Why hibiscus blooms. Hibiscus "flower of death" - why is it called that? Reproduction of hibiscus at home

In many countries of the world, a strikingly beautiful plant, amazing in its energy capabilities, is well known - hibiscus. It has many varieties and names - hibiscus, red mallow, red rose, Jamaican rose, Chinese rose, Syrian rose (ketmiya), rosan, red sorrel, okra, kenaf, rose of sharon, red rose of Sudan, mallow of Venice, flower of love ... Genus hibiscus (Hibiscus) belongs to the Malvaceae family and has about 300 species, growing mostly in tropical regions - Indonesia, South China, Haiti, Fiji, Sumatra, Java, Sri Lanka. Life forms are represented by herbs, deciduous and evergreen shrubs, rarely - small trees. The name of this genus appeared in Ancient Greece. True, the Greeks did not know the plant that now bears this name. Hibiscus they called the Mediterranean plant, which modern taxonomists refer to the genus Alcaea. But the name has stood the test of time and is used by botanists in our time. Hibiscus are considered to be native to Southeast Asia, but they grow freely in Africa and America. In America, they form entire thickets on wet floodplain meadows, lushly covered with flowers. For their great love for moisture, they are called “marsh mallow” there.

Hibiscus - national flower Malaysia. Its five petals symbolize the five commandments of Islam. The flower is revered not only by the Muslim Malays, but also by the pagan Dayaks, and the Chinese, and the Hindus. And in Hawaii, hibiscus is considered the national plant. There it is called the flower of beautiful women. Local beauties often adorn themselves with its bright colors, which contrast very effectively with their black curls - you can imagine how this sight attracts the eyes of temperamental Hawaiians. In Brazil, the dissected hibiscus grows, called “Princess Earrings”. He has split petals and a long pedicel, on which he gracefully sways, really resembling an exquisite earring. Hibiscus flowers are also called the "flower of love", in India they are woven into wedding wreaths. Hibiscus in their places of growth serve not only in decorative purposes. As a vegetable spicy plant, okra is grown. This is also a hibiscus. Young leaves and shoots of hibiscus are eaten as vegetables. Seeds, leaves, fruits, roots are used in medicine. Necklaces are made from seeds. The flowers are used to make black hair dye and purple for Food Industry. Dried hibiscus petals are brewed as a tea.

Hibiscus grows outdoors in the Caucasus, Moldova, southern Ukraine, Crimea, Kuban. There is evidence that it can withstand frosts down to -10 C even in snowless winters. In more northern regions, it is covered for the winter or removed to the basement, to a cold veranda. In colder places, hibiscus can only grow in rooms. Already at the beginning of the 18th century. hibiscus adorned the botanical gardens of Europe, conquering visitors with its lush bloom. After seeing such a miracle, who would not want to have it at home? And so far it is one of the most beloved and common indoor plants.

It is a strongly branching shrub or tree 2-4.5 m high. The leaves are dark green, shiny, oblong-oval or oblong-ovate, serrated along the edge, large (up to 15 cm), arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers are large (from 8 to 16 cm in diameter), five-petalled, with varying degrees of doubleness. The stamens fused into a tube protrude strongly, giving some piquancy - especially not terry, but simple flowers. The color spectrum is the most diverse, except for blue and black. The hibiscus flower stays on the stem for only one day, but new buds open to replace it, delighting us with its flowering for several months. Hibiscus is also good for health. Tea from flowers (hibiscus) and the hibiscus flowers themselves have many useful health effects. More on this later. In the meantime - more about the types of hibiscus.

Hibiscusiada: varieties of hibiscus
Now there are more than 1000 (and this number is constantly increasing) garden forms and varieties of hibiscus, differing in the degree of doubleness, the size of the flowers and their color: white, yellow, pink, salmon, orange, red, lilac, purple ... Hibiscus petals can be streaked, framed along the edge with a border or decorated with an "eye" of contrasting color. Hibiscus is one of the best long-flowering perennials for warm regions; it blooms profusely from June until frost. Hibiscus also grows in urban conditions - this plant is smoke and gas resistant. In colder regions, hibiscus is cultivated in greenhouses, conservatories and indoor cultivation.

