Tree myrtle care. Myrtle ordinary - an evergreen shrub on your windowsill

Myrtle - beautiful evergreen with fragrant leaves. Grows as a compact shrub or miniature tree. The natural growth zone is the Mediterranean, the Azov Islands, Africa. Caring for myrtle at home is quite complicated, the bush requires constant attention. Observing all the rules of cultivation, you can achieve not only the formation of a lush crown, but also abundant flowering.

IN vivo myrtle reaches a height of more than 2 m. Indoor myrtle is a compact plant from half a meter to a meter in height. Due to the strong branching, it grows in width, suitable for the formation of a bonsai tree.

Botanical description

Myrtle is a multi-stemmed shrub. Grows fast, easy to shape. Its leaves are small, dense, slightly elongated, with a glossy surface. If you rub the leaf between your fingers, a strong spicy aroma appears. The leaves are opposite on the stem.

The life cycle of myrtle is characterized by pronounced periods of activity - growth and rest. With the onset of cold weather, development slows down, in the spring young shoots begin to actively appear. Flowering occurs at the beginning of summer. The flowers are white or pink, solitary or in short racemes. The aroma is pleasant.

All above-ground parts of the plant contain essential oils. Myrtle is used in cosmetology, pharmacology. Leaves and dried fruits - seasoning for meat and vegetable dishes.

Indoor varieties

Of all existing species in pot culture, mainly ordinary myrtle is used. It is compact, rather fast growing, highly decorative. Based on the species, breeders have bred several hybrid varieties. Five varieties are of the greatest interest. common myrtle.

1. Boetica. Compared to other varieties, it has larger and wider leaves. Easily formed, forms a lush crown. Often used to create bonsai compositions.
2. Pumila. A compact variety with small, glossy, dark green leaves.
3. Glanleam Gold. A variegated variety with an unusual leaf color. The main color is dark green. A golden border runs along the edge of the sheet.
4. microphylla. Compact variety. Height does not exceed 60 cm. Young leaves are light, becoming darker with age.
5. latifolia. The hybrid variety is distinguished by rounded leaves unusual for myrtle. The bush grows quickly, easily takes any curly shape.

Myrtle branches are considered a symbol of Peace, harmony, pleasure. In ancient times, the plant was an indispensable component of the bride's wedding wreath.

Indoor myrtle is valued not only for its decorative effect. Fragrant leaves and flowers emit a large amount of phytoncides into the air. Substances purify the air, have an antimicrobial, antibacterial effect, contribute to the normalization of the emotional background.

Myrtle care after purchase

If you properly care for the myrtle after purchase, it will adapt faster and begin to grow its crown. The plant is considered rather capricious, does not tolerate stress, moving, temperature changes. So that the myrtle does not die in new conditions for it, they try to adhere to four rules.

1. They don't transplant. Immediately after the purchase, the plant is not transplanted - they wait until it adapts. Hasty repotting often results in leaf drop and death of the plant.
2. Increase humidity. If the myrtle looks weakened, the leaves are dull, some of the stems are bare, it creates greenhouse conditions. The bush is covered with a transparent plastic bag. Every day, the package is briefly removed, the bush is sprayed. Myrtle can be kept in greenhouse conditions for up to a month.
3. Keep in shade. For the period of adaptation, the myrtle is placed in a shaded place, protected from direct sunlight.
4. Protect from drafts. Even an adult, healthy bush reacts negatively to drafts. For a young, newly purchased plant, they are unacceptable.

Myrtle is transplanted no earlier than two weeks later. Indications for transplantation - a small pot, unsatisfactory condition or poor soil composition. In other cases, it is better to postpone the transplant until spring.

After purchase, the myrtle is immediately inspected for pests. Alarming signs are plaque, yellowing of individual leaves or small dots on them. For prevention, the plant is immediately treated with an insecticide by preparing a solution of low concentration.

Basic growing rules and favorable microclimate

Myrtle is considered a difficult plant to grow due to the need for high humidity air, the need to organize a cold wintering. It reacts to unfavorable conditions by yellowing, falling leaves. How to care for myrtle in order to achieve its stable growth and flowering? Experienced growers recommend Special attention pay attention to the creation of a favorable microclimate and irrigation regime.

• Lighting. Myrtle prefers sunny places with bright diffused lighting. In the summer it is kept on the east or west window, the rest of the time - on the south. In winter, the lack of light is compensated by installing fluorescent lamps. In strong shading, the plant quickly loses its decorative effect - it stretches out, the leaves become dull, and does not bloom. The rearrangement from a dark place to a light one is done carefully, gradually - myrtle does not like a sharp change in conditions of detention. In the summer they put it on the balcony or drop it on the flower bed right in the pot.
• Temperature . Myrtle loves the cool. Optimal conditions of detention: 18–20˚. Can adapt to room temperature, but cannot withstand heat. It is desirable to organize a cold wintering at 12–15˚С annually. The easiest way to achieve the desired temperature is to isolate the pot from the battery with cardboard or plastic.
• Watering. One of the main care requirements is regular watering. In summer, it is correct to water the myrtle abundantly, as the top layer of the soil dries out, every two to three days. During the wintering period, you need to focus on the rate of drying of the soil, water moderately. Drying and waterlogging of the soil is not allowed. Use only warm water with a minimum salt content. tap water needs pre-boiling. The liquid should not stagnate in the area of ​​​​the root system - the drainage layer is made thick, up to a third of the volume of the pot.
• Humidity . Spraying is a mandatory procedure for myrtle. The plant needs high humidity, up to 90%. Spray daily in summer hot weather- several times a day. The need for spraying in winter depends on the conditions of detention. At room temperature, continue to spray daily or every other day, with cold wintering - only occasionally. accept additional measures to increase air humidity - hang the batteries with a wet cloth, place water containers on the windowsill. Once a day of the week they bathe myrtle under warm shower.
• Top dressing. During the warm period, fertilizers are applied regularly, at weekly intervals. Preference is given to funds with high content phosphorus. Standard preparations for flowering plants are suitable. In winter they do not feed.

To navigate the requirements of the conditions of detention in each individual period of the year, it is enough to study the table.

Table - Conditions for indoor myrtle at different times of the year

If the myrtle has grown excessively, looks untidy, it needs to be trimmed. Cut off all protruding, dried up branches growing deep into the bush. If desired, you can give the bush any shape.

Features of landing and transplantation

Until the age of three, myrtle is transplanted annually, each time slightly increasing the volume of the pot. For adult specimens, one transplant is enough for three to four years. The soil is loose, light, moderately nutritious. A ready-made universal flower soil mixture with the addition of chopped sphagnum and coarse sand is suitable.

The size of the pot is slightly larger than the root system, the shape is the same height and width. Large drainage holes are made at the bottom of the pot. Transplantation is approached responsibly - for myrtle it is a big stress. They follow a certain sequence of actions.

• Preparing for a transplant. Immediately prepare everything necessary for transplantation - soil, pot, drainage. Everything is pre-sterilized.
• Soil drying. Immediately before transplanting, the myrtle is not watered. The earth ball should dry out a little. Myrtle is carefully removed from the pot along with a clod of earth.
• Creation of a drainage layer. A third of the new container is filled with pebbles, ceramic or brick chips, expanded clay. Soil is filled up to half of the pot.
• Purification of the earthen clod. The old soil is not completely removed. Only a part of the outer roots is released from the soil. It is convenient to straighten the roots with a wooden skewer.
• Root processing. If there are dried or rotted roots, they are pruned. Sections are treated with coal powder and Kornevin preparation.
• Bush transplant. Set the myrtle in the center of the new pot, carefully straighten the roots, cover with soil. The soil is carefully compacted with your fingers, being careful not to damage the roots.

For quick adaptation in a new pot, you need to take into account the peculiarities of myrtle care after transplantation. The tree is immediately watered, sprayed. About a week is kept in partial shade, regularly sprayed. Watering with a weak solution of the growth stimulator "Epin" will benefit. When new shoots appear, the myrtle is rearranged to the old place.

