Varieties and types of shefflera
Schefflera radiant (Schefflera actinophylla). A very common species in culture, which got its name from the characteristic shape of the leaf.
Schefflera radiant
Under natural conditions, it reaches several meters in height, but indoors the height of an adult tree is about one and a half to two meters.
Schefflera actinophylla is represented by such interesting varieties as Green Gold with golden-yellow variegated foliage, Nova with green-yellow leaves.
Sheflera arboricola or arboreal (Sch.arboricola) is the most famous indoor species native to Taiwan. The height in the room is about one and a half meters, unpaired leaves of a dark green color.
The tree hardly branches, therefore, to form a beautiful, lush crown, it is recommended to periodically pinch its top.
Most varieties of this species with colorful variegated foliage, for example, "Gold Capella", lemon "Melanie", "Carolien", as well as varietal variations with different foliage shapes. The most famous dwarf variety of this type is "Janine".
Variety "Melanie"
Schefflera arboricola amazes with its interesting creamy yellow leaf color.
"Gerda"
Schefflera Elegantissima, also known as Dizigoteka. Was included in the genus relatively recently. Its characteristic feature is its narrow serrated leaves, which can reach 18 cm.
Unlike other species, it is quite capricious in care, as it requires constant high humidity and frequent spraying of the foliage.
In indoor floriculture, a popular variety of this type "Bianca".
Scheffler "Bianca"
Schefflera digitata - in nature it is a small tree up to 8 m high with strong branches. The leaves can have three to nine leaflets. The leaves are thin and soft to the touch with sharply serrated edges.
One of the popular varieties of this type is the home sheffler "Amate" 120-150 cm high with large green leaves.
"Amate"
At home, the Scheffler has the ability to purify the air from various types of pollution, therefore it is recommended for placement in the bedroom and in the kitchen, but it is better not to put the plant in the children's room, since its juice is poisonous.
Care
Temperature regime
The optimum temperature for duranta is from +20 to +25 degrees. Starting from October, the temperature in the room should be gradually reduced so that in winter, during the dormant period, the duranta went to "rest". For this, the temperature around should be within + 16-18 degrees.
Duranta does not tolerate drafts, keep this in mind when airing the room. Sudden temperature changes should not be allowed.
Lighting
Both variegated and flowering varieties of durant grow well only in good lighting, and the plant is able to grow from a small sprout to a full-fledged tree (or shrub) very quickly. The light should be bright but diffused. The east or west side is ideal. On the south side, the window should be shaded, on the north side, use lamps for supplementary lighting: phytolamps, gas-discharge, fluorescent or LED (ordinary incandescent lamps are not suitable).
Watering and Humidity
How much and how often to water durants depends on the time of year and the temperature in the room.
In the spring and summer, pour more water, waiting until the top layer of soil in the pot is barely dry. In winter - less often, giving the soil more time to dry.
Do not take water directly from the tap for irrigation: be sure to settle it in a saucepan without a lid for a day or pass it through a household filter.
Dry air is destructive for a plant, so do not forget to regularly spray the "indoor birch". Do not place it near heating devices (or cover the batteries with a damp cloth).
Regularly wiping the leaves with a damp cloth will not only remove dust from them, but also allow them to breathe fully. However, there is not always enough time for this work, since the leaves of duranta are quite small.Simplify your task: wash your indoor flower under a warm (up to +30 degrees) shower, covering the pot with oilcloth.
Top dressing
For flowering varieties, choose fertilizers with a large amount of phosphorus, for decorative deciduous ones - with nitrogen. The permissible dosage is indicated in the attached instructions, but experienced florists advise to reduce the concentration by a third. From time to time, feed the durant with rotted manure or other organic matter. Pour a few spoons of fertilizer into the dug holes and sprinkle with earth on top, but make sure that the manure does not come into contact with the stems and roots of the duranta).
Transfer
Duranta grows very quickly, so it is better not to delay the transplant. A young plant is transplanted annually, an adult - once every 2-3 years.
If your houseplant is very long in length and it is clearly difficult to replant it, do not complicate your life, but change only the top layer of the soil.
A suitable soil is easy to find at a flower shop - it is a mixture for growing hibiscus. But it is also easy to prepare nutritious and breathable soil with your own hands. Mix turf and leafy soil in equal parts, add the same amount of sand, and a little bit of vermiculite, peat and perlite. Expanded clay, brick chips are excellent as drainage (layer - at least a quarter of the pot).
Both the drainage and the soil should be pre-calcined in an oven or steamed in a water bath in order to destroy insect larvae and pathogenic microorganisms inadvertently.
During transplantation, inspect and remove damaged roots, treat the sections with crushed activated carbon. Use a sharp and sanitized blade.
