Mma eustoma is varied: blue, white, pink, red, lilac, yellow, rimmed flowers

Benefits of annual and perennial eustoma varieties

In the homeland, eustoma grows as a biennial plant, but in central Russia it is grown as an annual. You can extend the life of a bush if you bring it indoors in the fall where the temperature does not drop below ten degrees. The plant will plunge into a state of dormancy, but in the spring it will delight you with new young shoots. Although the option of two-year cultivation is not given to every gardener. Based on numerous reviews, lisianthus simply dries up in the fall.

View of the awakened eustoma in a pot after winter dormancy

The advantage of growing eustoma for two years is undeniable. Firstly, the cost of seeds - their price is high, and in a standard bag from 5 to 10 pieces, but no one can guarantee the germination of 100% of seeds; secondly, growing from seeds is a very lengthy process that requires constant attention to seedlings and young seedlings.

Eustoma - the embodiment of tenderness

Popular tall and short flower varieties

The genus Eustoma includes three species, of which two are cultivated as ornamental plants on window sills and in gardens: Eustoma russellianum and Eustoma grandiflorum. In many floriculture guides, these two species are combined into one, calling it Lisianthus. Eustoma Roussel hybrids and cultivars are also called Lisianthus Roussel or simply - Lisianthus. Therefore, "lisianthus" and "eustoma" are one and the same plant with two names.

Lisianthus and large-flowered eustoma are one and the same plant

Unscrupulous sellers may offer eustoma or rhizome bulbs to inexperienced gardeners, even naming a variety consisting of exotic words. Eustoma reproduces only by sowing seeds and does not belong to bulbous, but damage to the root leads to the death of the plant. Likewise, breeders have not been able to bring out the curly eustoma to date. Under the guise of a weaving lisianthus, the gardener, at best, will receive a weaving or park rose. The only way of reproduction is seeds indoors, so when buying an already grown eustoma, you need to focus on its appearance and buds.

The root system of the eustoma is fibrous. The bush does not propagate by dividing the root

Table: the most popular varieties of Lisianthus and their description

Popular varieties of eustoma in the photo

Growing eustoma in the garden and in the country

The fruits of the breeders' work allow gardeners to grow eustoma as an annual plant in the garden. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the most active growing season falls on the warm season (April-October).

Eustoma grows near the house

Reproduction methods

In nature, eustoma reproduces by self-seeding. This is the most reliable way of its reproduction, which was chosen by the leading flower growers of the world. Some sources also mention reproduction by dividing the bush and cuttings. But rarely does anyone succeed in breeding eustoma in the last two ways. When dividing the rhizome, the plant will almost certainly die, and its division will suffer the same fate. The fact is that Lisianthus does not respond well to transplantation, let alone root division. Its root system is too delicate. Despite the myth that eustoma is cuttings, it was not possible to find a single positive experience in this method of breeding lisianthus.

The root system of the eustoma is too delicate even for transplanting, which will slow down the development of the plant for a while

In order to admire the beautiful eustoma in the garden in the summer, it is necessary to sow the seeds in late autumn or early winter.... It is better to plant each grain in a separate container in order to disturb the seedlings as little as possible. Sowing seeds for seedlings in October is guaranteed to give a result in the form of flowering in July. Eustoma is one of the longest growing annuals at the seeding and sprouting stage. Only with the arrival of heat does it actively begin to grow.

The seeds of the eustoma are very small, so the producers from the pelleted

In open ground, as a rule, eustoma is not sown, since the plant simply does not have time to bloom before the cold weather.

Sowing stages

1. Any drainage is poured into common or separate containers, then nutrient soil. Eustoma grows well on slightly acidic soils, so, for example, soil for violets is suitable for it.

Drainage at the bottom of the pot is guaranteed to cope with stagnant water

2. Seeds are spread in medium moist soil, barely burying them into the soil (no more than a millimeter). The seeds of eustoma are small, so producers dragee them, making them more convenient for planting.

With the help of a toothpick, the seeds are lifted and transferred to the soil, barely deepening them

3. Spray the soil and cover with a transparent film. Direct sunlight should not be allowed - they immediately dry out barely hatched seeds.

The container with the planted seeds is covered with cling film or glass

4.In order to prevent the appearance of mold, it is important to air the seedlings daily by removing the film for 15 minutes. The temperature should not drop below 20 degrees both during the day and at night.

It is necessary to remove the film for 15 minutes every day, otherwise there is a great risk of mold.

5. It is not recommended to water the soil at the initial stages of seed germination. For this, daily spraying of the topsoil is suitable.

