The bush of myrtle myrtle is home to the Mediterranean, where it grows up to 4 meters in height. The plant is known as a symbol of well-being, family happiness and love. Unfortunately, the climate of temperate latitudes is not suitable for this shrub, therefore it does not occur in gardens or parks. But the ordinary myrtle myrtle took root well in the apartments of compatriots. And how to properly care for him, you will find out by reading the article.
Plant description
Myrtle (myrtus) belongs to the genus of evergreen southern trees. During flowering, the bush is covered with fluffy white flowers. Dark green leaves contain a large amount of essential oil. The plant is fragrant and releases phytoncides, which are detrimental to the causative agents of tuberculosis, diphtheria. Dried pieces are used as a spice in cooking. A popular clove spice is obtained from the buds of one of the varieties of myrtle.
A plant grown indoors, does not exceed a height of 1 meter. It is found at home common myrtle (communis) and Sahara (nivellei). The first is a small tree or shrub. The leaves are glossy, small, and the flowers are white, exuding a strong aroma. Below in the photo ordinary myrtle can be well considered.
Varieties of the species have different colors, shapes and sizes:
- Boethics - leaves are large, green, very saturated color, height does not exceed 7 cm.
- Variegata is a variegated variety, leaves are yellow-green in color.
- Kompakta is a low-growing variety with a dense crown.
- Tarentina is a small shrub.
- Alhambra is an unpretentious variety, small leaves of elongated shape.
In the photo below you can see the variety Tarentina.
Mythology
Greece - the birthplace of myrtle - gave the world many myths and legends. The hero of the article also appears in them. The Greek legend mentions the nymph Mirsina, whose beauty Athena herself envied and killed the nymph. Recollecting herself, Athena regretted the act and asked the gods to leave her something that would remind of Mirsin. The gods responded to the request, and the body of the deceased became a beautiful graceful tree - myrtle. According to Roman mythology, the myrtle was a satellite of Venus - the goddess of beauty, prosperity and fertility.
Conditions for keeping
The common myrtle plant needs special conditions of detention, although it is considered unpretentious. First of all, this applies to high humidity. As for air temperature, myrtle needs moderate - within 20-23 -23. Often in the warmer months, the pot with myrtle is taken out onto the balcony, into the gazebo or garden. Here, in direct sunlight, the plant feels great, but in the midday heat it is still worth protecting the crown from the scorching sun.
In the cold season, it is recommended to keep the myrtle tree in a cool room (7-10 ℃), which will contribute to plentiful flowering in the summer.
If the ornamental shrub is kept in a warm room in winter, watering and spraying is carried out in the same way as in summer.
Humidity and watering
The plant requires high humidity, therefore, during the period of activity provide abundant watering. If there is not enough water, the tree will discard the leaves. Keep the soil in the pot always slightly moist. An ordinary myrtle reacts to regular spraying and a warm shower.
It is better to use water that is soft and settled. However, this rule applies to any houseplant. It is also important to ensure that there is no stagnation of moisture, which will lead to decay of the root system.
Top dressing
In natural conditions, the myrtle tree receives the necessary substances from the soil, which is constantly enriched by other plants and insects. Full-fledged development of myrtle ordinary at home and care for it are impossible without regular feeding. Suitable liquid complex fertilizers for indoor flowers. They bring nutrients every 10-12 days during the period of plant activity - in spring and summer. In winter, feeding is not necessary. If the plant is kept in a warm room, then you can feed it once a month.
Cropping and shaping the crown
The plant responds well to pruning, but too often it is not worth it - this will lead to weakening of the bush. Myrtle is a fertile material for the embodiment of creative ideas of a grower. The crown is shaped like a sprawling tree or trimmed in the form of a bonsai.
To make the crown denser, pinch the tips of the tree branches. Pruning is carried out either in the spring before flowering, or after flowering.