Of the woody species, the most famous are Chinese rose hibiscus, or maple (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), a long-flowering indoor plant and Syrian hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus), widely cultivated in the Crimea, the Caucasus, in Central Asia; variable hibiscus (Hibiscus mutabilis) and Indian hibiscus (Hibiscus indicus), malvaviscus (Malvaviscus). Of the herbaceous species, the most popular are: hybrid hibiscus (Hibiscus hybrida) - perennial, large-flowered polyhybrids; hirsute hibiscus (Hibiscus lasiocarpus), ternate hibiscus (Hibiscus trionum). Of great economic importance are hemp hibiscus (Hibiscus cannabinus), known as kenaf, as well as okra (Hibiscus esculentus) and hibiscus, or hibiscus sabdariffa (Hibiscus sabdariffa), from which, respectively, spices and tea are produced.

In culture, the most common are:
Hibiscus Chinese rose, or maple (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). Sometimes in the literature this plant is found under the name of Chinese rosan, among the people a variety of this type of hibiscus with double flowers is called “rosan”, or “rozanel”. As you might guess from the name, the plant comes from the subtropics of Southern China. It was brought to Europe at the end of the 17th century. This is evergreen shrub or tree, up to 4 m tall (at home), at home - from 70 to 1.2 m, with a mass of shiny dark green, glossy on top, oval- or ovate-elongated, serrated along the edge of the leaves. The most common type of hibiscus in indoor breeding. Chinese rose is different rapid growth And long flowering- subject to proper care, it can bloom all spring and summer until late autumn. Flowers are large, up to 10-16 cm in diameter, various different colors- from fiery and orange-red to pink and yellow, depending on the variety, simple and double. The threads of stamens, fused into a long tube, protruding far from the flower, give a special charm to the flower. A non-double flower is similar in shape and size to the flowers of simple mallows, to which the hibiscus actually belongs. It develops well and blooms profusely in tropical and subtropical climates and in warm temperate climates with positive winter temperatures. In a humid climate, it can easily withstand short-term winter temperature drops to 0 degrees and even small night frosts on the soil. Great for decorating spacious halls, foyers, winter gardens, offices. This type of hibiscus suffers from air pollution. IN recent times breeders have bred a large number of varieties and hybrids of this familiar and very beloved plant - more than 1000 hybrids and garden forms, differing in different colors and degrees of double flowers. Common forms of Chinese hibiscus include the following varieties:
Anita Bis (Anita Buis) - flowers are simple, yellow-orange;
Florida (Florida) - flowers are large (up to 14 cm in diameter), non-double, orange-red;
Hamburg (Hamburg) - flowers are large, double, carmine-red;
Rose (Rosa) - semi-double and double flowers, salmon-pink;

Variegated hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cooperi) - variegated form, differs in narrower and more beautiful variegated leaves with pink and white stains, especially a lot of light and pink spots on the upper young leaves, these bizarre patterns can take quite a lot of space on the leaves, sometimes up to 99% of their entire area, the flowers of this variety are smaller, often pink, simple;
Hibiscus var. Cooperi Alba - with beautiful, small, variegated leaves (unequal white and pink-red strokes and spots are scattered on a light green background), this variety is more thermophilic, so it feels comfortable in winter at an air temperature of 18-20 °.

Hibiscus sabdariafa (Hibiscus sabdariffa). It is an annual shrub, up to 3.5 m high, a branched plant with a root system deeply embedded in the soil. The stem and leaves are green with a reddish tinge. The leaves of the upper part of the shrub are smooth, palm-shaped, divided into 3-7 lobes with jagged edges; in the lower part of the plant, the shape of the leaves is oval. The flowers are very large, 5-7 cm in diameter, with a short pedicel and thick petals. In color, they are bright red with a dark purple corolla on the outside and dark purple on the inside. Yellow is found at the base of the petals, sometimes brown spot. After the flower wilts, the cups begin to grow, increase several times, and become juicy and fleshy, bright red in color. This species has long been known in the culture of tropical and subtropical regions the globe and is the closest relative of the Chinese rose. The history of its use goes back several millennia. Almost all the plant, except for the root, is edible and is used as food. Fresh leaves and young shoots rich in vitamins are added to salads, stewed with meat, seeds are roasted and used to make soups.

