Ardisia (27 photos): caring for a flower at home, a kind of indoor plant ardisia crenate or krenata, growing from seeds

Diseases and pests of ardisia

Scabbards, aphids and worms cause significant damage to the plant. Pests are removed with a cloth or cotton swab dipped in alcohol, and then treated with special insecticides.

Ardisia also has fungal diseases.

Excess water or irregular watering will cause foliage to fall.

Light, chlorotic-damaged leaves indicate a lack of iron. The plant is fed with iron chelates (chelates are called a special type of chemical compound).

Brown tips or edges of leaves indicate too dry air, cold drafts, or insufficient watering.

Brown spots on the leaves can be the cause of both insufficient watering and bacterial disease caused by excessive moisture in the air and soil.

The leaves are curled, soft with brown edges - the temperature is too low, it may be warm during the day, and at night the temperature drops below normal. Make sure that the thermometer does not drop below 12 ° C in winter.

Yellowing of leaves - with dry air, lack of nutrients in the soil (in particular, nitrogen), when the plant has not been transplanted for a long time, as well as with a lack of lighting, especially in winter.

Light dry spots on the leaves - too intense lighting or sunburn. Ardisia needs shading from direct sunlight at midday.

The thickening at the edges of the leaves is not a sign of disease or pests. Ardisia is characterized by symbiosis with Bacillus foliicola bacteria, which develop in these nodular thickenings. It was found that the destruction of these nodes inhibits the growth and development of plants. The seeds of ardisia germinate already in the fruits on the plant - this is how the plant stimulates the colonization of the offspring with useful microflora. At the same time, bacteria easily enter the point of growth of the seedling, and then inside the leaf primordia.

In general, ardisia is a very ornate tree. Her flowers, depending on the species, are tenderpink or white colors. Usually flowers and berries do not appear at the very top of the plant, but as if under the crown of leaves on the trunk.

What is she

Like most flowerpots fashionable today, ardisia was brought from the tropics of America. It is also common in the forests of Asia, Australia.

The name of the genus is translated from Greek as "arrow" - indeed, the flowers of the plant resemble miniature arrows.

They appear in mid-December (although, depending on the variety, they can bloom in other seasons - late spring, in mid-summer). Most often, their small petals are white, sometimes pink.

Very quickly they are replaced by berries, for which, in fact, the tree is grown. They can be at first white or pinkish, but then they become scarlet (less often black - it depends on the type of ardisia).

The berries ripen for several months, leaving one seed by themselves.

The leaves also look interesting. They have the shape of a glossy boat with slightly wavy edges. Often, swellings can be felt along the edges of the leaf blade. Do not be afraid, this is not a disease - here (as well as in the roots) the plant has special bacteria that help the flower to assimilate nitrogen directly from the air. Without them, ardisia will dry out.

In the wild, ardisia can be a tree, shrub, or dwarf shrub. Most often, it grows up to 2 meters, although other species reach up to eight. In our homes it is a miniature potted tree with one trunk. All year long it is considered a decorative leaf, and on New Year's Eve it is decorated with berries.

Types of flowers that are sold with us

Up to 800 species were counted in this genus. True, only a few turned out to be "tamed", and even less got into our stores.

Ardisia crenate (krenata). The most popular type. In most photos, this is a small flowerpot, but if you grow the roll for a long time, it will grow to the ceiling. Its flowers are white or creamy and have a pleasant smell. Depending on the variety, the berries can last from several months to a whole year. There are varieties not only with scarlet, but also with cream or white berries.

Curly. It is named so because of the wavy edges of the leaves. This is a more compact species - it grows not up to 2 meters, like a roll, but up to 80 cm. It blooms white and pink, and in summer. Its red berries can hang from twigs all year round.

Low. She is really squat - the tree grows only up to 25 cm (despite the fact that some leaves stretch up to 15 cm). The berries are pinkish at first, and then turn black.

Japanese. Another short (30-40 cm) species. The bush has rounded leaves, creamy flowers, red at first and dark after ripening. The Chinese cultivate this plant as a medicinal plant - they believe that the flower secretes a substance that can fight cancer. Also in the Celestial Empire, decoctions are made from the roots and leaves of ardisia (of various types) in the treatment of colds and infections.