Spraying from a spray bottle at the stage of seed germination

6. Arm yourself with patience! Eustoma seeds, despite their almost invisible size, germinate for a very long time - from two weeks to a month. And at the stage of two leaves, they can stay even longer. It seems that the eustoma has completely stopped developing, but do not worry - it is building up the root system at this time.

The eustoma can be in this state for several weeks - the period of building up the root system

7. At the stage of the first three or four true leaves, use a complex mineral fertilizer twice a month.

At this stage of development, the eustoma needs to be fed with mineral complex fertilizers.

8. Do not get carried away with spraying seedlings. Waterlogging can lead to the onset of fungal diseases.

Video: Sowing eustoma seeds

Care in the garden from the moment of planting seedlings in open ground until autumn

With the arrival of stable heat, when the temperature at night does not drop below 15 degrees Celsius, and during the day - not below 20, eustoma can be safely moved to the garden to the rest of the plants. For this, the transfer from the pot to the ground is carried out very carefully. A light place is suitable for eustoma, but the plant reacts poorly to the scorching sun. Shading or planting with taller bushes will protect the lisianthus from the sun and create an excellent garden composition. Also, water stagnation should not be allowed. It should be noted that eustoma perfectly holds the bush even after heavy rain.

Eustoma planted in open ground

How to care during growth and flowering

During active growth, eustoma is regularly loosened, the soil is kept moist with systemic irrigation, or mulched with bark, straw and other materials.

Healthy eustoma bushes outdoors

During flowering, the mineral fertilizer complex should be directed towards flowering - a large amount of potassium should be included in the composition. Tall eustomas need a support that will protect the stem from the pressure created by the large number of buds on the flower. In order to prolong flowering, wilted flowers are cut from the branch so that the plant does not waste energy on ripening the seeds.

Video: Growing and caring for eustoma in a pot

What to do next after flowering? When and how to collect seeds for storage

After the eustoma has faded, the entire ground part is cut off from it, leaving it in the ground. It is easy to collect seeds from eustoma. To do this, the first buds that appear on the branch are left to the stage of complete wilting, so that they mature and dry out. The seed capsule is carefully cut and transferred to a container with a solid bottom. Manufacturers usually offer hybrid forms of eustoma, which are designated "F1". This is the "child" of several crossed "grandmothers" and "grandfathers", and then - "moms" and "dads". Breeders keep in the strictest confidence which varieties were crossed to get the flower that you managed to grow from a small seed. Therefore, by sowing the seeds of the hybrid, you will most likely see completely different types of eustoma or many different other species that took part in the selection of the hybrid. If on a bag of seeds there is no “F1” at the end of the variety name, then the “children” of such a plant will fully reflect the external characteristics of their “parent”.

Cannot harvest seeds from F1 hybrids

Preparing eustoma for winter

When the eustoma fades, and the approach of winter becomes more distinct, it is left to winter in the garden. The plant completely dies at the slightest first frost.

With the arrival of frost, the eustoma completely dies

But you can save the bush, which next year will again delight you with flowering. To do this, the eustoma is dug up, placed in a pot and carried away for the winter in a room where the temperature is 15 degrees. At higher temperatures, the bush may turn yellow and then dry out. Lower temperatures will also kill the plant. During the winter, lisianthus enters a state of dormancy - this is the inevitable life cycle of a two-year-old. At the same time, watering is reduced as much as possible, keeping the soil in a barely moist state. In the spring, the bush will make itself felt by throwing out new leaves. It will be possible to plant it again in the flower garden when the frosts completely recede, and the soil warms up to 15 degrees.

Video: Wintering eustoma

Eustoma at home on a windowsill in a pot

Dwarf forms of eustoma will delight apartment growers who seek to decorate loggias or windows in the summer. Over the cultivation of eustoma at home, you will have to again be patient and make some effort. But the result compensates for all the inconveniences tenfold. The delicate look of eustoma has a beneficial effect on people, immersing them in a world of endless colors, tranquility and tranquility.

Low-growing eustoma in a pot - the perfection of the work of Japanese breeders

Growing from seeds and other methods of propagation of room eustoma

Growing room eustoma is no different from the timing, sowing process and growing garden eustoma. The only difference is the transshipment of the seedling into a larger container - a pick for a potted plant, and for a garden plant - planting on a flower bed.

Eustoma in a pot

To determine when to transplant the eustoma into a larger pot, you can use the roots that begin to break through the drain holes of the pot. This suggests that the plant has become cramped. A container with a volume of 2–2.5 liters is enough for 3 plants, which will develop and grow actively throughout the growing season until they enter dormancy.

