Velvichia
Amazing Velvichia (lat.Welwítschia mirábilis) is a relic gymnosperm plant, the only modern species of the Velvichia order of the Oppressive class. Velvichia grows in the southwest of Angola and in Namibia - within the rocky Namib Desert, stretching along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.
Basically, the area of its distribution is limited to a narrow coastal strip along the western coast of Africa - from the vicinity of the city of Mosamedish in the southern part of Angola to the southern tropic in Namibia. The plant is rarely found further than a hundred kilometers from the coast. This roughly corresponds to the limit reached by fogs, which are the main source of moisture for velvichia, since precipitation here is extremely irregular and very little.
Only a few specimens of Velvichia are found in the interior regions of the Namib Desert, settling in the upper reaches of dry channels of temporary streams, where there is more rainfall. Here, after heavy rains, water is collected in wide shallow depressions and the earth is moistened to a depth of 1.5-2 m. The leaves of the plant grow extremely slowly, growing up to 8 meters over the centuries.
Peculiarities
Indoor plants will never stop attracting people of all ages. Green pets are able to decorate almost any setting, regardless of style and color combinations. That is why they are so often installed at home, in offices, and in different institutions.
House flowers, adorned with spectacular leafy plates of impressive length, are found in many dwellings. They are rarely left unattended, since the clearly visible leaves are the details that are often the first to catch the eye. These living decorations look expressive, and with their help you can fill a variety of interior compositions with life and colors.
Many of the long-leafed flowers can reach impressive heights. Often, these green pets grow huge, and you have to allocate more free space for them.
Coconut palm
Coconut palma (lat. Cōcos nucifēra) is a plant of the Palm family (Arecaceae); the only species of the genus Cocos. The scientific name of the genus comes from the Portuguese word coco ("monkey") and is given because of the spots on the nut that make it look like a monkey's face.
The specific name nucífera is from the Latin words nux ("nut") and ferre ("to bear"). The origin of the coconut palm is not exactly known - it is believed to be native to Southeast Asia (Malaysia). Now it is ubiquitous in the tropics of both hemispheres, both culturally and wildly.
In the Philippines, the Malay Archipelago, the Malay Peninsula, India and Sri Lanka, it has been bred since prehistoric times. Coconut is a plant of the sea coasts that prefers sandy soils, so the first place in terms of production is by a large margin occupied by the multi-island state with a vast coastal area - Indonesia (see below).
The expansion of its range went with the help of humans and in a natural way: coconuts are waterproof and freely float on the water, are carried far away by ocean currents, while maintaining their viability. High (up to 27-30 m) slender palm.
The trunk is 15-45 cm in diameter, smooth, in rings of fallen leaves, slightly inclined and widened at the base. There are no lateral branches, but supporting roots often develop below. The leaves are pinnately dissected, dense, 3-6 m long. The leaves in the crown are from 20 to 35.
Indoor plants with a thick trunk
With a thick trunk, the following varieties are grown at home:
bokarnea, or bottle tree. The homeland of this flower is Mexico. It is very popular among flower growers because of its wide trunk and long thin leaves, which give it a very original look. The cortical trunk can grow up to 1.5 m, and in natural conditions - up to 10 m. The leaves have a gray-green color and reach 60 cm;
Fat woman
- pachypodium, or thick leg. It has a wide trunk that resembles a cactus as the flower is covered with thorns. At its top are thin leaves that resemble a palm tree. In natural conditions, the thorns protect the pachypodium from wild animals, they deplete the poison. To avoid troubles in the apartment, it is better to bypass this plant and not touch its thorns. If the pachypodium is well looked after, then by the fifth year of its life the plant will have large white flowers;
- money tree, or fat woman. The plant got its first name due to the fact that its leaves look like silver dinars, and the second arose from the wide trunk. The flower can reach a height of 1.5 m. Pale inflorescences appear at the top of the tree. This happens extremely rarely, it is believed that a flowering tree brings good luck and contributes to the fulfillment of desires.