Judging by the reviews on the forums, myrtle blooms not always and not for everyone. For flowering, you must strictly follow the rules of cultivation. The most favorable conditions for flowering are cold wintering, bright lighting throughout the year, a slightly cramped pot, autumn pruning without removing young shoots, and constantly moist soil.

Reproduction methods

It is not difficult to propagate ordinary myrtle. Its cuttings root easily, the seeds germinate quickly. At home, you can get seeds by artificial pollination of flowers.

cuttings

Rooting cuttings is easiest in the summer. Cuttings can be healthy plants at the age of two years. Cut cuttings 7–10 cm long from lignified side shoots. The lower leaves are immediately cut off. Then proceed in four stages.

1. Slice processing. The cut is treated with any growth stimulant. The most common drugs are Kornevin, Heteroauxin.
2. Rooting cuttings. Cut shoots are rooted in two ways - in water and directly in the ground. When using the second method, each branch is immediately planted in a separate glass with a loose soil mixture.
3. Creation of greenhouse conditions. Containers with planted cuttings are covered with plastic cups. Keep in a bright and warm place, if necessary, illuminate with fluorescent lamps.
4. Cutting care. The greenhouse is ventilated daily, the soil is moistened as needed.

Roots begin to appear in about a month. Even if the young plant started to grow, they are not in a hurry to transplant it. Until the entire volume of soil is filled with roots, the myrtle is not recommended to be disturbed. A bush grown from cuttings may bloom as early as next summer.

seeds

With prolonged storage, the seed material loses its germination capacity. Therefore, flower growers prefer to use seeds from their plants. To obtain strong seedlings, it is recommended to act in five steps.

1. Soak. At night, the seeds are soaked in a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
2. Soil preparation. Fine peat is mixed with sand, calcined in a pan. Fill a small container with the prepared mixture.
3. Sowing seeds. Seeds are evenly distributed over the surface of the soil, lightly sprinkled with soil or fine sand.
4. Creation of conditions. The soil is moistened, the container is covered with polyethylene, glass or closed with a transparent lid. The greenhouse is kept in a bright, warm place at a temperature of at least 22 ° C.
5. Pick. Seedlings appear in one to two weeks. At the stage of four true leaves, seedlings can be planted in separate small pots.

Seedlings begin to pinch early - as soon as they grow to 10 cm. Removing the growth point stimulates the growth of side shoots. With timely formation, the bush will develop harmoniously and evenly.

Subtleties of cropping

Myrtle is a flexible and pliable plant. The natural shape of the bush is pyramidal. But you can form a myrtle in the form of a ball or a fancy bonsai tree. To do this, use the methods of pinching, pruning, set the direction of growth, fixing individual shoots with wire.

To form a spherical crown in a bush that has grown to the desired height, the growth points of the upper branches are cut off, the lower ones are removed or shortened. Then young shoots are systematically pinched: the upper ones after the fourth pair of leaves, the lower ones after the second.

Frequent pinching stimulates branching but inhibits flowering. Therefore, sometimes you can give the tree a little rest. Myrtle grows quite quickly - the formation of a bush from a seedling takes about four years.

The main rule is that you can cut the myrtle in spring or summer. In winter, the plant is not disturbed. If it is necessary to obtain cuttings during the dormant period, cut no more than two branches. After heavy winter pruning, myrtle may not recover.

The main mistakes of flower growers

Even experienced flower growers sometimes make mistakes. Myrtle is a difficult plant to care for, so it is not always possible to avoid problems. Common care mistakes and their consequences are shown in the table.

Table - Common mistakes in caring for myrtle

Pests and diseases

Myrtle rarely gets sick. The only disease to be feared root rot. The main reasons: fungus, abundant watering during cold wintering, poor drainage, dense soil. Outwardly, it is manifested by blackening of the ends of young shoots, massive yellowing and fall of foliage.

Treatment begins immediately - the myrtle is taken out of the pot, dipped in a fungicide solution for half an hour. The soaked earth is removed, the damaged roots are cut off, planted in a new sterile soil.

Pests are a more common problem. Myrtle is often affected by spider mites, aphids. The main causes of pest attacks are proximity to infected plants, violation of conditions of detention. More detailed information about pests is given in the table.

Table - Pests of myrtle

What to do if the bush is dry

If the myrtle is dry, do not throw it away. The plant is carefully examined. As long as the branches remain elastic, there is still a chance to reanimate the bush. First, the myrtle is bathed under a warm shower, watered abundantly and sprayed with the Epin preparation. Put on a plastic bag, put in a shaded place. The bag is removed daily, the plant is well sprayed. The procedure is repeated throughout the week.

Then the shelter is removed, the branches are examined again. Cut dried shoots to the living part. Water regularly - the soil should always remain moist. Once every two weeks, the Zircon preparation is added to the water for irrigation. The recommended concentration is three drops per glass of water. If there are still live buds on the myrtle, these procedures will help them wake up. In two to three weeks, young shoots should appear on the plant.

Growing myrtle ordinary at home is not an easy, but exciting activity. For good care, the plant will thank you with beautiful flowering. And the essential oils contained in the leaves will fill the house with aroma and have a beneficial effect on health.

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Myrtle is a very interesting representative of the flora. There are many legends and legends about it, it is used in perfumery, for medicinal purposes, and as a seasoning. Myrtle also has volatile properties, which means that it brings not only beauty to the house, but also heals the air in it. If you also intend to acquire this miracle plant, then we give you a little useful information about him.

Did you know? Myrtle occupied one of the main places in ancient religion. He was planted near the temples of Aphrodite, and Hymen and the muse Erato were depicted with myrtle wreaths. Such wreaths were also worn by the newlyweds at the wedding.

Myrtle ordinary: description

Of the more than a hundred species of myrtle, for growing at home, the common myrtle, which came to us from the Mediterranean, is usually chosen. This evergreen shrub reaching about 2 meters high. The leaves are small (~ 5 × 2 cm), entire, shiny, green, dark in color, with a pointed apex and base, growing on short cuttings opposite each other. When viewed through the light, points filled with essential oil are visible.

The flowers are small (~ 2 cm across), white, yellow, pale pink with many golden stamens. They have 5 petals, solitary, bisexual. The plant has a pleasant coniferous-citrus aroma. Fruits - the size of a pea, round or oval berries, bluish black or white, with 10-15 seeds.

Climatic conditions for the plant

Since in natural conditions myrtle grows among thickets of bushes or in oak and pine forests, then in order to grow myrtle at home, it is necessary to provide appropriate temperature and lighting. In the spring-summer period of growth, moderate temperatures up to + 24 ° C are suitable for the plant. At this time, you should also provide bright lighting without direct sunlight.

Important! The difference between day and night temperatures will benefit the myrtle, so many experts recommend taking the myrtle outdoors in the spring and summer and even dropping the flowerpot into the ground.

In winter, the plant feels good at a temperature of +7 - +10°С, maximum +12°С, which complicates the cultivation of myrtle in an apartment. The exit can be a glazed, but unheated balcony. Lighting must remain bright.

Features of flowering myrtle, why flowers do not appear on the plant

The flowering period of myrtle falls in the summer, usually in June. But if your plant has not yet bloomed, do not be discouraged, because the first flowers will appear on it no earlier than 4-5 years. Plants from cuttings can bloom a little faster. Other reasons for the lack of flowering are often over-pruning, lack of ventilation, lack of sun or high winter temperatures.

Did you know? Ancient Egyptian womenduring the holidays,decorated their hair with myrtle flowers. IN different times, among various peoples, this flower symbolized youth, beauty, innocence, marital fidelity and eternal love.

Watering and fertilizing myrtle ordinary

In the period from spring to autumn, the plant must be periodically sprayed; watering should be regular and plentiful. Overdrying the ground, as well as watering the myrtle too often, is highly discouraged, as this leads to leaf fall, and, most often, the plant cannot be saved. Make sure that the water in the pan does not stagnate. At the same time, the plant should be fed every 1-2 weeks.