Description and characteristics

In nature, a culture from the Primrose family is found in tropical and subtropical climates. Various species can be found in the Americas, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The genus of ardisia is very multifaceted and diverse. According to various sources, there are from 400 to 500 species. Sometimes they even talk about 800 varieties of the plant. Not all of them are grown at home.

Ardisia can be a tree, or a bush, or a semi-shrub. Depending on this, the height of the culture also varies: from 1 to 8 m. The stems are straight, branching well. The leaves of most species are glossy, leathery, oval in shape, 5 to 15 cm long. On the stem, they are arranged alternately or opposite each other. The edges of the leaf plates are even or wavy, with notches.

Keep in mind. There may be swellings on the leaves of ardisia. They cannot be deleted! This is not a disease, but one of the characteristics of a tropical plant. Beneficial bacteria live in the tubercles, which help the culture to assimilate nitrogen and provide it with other useful substances.

Ardisia species bloom at different times. The inflorescences may look like brushes, panicles, or umbrellas. They exude a light aroma. But the main decorative value of ardisia is made up of round and smooth fruits that adorn the bush like a bright necklace. Yellow, scarlet, white, orange "beads" can stay on ardisia almost all year long, if the flower is properly cared for.

Attention! Berries are not poisonous, but they are not edible either.

Plant species

Among the many varieties, there are more popular ones for growing at home. For example:

Ronnate, she's a roll. Refers to the most famous and demanded representatives of its kind. This ardisia slowly gains in growth, which ultimately does not exceed 2 m. Forms white or pink flowers. In winter, red berries appear on the flower. Thanks to them, Ardisia received the nickname "coral tree". It is also called the "Christmas berry". The fruits can form all year round.
Japanese. The advantages of ardisia are thick crown, small size and compactness. At home, the height of a flower does not exceed 0.5 m. These qualities make it indispensable for a modest indoor greenhouse. The bush produces white or pink buds, and then - deep red berries. Many varieties have been bred on the basis of Japanese ardisia.
Squat. A low shrub with pink flowers, narrow 15 cm leaves and fruits that change color from red to black. Simple care and pleasant appearance ensured this ardisia the favor of flower growers.

Some species can be found from the photo, since they are rare or not very popular:

Walicha is a large-sized plant with purple inflorescences and black fruits;
Malouyana - 25-centimeter leaves grow on a low stem with a white border and a red-green tint on the back;
Elliptical - a plant with pale pink flowers and berries that change shade from red to purple, popular in America and Australia as a garden culture;
Curly - flowers have the shape of stars, bloom in early summer.

Possible growing problems

In ardisia, the leaves turn yellow and fall off in poor lighting or lack of nutrients. If the lighting problem is solved, and the leaf turns yellow, organic matter is introduced into the soil. The leaf plate often turns brown due to the dry indoor air. It is necessary to increase the humidity by spraying or installing a humidifier. The stem stretches out, the foliage brightens - the plant does not have enough light (especially in winter). The flower is moved to the south windows.

Note! Drafts and low air temperatures can cause the leaf to curl and become lethargic. The plant can develop chlorosis due to the low iron content in the soil.

Bacterial diseases will arise from stagnant water at the roots and too humid air. Caring for ardisia is easy. Subject to the rules of agricultural technology, it will decorate any home

The plant can get chlorosis due to the low iron content in the soil. Bacterial diseases will arise from stagnant water at the roots and too humid air. Caring for ardisia is easy. Subject to the rules of agricultural technology, it will decorate any home.

Growing

To grow Ardisia from seeds, you need to take the largest berries (this is done in January), get rid of the pulp, get the seed and plant it in moist soil, burying it to a depth of about 1 cm.

It is important to cover the top of the pot with transparent film or glass. The temperature when growing Ardisia from seeds is maintained at 18-20 degrees Celsius

IMPORTANT! If the bone is too hard, before planting it should be filed a little and soaked in a solution of drugs that stimulate growth.