Transplant and reproduction
Durant is propagated by cuttings or seeds. Cutting is best done in conjunction with pruning, which is done in early spring. The cut branches are dipped in a rooting stimulator for several hours. Then they are planted in a mixture of peat and perlite. They can also be rooted in water, but very often cuttings die in such conditions. After the cuttings have been planted, they are covered with foil and placed in a warm, bright place.
Seeds should be sown in February or March. First, they need to be soaked for 24 hours in warm water mixed with humates. You can take "Epin" or "Zircon". After that, the seeds are planted in the ground to a depth of about half a centimeter. The container is covered with glass or foil and placed in a bright place. The germination temperature is 25 degrees. The first shoots can be seen after six or eight weeks. When real leaves appear on the sprouts, they are transplanted into pots.
Young specimens should be transplanted annually, before flowering begins. At the same time, thin roots are removed, which grow along the edge of the earthen coma. Adult plants are transferred from pot to pot every three years. You can not replant them, but simply renew the top layer of the earth. Each spring, the durant should be pruned so that the tree does not grow too large and a beautiful crown is formed.
Care features
Heptapleurum is an unpretentious plant, caring for it consists of regular and abundant spillage, periodic feeding, pruning, and planned transplantation
And it is also important to create comfortable conditions for the plant with a certain temperature, humidity and lighting.
Lighting
Heptapleurum is a light-loving plant, but direct sunlight is contraindicated for it. Therefore, it is better to grow the flower near the west or east window. If desired, it can also be placed on the southern windowsill. But here do not forget to shade the plant at noon, otherwise the foliage will get burned.
Temperature
Heptapleurum refers to heat-loving plants, but it does not tolerate heat well. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain a moderate temperature in the room with the flower.
In winter, make sure that the thermometer does not fall below +17 ° C
It is important to provide the culture with an influx of fresh air at any time of the year.Therefore, do not forget to ventilate the room.
But you need to remember that heptapleurum does not tolerate drafts and temperature changes. So take the flower to another room during this procedure.
Watering
Heptapleurum is a moisture-loving plant that needs frequent and abundant watering. But at the same time, you need to ensure that the water does not stagnate in the pot. Otherwise, it will lead to decay of the roots. Therefore, moisten the soil as soon as its top layer dries, and always drain excess liquid from the pan. For irrigation, use only settled and filtered water.
The plant loves high humidity. Therefore, regularly spray its foliage with warm water from a spray bottle. And also occasionally wipe them with a damp sponge to remove dust. Give the plant a warm shower occasionally.
Top dressing
From early spring to late summer, feed the flower every 14 days. Use liquid organic or mineral fertilizers for this. But add them only after watering so that the compounds do not burn out the plant roots.
Pruning
To prevent the heptapleurum from growing into an ugly bush, it is important to prune it annually. This procedure begins in early spring, before the plant begins an active growing season.
During the event, shorten the shoots to the desired length, and also cut out weak and damaged branches.
If you grow a heptapleurum in the form of a standard tree, then be sure to build a support for it. Otherwise, the plant may break under its own weight.
Winter care
In winter, the heptapleurum has a dormant period. At this time, it is advisable to transfer the plant to a cool room, where the temperature does not drop below +17 ° C. In addition, during the dormant period, it is necessary to reduce the number of watering, and completely eliminate feeding. But you should not give up spraying the foliage. On the contrary, this procedure should be carried out at least twice a week.
Care
Regular care is needed to keep heptapleurum healthy and pleasing to the eye. Next, let's talk about the basics of growing this plant in indoor conditions, its preferences and features.
Lighting and pot placement
Heptapleurum is photophilous, but it is important to protect it from direct sunlight. Otherwise, the leaves will burn and wither
Provide partial shade in the summer heat and a spacious pot, because heptapleurum is fast growing.
Temperature regime
The natural habitat of this plant is the coastal zone, therefore it is important to maintain a warm indoor climate - at least 17 degrees Celsius in winter and about 22-25 degrees in spring and summer
Watering and humidity
Watering should be abundant, however, stagnant water in the pot should be avoided. Therefore, you need to water in several approaches, allowing the soil to dry out a little.
High air humidity is another basic requirement when caring for a heptapleurum. To achieve high humidity, you can spray the air around the flower, and periodically wipe the leaves with a damp sponge.
Top dressing
For feeding heptapleurum, both mineral and organic fertilizers are suitable.
Fertilizers should be applied to the soil during the period of active growth - in spring and summer. It will be enough once every 2 weeks. Fertilizers can be purchased ready-made.
