Crossandra is an evergreen shrub that grows in nature to a height of one meter and has a colorful, elegant flower. The place of origin of the plant is the sunny regions of India. Smooth leaves have a rich green color and shine very beautifully under good lighting conditions. Flowering lasts throughout the summer and early fall. In this regard, in our country, a plant such as crossandra is increasingly grown. Home care allows you to grow these flowers up to half a meter high. As for the varieties, there are about fifty of them. Each of them is beautiful and spectacular in its own way. At the same time, for the windowsill, one of the best solutions is a funnel-shaped crossander. Care at home for it will ensure the presence of bright orange-red flowers with a yellow speck, each of which includes five lobules. Another suitable option for the home is nicolita, up to 60 cm tall with brick-red flowers.
Home care
Variegated inflorescences can be obtained only if several rules are followed. For a plant such as Crossander, home care implies, first of all, the realization that it is of tropical origin. In this regard, the temperature of its environment should not be released below the mark of 15 degrees. Moreover, drafts and temperature changes can lead to shedding of leaves. A pot of flowers is best placed in the southern room. As for watering, in summer the plant needs a lot of water (which should have room temperature), and in winter - in moderate. Crossander flower prefers moist air. Based on this, it is recommended to spray it with a spray gun from time to time, while trying not to get into the inflorescences. Withered flowers must be constantly cut off. Do not forget about pinching young shoots, which will ensure abundant flowering.
Breeding
About once every three years, it is recommended to renew such a domestic plant as crossander. Its reproduction is most often done by cuttings. It is also possible to derive new specimens from seeds, however, in room conditions, as a rule, such a method is not practical. Cuttings are harvested throughout the year and take root under the condition of a temperature of more than 20 degrees. In this case, peat acts as the soil, which must be mixed with sand in equal proportions. When the roots appear, the cuttings must be immediately sent to several pots in separate pots and clipped. Transplantation of young plants should be carried out at least once a year, and adults - as the need arises.
Disease
For a plant such as crossander, home care should be done taking into account the knowledge about possible diseases. The discharge of leaves indicates a lack of moisture and cold air. Drying their tips also means insufficient watering. If the cuttings get a brown frame - the plant is watered unnecessarily. To prevent mold damage to the leaves, crossander is treated with a fungicide. In addition, it is also advisable to use anti-aphid and spider mite remedies, which are the most dangerous enemies of the plant.