The roots have reached the bottom of the pot, so it needs to be transplanted into a larger container.

The end of autumn is the optimal time for sowing eustoma, but additional lighting is required for the plants, or in February - then additional lighting can be dispensed with, but flowering will occur in late summer. By this time, central heating is switched on in the apartments, and the rooms are kept warm. It is important to ensure that the seedling container is well protected from a cold window. This will help a sheet of foam, placed between the pot and the window glass.

In other ways, as mentioned above, eustoma does not reproduce.

Video: Caring for eustoma

Features of planting and transplanting in an apartment

The root system of Lisianthus is small and fibrous, too fragile. It is the transshipment, and not the picking, that will least of all affect the further rooting in the new pot and the plant's getting used to the new soil.

Three eustoma seedlings in a pot with a volume of at least three liters after a few months will turn into a luxurious blooming flower arrangement

Three seedlings will fully develop in one pot with a volume of up to three liters throughout the summer-autumn season. They will not interfere with each other, but at the same time they will create a lush floral arrangement of different shades.

Conditions for keeping indoor lisianthus, depending on the season

Indoor lisianthus germinates, develops and blooms at a temperature of 20-25 degrees. In autumn sowing, after the seedlings appear, the seedlings are provided for 12 hours a day to avoid pulling them out. With a lack of light, the seedlings look weak and a beautiful lush bush with abundant flowering will not work out of such seedlings. The air humidity should be at least 40 percent, and in summer, the terrace on the north side will become a cozy home for the flowering Lisianthus.

Video: awakening eustoma in spring

Caring for the plant on the window. Features of watering, feeding, formation

The care of the plant on the window is the same as in the garden: feeding twice a month with special mineral complexes, regular maintenance of moisture in the soil (all the drained water from the pot must be drained). Watering should be carried out as the soil dries up, do not allow it to dry out.

It is better to leave the pot with eustoma on the balcony in summer - here it will develop faster than on the windowsill

The formation of the bush also needs to be given special attention. If you decide to grow a tall eustoma (up to a meter), which is usually cultivated for cutting, then it must be pinched at the stage of four-leaf growth. This will stimulate the growth of lateral shoots, but for a certain time it will postpone the period of appearance of the peduncle.

There is no need to pinch dwarf varieties (up to 30 centimeters), since good bushiness is genetically inherent in them.

Dwarf eustoma varieties branch well without pinching

Solving problems for indoor and garden plants

Eustoma is a fairly strong plant, resistant to many diseases and pests. Its only weak point is various types of rot, which appear as a result of excessively high humidity and low temperatures. Powdery mildew can also affect the plant.

It is difficult to deal with different types of rot. As a prophylaxis, plants under the root both on the window and in the garden are watered with a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide (2 tablespoons per liter of water). Powdery mildew will be relieved by a solution of liquid soap, soda and ash (5 grams of soda and 1 gram of liquid soap per liter): process the bush 2-3 times in a week.

Table: diseases peculiar to eustoma

In eustoma, leaves may turn yellow from excessive watering or frequent drying out of the soil. In addition, yellowing of the leaves indicates excessive fertilizing with mineral fertilizers.

Photo gallery: eustoma diseases

Speaking of pests, they rarely infect eustoma on the windowsill, but in the garden in a few days slugs will leave one trunk from a beautiful flowering bush. It is difficult to fight slugs. They live in places with high humidity. Slugs do not tolerate a rough surface, so mulching with bark will help solve the problem with them.

Unfortunately, despite all the work expended, such a fight with slugs and snails does not guarantee their complete disappearance. Therefore, in recent years, gardeners are increasingly forced to resort to chemical methods of control. The greatest use was received by four drugs: a thick saline solution, a 10% solution of iron or copper sulfate, a free-flowing mixture consisting of one part of mustard and red pepper and two parts of furnace ash, as well as a five percent metaldehyde granulate (molluscicide of contact and intestinal action), available now on sale. In Russia, it is sold under the Groza and Meta trademarks.

Slugs can destroy a healthy eustoma bush in a few days

Diverse reviews about eustoma

Eustoma is a whimsical beauty who captivated the hearts of millions of gardeners around the world. In Japan, this flower is loved most of all, so it is there that new varieties of hybrids are born. This is a not a bulbous plant and the only way of its reproduction is through seeds. The growing season of Lisianthus is long - 6 months, but when the plant begins to bloom, all the difficulties of growing are erased from memory. A cut flower lasts up to three weeks in a vase of water, so growers prefer to work with eustoma, no matter what.

My name is Elena. Working with texts is probably my calling, and working in the garden and vegetable garden is a balm for the soul.