Transfer
Heptapleurum grows fast enough, and therefore requires an annual transplant. The procedure should be carried out in the spring. If the plant has reached a large size and transplantation is impossible, the top layer of the earth should be replaced with a new one.
Priming
To plant a heptapleurum, you will need a large pot or tub. The bottom should be covered with a drainage layer of fine expanded clay. The composition of the soil should consist of leafy earth, peat, humus, turf and river sand in equal proportions.
Pruning
Due to the ability of heptapleurum to grow rapidly, it should be trimmed regularly. Pruning is best done in the spring.In case it is supposed to grow a green pet in the form of a tree, care should be taken in advance to create a strong support.
Wintering
During the dormant period, the plant must provide comfortable conditions, consisting of the following:
- Reduce watering by 2 times in comparison with the period of active growth;
- Reduce the room temperature to +17 degrees;
- Stop feeding.
Heptapleurum is accustomed to humid air, so even during hibernation, it should be sprayed 2 times a week and wipe the leaves with a soft cloth.
Interesting facts and signs
This plant is attracting attention for its unusual properties. There are many signs and beliefs associated with it.
Let's talk about some of them.
Energetic vampire
According to some beliefs, the plant is considered an energy vampire. However, this opinion is wrong. Heptapleurum absorbs only negative energy in the place where it grows, thereby protecting its owner from negativity.
In addition, the flower is a natural air humidifier, it is able to improve the microclimate in the house.
Fortuneteller flower
In addition to other positive qualities, the flower is able to respond to energy changes in the house, thereby getting ahead of previous events.
Here are some of the signs to watch out for:
- The leaves began to darken - quarrels and failures are possible in the family. Light up your home from bad energy. Think if you have any envious people.
- The flower began to shed its leaves - this behavior indicates unnecessary expenses, a deterioration in financial situation, and health problems are possible.
- The leaves began to curl up into a tube - such a sign portends conflicts at work and at home.
- The plant has stopped growing - you should think about the correctness of your actions, change your outlook on life. Otherwise, material difficulties and even job loss are possible.
- The flower has accelerated its growth - replenishment is possible in the family.
- The plant has stopped growing and developing - stagnation in business, changes in life and some difficulties are possible. In this case, you should not only think about the correctness of your behavior, but also the correctness of caring for the flower. After all, the reason may be trivial - the plant simply does not have enough of your attention.
Material well-being symbol
Often, heptapleurum portends financial problems, but with the right and thrifty attitude to it, such problems will not arise.
On the contrary, whether in an apartment or in an office, the flower will attract material goods like a magnet. The profit will increase in the company, and there will be prosperity in the house.
Zodiac signs
Many will be able to grow this unpretentious plant, however, in terms of its energy, heptapleurum is suitable for those who were born under the auspices of the fire element - rams, lions and archers.
Peculiarities
Heptapleurum is an unpretentious indoor flower that stands out with oval leaves, pointed towards the end. It has the shape of a small tree or shrub on petioles. It grows fast enough, in the wild it can reach 6-8 meters in height. It has a tree-like erect stem. Each of them has leaves that are located in a circle. The leaves are shiny, they can grow up to 15 cm.
The flower has 3 varieties that can be grown at home.
Geisha Girl. The species also has the name Woody. In the wild, it can be found on the Pacific coast. It is characterized by rapid growth, reaching a height of 2.5 meters. It has a straight trunk with bright green leaves. The plant can be both a shrub and a tree. No flowering was observed under indoor growing conditions.
Hayata. The homeland of this species is also the coast of the Pacific Ocean with high humidity. It is distinguished from other species by the silvery color of large leaf plates. In the wild, it grows up to 2 meters.
Variegata.The species has dark green leaf plates with yellowish blotches. Grows in the form of a small tree or shrub. Basically, gardeners form a shrub from this type of heptapleurum, which grows up to 2.5 meters under optimal conditions.
Caring for heptapleurum is quite simple and does not take much time. With the right content, the flower takes root well and pleases gardeners with its rapid growth and luxurious leaves. The plant gets used to one place, so it does not like when its location is changed.
Watering. With the onset of summer, heptapleurum especially needs abundant watering. But you only need to water it on dry ground. In winter, the flower is at rest, so the moisture is reduced, and spraying continues for the entire period.
Illumination and choice of location. The plant loves light, but without direct sunlight. They can burn the leaves. In a shaded place, the flower also grows well, but with a lack of sun, it loses its decorative properties. The flower grows beautifully next to other plantings. This can be a summer planting in a flower bed or growing in a winter garden.
Air humidity. Growing in a humid microclimate has a very favorable effect on the heptapleurum. At home, this can be ensured by regular irrigation or wiping the leaves with a damp sponge. This procedure will not only saturate the plant with moisture, but also remove dust from the leaves. With a lack of moisture, they will dry out and die off.