Use a fertilizer high in phosphorus, especially if flowering myrtle is your goal, but if decorative properties are more important to you, a fertilizer with nitrogen will work well. After transplanting, do not fertilize the plant for about 6 weeks.

In winter, the plant is not sprayed, watering is reduced, and at low temperatures it should be watered once a month. Water is taken filtered or settled, soft. They don't feed.

How to properly prune and shape a mini tree

With the help of pruning, you can easily change the appearance of the myrtle, give it various forms, it will also help the appearance of side shoots. Myrtle calmly tolerates such a procedure, but do not do it too often so as not to interfere with flowering. Should be trimmed in early spring or in the fall, after the plant has faded.

To form a mini-tree, prune the side shoots until the myrtle grows to the desired height, then you can trim the top and give the crown a rounded shape. Next, continue to trim the side shoots from below.

When to transplant a plant, and how to do it

Caring for a myrtle tree also provides for a regular transplant. Young plants under 5 years of age should be repotted every spring when new leaves appear. To do this, take a pot a couple of centimeters larger than the previous one and prepare the soil from a mixture of sand, peat, turf, leaf ground and humus in equal proportions. Adult myrtle is transplanted every 2-4 years, but in between (spring and autumn), the top layer of the substrate is changed. For the mixture, the same components are taken, only sod land needs twice as much.

Important! When transplanting, install drainage and be careful not to cover the root collar with soil.

Reproduction of myrtle ordinary

Common myrtle can be propagated in two ways:

• seeds
• vegetatively (cuttings)

How to grow myrtle from seeds

You can sow from the end of winter until mid-May, and if you can use fluorescent lamps - all year round. Take fresh seeds, rinse in a weak solution of potassium permanganate and dry. Choose a container for sowing 7-10 cm deep.

Take equal proportions of peat and sand/vermiculite and prepare the substrate. Moisten it with water or a fungicide. Plant the seeds to a depth of half a centimeter and cover with glass or film, put in a bright place without direct sunlight. Keep the temperature around +20°C.

Important! Seedlings must be regularly ventilated by removing glass or film, and watered. Make sure that the soil is not waterlogged and does not dry out.

Seedlings will germinate in 7-14 days, and after they have 2 leaves, it will be possible to pick them into separate pots.

Reproduction of myrtle cuttings

This method of reproduction is simpler than the first. It is held from January to February or early summer. From a non-flowering myrtle, cut cuttings 5-8 cm long. Each of them should have 3-4 pairs of leaves. Remove the lower half of the leaves, and shorten the rest. Immerse the cuttings in 1 cm growth stimulator for two hours, and then rinse with water.

Planting and caring for myrtle (in brief)

• Bloom: in June-July.
• Lighting: bright sunlight until noon, then - bright diffused light (south, west and east windows).
• Temperature: in summer - usual for residential premises, in winter - 5-10 ˚C.
• Watering: in summer - frequent and plentiful, in the cool season, watering is reduced.
• Air humidity: increased. Daily spraying of the leaves is recommended, especially in the heat.
• top dressing: from March to August once a week with complex mineral fertilizers.
• rest period: winter; in cool conditions - up to three months, in normal conditions - a month and a half.
• Transfer: young plants - annually, adults as needed.
• pruning: after flowering or early spring.
• reproduction: cuttings, rarely seeds.
• Pests: scale insects, aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, mealybugs.
• Diseases: root rot.

Read more about growing myrtle below.

Room myrtle - description

Myrtle, according to various sources, from forty to a hundred species, in its natural habitat can grow up to three meters in height, and indoor myrtle, under the most favorable conditions, reaches only a meter. Usually myrtle at home is a tree with a round crown 30-60 cm tall. Small leathery, as if polished myrtle leaves are rarely arranged on shoots and oppositely on short petioles, they have an elongated shape, the tops of the leaves are pointed. Flowers, simple or double, either solitary or collected in a brush. The fruit is a nut or berry drupe. It is curious that myrtle plants include such valuable plants for mankind as tea tree, eucalyptus, clove tree.

Myrtle flower - growing from seeds

How to propagate myrtle seeds at home? At the beginning of spring, myrtle seeds are sown on the surface of a substrate consisting of equal parts of sand and peat, in a container 7-10 cm deep, sprinkled on top with a layer of the same substrate 3-5 mm thick and, covered with glass, kept at a temperature of about 20 ºC, ventilating and moistening the crops, as well as removing condensation from the glass. Seedlings appear in a week or two, and when the seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, they are dived into the same substrate in individual pots so that the root neck remains above the soil surface. A month after picking, seedlings are fed nitrogen fertilizer weak consistency. However, amateur breeders should be aware that myrtle grown from seeds:

• a) will bloom not earlier than in 4-5 years;
• b) is unlikely to retain varietal characteristics.

In addition, the germination of myrtle seeds sharply decreases after a year of storage, and it is problematic to obtain them, since this will require artificial pollination of the plant.

Myrtle care at home

How to grow myrtle at home.

Caring for myrtle at home includes watering, pruning and feeding the plant, as well as creating optimal or at least necessary conditions for it. Houseplant myrtle prefers southern, western and eastern window sills, indulgent to drafts, temperature extremes and direct sunlight. Moreover, if there is no sun, there will be no flowering of the myrtle. In summer, myrtle prefers outdoor life, in winter, the plant needs coolness - 5-10 degrees Celsius, and the best place for him there will be a glazed unheated balcony.

water myrtle in the warm season, it is necessary abundantly and often, without waiting for the top layer to dry, but excess moisture must be drained from the pan so as not to provoke root rot. Insufficient or infrequent watering can cause the plant to shed its leaves. With the onset of cold weather, watering is reduced, but if the plant winters in a room with working heaters, it will have to be watered as plentifully as in summer. In addition, it will be necessary to spray the leaves of the plant with water at least once a day, since the myrtle needs high humidity, and you need to remember this in winter, if the temperature in the room with myrtle is above 15 ºC, and in summer. Water for water procedures and irrigation should be separated or passed through a filter.

Once a week or two from March to August, the myrtle needs to be fertilized with fertilizers. If you grow bonsai from myrtle or you are not interested in its flowering, then feed the plant complex fertilizer for ornamental foliage plants, but if you want to see the myrtle bloom, then apply a fertilizer for flowering plants.

Myrtle has a pronounced dormant period, the duration of which determines the location of the plant: if the myrtle hibernates in the cool or on the northern windowsill, then it can rest for up to three months, and if it is warm and in bright light, then only for a month and a half.

Myrtle cutting.

Caring for myrtle also involves giving its crown the desired shape. The formation of myrtle depends on what you grow it for. Many people like myrtle in the form of a standard tree with a neat compact crown, but there are people who do not care how the plant looks, as long as it “blooms and smells”. In any case, one should not get too carried away with pruning the lateral shoots of young plants or pinching them excessively. On the other hand, myrtle grows fast, regenerates easily, and you always have the option to change your plans for how it looks. The main thing is that the formation of the crown should be done in early spring or after flowering.

Home myrtle - transplant.

Young plants are transplanted annually, adult myrtles - as needed, which is determined in this way: if the freshly watered soil dries out during the day, then it's time to increase the amount of substrate, and, therefore, you will need larger pot. The pot is chosen only a couple of centimeters in diameter wider than the previous one. It is better to transplant in the spring, using the method of transferring a plant from an old container to a new one, since it does not injure root system.

