In winter, when a blizzard is still blowing on the street, bright primroses appear on the shelves of flower shops. Increasingly, domestic flower growers are trying to grow these original plants at home. And this is not surprising, because the unpretentious nature and attractiveness are the main features for which the primrose is valued. Home care, photos, flower propagation methods - this and much more you will find in our material.
Description
Indoor primrose, the care of which we will discuss in this material, belongs to the family of primroses. About 500 species of this plant are found in nature. In addition, the breeders derived a lot of different varieties. Therefore, few flowers will argue with a variety of primroses.
But at home, these varieties are grown:
- The primrose is soft. This annual variety is appreciated for its non-capricious nature. In addition, the variety is friendly and early flowering. The first buds appear on the bushes at the end of February, and the last leaves by May. The bushes reach a height of 50 cm, the leaves are － 20 cm long. Peduncles exude a pleasant aroma.
- Primrose is inverse conic. Perennial variety, arrived from China. The plant reaches half a meter in height. It differs in rounded, lowered leaves. The buds are pink, red and blue. Some species are not toxic and do not cause allergies.
- The primrose is stemless. It differs from other varieties in that the flowers of the culture are always solitary and not collected in inflorescences. In addition, the buds are quite large, often terry. Typically, the petals are painted in white and yellow. But there are buds of pink, purple and purple.
- Primrose is Chinese. A low-growing variety with a height of up to 30 cm. Flowers are wavy with a diameter of 4 cm. A distinctive feature is jagged leaves along the edges.
- Primrose Kyun. Variety with heart-shaped leaves, covered with a white coating. Peduncles are small, painted in yellow shades.
Each of these varieties will decorate the florist's collection. But for plants to please their beauty, they need to provide care and attention.
Primrose room: home care
This attractive plant has an unpretentious character, and a novice grower will be able to grow it. The main thing is to adhere to the basic rules of care, which include:
- temperature condition;
- adequate lighting;
- support for optimal air humidity;
- removal of wilted leaves and flowers;
- watering and top dressing.
But remember that primrose is a pretty poisonous flower. Therefore, take care of her with gloves and keep the pot of plants away from children and pets.
Temperature mode
The flower does not tolerate heat, and it should be kept in a room with a low temperature. The optimal range is 18-20 ° C. After flowering, it is advisable to lower the temperature to 12-15 ° C.
It is difficult to establish such a temperature regime in the apartment, therefore it is recommended that from spring to autumn a flower pot be placed on a loggia or balcony, or even a transplant of primrose into open ground. But protect the culture from drafts and sudden gusts of wind, because the plant does not tolerate them.
In winter, it is advisable to keep the flower on a windowsill near the glass. But at the same time, make sure that hot air from batteries or heating devices does not get on the plant, otherwise the culture will quickly wither.
Lighting
Indoor primrose, the photo of which is presented in the article, refers to photophilous plants. But at the same time, direct sunlight is harmful to her. Therefore, it should be kept in the east or west side of the room.
On the northern window, as well as in the winter months, it is advisable to highlight the flower with a phytolamp. If you grow it on the south window, then do not forget to shade from the midday rays, otherwise the delicate foliage of the flower will suffer.
Air humidity
Indoor primrose reacts extremely negatively to dry air. Therefore, high or moderate humidity should be maintained for the flower. If the plant begins to dry out, put the pot on a pallet with wet expanded clay or install containers with water next to the flower - this will increase the humidity of the atmosphere.
Watering
Regular hydration is a basic rule of care. Indoor primrose, the photo of which is presented below, does not like the drying up of an earthen coma, because it has a bad effect on the health of the culture. But it is not recommended to allow overmoistening, as the roots rot due to excess moisture.
It is recommended to moisten the flower with standing water at room temperature. Keep moisture only on the ground. Otherwise, the leaves and the stem will rot. And in no case do not spray the culture. This will lead to extremely unpleasant consequences.
During the flowering period, watering is worth increasing. At this time, it is desirable to constantly maintain soil moisture. In addition, it is recommended to place the pot on a pallet with wet sand, moss or expanded clay. During dormancy, water the flower when the topsoil dries.
Top dressing
Indoor primrose needs fertilizer. But overfeeding the plant is not recommended, because it does not tolerate excess salts in the soil. Therefore, fertilize the soil 2 times a month with special mixtures intended for decorative flowering plants. But halve the dose indicated on the package of the drug. During dormancy, the flower does not need to be fed.
Transfer
At home, primrose room grows quite rapidly. Therefore, it is recommended to transplant it annually, immediately after flowering. Since the roots of the plant are superficial, use flat but wide pots for it.