It turns out to be not so difficult to find out what the name of a house plant with large green leaves is, the main thing is to approach this issue correctly. After that, it remains only to study the information about his needs and preferences, and then the matter is small.
What are the popular types and varieties of begonias: photos, names and descriptions of flowers
Flowers are collected in racemose inflorescences or arranged in pairs in the axils of alternate leaves. Most species, especially deciduous ornamental, are characterized by an asymmetric shape of leaf blades. And one of the most characteristic features of begonias is the unique ability to vegetative propagation - few other crops are able to grow from a small piece of a leaf. With regard to indoor floriculture, it is more convenient to divide all available types and varieties of begonias into deciduous-decorative and flowering, additionally highlighting the tuberous begonia (Begonia tuberhybrida), which is associated with the peculiarities of the placement, care and use of these plants in phytodesign.
Wild begonias have flowers less than ten centimeters. But these sizes seemed small to gardeners, and over the course of eighty years they achieved an increase in them by selection and crossing. The breeder Vilmorin succeeded by crossing two wild species of begonias to obtain a hybrid that blooms in winter. This variety of begonias is called "glouard de Lorrain", that is, "the glory of Lorrain" (a famous artist).
Modern varieties of tuberous begonias produce flowers of 20 (for example, the Everest variety) and even 30 centimeters in diameter, that is, exceeding the size of flowers of large chrysanthemums and peons.
The new varieties cannot be compared to the "primitive" begonias. They look more like roses or camellias. There were no such flowers in nature.
These are hybrids, their parents are begonias from different countries of the world, and their homeland is the gardener's greenhouse. These flowers are created by human art.
The following types of begonias are characterized by their original beauty and relative undemandingness:
Begonia Bauer (V. boweri)
Begonia brilliant (V. hitida)
Begonia hogweed (V. heracleifolia)
Veinous begonia (V. venosa)
Cathayan begonia (V. cathayanа)
Metallic begonia (V. metallica)
Begonia Mason (V. masoniana)
The most popular varieties:
'Merry Christmas' royal begonia
Begonia royal "Mikado" (‘Micado’)
Begonia royal "Pearl de Paris" (‘Perle de Paris’)
Begonia "Arthur Mallei"
Look at photos of popular types of begonias, the names of which are given above:
For a better orientation of amateur gardeners, all cultural begonias are divided into 3 groups: begonias with decorative flowers, begonias with decorative leaves and bushy begonias.Although this systematization is not accurate, since it does not exclude the possibility of including the same plant in different groups, it makes it easier to choose the right begonia and recommendations for its care.
Exotic care
Pandanus home care implies an uncomplicated
This does not mean that you do not need to pay attention to the plant at all. A grower should know that a palm with thorny leaves prefers freedom.
For it, it is necessary to allocate a corner with an area of at least 1.5 square meters. If the apartment is small, then as it grows, long leaves will interfere with the owners. In addition, other points of care should be taken into account. Among which:
- soil composition, annual top dressing;
- irrigation scheme, air humidity in the house;
- optimal temperature and lighting.
Soil composition, annual feeding
Usually purchased soil marked "for palm trees" is used. It is allowed to prepare the substrate yourself. To do this, mix sod soil, leafy soil, sand, humus. Each ingredient is equal in relation to the rest of the amount.
Annual feeding takes place for four to five months. In April, when the shrub leaves the dormant period, it is fed with a mineral mixture. Organic matter is added after 15 days. It is allowed to use preparations marked "for palms, ficuses". As organic matter, compost, humus, tea leaves, etc. are suitable.
Fertilizers are applied twice in April, May, June, July, August. In September, the procedure is stopped.
Important! The spiral palm pot must be made from natural materials. Its height is equal to its width
The container should be heavy, stable, due to the special power and weight of the exotic plant.
Watering, humidity in the apartment
The bush will grow well if it is watered in a timely manner. Because of the fleshy foliage, the indoor pandanus flower loves moisture.