Reproduction of myrtle

If you want to propagate myrtle, cuttings are the best way to do this, because it allows you to preserve the species and varietal characteristics of the plant. Moreover, it is much more reliable way reproduction than seed, and plants from cuttings bloom faster than those from seeds - in three years. Therefore, if you want to grow a myrtle tree at home, you do not need to buy seeds that quickly lose their ability to germinate, just do not hesitate to ask your friends for a stalk after a formative pruning. Best result give semi-woody cuttings of the current year. You can take cuttings from January to February, or in July, and it is better if they are from the lower or middle part of the crown. Remove the lower leaves from a segment of the shoot 8-10 cm long, and shorten the upper ones by a third, and the largest ones by half. Treat the lower cut with rootstock or heteroauxin and plant for rooting in a mixture of leafy soil (one part) and coarse sand (half part), or sphagnum and sand in the same proportions. It is better to take a low and wide container for rooting, and it is advisable to cover the cutting from above glass jar. Rooting occurs at a temperature of 17-20 ºC in a shady place. From time to time, the jar is removed for ventilation and so that the soil does not turn sour. Usually the roots grow within a month, and the rooted cutting is transplanted into a pot with a diameter of 7 cm in the same soil mixture. After a year, transplant it into a container with a diameter of 9 cm in the soil for an adult myrtle and take care of it like an adult plant.

Pests and diseases of myrtle

Insects and diseases of myrtle.

Myrtle is harmed by mealybugs, whiteflies, scale insects, aphids, thrips and spider mites, which appear as a result of a chronic violation of the rules for keeping the plant. The first five pests are destroyed by four-time treatment of myrtle with actara or actellik within a month. Spider mites and thrips should preferably be washed off with a shower before treatment with the same actellik. But rather than poison the myrtle with insecticides, it is better to prevent the invasion of insects by observing very simple rules for caring for the plant.

The myrtle is dry.

A frequently asked question from our readers: “What to do if the myrtle has dried up?” should sound differently: “What to do so that the myrtle does not dry out?” And the answer to this question is very simple: strictly observe the rules for keeping myrtle. If myrtle leaves dry up, then you have not taken into account any of the recommendations of plant care experts. Insufficient air humidity adversely affects the condition of the foliage, especially if in winter the myrtle is in a room with a temperature above 18 ºC, where heaters work, not only heating, but also drying up the air. Myrtle also dries out if you forget to water it. Remember the rules for caring for a plant and follow them strictly, because it is much easier to prevent the death of a plant by taking preventive measures than to deal with his resuscitation. Water and spray the myrtle regularly with settled water, keep it on a tray with wet pebbles, but so that the bottom of the pot does not stand in the water.

Myrtle properties and signs

Myrtle properties.

The leaves, young shoots and fruits of myrtle contain essential oil and active substances that have a high antibacterial effect. Soviet scientists have developed a medicinal preparation - myrtle tincture, which is prepared from the mature leaves of the plant. Both the experience of traditional medicine and modern scientific research confirm that the use of myrtle in the treatment of such serious diseases as diabetes mellitus, pneumonia and chronic bronchitis is highly effective. Myrtle tincture successfully copes with antibiotic-resistant strains of tubercle bacillus and staphylococcal infection, as well as purulent otitis media and a heavy smoker's cough. In addition, the drug from the leaves of myrtle is natural stimulant important life processes that increase efficiency and endurance to stress, it has no side effects and is prescribed even for children from one year of age. Doctors and botanists recommend keeping myrtle in bedrooms and nurseries because it makes the air in them cleaner and healthier. One plant is able to purify the air of bacteria in a room of 20 square meters. meters.

Myrtle - signs.

Myrtle has long been considered a strong amulet. But the plant will fulfill this mission only under two conditions:

• if it was planted by a woman - the mistress of the house;
• if the owners of the plant are proud of their myrtle.

The signs of European peoples say: if myrtle grows in a house, there will be peace and love in it, but if the plant dies and is thrown away, happiness will leave this house along with the dead plant. Myrtle is not suitable for offices - he needs a family hearth.

But Muslims do not keep myrtle in their homes, believing that it dooms young boys and girls living in the house to loneliness.

Myrtle species

Common myrtle (Myrtus communis).

IN home floriculture most commonly grown myrtle (Myrtus communis) with a short branched trunk, covered with exfoliating scales of red-brown bark. The leaves are green, oval-lanceolate, glossy, leathery, with a pleasant aroma. The flowers are white or pale pink with protruding stamens, the fruits are red-black berries. Blooms from June to August. Popular cultivars: "Tarentina" - a compact bush with berries smaller than the original form, but there are much more of them than ordinary myrtle; the variegated variety has a creamy-white pattern along the green leaves.

Myrtle lush (Myrtus apiculata).

Lush myrtle (Myrtus apiculata) is also interesting - a bush or tree with peeling brown bark, under which the trunk is creamy white. The leaves are dark green, elliptical, matte. White single flowers bloom in July-August, black-red fruits are edible.

Myrtle hekven (Myrtus chequen)

- a tree with shiny green leaves with a wrinkled edge. This species is the most stable of myrtles.

Ralph's myrtle (Myrtus ralfii)

– upright bush with pinkish flowers and red edible berries. It has a variegated variety with a white-cream border around the edge of the leaves.

Myrtle is a very beautiful and showy plant with fragrant leaves and flowers. myrtle tree not the most capricious specimen of garden fauna, but at the same time quite demanding. Care and cultivation of myrtle at home will require a lot of attention and care, as only in caring hands will it reveal its full potential.

The entire above-ground part of the myrtle contains a large amount essential oil, which is applied in alternative medicine for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Myrtle ordinary will become an ornament for many years and decades, not only in the house, but also on the balcony, terrace or garden.

The myrtle tree is one of the oldest cultivated plants. Thanks to various sources, there is evidence that many centuries ago the myrtle plant was grown as an ornamental. garden tree. Great importance gave the flower back in ancient Greece, where he personified innocence, youth and beauty.

Many beliefs and legends are associated with myrtle:

• in ancient times it was an integral part of the festival in honor of Venus;
• during the Renaissance served as a symbol of youth, marital fidelity and eternal love. Due to this, at present, many believe in the sign that the bride's wedding bouquet should contain a sprig of myrtle, as a sign of a future strong union;
• there is a superstition that myrtle in the house is a guarantee of a good atmosphere, warm relationships, a friendly family;
• According to legend, when passing by a myrtle bush, you should pluck a leaf or twig if you want to live for many years and maintain good health and good spirits.

Evergreen myrtle is a tree or shrub from the Myrtle family with white fragrant flowers. Homeland of myrtle land of the Mediterranean zone (North Africa, Southern Europe).
Myrtle is a very slow growing plant, with an annual growth of no more than 10–15 cm.
Myrtle leaves are lanceolate, dark green, opposite, on short petioles. The leaf blades contain myrtle oil. If you look through the sheet at a bright light source, you can see small dots and stripes, they contain oil.

The myrtle flower is axillary, bisexual, has a pleasant smell, five white petals are fixed on a thin pedicel. Common myrtle flowers bloom in June-July. After flowering, edible round or ovoid fruits (berries) of dark or light color with a diameter of 5–8 mm are formed. One berry-fruit contains 10-15 seeds. In the natural environment, the flowers of the plant are pollinated by insects; indoors, the procedure is carried out independently using a brush or cotton swab. The fruits ripen in November-December.

In landscape design, standard plants have recently become popular. A myrtle stem is a way to raise shrubs, give the plant an unusual appearance with a bare, even trunk without a single branch and a lush crown at the top.

Myrtle is medicinal flower, preparations based on it have a tonic, antiviral, stimulating and antibacterial effect. Like any medicine, myrtle can bring both benefit and harm. Currently, in pharmacies, you can buy a plant extract, which, in fact, is a natural antibiotic. Disinfecting and refreshing the air in the room, the flower carries positive energy, creating a favorable, healthy atmosphere at home. Myrtle-based medicinal preparations are used for the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

With caution, myrtle should be used by women during pregnancy and during breastfeeding, the elderly. A myrtle flower pot in the bedroom at the head of the bed can cause insomnia and severe headaches, as a result, it should be placed away from sleeping places.