Cups of flowers are used to make tea, they are used to make jellies, sauces, compotes, they are used to color food, salted, pickled. This hibiscus also produces a dry extract, liquid syrup, and is used in pharmaceuticals. In nature, hibiscus sabdariffa grows in Sudan and is grown in large quantities in Egypt, Ceylon, Java, Mexico, Thailand and China. It is generally accepted that the best microclimatic conditions in terms of humidity, temperature, day length, landscape of the area when growing hibiscus sabdariffa are in Sudan. The main area of ​​industrial cultivation of this type of nibiscus is the interfluve of the White and Blue Nile and their tributaries in the territory of the Republic of Sudan. It is in these places that the cups of hibiscus are produced, which are used for a quality variety of hibiscus tea. In Sudan, mainly shrub forms of Hibiscus sabdariffa var. sabdariffa (" sudanese rose"), in Egypt - tree-like Hibiscus sabdariffa var. altissima. The full vegetative growth cycle takes 5-8 months in duration. In initial stage development, the most favorable air temperatures at night should not fall below 21 C. In the first 4-5 months of growth, hibiscus sabdariffa requires 13 hours of daylight hours a day in order to prevent untimely flowering. IN initial period cultivation requires sufficient soil moisture with rainfall within 5-10 mm. Hibiscus flowering occurs as daylight hours and light intensity decrease. This period falls on September and subsequent months, depending on the country of cultivation, and continues until the time of flowering of the entire plantation. Collection of fresh, fleshy calyxes of flowers is carried out manually or by punching with a sharp metal tool until it dries and the seed box opens. Drying - natural ventilation with protection from direct sunlight, they significantly reduce the quality of the product. This type of hibiscus is not very common in indoor breeding, and if you want to grow hibiscus sabdariffa at home on the windowsill, then you will have to run around flower shops to buy it, or, relying on luck, look for seeds in packs of hibiscus tea.

Syrian hibiscus, or Syrian rose, or ketmiya (Hibiscus syriacus). This is a deciduous shrub up to 4 m high with a dense crown, often formed in the form of a tree, with a grayish stem and velvety three-lobed toothed rhombic leaves.

It blooms in summer with white, bluish and lilac simple or double, seedless flowers up to 10 cm in diameter. Widely distributed as a beautiful, abundantly flowering ornamental plant in regions with tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climate. This species, resistant to slight frosts, is successfully grown in open ground in southern Europe, in the Caucasus, Crimea and in the southern regions of Ukraine. It is also cultivated as a house plant. Lives up to 100 (!) years. The people often call it “birch” - for the similarity of leaves with birch leaves. The Syrian hibiscus grows rather slowly, blooms and bears fruit from the age of three to four. Growing up, the bushes become more winter-hardy and withstand short-term temperature drops to 22 degrees below zero.