Watering is carried out every 5-7 days. Separated water is used. The plant should not be watered with cold water.
During the rest period, watering is carried out once or twice a month. The main thing is to prevent the complete drying out of the soil mixture.
Exot should not be sprayed with water from a spray bottle
The optimum humidity in the house is 60-80%. For this, it is recommended to spray the air near the pandanus. This is done in the summer. You can put a container with water next to the tub. Evaporating, it will humidify the air next to the tropical pandanus palm. Do not spray the plant itself with water from a spray bottle. In this case, moisture accumulates on the foliage. This can cause mold or disease such as rot.
Optimal temperature and lighting
Pandanus also requires care with regard to temperature conditions.
For good growth and health, the temperature should be at + 19 ... + 27 degrees. Despite not being capricious, the plant will not survive if it gets colder at home to +10 degrees.
Exotic lighting should be moderate. It feels good in a room with a little shading. Pandanas are not kept in complete darkness. Due to a lack of light, its leaves lose their elasticity, rich color.
Note! The houseplant pandanus definitely needs cleansing procedures. Dust accumulates on sheet plates
Every week, you should remove dirt with a slightly damp cloth, sponge. A shower for a plant is contraindicated due to the possibility of decay.
Transfer
The orchid is characterized by intensive growth of the root system, so you need to transplant the orchid regularly. The container for the transplant should be chosen not deeper, but wider.
The transplant procedure takes place in several stages:
- Get the orchid out of the old pot and remove the old soil from the roots, cut off the rotten areas of the root system without damaging the healthy ones;
- The formed sections must be treated with charcoal or cinnamon;
- Place the flower in new soil.
After the transplant procedure is completed, the plant cannot be watered for the next 2-3 days.
Photo of the Cymbidium transplant process.
Reproduction methods
Reproduction of an unpretentious plant is best done in the spring, when nature comes to life. Among the types of reproduction that involve rooting, there are:
- cuttings;
- removal of sockets.
Cuttings
Cuttings should be at least 18-23 cm in length. They have aerial roots. This lateral shoot is cut off and immediately placed in the prepared soil.
Recommendations for propagation by cuttings:
The shoot is separated from the parent specimen with a knife rubbed with alcohol.
A voluminous pot is being prepared.
Drainage is laid out in the pot, soil mixture for palm trees or peat soil mixed with sand is laid on it.
The stalk is placed in the ground. The roots should not be completely in the soil.
A pot with a young pandanus is covered by a bag
It is important that there is a greenhouse temperature there - about 30 degrees. Every day the sprout is opened and aired.
Water it every 2 days.
Rooting will take place in 50-80 days.
Removal of sockets
Rosettes are formed in excess on the mother plant. The collection takes place when the length of the daughter is at least 18 cm.
Potted sockets
Sockets do not take root immediately
It is important to stand for 12-18 hours so that the roots dry out a little. After they are placed in a pot of earth, as in the case of cuttings
Covering with a film is also required.
Seeds
Pandanus can also be propagated by seeds. This method is suitable for the Useful view. Seeds are sown into a substrate of river sand and high moor peat. The planting is watered and covered with a film. Air and watered every 24 hours. The sprouts sprout in a month. After another 40-80 days, they can be transplanted into a separate container.
An evergreen sprawling pandan will decorate a spacious apartment. Even a beginner can handle its cultivation. Pandanus care means simple. The main thing is not to expose it to the bright sun, not to flood or overdry it, and also to feed it on time.
Can you keep a palm tree at home?
Pandanus is surrounded by myths and interpretations, and many ask the question: is it possible to keep a flower at home, what benefit or harm does it do?
It is believed that keeping a palm tree in the house is harmful. Since ancient times, this plant has been called a vampire - because of its thorns and twisted leaves. Supposedly, they absorb energy, and it is harmful for the whole family to accommodate such a guest in their home. The opposite opinion is that it is due to its structure that the plant creates a protective barrier around the house and does not let in negative energy, clearing the space.