Bloom

The myrtle tree is a flowering plant with white fluffy flowers. Myrtle flowering (photo above) is observed throughout the summer and until mid-autumn. Myrtle begins to bloom if the irrigation regime is observed, the place is chosen correctly and there is enough lighting. Probably, myrtle does not bloom due to frequent changes in the location of the flower. If it is constantly rearranged from place to place, the plant does not have time to adapt to changes in lighting. You should gradually rearrange the flower to a new place with brighter lighting.

Too low air humidity, poorly ventilated room - possible reasons the absence of the color of the myrtle tree. With a disease, the plant does not bloom, all its forces are spent on recovery and survival.

plant species

About 40 species are included in the genus myrtle, but in room culture grow only one - ordinary myrtle. In its natural environment, the myrtle tree is found in North Africa, Western Asia, on the islands of the Caribbean, on the coast mediterranean sea. Many varieties of myrtle are grown in botanical gardens, greenhouses, garden plots and at home. Varieties of myrtle differ in height, shape and color of the leaves, so Luma myrtle reaches 25 meters in height, and mini versions of the myrtle tree grow no higher than 60 cm.

Myrtle ordinary

The most popular is the common myrtle (Myrtus communis) or myrtle communis, also known as indoor myrtle. However, it has not received wide distribution due to low winter hardiness. Prefers shady places and diffused sunlight. In its natural environment, it can be found under the canopy of large trees, in bushes in the Azores, North Africa, and the lands of the Mediterranean zone. In nature, the plant grows up to 2–5 m, in room culture it does not exceed 40–60 cm, rarely up to 1 m.

The trunk is short with dark brown-red bark. Stems are faceted, bare, rounded. Glossy, smooth, lanceolate, leathery leaves up to 5 cm long and up to 2 cm wide, arranged oppositely one or three. Due to the presence of essential oil, leaf blades exude a delicate pleasant aroma. Single flowers, up to 2 cm in diameter, with five white, rarely pale pink petals, have a brighter and richer aroma than the leaves.

Flowering begins in June-July in the third year of life. Seeds - black-red berries ripen by the end of October.

The species calmly tolerates a short-term decrease in temperature to -10 ... -12 ° С, with a long stay in more low temperatures freezes. In the case of complete freezing of the aerial part, in the spring, new shoots grow from the root neck.

TO ordinary look include many cultural forms.

Variegata

Myrtus variegata

A variety of common myrtle. Variegated variety (Myrtus Variegata) or variegated with beautiful bicolor leaves.

Green, large, oval-elongated leaves with white strokes and streaks along the edges. With a lack of lighting, motley spots turn pale and disappear. The aroma of flowers and leaves is less pronounced compared to ordinary myrtle.

Bolotny

Mirt Hamedafna (marsh)

Myrtle Hamedafna or Cassandra are other names for the marsh myrtle. In nature, it is found exclusively in swampy areas, which is why it got its name. Marsh myrtle is the most resistant to low temperatures. It tolerates snowy winters in central Russia. The shape resembles a low, sprawling shrub 80–100 cm tall with straight branches. Smooth dark green leaves up to 4 cm long.

The flowers form racemose inflorescences in the axils of the leaves. On the cold period Cassandra sheds her leaves. Aboveground part plants contain toxic substances that are dangerous to animals. Life expectancy is 40–50 years.

Luma

myrtle luma

An evergreen tall species of myrtle, in its natural environment reaches 20–25 m in height. The trunk is strongly branched, up to 50 cm in diameter, covered with smooth gray-brown bark. Young branches are pubescent. Leaves up to 5 cm long and up to 2 cm wide, opposite, ovate, tapering towards the petiole, the end of the leaf is rounded. Petiole short, no more than 5 mm, covered with hairs. The surface of the leaf is smooth, the upper part of a darker saturated green color compared to the underside. Leaves exude a strong odor.

Myrtle luma blooms profusely, white flowers are collected in racemose inflorescences in the leaf axils. Flowering period October-January. After flowering, a black-violet fruit-berry up to 1.5 cm in diameter is formed, luma myrtle bears fruit from December to March. The tree is winter-hardy, tolerates temperature drops to -7 ... -10 C.

Most often in the natural environment can be found in South America at an altitude of 500-1500 m above sea level, along the banks of rivers and lakes.

small-leaved

Myrtle small-leaved

Dwarf variety of common myrtle. Small-leaved myrtle is covered with small leaves up to 2 cm long. It grows no higher than 60 cm. Very often grown at home.

large-leaved

Myrtle large-leaved

Varietal form of common myrtle with large, opposite leaves up to 5 cm long, with a smooth, glossy surface and a pointed end. The plant can reach 3-4 m in height. Stems are tetrahedral. Large-leaved myrtle has medicinal properties, preparations based on it are used in alternative medicine. It has an antimicrobial effect, eliminates pathogenic microbes and bacteria.

How to care for myrtle at home?

At home, myrtle requires very high-quality and stable care. In addition to the main requirements for temperature, watering, lighting and pruning, the plant needs a dormant period. This is the only major difficulty that can arise when growing houseplant at home. If the myrtle sheds leaves, this is the first sign of improper care and maintenance.

Despite the capricious disposition, the plant is quite tenacious and hardy, able to recover from freezing and fire, able to live up to 300 years.

Location and lighting

The best option for the plant will be a place with bright diffused light. The flower loves to be outdoors very much, the place in front of the open window will be ideal for the plant. The windowsills of the western and eastern windows are the most successful place for a flower. On the south side, the plant needs protection from intense bright light in the spring and summer.

Without prejudice to the decorative appearance of the myrtle, it can be under the direct rays of the sun for several hours. In the summer, a flower pot is taken out into the open air to a balcony, terrace or garden, a new place should be protected from direct sunlight.

Temperature

At home, caring for myrtle requires close attention. From the beginning of spring until the dormant period, the plant must be kept at a temperature of +18 ... +20 C. During the dormant period, in winter, the temperature should not be higher than +10 C and not lower than +5 C.

Air humidity

Since the plant comes from southern hot countries, it should provide a slightly higher humidity level than normal, about 60%. At home, the humidity is quite low, and in winter period the air is even drier due to running batteries central heating. Plant care consists not only in maintaining water balance, but also in periodically spraying the plant with soft settled or filtered water.

Watering

One of the nuances of caring for a capricious plant is the correct stable watering. The soil should always be kept moderately moist. How to water the myrtle correctly so as not to harm the flower? It is necessary to draw up an irrigation schedule and calculate required amount water.

Myrtle is very sensitive to the watering regime and even a single miscalculation (adding too little or too much water) can affect the decorative qualities of the flower. Warm soft settled water should be used.

Do not allow overdrying or waterlogging of the soil. Watering is carried out as the top layer of soil dries. As soon as excess water merges into the pan, it is removed, otherwise rotting of the roots can be provoked. When the soil dries out, the pot with the plant is not watered in the traditional way, but placed in a container of water. Complete drying of the earthy coma can lead to the death of the flower, in which case it is almost impossible to reanimate the myrtle.

Soil for planting and transplanting

The optimal soil for planting and transplanting myrtle is chosen from three options.
The first version of the soil for myrtle is an earthen mixture of equal parts of soddy, peat soil, humus and sand. The second option is ordinary greenhouse soil. The third - one part of clay, sod, peat land, humus and ½ part of sand. In this case, you need land with an acidity index in the range of 5-6. To avoid stagnant water, choose a flower container with a sufficient number of holes at the bottom. A good drainage layer of expanded clay, broken bricks or crushed nutshells is provided for the plant.

Top dressings and fertilizers

Myrtle is a finicky plant, so home care needs the closest attention. Myrtle fertilizers are necessary for full growth and lush abundant flowering. As a fertilizer, myrtle should be given only special complex mixtures for indoor or container cultures. Top dressing is applied during active growth every 14 days.

The nutrient mixture should always be liquid. Fertilizer is diluted in warm water and applied only the next day after watering.

Any other types of fertilizers and dressings (organic, mineral, special garden) are not suitable for myrtle.