If you want to grow this hibiscus outdoors (for solitary and group plantings, creating hedges and avenues), consider the following: this species is intended for cultivation on the plains, it freezes out in the mountains. Syrian hibiscus easily tolerates transplanting and pruning (does not need strong pruning - in the spring they remove excess old branches and shorten too long ones). Propagated by cuttings, layering, grafting, seeds (the fruit is a multi-seeded box). For planting, you need to choose only sunny places - the more sun, the more abundant and longer flowering. It is not picky about soils, but, of course, it will thank you for the fertile and moist soil. He wakes up in May at a night temperature of at least 15 degrees. In order for the bush to become more magnificent, pinch the tops of the shoots. And be sure to pick off faded flowers so that the plant gives all its strength to flowering, and not to the formation of seeds. For the winter, tighten the bush with ropes and wrap it in cellophane or white burlap, without warming anything else. If you bought a plant grown from a cutting, it will bloom in the very first year after planting, and by the end of summer, a flower up to 10 cm in diameter will appear on each of its branches. diameter of a wide variety of colors: from white to crimson and even lilac with a burgundy center. Depending on the variety, the flowers can be simple and double, there are also unusual variegated varieties. Hibiscus grown from seeds bloom only in the 2-3rd year and do not guarantee the same size and color of flowers as the mother plant. At proper care hibiscus is literally strewn with flowers (by the way, the original exotic flower Syrian hibiscus - a symbol of the island of Haiti). The indoor conditions of this plant are similar to Chinese rose, and the main difference is manifested in the greater cold resistance of the Syrian hibiscus.

Hibiscus hybrid (Hibiscus hybrida). It appeared in culture relatively recently, was obtained by a talented breeder Fedor Nikolaevich Rusanov in the botanical garden of the Academy of Sciences of the Uzbek SSR in the 40s and 50s of the twentieth century, where the scientist was exiled during the period Stalinist repressions. In his work on the hybridization of herbaceous perennial hibiscus, he used North American species: bright red hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus) - a typically subtropical species that does not withstand even not too cold winters; marsh hibiscus (Hibiscus mouscheutos) and armed hibiscus (Hibiscus militaris) are frost-resistant species, even in winters with temperatures down to -30 C, their roots remained unharmed. When these three species were crossed artificially, numerous frost-resistant forms of hibiscus with exceptionally high decorative qualities were obtained, which subsequently received the status of varieties.

Hybrid hibiscus is a heat-loving and moisture-loving herbaceous perennial with very large, bright, showy flowers. It is used to create large flower arrays, mixed borders, parterres, boulevards, edges, looks great along the banks of reservoirs. Most of the varieties bred by F. N. Rusanov are now lost. Only descriptions and color drawings of the author remained. Fortunately, some varieties have been preserved by flower growers in Stavropol and the Kuban, where hybrid hibiscus are quite common in gardens. But there is no longer that variety of shapes and colors that were bred by the author. But even what remains makes an unforgettable impression. Apparently, it is no longer possible to establish the correct names of the varieties. Conditionally preserved developments of Rusanov can be called: Red, Pink and Light Pink.

Red is a tall variety up to 3 m tall with palm-shaped leaves and wide funnel-shaped flowers up to 17 cm in diameter of red-carmine color. Pink is a medium-sized variety up to 2 meters in height with wide three-lobed pointed leaves and wide-open flowers of a rich pink tone. The size of the flowers is up to 23 cm in diameter. Despite its huge size, the corolla of the flower is very strong and strictly retains its shape. Light pink - a bush up to 2 meters high. The leaves are very similar to the leaves of the previous variety. The flowers are gigantic - 25 cm (even up to 27 cm) in diameter, pink with a silvery sheen. The flowers are more delicate than the previous two varieties and do not hold their shape well, especially in windy weather. But they are the largest and bloom a few days earlier than other varieties.

Hybrid hibiscus grows well in the southern regions, to the north it may not have enough summer heat for normal development and flowering. If desired, you can "deceive" nature with a simple agricultural technique. In the spring, a greenhouse is installed over the plantings of hibiscus, which provides more early development plants. As the shoots grow, the greenhouse is removed. It’s troublesome, but, you see, these hibiscuses are worth it. In late autumn, you need to cut off the shoots that die for the winter and spud at the base with fallen leaves in case of prolonged snowless frosts. In spring, the foliage is removed and the stems are cut low. Emerging young shoots are thinned out, leaving the most powerful, removing their tops for good tillering, this leads to the formation of compact, abundant flowering bushes. Hybrid hibiscus blooms in July-August, flowering ends with the first frost. On each shoot (and a bush can have more than a dozen of them), up to 50-80 buds are formed.

