Chlorophytum laxum is a small herbaceous plant that is grown as a houseplant. It is very similar to crested chlorophytum. The main difference between these two species is that the foliage of the first does not twist. There are variegated varieties in which there is a decorative white stripe at the edges of the leaf. Chlorophytum laxum is a favorite indoor plant for beginner gardeners. It is very unpretentious, rarely sick and almost not damaged by pests.
Useful properties of a flower
Keeping chlorophytum in the house is one of the best ways to clean the air of harmful impurities. This is confirmed by a 1989 NASA study. Then scientists were looking for methods to maintain clean air at space stations. Until now, the plant is used by many gardeners due to its unique properties. Chlorophytum laxum and other representatives of this species are able to absorb formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, which is very important for residents of megacities.
If your house does not have such pollution, there is probably a mixture of exhaust gases in the air that emit cars into the atmosphere. These compounds negatively affect the body of humans and animals, cause weakness, headache, dizziness and shortness of breath.
Chlorophytum laxum in the bedroom will help normalize sleep by moisturizing and purifying the air, as well as the release of negative ions. Decorating your home with this flower is recommended for allergy sufferers and people with diseases of the respiratory system.
Chlorophytum Care
The main enemies of this flower are pets, especially cats, who often prefer to feast on juicy shoots, tearing them from the base of the stem. For animals and people, plant juice is not dangerous, even useful, as it contains vitamins and antioxidants, especially if it was properly taken care of.
In some countries, young tender leaves are even collected and eaten instead of the usual greens. To do this, they are thoroughly washed and boiled in boiling salted water for about ten minutes. Boiled leaves can be fried with chopped onions, carrots and garlic until all vegetables are soft. But it is advisable to protect them from eating, otherwise chlorophytum laxum, the care of which is good enough, will still lose its decorative appearance.
If this flower appeared in the house , it is important to choose a place in advance where cats and dogs will not reach it. For example, you can put your chlorophytum laxum in a hanging pot. In it, the plant will look beautiful, thanks to the flowing decorative foliage.
Beginning gardeners are advised to purchase this flower because of its ability to grow and multiply rapidly even in the most difficult conditions. Chlorophytum laxum will not cause you any problems, even if you decide to start floriculture for the first time in your life. It will die if you do not water it for several weeks or leave it in the cold. Even with simple and regular care, chlorophytum will delight its hosts with flowering and spectacular offspring.
How to choose lighting
Chlorophytum laxum, home care for which begins with choosing a place for it, is unpretentious. For species with variegated leaves, a well-lit place is best, but the plant can easily tolerate light shading.
The type of lighting affects the appearance of the foliage. The more sun, the more pronounced variety of patterns on them will be in striped varieties. Solid leaves in good light will become brighter and acquire a rich green tint.
In a dark corner, variegated chlorophytum will continue to grow, but the stripes on the leaves may disappear. These plants can be kept in the bathroom, where the lighting may be a little dim for other plants. For this reason, they are a great choice as an indoor flower. Different species grow well under fluorescent lamps.
The amount of light also affects the flowering and reproduction rate. Plants that are kept under brighter lighting give more flowers and offspring than those that are in twilight. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf burns.
If you plant chlorophytum on the street, it is best to keep it away from the midday sun. No plant can do without light at all, but this flower is able to grow at almost any level of artificial or natural light.
Optimal conditions
Chlorophytum laxum does not like a sharp temperature drop. The flower tolerates a wide range, but a sharp change in conditions can lead to illness. Simultaneous temperature contrasts should also be avoided. For example, you should not place the plant in a place where it will be simultaneously next to the heater and near an open window with frosty air.
At a constant temperature from +21 to +32 degrees, your chlorophytum laxum will feel great. Propagation of the plant will stop at +18 degrees. If the temperature accidentally drops to +1, the plant will survive, but may become ill. Chlorophytum will not survive freezing. Extreme heat is sometimes allowed, but a constant increase in temperature to +32 degrees is also not recommended. Judging by the descriptions, chlorophytum laxum will grow almost wherever you want to place it.
Soil selection
As with most indoor plants, the choice of high-quality soil for chlorophytum will ensure its good growth and reproduction. These flowers are tolerant to a wide variety of soil types and textures, but it is best to use a standard mixture for potted plants or for gloxinia and violets.
You can try to create your own mix using universal soil for indoor plants and garden soil mixed with vermiculite, pine bark, coconut substrate, perlite and peat.
Limestone or dolomite flour are considered good additives to help raise the pH. Growing chlorophytum laxum at home, it is worth considering that the plant prefers a rather neutral soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. When choosing soil for a flower, it is advisable to consider this feature.
Chlorophytums can grow in water or using hydroponics. This is a growing method in which a special nutrient medium is used instead of soil. It is suitable for rooting processes and supporting plant growth. After this method of cultivation, the flower can be easily transplanted into the ground.
How to propagate chlorophytum in water
Under the conditions of keeping on plants, arrows with buds quickly form, which after pollination turn into processes with aerial roots. Because the reproduction of chlorophytum usually does not cause problems.
You can root small sprouts by planting them in a plastic cup or bowl with filtered or distilled water. Simply put them in a liquid so that it covers the roots without touching the leaves. Then the container with the processes should be put in a place with indirect lighting. Water should be changed daily to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
As soon as the seedlings have good roots, it's time to transfer them to a pot, hanging basket or container with suitable soil for growing.
Growing in water
Rooting plants in water can be a convenient way to propagate lossless chlorophytum. But this is not the best option to keep these plants for a long time. They love a well-drained substrate. In addition, in the future, plants will need more nutrients than ordinary water can provide.
Although you can purchase specially prepared mixtures of fertilizers for hydroponic gardening, they are not ideal for caring for these plants. Chlorophytums growing in water on an ongoing basis will not bloom and live a short life.
Rooting in the soil
Reproduction in the soil occurs naturally and very simply. Chlorophytums themselves create many shoots with white, star-shaped flowers that become small plants hanging from the mother.
In the wild, these little children come into contact with the soil, take root, and themselves disconnect from the main bush. In the photo, chlorophytum laxum can often be seen with hanging arrows, on which there are small white flowers.
This plant multiplies rapidly if it grows in good conditions. Reproducing this natural process is easy. It is enough to cut small plants from the ends of the shoots with sharp scissors and bury their roots in loose soil.
Care for young chlorophytums
It is necessary to hold the container with processes at a constant temperature of the environment and indirect lighting. Watering them is required as necessary. You can also set pots with soil around the parent plant and send the children to prepared containers. When small chlorophytums take root, they should be separated from the main bush with sharp scissors or a knife.
Young plants are also watered as the topsoil dries. They tolerate drought, but excessive moisture can cause root rot. It is advisable to transplant annually, since the roots grow very quickly and fill the entire pot. Chlorophytum laxum can do without transplantation for several years, but then its growth will slow down.