The seeds germinate in about a month and a half. The grown seedlings are transplanted into small containers. After 2-3 years, the seedlings will finally form and become attractive bushes.

Care after purchase

For two weeks after the purchase of the plant, it is necessary to provide it with quarantine, placing it in a lighted and moderately warm room, separately from other indoor flowers.

At this time, every day, Ardisia must be carefully examined for the presence of diseases and pests.

Then it is recommended to transplant Ardisia. It is not demanding on the soil, it can grow both in light soils and in heavy ones, the main thing is that there is good drainage.

If during the adaptation period the lower leaves began to turn yellow, then you need to increase the watering rate and put the pot away from the battery.

Temperature

Ardisia is kept at room temperature, in a moderately warm room. In summer, the optimum temperature for this flower becomes 18-25 degrees, and in winter it is recommended to lower it to 14-16 degrees by the end of February.

Such a lower temperature is considered optimal for the flower buds to set more readily. The minimum temperature in which the plant will survive is 7 degrees.

Fertilizer

You need to feed an ornamental plant in spring and summer, once every two weeks. When it is at rest, there is no need to feed it.

As a top dressing, special fertilizers are used for flower crops.

Lighting

Ardisia grows best in well-lit places, but it must not be exposed to direct sunlight. It is best to place it on the west or east side, providing it with diffused lighting.

In the summer, the indoor flower can be placed outdoors.In winter, it is worth adding artificial lighting so that Ardisia does not suffer from a lack of light.

Watering rules

Ardisia loves moist, but not flooded soil and is very demanding for watering. During the active growth and flowering phase, water the plant regularly, but watering should be moderate. The main thing is to prevent the soil from drying out in the pot.

IMPORTANT! Make sure you really need it before watering. You can check this by lowering your finger 2-3 cm into the ground.

When the substrate dries up at this depth, boldly water the ardisia.

In winter, the abundance of watering must be reduced, since the plant enters a state of dormancy. During this period, the soil should be moistened no more than once a week, otherwise mold will form on the surface of the pot due to stagnant moisture.

It is important to use soft, purified water at room temperature and remember to drain excess liquid from the pan to avoid acidification of the soil in the pot.

Ardisia - home care, photo, reproduction - growing from seeds

Botanical name: Ardisia.

Home ardisia is a family. Mirsinovye.

Origin. Southeast Asia.

Description. The genus Ardisia includes about 250 species of evergreen trees and shrubs growing in humid forests, in temperate regions of Asia, Australia, North and South America.

Ardisia homemade slowly grows and is grown for very showy, abundant bright red berries. Glossy, dark green oval-shaped leaves, serrated at the edges, also attract attention in this plant, the length of the leaves is approximately 15 - 25 cm, the width of the leaf blade is 5 cm. Small whitish or pale pink flowers, with a slight aroma appear in summer in leaf axils and remain on the plant for many months

The plant bears fruit with small (about 6 mm in diameter) spherical berries

, the width of the leaf blade is 5 cm. Small whitish or pale pink flowers with a slight aroma appear in the axils of the leaves in summer and remain on the plant for many months. The plant bears fruit with small (about 6 mm in diameter) spherical berries.

In general, the tree looks very attractive and without flowers and berries, the shrub is not difficult to grow as a houseplant if it is cut correctly.

Ardisia crenate or ardisia krenata - Ardisia crenata

A small, profusely branched shrub with thin branches. Leaves are dark green, oblong-lanceolate, slightly bent along the central vein. The edges of the leaf plates have small denticles. The flowers are white or slightly pink, collected in small axillary inflorescences. Fruits - berries are rounded, when ripe they acquire a coral-red hue.

Ardisia white adorns itself with numerous white or cream berries during the fruiting period.

Height. Ardisia plant grows up to 1 m.

Ardisia - care, growing at home

Growing ardisia - temperature. Ardisia flower prefers moderate heat in summer - ideally 2o - 22 ° С, winter minimum - 7 ° С.

Lighting. Give the plant a very bright spot, but protect it from direct sunlight.