As for the soil, then choose a store mix for geraniums. But you can prepare the ground yourself. To do this, mix in equal parts sheet and turf soil, sand and peat.
How is the transplant procedure performed:
- Turn the flower pot over and gently pull the plant out.
- Inspect the roots, remove dry and damaged.
- At the bottom of the new pot, lay out a 2-cm layer of drainage. For these purposes, use pebbles or expanded clay.
- Pour a little soil into the drainage and plant a flower.
- Fill the plant with soil and shake the container so that the voids fill the soil.
- Water the flower and lightly crush the ground around it.
After the transplant, it is advisable to put the primrose in its original place. Then she will easily bear the stress of the procedure.
Breeding
Indoor primrose reproduces in several ways. The easiest way to get new plants is by dividing the bush. But this method is only suitable for 4-year-old flowers. In addition, reproduction should begin only 2-3 weeks after flowering. How to carry out the procedure:
- Turn the pot over and carefully remove the plant.
- Brush off the ground to expose the roots.
- With a sharp knife, divide the plant into several parts. At the same time, make sure that each bush has its own growth bud.
- Treat the cut points with charcoal or ash.
- Immediately plant the bushes in a container or containers filled with moistened peat mixture.
- Cover the landing with glass or film and place in a warm, bright place.
- Maintain high humidity in the greenhouse.
After 2-3 weeks, when the seedlings get stronger, transplant them into separate pots. So you get a few viable primrose. Indoor care for young plants is the same as for adults. They provide regular watering and the right temperature.
Seed propagation
This method is suitable only for experienced gardeners, because it is not so easy to grow a primrose from seeds. In addition, a similar method of reproduction takes a lot of time.
Start sowing in late spring or early summer. For these purposes, use any containers filled with a mixture of sheet earth and sand. Work order:
- Moisten the substrate and evenly distribute the seeds on its surface.
- Sprinkle lightly over the seed and cover the planting with foil or glass.
- Place the greenhouse in a bright room with a temperature of 16–20 ° C.
- Ventilate the landing periodically.
- After 15–20 days, when the first shoots emerge, remove the glass, but keep the plants in a cool room.
- Moisturize seedlings moderately using a spray bottle.
After 2-3 months, transplant strong sprouts into separate pots and provide them with moderate watering, protection from drafts and direct sunlight.
How to grow primrose from cuttings
This propagation method is suitable for plants with a single rosette of leaves or with weak roots that cannot be divided into parts. For planting, use a small pot filled with a 2-cm layer of peat or sand. How to carry out work:
- Cut a petiole with a leaf and a kidney.
- Shorten the sheet by half with sharp scissors.
- Deepen the stalk by 1 cm in moistened soil.
- Place the culture container in a cool place.
- Water the planting periodically.
After 3 months, when the stalk is rooted and gives 3-4 leaves, transplant it into a spacious pot. For culture, use soil consisting of leaf soil, humus and sand in a ratio of 4: 2: 1.
Diseases and Pests
Despite the strong immunity, indoor primrose is susceptible to various diseases. Most often, the flowers are affected by brown spotting. The first symptom of the disease is round spots of pale color on the leaves. Subsequently, the lesions turn gray, and the plate itself becomes covered with a coating.
If you start the disease, then the flower dies. For treatment, remove all damaged leaves and treat the culture with fungicide.
Often a plant attacks a spider mite and aphids. Therefore, periodically inspect the flower for pests. If you notice insects, then immediately spray the foliage with a soapy solution and remove the parasites, their eggs with a swab dipped in alcohol.
If necessary, treat the plant with Fitoverm or Actellik insecticide. Repeat this procedure should be 2-3 times with an interval of a week.
Possible problems
With improper care, room primrose loses its appeal. The following phenomena indicate a lack of care and attention:
- If the leaves of the culture become soft and droop, then reduce watering. Most likely the flower suffers from waterlogging.
- If the plant has small peduncles, but large leaves, then look at the fertilizer. It contains a lot of nitrogen. In addition, similar symptoms appear if the culture suffers from a lack of light.
- If brown spots form on the leaves, while there are few inflorescences on the bushes, then the culture suffers from a hot and dry climate. To get rid of the problem, lower the room temperature and increase soil moisture.
- Shriveled and pale foliage signals too cold conditions.
- If the plants turn pale and yellow, the reason for this is excessive watering. In addition, such a reaction appears on low-quality water.
Now you know everything about how to provide competent care for primrose at home. Stick to these tips, and your plants will long delight with their attractive appearance and delicate aroma.