Myrtle tree is an indoor plant with delicate dark leaves with a specific smell and small fragrant white flowers. The plant has a very long history, and today there are 16 of its species. One species can be found on the Azores, in North Africa, Europe, Asia, the rest - in Florida and the West Indies. In some countries of Europe, myrtle is grown in open soil, while in countries located in the northern and temperate latitudes - as a greenhouse or houseplant.
The history of the myrtle tree is very interesting and full of secrets. The plant was known in ancient Egypt. Jews, Romans and Greeks also dealt with him. There are many legends about myrtle: it was believed that it gave travelers and strength, so people who went on a long journey took a myrtle branch with them in order to facilitate travel. In ancient Greece, myrtle is a symbol of honor and power, and in Rome - a tribute to the goddess of beauty, which grows in all its temples. More recently, in the Baltic countries, every girl grew a myrtle tree at home and on the day of marriage put a myrtle wreath on her head, using plant flowers in a wedding bouquet.
Interestingly , the myrtle tree has a number of healing properties. Its leaves and fruits contain essential oil, which has a detrimental effect on microbes that cause diseases and infections. The aroma of myrtle flowers cheers up, improves the air in the house. Decoctions of leaves have an antibacterial effect, and therefore are used to treat diseases of the stomach, liver, lungs. Essential oil is also widely used in perfumery and culinary business.
Myrtle Tree: Plant Care
Since myrtle is a very photophilous plant, it should be kept in a bright place. In this case, the "gratitude" of the plant for this will be abundant flowering. Nevertheless, in the summer you need to slightly shade the tree, however, keeping it not in full, but in partial shadow to preserve the dark green of the leaves.
In winter, the myrtle tree must be kept at a temperature of 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is higher, the plant may shed its foliage. This is not scary, as it will turn green again in spring. In order for your tree to be strong and bushy, in the summer it is better to keep it in the open air, in a place protected from rain and wind.
Watering should be carried out regularly. Do not allow liquids to accumulate in the pan, so make sure that the watering is not too plentiful. In winter, you need to water the plant more carefully, in order to only protect the earthen lump from drying out. Myrtle tree should be watered with soft, settled water.
As for air humidity, in the spring and summer myrtle need to be constantly sprayed, while avoiding falling drops on the flowers. Again, the water should be filtered or settled, otherwise the appearance of white spots on the sheets can not be avoided. To increase the humidity around the myrtle, you can put the pot on a pallet with damp gravel.
During the period of active tree growth, fertilizing with complex mineral and organic fertilizers is done once every ten days. This is usually done from April to September. In winter, the myrtle tree does not need to be fed.
Starting from the age of five, the tree needs to be replanted annually. Myrtle also lends itself very well to pruning and cutting. So, you can give the plant the shape of a ball, pyramid or cylinder.
Propagated by seeds or apical cuttings in summer and spring.
Very often, pests - spider mites and scale insects become a problem for myrtle owners. The reason for their appearance and reproduction is dry air and high air temperature. In such cases, the decorative qualities of myrtle sharply deteriorate. It is important to regularly check the plant for pests. You can get rid of the found pests by treating the plant with solutions of Actellik, Karbofos, Decis.