Ardisia - how to look after. Adequate watering and lighting is essential for the houseplant in the spring when buds are forming. Trim long stems in the spring before flowering.

Soil for ardisia. Gas and water permeable, with good drainage, nutritious with some sand content.

Top dressing. 2 times a month during the growing season with fertilizer in half concentration, reduce feeding to 1 time per month in the cold season.

Appointment. For the greatest effect, plant as many plants as possible side by side.

Flowering time. May June.

Air humidity. Spray ardisia regularly. Place the pot on a pallet of damp pebbles to increase the humidity in the air.

Soil moisture. Maintain uniform moisture throughout the year, the substrate should not dry out.

Ardisia transplant. Only if necessary (in spring), when the ardisia outgrows the pot.

Propagation by cuttings, ardisia from seeds. Seeds are sown in spring. Viable seeds remain on plants throughout the year, germination rate is approximately 84 - 98%, while germination takes up to 40 days.

Seeds can germinate in a wide range of acid to alkaline soil types at temperatures of 25 ° C or higher. Apical half-ripe cuttings 10-15 cm long in spring in moist peat. Cover the container with a plastic cap to maintain moisture.

Spectacular fruits appear on plants aged 2 years and older.

Pests and diseases of ardisia. Spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects.

Note. Cold drafts cause the buds to drop.

Hydroponics.

Summing up - 7 secrets of success:

Growing temperature: summer - moderately warm content at a temperature of 20 - 22 ° С, winter - not lower than 7 ° С.
Lighting: shade from direct sunlight during daytime in spring and summer.
Watering and air humidity: uniformly moist, but not swampy soil throughout the year, air humidity is high.
Pruning: formative - to maintain a compact shape, sanitary - removal of diseased and old shoots.
Soil: well drained, loose and nutritious.
Top dressing: during the entire growing season - 2 times a month, in the winter months - monthly.
Reproduction: stem cuttings in spring and summer, seeds.

Transplant, cultivation

To preserve the beauty and activity of Ardisia, one must not neglect the transplant. Transplant plan:

14 days after purchasing the flower.
Annually for 3 years.
In the fourth year and beyond, do not transplant, but only replace the substrate at the top of the pot.

Ardisia is transplanted in the spring months. They use the transshipment method (so as not to damage the beneficial fungi on the root system). The thickness of the drainage layer is not less than 1.5-2 cm. Expanded clay, perlite, clay shards can be used as drainage. Perlite can also be mixed with earth, it makes the subtrate more porous. Attempts to transplant Ardisia by cuttings are unsuccessful. It does not always take root, but you can try. To do this, cut off the tops of the shoots, the most hardened. Dry the cut part a little and place it in a liquid that stimulates the formation of roots for a few seconds. Then the cutting is planted in the ground and closed like a greenhouse. The temperature in the "greenhouse" should be about 30 degrees. A young plant grows up to "independent" in 2-3 months.

Seeds are planted in March, also creating greenhouse conditions. It is necessary to sow in a moist substrate, laying the seeds to a depth of about 1.5 cm.

Ardisia is an excellent decorative option for an indoor flower. In summer it is beautiful with glossy greenery, in winter it pleases with juicy red berries, recalling the summer.

Ardisia care at home

Location and lighting

For optimal growth and development of ardisia, a well-lit room is needed. But the plant does not tolerate direct sunlight on the leaves. In winter and autumn, with the onset of a short daylight hours, Ardisia needs to be illuminated with the help of special phytolamps or fluorescent lamps.

Temperature

In spring and summer, the plant must be kept at a temperature of 20 to 22 degrees. If the air humidity is below average, then ardisia is able to withstand higher temperatures. The plant shows good growth in regularly ventilated areas. In winter, ardisia is at rest, so it must be kept at a temperature of 15 to 18 degrees.

Air humidity

Ardisia grows well at high humidity. For additional moisture, the leaves must be constantly sprayed with water at room temperature.When the first flowers appear on the plant, and then the fruits, the spraying is stopped and other methods are used to humidify the air.