There is a belief that evil people near such a plant become even more aggressive.
Contrary to this, there is a sign: if you want to excite an apathetic person to activity or develop a sharp mind in a child, give him a pandanus.
In nature, pandanus leaves are even used for medicinal purposes - they are chewed to relieve toothache or reduce gum inflammation. It is interesting that the owners of the palm trees noticed: if you transfer them to another house, to another family, the plant immediately dies.
The only thing is that it is better to keep it away from pets, thorns are not safe for them.
What flower growers find special charm is in the asceticism of the pandanus. The flower does not require special care and constant attention, and pleases the eye as a real tropical miracle. True, you will not wait for fruits in the interiors, but there will be plenty of lush greenery.
Care and cultivation of pandanus at home
An adult spiral palm usually takes up a lot of room space, so it needs to be grown in a spacious and tall room. Both the plant and the inhabitants of the apartment should not feel any inconvenience.
Location and lighting
When choosing a place for this indoor flower, remember that it is negatively affected by direct sunlight and a lack of light. Windows facing west or east are ideal. The pandanus needs bright, but diffuse lighting.
In a season with a short daylight hours, artificial supplementary lighting can be carried out using a fluorescent lamp, placing it about a meter from the plant. Additional lighting can be left on for at least 6 hours. It is also recommended to rotate the palm tree flower pot from time to time. This will help the plant grow and develop evenly. But you should not take out the indoor pandanus into nature.
Temperature
It is necessary to grow pandanus in a sufficiently warm room with a temperature in winter - at least 16 degrees, and in summer - more than 20 degrees. This thermophilic plant does not like cold drafts, but it is good for short and regular ventilation.
Watering and humidity
For watering a screw palm, only filtered or settled water is used. In the warm season, one watering every second day is enough, and in the cold season, the plant is watered every 3-4 days. Watering should be moderate and timely (only after the soil dries up). An excess of moisture will harm.
Air humidity does not matter much for a room palm. She perceives dry air normally. Spraying is carried out only twice a month, but so that water does not collect in the axils of the leaves. They may start to rot.
Soil and fertilizing
The soil for indoor pandanus needs nutritious soil with a small amount of clay. You can purchase a ready-made potting mix specifically for the palm tree, or you can prepare it yourself. To prepare the mixture, you will need humus, sand, leafy and sod land - all in the same quantities.
Pandanus needs regular feeding at home. In the warm season, fertilizers are applied twice a month, and in the cold season - once. You can use a variety of liquid dressings for these indoor plants.
Transfer
Indoor species of spiral palm trees will need a transplant as they grow and develop. In the first years of life, the plant is transplanted annually, and in adulthood - every 2-3 years. As soon as the root system of the flower has entwined the whole earth in the pot, it's time to transplant it.
The transplant is carried out by the transshipment method, together with the earthen lump, carefully take the plant out of the container so as not to damage the roots (the roots are very fragile). It is advisable to tie the pandanus leaves into a bunch before transplanting so as not to injure your hands with prickly thorns
The flower is transplanted into a large container with a mandatory drainage layer at the bottom. It is undesirable to deepen the plant, it is better to leave it at the usual level
It is advisable to tie the pandanus leaves into a bunch before transplanting so as not to injure your hands with thorny thorns. The flower is transplanted into a large container with a mandatory drainage layer at the bottom. It is undesirable to deepen the plant; it is better to leave it at the usual level.
For each next transplant, a pot is selected only slightly larger than the previous one. If you immediately plant a young plant in a large container (barrel or tub), then the roots will not take root in a new place due to the large amount of soil. Most likely, the process of their decay will begin.
The more often a plant is transplanted, the faster it grows. Take note of this if you want to slow down the growth of the plant.
Adult palms that grow in huge tubs no longer need replanting. If necessary, you can occasionally add some fresh soil to the container.
