Chlorophytum crested is in great demand among flower growers. And this is not surprising, because this beautiful plant is endowed with a non-capricious character, and caring for it does not take much time and effort. In addition, the culture is able to purify the air from harmful impurities and bacteria.
Description
Tufted chlorophytum is an herbaceous culture of the Asparagus family, which came to us from the subtropical and tropical forests of South Africa. Translated from Latin, the name of the flower means "green plant".
In the natural environment, a perennial shrub grows up to a meter in width and height. In room conditions, its dimensions are a bit more modest. The plant has strong roots that extend to a depth of 10-15 cm. The oblong leaves of the culture are collected in a small basal rosette and their length reaches 50-60 cm. They are painted in green tones, but some varieties have white or yellow longitudinal stripes.
Each year, the outlet produces several flower stalks, on which small white buds grow. Subsequently, the flowers turn into children - small sockets with aerial roots. In some cases, pollination of buds occurs and a seed box forms on the plant.
Unlike other southern perennials, chlorophytum is not capricious and well survives at home. In addition, its lush juicy greens fits perfectly into any interior. Therefore, the flower is used to decorate apartments and offices.
But beauty and unpretentiousness are not the only advantages of the plant. Scientists have proven that chlorophytum cleans the air and destroys harmful impurities, toxins and pathogens. Therefore, it is recommended to plant flowers for people with pulmonary diseases, as well as in rooms located near industrial facilities.
Varieties
Breeders bred many varieties of plants. The following varieties are especially popular with flower growers:
- Variegatum. The leaves of the plant are emerald green with white stripes along the edge.
- Maculatum On the green leaves of the culture there are several yellow longitudinal stripes.
- Mandaianum. The difference between this variety is a wide yellow stripe in the center of the green leaf.
- Bonny. The variety is compact in size. It has curved green leaves with a white longitudinal stripe.
- Vittatum. The central part of the leaves is painted snow-white, and the edges are saturated green.
Each of these varieties will be an adornment of the flower grower's collection. In addition, an inexperienced gardener can also grow them, because an unpretentious character is a quality for which crested chlorophytum is valued.
Features of home care: lighting
Chlorophytum is a photophilous flower, but scattered rays are quite enough for it. Therefore, place the plant in any part of the room. Of course, on the bright south side, the color of the foliage will become as saturated as possible. But do not forget to cover the plant from midday rays, otherwise burns will occur.
The plant feels great near the west or east window. The culture also adapts to the dark, northern side. But here the leaves will lose their bright stripes and become monophonic. In addition, from a lack of light, the plant will not give children. Therefore, do not forget to highlight the culture with a phytolamp. This method should also be resorted to in the winter.
Temperature
The plant tolerates temperature changes well. But the optimal range for it is from +16 to +23 ˚C. In summer, you can take out a pot of culture on the balcony or porch. But make sure that the flower is protected from rain and sudden gusts of wind. In winter, do not let the temperature drop to + 10 ˚C. Otherwise, the perennial will die.
The soil
Crested chlorophytum does not impose special requirements on the soil. The main thing is that the earth is loose, moisture-resistant, breathable and nutritious. A universal store mix for ornamental plants is suitable.
If you decide to prepare the substrate yourself, then mix the following components in equal parts:
- sheet earth;
- turf soil;
- humus;
- peat;
- sand.
It is advisable to add some bone meal or horn chips to this mixture. But before planting, be sure to disinfect the substrate, because pathogenic microbes and pests can live in it. To do this, bake the soil in the oven or hold it over a steam bath.
Watering
Chlorophytum crested - hygrophilous plant. And for normal growth and development, he needs regular and plentiful watering. From spring to late autumn, moisten the soil liberally 2-3 times a week. Use boiled or settled water at room temperature for this. Do not forget to drain excess fluid from the sump.
In winter, the plant begins a dormant period. At this time, reduce watering to 2 times a month, while making sure that the earthen lump does not dry out much.
Periodically arrange a flower for a warm shower. In addition, chlorophytum is grateful for spraying. In addition, dust accumulates on wide leaves of the culture, which must be removed with a damp soft cloth.
Top dressing
From May to August, chlorophytum is actively growing and developing. At this time, feed him twice a month with complex mineral compounds. But if the plant has many children, then the flower needs to be fertilized more often. After all, the processes take away a lot of strength from the mother plant.