Watering

In spring and summer, ardisia needs regular abundant watering. In winter and autumn, with the onset of a dormant period, the earthen lump cannot be strongly moistened; it should only be kept in a slightly damp place. For watering, it is better to use soft, settled water at room temperature.

Top dressing and fertilizers

Fertilizing ardisia is necessary at least twice a month, starting in March and ending in September. A universal fertilizer for ornamental deciduous plants is suitable. With the onset of the dormant period, it is not necessary to feed the ardisia.

Transfer

Ardisia needs to be transplanted only when the roots completely fill the pot. This procedure is usually carried out in the spring. There must be a good drainage layer at the bottom of the pot. The soil should be nutritious and loose, containing river sand.

Types of ardisia

The genus ardisia is about 200 - 400 plants. The most common types:

A. japonica (A. japonica Sw.) Is very revered by flower growers, since more and more often the plant can be found in culture. It is a small bush covered with round, pea-sized fruits. Leaves are ovate-lanceolate, white flowers.
A. Chinese point (A. punctata) has white flowers with specks of purple color and serrated, lanceolate leaves. Can be grown at home.
A. curly (A. crispa) has curly leaves at the edges. Able to bloom and bear fruit at the same time for a whole year. The color of the flowers is white with red spots, the fruits are purple. The native land of the plant is the tropical regions of China. This species can only be grown in a greenhouse.
A. crenate (Ardisia crenata). Synonym: ardisia grenata. Ardisia crenate is the most popular home-grown plant. The flowers are pink, white. Coral red berries ripen in winter.

Types of ardisia grown outdoors:

A. large-flowered (A. Macrocarpa) is the homeland of Nepal. The fruit grows to the size of a gooseberry. The flowers are dark cinnabar in color.
A. round-toothed (A. crenulata Vent) - the homeland of Mexico. Fruits are coral red. The flowers are red-violet.
A. paniculata (A. Paniculata). The homeland of these species is India. The fruit is pea-sized, red in color. The flowers are pink. Grows up to 3 meters.

Care

Care after purchase

After acquiring ardisia crenate, you should choose a place with bright lighting for it. Such that a small fraction of the sun's rays falls on the plant

It is important to protect it from drafts.

From spring to the end of the summer months, you need to feed the tree every couple of weeks with a weakly diluted fertilizer solution. At other times of the year, the plant is fed once a month.

Ardisia is prone to being underfed rather than overfed. It is better not to fertilize young trees at all. The same applies to weakened plants.

During the flowering period, it is undesirable to spray, since the buds will fall off, and the number of berries will significantly decrease.

Also, read about caring for Ardisia in an article on our website.

Watering

Ardisia crenate does not like drying out of the soil. High humidity must be maintained by constant spraying with water at room temperature, and the pot can also be placed on a tray filled with wet pebbles.

The best percentage of air humidity is about 60. This condition of plant maintenance prevents the reproduction of spider mites.

Bloom

Ardisia flowers appear in spring and summer. They are small, but very fragrant, with a white-pink tint. After flowering, shiny berries are formed. At first they are pale coral, then they turn bright scarlet.

Before Christmas, the number of berries increases, their color is intense. Recently, species of this plant have appeared with pink berries and even white ones.

In the photo below you can get acquainted with the appearance of Ardisia:

Crown formation

Ardisia perfectly withstands pruning. Before the growing season, the plant is shaped according to desire: someone prefers to see it in the form of a tree, someone - as a lush bush.

Also, sometimes substances are used that inhibit growth upward (retardants), since at home the plant begins to actively stretch upward.

The following tree-like indoor plants are also grown at home: Ficuses "Eden", "Black Prince", "Dull", "Bengal", "Kinki", Cypress "Goldcrest Wilma", Avocado, Lemons "Panderoza", "Pavlovsky", some types of decorative conifers and others. Many of them are suitable for creating bonsai compositions.