Winter Care

A characteristic feature of the flower is a long period of rest (hibernation). The duration of the dormant period of the myrtle depends on the location of the flower pot in the room. On windows with a northern orientation, the dormant period is 3 months, on the western and eastern windows about two months, on the south no more than 1.5 months.

Caring for myrtle during hibernation is different from maintaining a flower during the vegetative period. In winter, watering is limited, the plant is not sprayed, the temperature regime is provided within + 5 ... + 10 C. In case of violation temperature regime, keeping the flower in a hotter room, the plant may lose foliage.

Difficulties in growing

Growing myrtle big and healthy is not an easy task. Many, when buying a flower, soon discover that the plant has a very difficult character. Flaws and errors during cultivation are reflected in the appearance of the flower.

When a pot of myrtle is placed in a shady place with a lack of lighting, its leaves begin to turn pale and shrink. What to do in this case? The first step is to move the flower pot to a more lit place. In intense bright light, the leaf plates lose their rich green color, becoming dimmer. With prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, the leaves wither, deform, the edges become waviness. If the leaves of the myrtle fall - this indicates a violation of the temperature regime, it is above the permissible.

The myrtle dries up and sheds its leaves when wrong mode irrigation, in case of excess water in the soil or its lack.

If the reason why the myrtle dries is in overdrying or waterlogging of the soil, it is necessary to halve the shoots. When the soil is dry, watering is carried out as in normal mode. If the reason for dropping leaves is waterlogging of the soil, water it with caution, halving the amount of water.

If the soil is very wet, the roots may begin to rot, in which case a transplant is required. The first sign of eliminating the cause of improper care is the appearance of new leaves. In case of overdrying, when the leaves of the myrtle fall, you can reanimate the plant by immersing the flower pot in a container of water. If the myrtle has dried up, completely shed its foliage, the branches have lost their flexibility, then in most cases it will not be possible to save it.

Lack of flowering indicates too frequent pruning and lack of flow fresh air(requires more frequent ventilation).

Trimming and pinching

Myrtle is quite calm about pruning and pinching. In its natural environment, the plant has a pyramidal crown shape. To maintain and form the desired shape, the plant needs regular pruning and shearing.

The crown formation procedure is carried out after " hibernation» before the vegetative period. The shape of the plant can be changed by pinching and cutting off last year's growths, leaving 3-4 buds. This will allow new side shoots to form. If you cut the upper shoot - the flower will bush, pinching the side shoots - the plant takes the form of a crowned tree with a branching crown.

This process stimulates more accelerated tissue healing, growth and adaptation to new form. During this period, the plant needs additional strength. Immediately after pruning, a full dose of fertilizer is applied, regardless of the main schedule of planned feeding. Fertilizing on schedule and after pruning are two independent procedures, even if there is a difference of several days between them, one should by no means replace the other.

After the spring pruning of the crown, the growth of twigs will increase, the plant will not bloom next summer. For annual flowering, pruning is carried out in summer, after flowering or in winter. A choice should be made between neat branching bushes and a beautifully flowering plant with a natural crown.

Diseases and pests

The evergreen perennial is quite resistant to disease and attack by insect pests. However, with improper maintenance, violation of the temperature regime, water balance, improper lighting, the appearance of diseases and pests on the myrtle is quite likely. Most often, myrtle is affected by scale insects, aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, thrips, and spider mites.

Signs of damage by various pests:

• in defeat scab a sticky coating appears on the leaves;
• a light formation in the form of fluff on leaves and twigs indicates the appearance mealybug;
• thrips are the cause of the appearance of light spots on the upper side of the sheet and dark ones on the underside;
• when aphids leaves dry and curl;
• the formation of a white web on the underside of the leaf indicates the defeat of the flower spider mite.

Planting and reproduction

Myrtle is propagated in two ways - seed and vegetative (cuttings). Both methods give nice results, but at vegetative way flowering occurs much earlier compared to seed. Propagation by cuttings is the only method of maintaining cultivars. Reproduction by seeds does not guarantee the preservation of varietal characteristics. Due to slow growth, it will not be possible to quickly grow a large plant.

Many abandon the idea of ​​​​growing myrtle from scratch and acquire an adult flower, since the purchased plant is enough large sizes, with a formed crown. Those who bought myrtle in flower shops receive advice and recommendations from specialists on care and transplantation after purchase, pruning. Despite the capricious disposition, the plant reproduces well, planting myrtle is quite simple, difficulties arise in ensuring a comfortable, optimal maintenance.

Reproduction by cuttings

For this method, cuttings of 6-10 cm are cut from the lower and middle parts of the crown from semi-lignified annual growths. The lower cut is made under the kidney at the place of attachment of the leaf. To minimize moisture loss, part of the leaves on the cuttings are cut off at the base, except for the top ones, which are shortened by half. Pick up wide low containers filled with an earthen mixture of equal parts of leafy earth and sand.

The cuttings are planted in a moist substrate to a depth of 4–6 cm, at a distance of 5–10 cm from each other, sprayed. A box with cuttings is covered with a transparent film or glass to create the effect of a greenhouse. Contain cuttings in a cool room at a temperature of +16 ... +20 C, with diffused light. Periodically, the container is opened for ventilation, in order to avoid rotting of the cuttings.

Rooting of cuttings occurs by the end of the first month. The first sign of successful rooting is the appearance of new leaves. Further, the cuttings are planted in separate flower pots up to 7-10 cm tall with an earthen substrate from equal parts of sand, sod, peat, humus soil. Water young plants abundantly.

The next transplant, into a larger pot, is carried out when the roots of the plant completely fill the flower container.

Myrtle is propagated by cuttings in winter (January-February) and in summer - in July. Myrtle, grown from cuttings, blooms for 3-4 years.

Reproduction by seeds

The process is quite time-consuming and less efficient compared to the vegetative one. To get a new plant from seeds, you need to be patient. Prepare a wide container for sowing, with an earthen mixture of peat and sand in equal proportions. Myrtle seeds are laid out on the surface of the soil at a certain distance from each other, sprinkled on top thin layer substrate. The container is covered with a transparent lid (glass, polyethylene), kept in a warm, bright room at a temperature of + 18 ... + 20 C. Aired daily, removing the lid for 20-30 minutes to avoid acidification of the soil. The soil should be in a moderately wet state, it is highly undesirable to overdry the soil.

The first sprouts when myrtle is propagated by seeds appear by the end of the second week or even earlier.

After the formation of two true leaves, the seedlings are transplanted into individual pots of the appropriate size. An earthen mixture for picking is prepared from equal parts of sod, peat soil, humus and sand. Stunting after transplantation is common in young seedlings. Adapting to a new place, they begin to grow again.

The next transplant is carried out only after the flower pot is completely filled with horses. In the future, care for young plants is identical to an adult. Grown myrtle from seeds blooms in the fifth year of life.

myrtle seeds

Transfer

At home, myrtle transplantation is carried out in the spring. Young trees are transplanted annually, then the procedure is repeated if necessary. The first sign that a transplant is needed is the appearance of roots from the drainage holes of the flower pot.

For the myrtle transplant procedure, a more spacious pot is prepared compared to the previous flower container. The edges of the pot should not extend beyond the crown of the plant. It is necessary to remove the entire root system from the pot without damage, along with earthy clod. For this, the flower is not watered for several days. Holding the plant firmly by the base at the roots, turn the pot over and take out the lump with the roots. The lower roots are carefully freed from the ground. A drainage layer is laid at the bottom of the flower container, sprinkled with earth. The plant is lowered into a pot and covered with soil. It is necessary to ensure that the base of the trunk does not go deep into the soil.

The transplant procedure can stop the growth of the plant; for adaptation, the flower is placed in a warm shaded place.

Myrtle transplant after purchase

After the purchase, the myrtle must be transplanted. Replacing land with new, more nutritious and nutrient-enriched, will go to the plant to the benefit and will allow you to quickly start growing.