The soil. If you have not purchased a ready-made mixture in the store for growing a flower, then you can prepare it yourself. This will require peat and leaf land, sand. All these components are mixed in equal proportions.
Features of the transplant. Young plants need replanting every year. Spring is a good time for this. But if your flower has reached a large size and its transplant is extremely inconvenient, you can skip it, but you will need to add fertile soil to the top of the soil. This procedure will be enough for an adult flower. A good drainage layer must be maintained with any planting and replanting.
Pruning. Plants that are already well grown require pruning. This procedure is carried out only in the spring, so that the tree painlessly sprouts new shoots.
Support. With proper care, in indoor conditions, the plant can reach 2 meters in height. To support the trunk, he needs to build a support.
Top dressing. It is necessary to fertilize the flower in spring and summer 2 times a month. To do this, you can use natural or mineral fertilizers. In winter, the plant does not need feeding.
Peculiarities
Sheffler's indoor flower usually reaches a height of 30 centimeters, but it can be taller if you do not control its growth. It needs enough space around it, since the plant grows a lot in width.
The leaves are arranged on a long stem and look like an umbrella with 8 petals. They are leathery, unevenly green, with a dark shade combined with a light one. This cute houseplant is an evergreen shrub, hence the interest of breeders. They brought the sheffler from Taiwan, where colorful yellow flowers grow in their natural environment.
The leaves of the described plant not only emit oxygen, but also absorb benzene and formaldehyde. Growing this plant is quite easy. This flower is poisonous, but it cannot do much harm to a person.
Pachyphytum care at home
Such a succulent may well be grown by both experienced and novice florists, since it does not differ in its whimsicality.
Illumination
This is a fairly light-loving plant that needs bright lighting, but it should be shaded from the scorching rays of the midday sun. It is recommended to place it on a window of either western or eastern orientation.You can also place it on the window with a north orientation, but at the same time you need to be prepared for the color of the leaves to become paler, and their size will decrease. At the same time, flowering may also be absent.
Temperature regime
In summer, pachyphytum grows normally and develops at temperatures from 20 to 26 degrees. Well tolerates not too long rise in air temperature. But in the event that it is hot in the room for a long time, you need to arrange frequent ventilation, as well as protect the plant from direct sunlight. In the warm season, it is recommended to take pachyphytum to fresh air (to the garden, to the balcony).
In winter, he has a dormant period, and at the same time the plant needs to be rearranged to a cooler place (about 16 degrees). However, make sure that the temperature in the room does not drop below 10 degrees, as otherwise the flower may freeze.
How to water
Such a plant calmly tolerates drought, since a supply of liquid accumulates in its leaves.
In this regard, it must be watered very carefully and for this one must pay attention to the condition of the soil in the pot. When the soil dries up to 1/3 of the depth, it is necessary to water
Overflowing will have an extremely negative effect on the flower, since rot can form not only on the root system, but also on leaves saturated with moisture.
Humidity
Pachyphytum is quite calm about the dry air of city apartments and does not need additional humidification. At the same time, experts do not recommend arranging a shower for him for 2 reasons, namely: you can inadvertently damage either juicy leaves or a wax coating. And this, in turn, will lead to a decrease in decorativeness.
Earth mixture
Suitable soil should be poor, loose, and neutral or slightly acidic. To prepare the soil mixture, you will need to combine purchased soil for succulents and cacti with fine gravel and coarse-grained river sand, which should be taken in a ratio of 3: 1: 1.
Fertilizer
The plant needs feeding only during intensive growth, or rather, from mid-spring to mid-autumn. At the same time, during all this time, it is only necessary to apply fertilizer with a low nitrogen content to the soil 3 or 4 times. You can use a special fertilizer for succulents and cacti.
Breeding method
Most often propagated by cuttings. To do this, you need to cut off a part of the apical stem, the length of which should vary from 5 to 7 centimeters. The cutting is dried in the open air for 1-2 days, and then planted in the soil, while only the very tip should be buried. To make the stalk more stable, it is recommended to tie it to a support.
In order for the cutting to take root well, you will need to water it properly. Both waterlogging and overdrying of the earthy coma should not be allowed. Experts advise not to water the dried substrate, but to moisten it from a sprayer. It is worth remembering that it is impossible to cover the stalk with any "cap", since rot quickly forms on it due to the increase in air humidity.
Rooting of leafy cuttings occurs in the same way.
Pests and diseases
This plant is resistant to both diseases and harmful insects. The most common problem is stagnation of liquid in the soil, too abundant watering and excessively high air humidity. All this can contribute to the formation of root, leaf and stem rot.