But do not overfeed the plant. From excess nutrients, the immunity of crested chlorophytum is reduced. And the flowers become vulnerable to germs and pests.
Pruning
The plant does not need special pruning. But do not forget to remove damaged and diseased leaves. This will improve the appearance of the plant, in addition, protect it from disease.
Transfer
With proper care at home, crested chlorophytum grows rapidly and it becomes crowded in an old pot. Therefore, annually transplant young plants into a more spacious container. Otherwise, the culture will cease to grow, produce peduncles, and may even die.
Adults transplant chlorophytums every 2-3 years. Hold this event in late February-early March through transshipment. Note that the flower has delicate roots, so transplant it carefully. After the event, water the plant abundantly. Hold the culture in a shaded area for the first 2-3 days.
Choose a clay pot with a porous inside. Its volume should exceed the size of the previous one by 10%. Note that in a spacious pot the plant will not bloom and will not give children. But the strong roots of the culture are quite capable of damaging the tight container.
If chlorophytum has grown greatly, then divide it into parts. You will learn how to do this in the next chapter.
Reproduction by dividing the bush
For a similar method of reproduction, plants aged 3-4 years are suitable. Before the procedure, prepare the soil and several suitable pots in advance. In addition, water the mother plant abundantly. Then it will be easier to get it out of the tank.
So, how to carry out the reproduction of crested chlorophytum:
- Put a 5-centimeter layer of drainage on the bottom of the pots and cover it with 1-2 cm of substrate.
- Carefully remove the mother plant with an earthen lump.
- With a sharp knife, divide the bush into several parts. Make sure that each of them has a strong root process.
- Treat the cutting sites with crushed charcoal.
- Put the pieces in the pots, cover the voids with soil and slightly compact.
After the procedure, be sure to water the flowers. At first, protect plants from direct sunlight.
Reproduction by children
Chlorophytum crested produces many arrows on which flowers appear, and then rosettes with aerial roots and young leaves. These processes, called babies, draw strength from the mother plant. Therefore, sooner or later they need to be removed.
But do not throw away the children, because from them you can grow new flowers. And this is done in several ways:
- Choose a strong shoot and cut it with a sharp knife. Place the baby in a container of water for rooting. To speed up the process, add some Epin to the liquid. Do not forget to add water to a glass, because chlorophytums drink a lot. When the roots of the plant reach 2 cm in length, carefully transplant the flower into the ground.
- Place a pot of substrate near the mother plant and root the shoot with the shoot in it without cutting off the arrow. Provide the plant with normal care. Chlorophytum crested quickly take root. And when the sprout is strong enough, cut the arrow.
Problems and their solution
The flower has strong immunity, and it is not afraid of disease. Occasionally, chlorophytum affects aphids. And to get rid of insects, wipe the leaves with a damp cotton swab. And then treat the culture with an insecticide.
The flower is unpretentious, but with improper or insufficient care loses its decorative effect. Common errors and their solutions:
- The tips of the leaves dry. This phenomenon occurs due to lack of watering or too dry and hot air in the room. To cope with the problem, increase hydration and regularly spray the flower with standing water at room temperature.
- The tips of the leaves turned brown. This phenomenon is associated with a lack of nutrients in the soil. Remove damaged areas and feed the flower at least once a week.
- The leaves of chlorophytum turned pale and fade. This is caused by a lack of lighting and too hot conditions. To solve the problem, move the pot closer to the window, and do not forget to ventilate the room.
- Brown spots formed on the foliage. This happens due to heavy watering in the winter. Reduce moisture and reposition the plant in a cool place.
- Rosette leaves rotted. The cause of the phenomenon is excessive moisture. Most often this happens in winter. In addition, heavy soil causes decay.
- The plant does not produce peduncles. This happens if the crop is grown in a tight pot.
- Leaves have lost motley coloring. Chlorophytum lacks light. Move the pot to the sunny side, and the problem will go away by itself.
Attractive crested chlorophytum is not in vain enjoyed by the love of gardeners. After all, this plant is beautiful and fits perfectly into any interior. In addition, the flower is unpretentious, and an inexperienced grower can grow it.