Before transplanting, you need to carefully monitor the soil moisture - ideal condition 2-3 days after watering. A dried earthen ball will be easier to pull out of the pot without damaging the root system. When you pull the myrtle out of the pot, be sure to hold it by the lower part trunk closer to the ground. If it is difficult for an earthen ball to get out of the pot due to overgrown roots, then you should take a sharp tool (for example, a knife) and gently walk along the walls of the pot.

The pot in diameter should be a couple of centimeters larger than the previous one. Drainage is poured at the bottom (for example, expanded clay), the finished soil is poured and the plant is planted, leaving the root neck on the surface. Then the newly planted plant is abundantly watered, and the remaining water from the pan is drained.

Application in medicine

In alternative medicine, the beneficial healing properties of myrtle have been known since ancient times and are widely used. Due to the presence of a large amount of essential oil and other useful components, myrtle has gained fame as an excellent healer. Myrtle oil is widely used throughout the world, which is used in many areas of medicine. Decoctions, inhalations, lotions and tinctures of myrtle are useful for various ailments, prevention and prevention of diseases and inflammations of the female genital, genitourinary, digestive system, respiratory organs. From room myrtle at home, you can make decoctions, infusions and tinctures. Essential oil is better to buy in pharmacies.

Medicinal and beneficial properties of myrtle

Plant-based preparations (myrtle oil, tincture, decoction) have:

• astringent;
• wound healing;
• hemostatic;
• antitumor;
• antitoxic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• painkiller;
• and antiviral activity.

The healing properties of myrtle are used for inflammatory diseases of the digestive system (gastritis, ulcers, colic), since preparations based on myrtle have an astringent, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effect.

Myrtle oil, as an infusion for external and internal use, perfectly helps with various seasonal viral and colds. With sore throats, runny nose, sore throat, flu, it is good to be near the plant, because by releasing phytoncides, myrtle destroys pathogenic microbes, increasing immunity and overall body resistance. For colds, it is useful to chew a couple of myrtle leaves several times a day, this will strengthen the immune system and cope with the disease faster.

The soothing and analgesic properties of myrtle essential oil for headaches, migraines are very effective.

The plant can be attributed to natural antibiotics, since it contains myrtilin. Myrtle has a powerful antibacterial, antiviral and immunostimulating effect.

Contraindications

Unique in its healing properties, myrtle has a number of contraindications. Preparations based on it are not advised to use during pregnancy, during breastfeeding, with individual intolerance to oil components, as well as for the elderly.

When planning the location of a flower in an apartment, it is highly recommended not to place a flower pot at the head of the beds. The plant can cause sleep disturbance.

Application in cooking

Common myrtle and its cultivated varieties are widely used in different countries with different culinary traditions. It is used as an additive in the preparation of many dishes and drinks. Jam is made from fresh fruits and berries, liquor is made. Dried fruits are added in the production of sausages. Myrtle leaves, along with bay leaves, are added to pickles and marinades. The bark, branches of the tree are used for grilling or bonfire meat and fish, they give the dish a unique flavor. Use the plant as a seasoning for dishes should be careful, in large quantities it gives the dish a bitter taste.

Application in cosmetology

Useful properties of myrtle are widely used in cosmetology. Possessing a tonic, anti-inflammatory, soothing, nourishing, firming effect, myrtle oil is used in various cosmetic preparations. Oil-based creams are great for treating and preventing oily, porous, acne-prone and acne-prone skin. The oil allows you to eliminate and prevent the appearance of rosacea, the appearance of clearly defined blood vessels on the skin of the face. The oil nourishes, moisturizes and evens out skin color, gives it a healthy look, relieves inflammation. Myrtle oil is an indispensable remedy for excessive sweating, seborrhea, weak, brittle and falling hair. Thanks to its strengthening properties, it is possible to significantly reduce hair loss, strengthen hair follicles, improve their structure and general condition.

Application in landscape design

Myrtle ordinary will fit perfectly into any home interior. Due to its disinfecting properties, it is ideal for children's and playrooms. Myrtle tree with its capricious disposition is suitable only for true lovers of decorative southern plants. At home, with some experience and a good margin of patience, it is possible to form a crown within a few years certain form. Optimal comfortable conditions capable of transforming evergreen tree into a lush, flowering plant. Currently, in specialized flower shops you can buy myrtle bonsai - a finished, shaped miniature tree.

Myrtle small-leaved

Myrtle is perfect home plant for lovers of peace, silence, connoisseurs of harmony. Shrub compact, evergreen, very decorative and possessing, moreover, healing properties. We will learn how to properly care for myrtle at home, find out all the subtleties and nuances of the content of this wonderful plant.

Myrtle is an evergreen shrub of small size, originally from a large Myrtle family. The homeland of the plant is the warm regions of the Mediterranean, myrtle is also found in tropical and subtropical zones.

In our country, the plant can be cultivated in open field- but only in the south, in the Crimea, in the Caucasus. In most of the territory of Russia, it is better to grow heat-loving myrtle at home, in a pot on the windowsill.

In greenhouse conditions, the bush grows especially strongly, sometimes reaching a height of two meters. In a pot, of course, it is unlikely to reach such sizes.

External characteristic

In myrtle, both leaves and flowers are decorative. Its foliage is rather small, but plentiful. Individual leaves are ovate, elongated, rich dark green and glossy.

The flowers are located either in the axils of the leaves one by one, or are collected in small brushes. There are always an even number of petals: either four or six. More often, myrtle has the usual structure of flowers, but hybrid varieties are also terry. Most of the flowers grow at the top, as the lighting there is the best. Flowers are either white or pink. In addition, the myrtle has fruits - and they are edible. Black berries are formed when the buds fade.

The aroma emanating from the leaves and flowers of the plant has calming properties, helps to relax, unwind. Aromatic glands are located on the leaves of the flower - they can be seen even with the naked eye.

Note that myrtle is a poisonous plant, but to a small extent. In sensitive and allergic people, prolonged inhalation of the aroma of its leaves can cause headaches and nausea.

Species, varieties

Let's get acquainted with the most common species and varieties of myrtle in indoor cultivation.

Ordinary

The most common variety in our country, in literal translation is called Communis. This type of myrtle grows up to half a meter in height, but when grown in open ground and in a greenhouse, it can reach large sizes. The plant is evergreen, has small leathery foliage, shiny and decorative.

Variegated

The foliage of this plant is more decorative due to its variegation, spotting. On the surface of the leaves you can see stripes, spots, dots of an interesting amber hue.

The flowers of variegated myrtle are also beautiful: although they are small, they have a wonderful beige-white hue, decorative golden stamens. In addition, the flowers also smell very pleasant. Perfect option for home cultivation.

large-leaved

This species is distinguished by particularly pronounced healing and antibacterial properties. In the fight against colds, sore throats, flu, SARS, large-leaved myrtle can provide invaluable assistance. In addition, the plant is able to disinfect the air in the room, kill the pathogenic microbes and sticks that are in it.

In height, this myrtle reaches 3-4 meters, that is, it is not cultivated at home. The leaves are large, pointed, the flowers are snow-white with pronounced golden stamens.

Growing conditions

We will find out in what conditions myrtle should be grown at home.

Location and lighting

It is better to grow myrtle under the condition of abundant bright lighting. The plant is able to tolerate direct sunlight, but in summer, with especially scorching heat, it is still better to shade. In the shade, the plant, although it can survive, will not bloom. In this way, the best choice places for this plant will be a window sill on the south or west side of the house.

Temperature and drafts

Myrtle grows well in cool conditions, despite its southern origin. Moderate air temperature is what you need: a range from +18 to +23 degrees is suitable. But in winter, you need to keep the plant in a cold room, at a temperature not higher than + 6-8 degrees. This measure will ensure that myrtle blooms luxuriantly next season.

An adult plant is not afraid of drafts and cool breaths of air. On the contrary, frequent airing will benefit the myrtle, and besides, it will help spread the healing phytoncides emitted by the plant throughout the house. In summer, you can take the plant to the balcony, to the garden: moist, clean air will only benefit the plant.