What difficulties can you face

Attack of harmful insects. Aphids, scale insects and other "brethren" will gladly settle on ardisia, if not sprayed. They will have to be washed with a cotton swab dipped in soapy water, and then the plant (and all the neighboring ones - just in case) should be sprayed with insecticide or acaricide (if ticks are introduced).
The leaves begin to turn slightly yellow. Most likely, the plant lacks iron. Add this substance to the main food (in a chelated form - it is chelates that are well absorbed by plants).
Only the tips of the leaves turn yellow. The flower lacks food, light.
White spots appear on the leaf blades. These are sunburns - somewhere the rays fall directly on the leaves. Move the pot away from the window or shade the flower with a curtain.
The tips of the leaves dry out. One of two things: either the flower freezes in a draft, or the air humidity is too high for it.

Roots / stem rot from overflow

Flowers and berries will have to be cut, as will some of the lower leaves.
Remove the flower from the pot, cut the rotten roots "to a living", rub the cuts with crushed coal, or even better - soak all the roots in a pink solution of potassium permanganate for half an hour.
Spill the old pot with boiling water or the same potassium permanganate solution.
Plant the flower in fresh soil.
Water it only 2 days later. It is better to take not water, but an aqueous solution of "Fitosporin" - it will help against rot.
Perform the next watering through the pallet.

You can learn more about caring for "unkillable" ardisia from the video:

Possible growing problems

Ardisia has one biological feature - the presence of swellings along the edge of the leaf, which many take for a disease. Symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria live here, which help the plant to assimilate nitrogen from the air. They need to be protected and in no case cut off, as this leads to inhibition of plant growth. By the way, it has recently been proven that the roots of Ardisia live in symbiosis with fungi and have endomycorrhiza. Therefore, the transplant must be done carefully, without damaging the roots and with part of the soil.

Overmoistening of the substrate or irregular watering can cause rotting of the root system, shedding of leaves and the appearance of brown spots. In this case, it is necessary to reduce watering, and, if necessary, transplant the plant, removing the rotten areas of the roots.

Dry tips and edges of leaves appear in very dry air and cold drafts.

Yellowing of the leaves can be caused by insufficient lighting or starvation of the plant. It is necessary to provide the plant with more light, but if the young leaves at the same time bloom light again, then increase the dose of dressings or change the fertilizer (dressings must necessarily contain trace elements).

Dry whitish spots on the leaves are a sign of too intense lighting, the plant has received sunburn. It is necessary to protect it from the bright midday rays.

Of the pests, ardisia are affected by mealybugs, scale insects, aphids, spider mites.

For more information on pest control measures, see the article Pests of indoor plants and measures to combat them.

Ardisia is not only an ornamental, but also a useful plant - in Chinese medicine its roots, leaves and fruits are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, lumbago, traumatic injuries, with snake bites, for the treatment of infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

Photo: Rita Brilliantova

Reproduction

Reproduction takes place by fruits and cuttings. In any case, it will take two to three years to grow a full flower.

Note: for members of this family, the best reproduction method is by seeds. With vegetative propagation, the main problem will be poor rooting, long and constant care of the seed will be required. Most often, ardisia is grown from seeds; professionals who plant a flower in greenhouses with special conditions usually resort to cuttings.

Seeds

After ripening the fruit, you can get an excellent seed. The berries are plucked, peeled from the pulp, after which the drupe is ready for reproduction. Usually, the seed is harvested by the end of winter - early spring.

Important: Once the bone has been removed, it should not be left for storage. Since her shell is quite hard, it is necessary to carry out scarification

It should be filed carefully, after which it is recommended to place the seeds in a solution of growth stimulants for several hours.

It will take about 40 days to germinate. The scarified bone is placed in the soil by 1 cm. The soil can be taken as standard for this plant, it must be evenly moistened. After planting, the container is closed with foil or glass and left in a room with a temperature of 20-250. After that, it is enough to keep the soil moderately moist. As soon as the sprouts appear and get stronger, a pick should be done. Fortified seedlings are subsequently planted in individual pots and looked after according to the standard scheme.

Cuttings

Apical shoots are used as cuttings. They are taken in the spring, after which it is recommended to keep them for a short time in special preparations, for example, in "Heteroauxin". But you can skip this treatment, and immediately plant the seedlings in the ground. Shoots are taken from adult specimens; they must be cut so that each has at least 3 internodes.

