There are many types of indoor plants that have perfectly taken root in modern urban settings. Their benefits are evaluated differently. Everyone knows the healing properties of aloe, Kalanchoe, geranium, etc., which are indispensable in the fight against many diseases. However, chlorophytum is considered to be the leader in beneficial effects - a “plant-vacuum cleaner” that purifies indoor air from various formaldehydes and phenols released by furniture elements. Chlorophytum is considered to be a true friend and an indispensable assistant to every person.
Homeland of chlorophytum
Chlorophytum is a herbaceous plant that recently belonged to the Liliaceae family. To date, researchers can not come to a consensus about its affiliation: some argue that the genus belongs to the Agave family, others - Asparagus.
The homeland of chlorophytum is the moist subtropical forests of South Africa and the tropical forests of South America. However, the plant took root in the wild of Western Australia and Europe.
A bit of history
The first mention of a houseplant dates back to 1794. In European countries, chlorophytum appeared in the second half of the XIX century. Due to its properties and unpretentiousness in the care, the plant has gained wide popularity among flower growers. Today, chlorophytum can be found in any corner of our planet. The plant is used in the design of residential and office premises, educational institutions, as well as for landscaping local areas.
Types of ornamental plants
Indoor chlorophytum has many types. The most popular and decorative are only three:
- Crested - its appearance resembles a lush bunch of long soft leaves with white stripes. The plant shoots an arrow with many small white flowers. Further, the flowers of chlorophytum turn into processes. If you do not plan to further propagate the plant, it is better to cut off the formed branches, as they weaken the flower.
- Kinky - has some similarities with crested. The difference lies in the curly shape of the leaves that hang from all sides of the pot.
- Orange chlorophytum (winged, marmalade) - is very different from its "relatives". Dark green leaves at the base and tip are pointed in shape. Reproduction occurs using seeds.
Beneficial features
Many consider the plant (chlorophytum) to be a domestic weed. However, not everyone knows how useful it is for living quarters. Scientists have proved that the substance secreted by chlorophytum destroys about 80% of harmful microorganisms per day, including mold fungi.
One adult plant covers an area of 6 m2. Several chlorophytums can replace even an expensive air purifier and significantly improve the quality of oxygen.
The beneficial properties of the plant are still not fully understood. It is reliably known that a flower (indoor chlorophytum) effectively cleans the air of ammonia, carbon monoxide, acetone, benzene, nitrogen and formaldehyde, while also releasing phytoncides useful for the body.
Along with the bactericidal effect, the ability to humidify air in a living room is invaluable. Since the homeland of chlorophytum is subtropical South America and Africa, it grows mainly near water bodies. Thanks to this, the plant absorbs water well. If chlorophytum is abundantly and regularly watered, moisture will enter the air along with volatile production. Especially useful flower for people with all kinds of pulmonary diseases. Surprisingly, the moisturizing and cleansing properties of chlorophytum will increase several times if you add a few tablets of activated carbon to the plant pot.
The green healer is very useful for people who live in industrial areas and close to busy roads, where the air is very polluted. A flower (indoor chlorophytum) significantly reduces the frequency of respiratory diseases and allergic reactions.
It is also known that the plant effectively neutralizes radiation from a TV, microwave, computer and other household appliances. In addition, the flower absorbs toxins, which in large excess emit synthetic materials. Chlorophytum at home ideally survives in children's rooms, workrooms and kitchen areas, since the leaves of the plant absorb nitric oxide, which appears as a result of the gas stove.
A feature of the indoor flower is that the greater the degree of air pollution, the faster and better the chlorophytum grows. The clean air emitted at the same time is a guarantee of human health and longevity.
Chlorophytum cultivation
Chlorophytum belongs to the category of the most unpretentious plants, but for its successful cultivation certain rules must be observed.
The most acceptable temperature for keeping the flower is moderate. In the cold season, it should be at least 18 degrees. Chlorophytum tolerates sudden changes in temperature calmly, but this affects its appearance. It is better to protect it from drafts and choose a location away from windows with large gaps.
Chlorophytum flowers like light, but direct sunlight does not tolerate well. The ideal location for the location of the pot is the west or east side. If you choose the northern window, this will certainly affect the decorative qualities of the plant. You can place chlorophytum in the south side of the apartment, while you should take care of moderate dimming.
Chlorophytum at home: care
In the period from spring to autumn, the plant must be abundantly watered. The substrate must always be wet. With the onset of winter, the frequency of watering should be reduced to a moderate level.
Chlorophytum, whose leaves love moisture, gratefully encounters spraying, which must be carried out in the summer. In winter, spraying should be performed only if the plant is very close with heating appliances.
From March to August, the flower needs to be fed with special fertilizers for decorative and deciduous plants. The procedure must be performed once every few weeks.
Plant transplant
Young plants need to be replanted every year, adult copies of chlorophytum - once every 2-3 years. The ideal period for this procedure is February and March. It is better to prepare the transplant mixture yourself in the following proportions: 1 part of sheet soil, sand and humus to 2 parts of turf land.
If chlorophytum is not transplanted in time, there will be insufficient space for the growth of massive and rapidly growing roots. Therefore, for planting, it is better to choose large spacious pots and take care of good drainage.
Breeding
Reproduction occurs by rooting the daughter rosettes or by dividing the rhizome with part of the leaf rosette during transplantation. Thickened parts of the roots and other sections should be sprinkled with chopped charcoal or sulfur in order to avoid decay. You can plant daughter sockets immediately in prepared pots or soil, the same as for adult chlorophytums. Covering and spraying the shoots is not necessary.
Growing problems
Despite the unpretentiousness and high decorative qualities, some problems may arise when growing chlorophytum.
- Inadequate watering, a sharp change in temperature and improper feeding can lead to a change in the color of the ends of the leaves (they will turn brown).
- Lack of sunlight and a cramped pot are the reasons for the loss of bright coloring of the leaves.
- If the temperature is too high and the lighting is insufficient, the leaves become pale and soft, which can lead to their falling.
- In winter, when the temperature is quite low, you should not over-water the plant, as this contributes to the appearance of brown spots on the leaves.
Pests
Chlorophytum can be affected by various pests, including scale insects and spider mites.
Scaffolds are in the form of plaques or bulges. Reach 2-3 mm in diameter. They have a reddish, and sometimes translucent brownish color. The pest is located on the surface of the leaves, along the main vein from the upper side. Scalp feeds on the sap of the plant, which leads to leaf decay. To get rid of the pest, the flower is wiped with a soapy sponge or alcohol solution, after which they are irrigated with a systemic insecticide.
Since the homeland of chlorophytum is a subtropical climate, the plant loves moisture. Excessively dry air causes a spider mite. It is a small arachnid pest, not exceeding 1 mm in size. It is almost impossible to see with the naked eye. First of all, you should look for the tick on the back of the leaves, where you can notice traces of molt of the pest, similar to small crumbs or dandruff. To combat the tick, wipe the plant with soapy water or rinse in the shower. With severe damage, chlorophytum is sprayed with an insecticide. For prevention purposes, the plant should be regularly moistened with ordinary water.
Conclusion
Chlorophytum, the photo of which you see in the article, is a very beautiful plant that successfully fits into any interior. The plant has long arched leaves with longitudinal white stripes (sometimes without them). Recently, plants with wide lanceolate leaves have gained great popularity.
In the interior, the flower is used as an ampel plant, which is hung on the wall or mounted on original stands. Chlorophytum, whose photo is surprising in its diversity, looks good on the table or window sill, where it takes root perfectly.