Soil composition

The following soil composition is optimal for growing myrtle:

• sod land;
• peat;
• humus;
• river sand.

All listed components are taken in equal proportions.

Features of home care

We will find out what kind of care myrtle needs at home.

Watering

The plant needs timely watering in sufficient quantity. Myrtle loves moisture very much and will not last long without it. During the growing season, keep the potting soil constantly moist.

In addition to direct watering of the soil, the leaves of the plant also need to be moistened: they must be sprayed periodically. Shower procedures can be arranged from time to time. Showers and sprays are needed mainly in the heat of summer. In winter, these procedures are not required, and even harmful.

When the temperature drops by autumn, the amount and frequency of watering should be reduced. But in any case, it is important not to allow the earthen clod to dry out: in the dried soil, the myrtle will throw off all the foliage, and it may dry out itself. The transition to the “reduced rate” should be gradual, starting in the fall.

The other extreme is also undesirable - waterlogging. This can lead to rotting of the roots, so make sure that there is no stagnation of moisture in the pot. Use soft and warm water.

top dressing

The introduction of additional nutrition is necessary for myrtle for a prosperous existence. During the growing season, top dressing is applied once every couple of weeks; in winter, the plant does not need additional nutrition. You can use complex minerals intended for flowers.

If you want to enjoy the lush flowering of myrtle, use mainly phosphorus top dressing. And to get an evergreen bonsai, use nitrogen compounds.

pruning

In our country, ordinary myrtle is most often grown at home - and unlike some other varieties, it tolerates pruning remarkably. Even from a non-flowering plant, with the right pruning, it is quite possible to get a neat tree like a bonsai.

When cutting off the top of the myrtle, keep in mind that it will acquire a classic fan-shaped bush. And by cutting exactly the side shoots, you can end up with a lush, graceful tree.

When pruning, the trunk of the plant should not be exposed much, it is necessary to leave more side shoots on it. And for flowering, not too strong pruning is important: if you get carried away, you can radically remove flower buds.

Transfer

Since the myrtle does not grow too fast, it can be kept in one pot for one year. He does not need an annual transplant, unlike many other plants. However, sooner or later, the old pot "outgrows" the myrtle and needs a new "home". We add that young plants for the first three to five years are still transplanted annually.

It is recommended to transplant in early spring - before sap flow begins after winter. Use a standard substrate of soddy soil, peat and humus and do not forget about the obligatory drainage layer. The pot must be selected only a couple of centimeters in diameter larger than the previous one.

reproduction

At home, myrtle can be propagated both by seeds and cuttings. The first method is long, but if there are no cuttings, it is indispensable. If there is a choice, then propagation by cuttings is preferable: it is simpler, more efficient and faster. More on both methods below.

seeds

In this case, the loss of varietal characteristics of the plant is possible, since sometimes the seeds are collected from hybrid bushes. It is necessary to understand this risk when deciding on seed propagation. Note that myrtle reproduces well only on condition of fresh seeds - they have the best germination.

Before planting, inspect the seeds and select the strongest of them, devoid of damage and rot. Release the planting material from the pericarp, then rinsing for disinfection in a solution of potassium permanganate. Be sure to dry the seeds before dropping them into the ground.

Pour light nutrient soil into shallow containers. Seeds are planted to a depth of half a centimeter. From above, the container is covered with a film or glass, after which shoots should be expected in a warm, well-lit place. Protect the container from direct sunlight.

Seeds need daily ventilation, but for a limited time. It is recommended to moisten the soil by spraying, avoiding either waterlogging or overdrying of the soil.

After one and a half to two months, shoots appear. After that, the film should be removed and a little seedlings should be grown. When two leaves appear on the shoots, they dive into separate pots. When the shoots reach 15-20 cm in height, pinch their tops for greater branching of the shrub. Myrtle grown from seeds will begin to bloom in the fifth year of its life.

cuttings

This method is much simpler and more convenient than the previous one. Myrtle cuttings take root easily, and you won't have to wait long for a young plant to bloom. In addition, varietal characteristics in this case are transmitted completely.

It is recommended to plant cuttings of myrtle either in January-February or June-July. These periods are most suitable for the rooting of the shoot and its further development and growth. Most often, however, flower growers choose winter time.

The algorithm of actions in this case is as follows:

1. Cut off a shoot from an adult plant in early summer. The shoot must be taken from the top of the myrtle and must not bloom. On the resulting cutting, there must be 3-4 pairs of leaves.
2. The length of the cut off shoot should be from five to eight centimeters. It is recommended to cut off the leaves from below.
3. Place the lower part of the cutting (by 1 cm) in the Phytohormone solution, thus keeping it for two hours. After the root stimulator, rinse the cutting with clean water.
4. Landing is carried out in a peat-sand substrate. The cutting is deepened by three knots and placed in the ground at an angle of 45-50 degrees.
5. A cutting for more efficient and faster rooting needs to be created greenhouse conditions. To do this, it is covered with a film on top or plastic bottle with cut neck.
6. The cutting for rooting should be placed in a warm place, without access to sunlight. Regularly, the escape must be freed from shelter and aired.
7. A month later, the plant usually takes root. After that, the shelter is removed and the myrtle is placed on a well-lit windowsill.
8. Further care is standard, as for an adult flower. Propagation by cuttings leads to the flowering of a young shrub in 2-3 years.

Bloom

When seed propagation myrtle blooms in the fifth year, and with cuttings - in the second or third. However, it is important to consider that in order to obtain flowers in spring, the myrtle should not be heavily cut. Pruning removes flower buds, so you can not wait for the buds in the current season. If you want to enjoy flowering myrtle, we recommend that you postpone pruning until autumn.

Myrtle blooms in June-July. To get healthy and beautiful flowers, necessary:

• properly care for the shrub;
• regularly ventilate the room or take the pot out to the balcony, to the garden.

If the myrtle is not properly cared for or kept in inappropriate conditions, the plant may well get sick, which will reduce the likelihood of flowering to a minimum. In addition, the shrub rarely blooms when kept in a poorly ventilated room with stagnant air.

Diseases, pests and other problems

Consider what problems arise when growing myrtle and how these problems can be dealt with.

root rot

Myrtle often gets sick due to improper watering. It is important to prevent waterlogging of the soil and stagnant phenomena in it, while maintaining the substrate moderately moist. From an excess of water, the roots of the plant rot, as a result of which the flower sometimes dies.

fall leaves

Dry air with insufficient watering leads to falling and twisting of the foliage. But this problem is easy to deal with: you just need to start regular spraying of the plant and resume watering it.

Leaves can also wither when water stagnates in the ground. But in this case, they will not dry out, but will acquire a wet, sluggish structure.

Poor growth or no growth

The causes of the problem can be different: most often these are lack of care or improper maintenance of the plant. However, it should be noted that myrtle, in principle, grows slowly, so you should not panic ahead of time.

spider mite

Sometimes the myrtle is attacked by a spider mite. This pest can be recognized by the small white cobwebs that stand out against the background of the leaves. Flush the foliage if found warm water with soap, you can use tobacco infusion. If the mite has multiplied significantly, it is better to use insecticides: but only by taking the pot out into the open air.

Shchitovka

This pest can also attack myrtle: they will serve as a symptom dark spots on foliage. Insecticides are ineffective against scale insects, since the solid shield shell protects the insect well. Get rid of the pest by washing the foliage with a tobacco-soap caustic solution. If you can see insects well, you can also remove them mechanically - with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

Aphid

This pest can quickly lead to drying and curling of foliage, and then to the complete loss of myrtle of its decorative effect. Aphids settle on the leaves from below, feeding on the juice of the flower. This pest will have to be controlled with insecticides, since folk methods are ineffective here. Yes, and the aphids multiply too quickly.

We learned how to grow myrtle at home. The plant is famous for its beauty and medicinal properties: you won't regret it if you get it. Well, the tips from the article will help you more competently approach the cultivation of this wonderful homemade evergreen shrub.