The world is so arranged that it has a lot of paradoxical and interesting. Familiar to everyone, stinging nettle is for many a weed that grows in wastelands, and its closest relative is a exotic houseplant with a similar structure, but much more interesting appearance. This is a hardy plant with ornamental foliage, equally well developing in apartments, greenhouses and conservatories. Any pylea care at home involves minimal, but subject to certain requirements.
Genus of Pylaeus: general characteristic
A very extensive genus has about 600 plant species and belongs to the nettle family. The natural habitat is the tropical forests of both hemispheres, with the exception of Australia. The bulk are perennial herbaceous plants, sometimes with a lignified base. The stem, as a rule, is erect, less often - creeping or widespread, strongly branching from the base. Leaves characteristic, cross-opposite arrangement, whole or serrate at the edges, often pubescent with glandular hairs. For example, a thick-leaved pylaea (home care is presented below) remotely in appearance resembles ordinary nettle, but with corrugated and bright leaves. Small and inconspicuous flowers of representatives of the genus are most often located singly in the sinuses or collected in an inflorescence of an umbrella, less commonly, loose panicles. Nine species used in modern floriculture were introduced into the culture gradually, starting from the end of the 18th century.
Illumination and soil
Plants of the genus Pilea for the most part prefer bright, but scattered sunlight without direct exposure to rays, some species easily tolerate partial shade. The most optimal place in the house is the western or eastern windows. In summer, when shading from sunlight, you can take the plant out into the open air. Pilea care at home requires minimal, but it is important to provide it with proper lighting and good soil. With a lack of light, the leaves of the plant lose their decorative effect, especially in variegated forms. Pileas are perfect for urban apartments, where during the year the temperature practically does not change. The most optimal indicator for plants is a constant mark at the level of +25 ° . Although some species feel normal at + 10 ° C (peperia mash). The soil for the plant is recommended loose, well-permeable, with a drainage layer. Use fertile loam with the addition of an equal share of good leaf humus.
Pilea: home care
Like any other tropical plant, pilea requires moist air. Perhaps maintaining the desired rate is the main aspect of care in conjunction with watering. Spraying the leaves is not recommended, because of this they lose their decorative qualities. It is best to put the pot with the plant on a pallet filled with wet sand or expanded clay, or use special tools, but in no case put the container in water. Pilea does not tolerate stagnation of moisture, and the roots quickly rot. In the spring and summer, the plant should be watered as the top layer of the soil dries up; use soft, settled water for this. In winter, the need for moisture decreases. Watering is carried out 2-3 days after the top layer dries. Excessive waterlogging is something that does not tolerate sawing. Home care (the photo above shows us a plant transplant) also involves fertilizing from early spring until the end of summer once a week. Use special mineral complex preparations.
Small-leaved pylaea
Bright and amazing plant, nicknamed the "artillery." The reason lies in an interesting feature - the release of a cloud of dust (pollen) when opening flowers or touching them. The view differs in small dimensions in height - only up to 15 cm. However, creeping shoots are able to form spectacular green pillows. They are reminiscent of fern ferns, strewn with small leaves of a light green color of a coin-shaped shape and with a glossy surface. Small-leaved pylaea at home suggests a similar procedure to that described above.
Pilea Kadier
Perennial plant forming a bush up to 30-45 cm in height. The birthplace of the species is tropical forests of Southeast Asia. The stems are thin and flexible, upright at a young age, but acquiring an ampel shape as they grow. Large (up to 10 cm long and 5 cm wide) glossy leaves are oval in shape, located on a long petiole. The upper surface has characteristic silver stripes along the three main veins. The well-known form of Minimina is the dwarf kadiae kadie, similar care at home. To increase the bushiness, it is recommended to pinch the plant as it grows.
Pylaea Spruce
Spectacular perennial plant, reaching a height of 20 cm (in the first photo). Its main advantage is green-brown, abundantly pubescent leaves. They are characterized by an oval shape and jagged edges, bubbly outgrowths over the entire surface. The beautiful hybrid form of Norfolk is known with bright green leaves having a silver tint and brown-red veins, the surface is velvety, with many bristles.
Peperia pear-shaped
Home care for the species is similar and quite simple, but as a result you get an extraordinary and interesting plant that grows up to 30 cm in height. India is its homeland. Peperomia pylaea forms a large number of large (up to 10 cm in diameter) leaves of almost round shape and with a shiny, glossy surface. They depart from the stem on long, slightly drooping petioles. Has a period of winter rest. Decorative loses after 2-3 years of active growth, and therefore requires updating.