Requires a constant temperature of 270, high humidity, no drafts, containers with heated soil are often used.

Even with such indicators, the seedlings will take root for a rather long time: rooting can only be expected by the end of summer. After that, the seedlings are neatly placed in individual containers by transshipment. It is usually not necessary to pinch seedlings, they already bush well.

Reproduction methods

Ardisia can be propagated by seeds obtained from your plant, or by cuttings. Cuttings are reluctant to root, so the seed method of reproduction is more common.

Seeds. At home, ardisia from seeds is grown simply. The seeds can be found in specialty stores (if you want to plant a new variety) or wait for the fruit to ripen on your plant. Seeds are harvested in January. The ripe, large berries are selected, and the seed is extracted from them. Fresh seeds do not need to be presoaked. Store seed material is best kept in a heteroauxin solution for an hour. Planting depth - 1 cm. Plant immediately in pots, in light, moderately moist soil. The pot is covered with foil, kept at 20 ° C. As the seedlings grow, they are transferred into larger containers. The formation of an attractive flowering bush will take at least 2-3 years.
Cuttings. The apical shoot is used as a cutting. Root them in separate small containers. Favorable conditions for rooting - film shelter, 24-28 ° C, illuminated place.

Advice! The stalk will start up the roots faster if it is placed in a heteroauxin solution for a day before planting.Pitted seeds will germinate faster if their hard shell is slightly sawn off and also placed in a solution of growth stimulants.

Ardisia care at home

Ardisia is an ornamental and rare, but not too whimsical plant, therefore, not only an experienced, but also a novice florist can grow it. But still, you need to know the basic rules for caring for a plant at home, so that ardisia develops correctly and does not get sick.

Purchase advice and adaptation

In order for the flower to grow healthy and beautiful, it is important to pay attention to the appearance of the plant even in the flower shop:

First of all, you need to pay attention to the state of the root system, if it is visible. There should be no damaged or rotten roots on it.
The next step is to check the substrate.

It should be free of bugs and larvae.
The leaves are then examined for rotten, damaged, yellow, or sluggish parts.
The plant should contain not only blossoming buds, but also newly formed ones, because moving is considered a great stress for the plants and the flowers may fall off, but the buds will remain and will bloom already at home.

In order for the adaptation to a new place to be easier, the flower must immediately provide all the necessary conditions.

It is considered normal when the plant withers a little after moving, which is associated with transportation and stress. After a few weeks, the flower bounces back.

Lighting

The flower prefers very bright places, especially in the morning and evening. Despite its light-loving nature, it does not tolerate the action of a large amount of direct sunlight, therefore, especially in the summer, it must be removed to a shaded place. An ideal location would be an east or west window.

Temperature and humidity

Ardisia is unpretentious to temperature conditions. The most important thing is to keep the temperature between 15 and 25 degrees.

Due to the tropical living conditions, the plant likes to be regularly sprayed with warm water at a room temperature of at least 18-20 degrees.

Flowering period

The plant blooms in early spring or summer

For better flowering during this period, it is very important to provide the plant with sufficient light and moisture. Long-term drying of the earth must not be allowed

Low humidity and cold air currents can lead to dropping of buds. This species bears fruit almost all year round.

Watering and feeding

It is necessary to water the plant only as needed, when the top layer of the substrate is completely dry. The moisture level can be checked with a match or toothpick by holding it in the substrate for several hours. Water stagnation in the pot should not be allowed, therefore excess liquid is always drained.

Also, do not forget about watering with exclusively filtered water, since the running water contains many trace elements that negatively affect the flower.

Top dressing is carried out exclusively during the period of active growth; it is recommended to fertilize several times a month. Preference is given to complex fertilizers.

Preparing for winter

In winter, the number of waterings is reduced to several times every two weeks. Due to the insufficient amount of daylight, artificial lighting lamps are used. Top dressing in winter is not carried out

It is very important to keep the temperature within 10-15 degrees. Ardisia does not like not only drafts, but also hot air streams, therefore it is not recommended to put the pot on the windowsill in winter

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