Propagation by cuttings
There are two ways of propagating myrtle ordinary: seeds and cuttings. Experienced growers often resort to seed propagation, and the second method is popular at home. The technology of grafting is not very complicated and includes the following steps:
- The procedure is carried out twice a year: in the middle of winter and in the middle of summer.
- Cuttings are cut from the middle part of the plant 6-8 cm long.
- The leaves are removed or shortened a little, which will allow not to lose moisture.
- The cut site is treated with a growth stimulator.
- Soil for cuttings is made up of a mixture of moss and sand, but leafy soil is also suitable.
- The cuttings buried in the soil are kept at a temperature of +15 to +20 ℃.
Subject to these rules, a young plant will bloom in the 3-4th year.
Seed propagation
Growing myrtle from seeds is long and troublesome, so amateur gardeners rarely use this method. Only fresh seeds are used for sowing.
Seed growing technology:
- Seeds are soaked in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 1.5-2 hours.
- Prepare the soil from a mixture of peat and sand, it should be light and breathable.
- Plant seeds and moisten crops, for this it is good to use a spray bottle.
- The container is wrapped with foil and placed in a bright, warm room.
- The film is removed only when shoots appear. This will come in about 1.5-2 months.
- The grown sprouts are transplanted into separate containers.
- When the sprouts reach 20 cm, they are nipped to stimulate the lateral branching of the future shrub.
During seed cultivation, the flowering of myrtle occurs, as a rule, in the fifth year.
Diseases and Pests
The myrtle common plant is infrequently exposed to diseases. Rules-based care is good prevention of diseases and pests. Irregularities in irrigation lead to the following consequences:
- falling of leaves with a lack of moisture;
- damage to the root system with excess moisture.
Sometimes myrtle is damaged by a spider mite, scutellum, aphid. As soon as the first signs of pests appear, they treat the crown and trunk with soapy water or garlic infusion, wipe the foliage with alcohol, and sprinkle with tobacco. If the situation is running, use special tools that are bred and used in accordance with the instructions.
The spider mite is located below the plant. It is determined by the presence of a white web and the drying of the leaves. Scale shield selects any part of the tree. The pest is detected by small brown spots. At the damaged bush, leaves fall and dry. Aphids are found below the plant. If, during viewing, twisted leaves are found, as well as falling and yellowing of the foliage, this is most likely a sign of the presence of aphids.
Transfer
Like any houseplant, myrtle needs a transplant. The soil in the pot gradually becomes poorer, and the plant lacks nutrients. The frequency of transplants depends on the age of the bush. A young tree is replanted once a year, then less often. When choosing a new pot, make sure that it is not too large. The amount of soil should be such that it does not dry out quickly during irrigation, but retains moisture for several days. When transplanting, make sure that the trunk is not completely covered with earth, it should be visible.
The pot is taken with a hole for draining water. Having taken out a bush from an old pot, the roots are freed from the ground and immediately placed in a new pot. At the bottom of the pot, 5 cm of drainage is pre-filled, and the soil mixture is formed from sod land (half the volume), sand, humus and peat, taken in equal proportions.
Useful properties of myrtle
In addition to the decorative appearance, ordinary myrtle is valued for its healing properties. Growing myrtle at home, you get good help during periods of epidemic of flu and colds. Phytoncides secreted by leaves have an antiviral effect. Myrtle is used in traditional medicine. Myrtle tincture gives activity and energy. It has a tea or coffee-like effect. A decoction of the leaves of myrtle is used to treat gastrointestinal diseases. Myrtle is also used in cooking as a seasoning for fish and meat.
The sun-loving plant of myrtle grows well in an apartment or office. The southern tree will delight owners with a healthy look for a long time, if you follow the rules of care and conditions of detention. Among the varieties, the florist will choose a bush suitable for him in size and shape. The luxurious crown is given different shapes, and the useful properties of the tree are a pleasant bonus to the decorative look. A beautiful legend about the origin of myrtle can entertain guests and inspire the acquisition of a spectacular and useful representative of the flora.