Marianne Broome

Sowing seeds of these hybrids does not give positive result. The offspring are inferior in their decorative qualities to the mother plant. The flowers are smaller and do not open wide. But hibiscus is very easy to cut. Cuttings will bloom the following year. For 6-7 years, the bushes grow strongly and must be divided. Do this in the spring, when the buds on the root collars of the plant begin to swell. In each division there must be a kidney and at least one good root, and all old and broken ones are cut out. The plant must immediately be planted in a permanent place. landing pit should be 40 cm deep and 50 cm in diameter. At its bottom, it is necessary to pour 10-15 cm of crushed stone to protect the roots from getting wet.

When planting hibiscus can not be deepened. On the trunk, this border is very clearly visible: the underground part is white, and the aboveground part is green. A place for landing should be chosen as sunny and protected from the winds as possible. Herbaceous hibiscus are undemanding to the soil. Very drought-resistant, but develops faster when watered, especially in the initial period.

P.S. Photos of flowers in all sections do not correspond to the description of the species, they are simply evenly distributed over the material.

It is a very common indoor plant. It also has another name - hibiscus. IN wild environment The rose bush is large and can reach 3 meters in height. And specially designed for the home undersized variety flower. Signs about the Chinese rose in the house appeared in antiquity, but they were able to successfully reach our days and have not lost their popularity. Further in the article we will deal with the positive and negative interpretation of these signs.

Good omens values

The Chinese rose is characterized by unpretentiousness in content. It is these qualities that make her ideal option for public institutions and at home. But in addition to the aesthetic side of the issue, the Chinese rose is also a carrier of certain information. And it is able to both provide assistance in certain situations, and cause harm to human life and health. And in which direction the scales will tilt - it will depend purely on the specific situation.

There have always been many signs around the Chinese rose, the following can be noted from the positive ones:

1. The flower is able to charge the surrounding space with the energy of movement.. Hibiscus corresponds to the zodiac sign Leo, and refers to it because of the love of bright sunlight and great view flowers. Despite its feminine name, the Chinese rose has a fairly strong masculine character. According to astrology, it is fire that acts as a masculine principle, expresses activity and activity.
2. A flower, like a sponge, collects the destructive energy of laziness and begins to transform it into the energy of creativity. It is recommended to have this plant in your home for those who suffer from heart disease or low blood pressure. Also, the Chinese rose is shown to people who are passive, as it will provide active nourishment with vitality.
3. The energy of the Chinese rose winds in a spiral - from the bottom rises to the top. From the area to the tips and leaves. According to popular belief, it is believed that with the help of this plant you can restore the extinguished fire of love between married couple living together for a long time (although there is an opposite interpretation).

Negative interpretations

But besides the good ones, there are also a number of negative interpretations of this belief:

Summing up

Of course, everything described above is inherently just superstition. There are many people in the house who grow hibiscus, but they are completely happy and do not have any problems. But do not forget also that signs and beliefs do not appear out of the blue and there is always some truth in them.

You must decide for yourself whether to believe these signs or not. Each case is completely individual and for all people. decisive role play their own mood, energy and emotions. We are the creators of our own destiny.

Signs and superstitions will not be superfluous, unless, of course, you fanatically believe in them. They did not appear out of nothing - for centuries our ancestors collected and analyzed the events that took place, built certain analogies and connections, why this or that event happened. And now we have a great opportunity to use their work for the benefit of ourselves and the world around us.

The Chinese rose is a very beautiful flower of the Malvaceae family, but at the same time it is rarely seen in modern apartments. The main reason for the dislike of housewives for this plant is the second name of hibiscus - “flower of death”. Why this flower is so called is described below.

People say that the flowering of the Chinese rose is a very dangerous period for the inhabitants of the house. It is believed that simultaneously with the appearance of bright buds on the plant, one of the household members is overtaken by a dangerous disease or even death.

Another version suggests that death awaits the home if the Chinese rose blooms at the wrong time of the year. For example, in hot summer or at the very end of winter. Hibiscus usually blooms from late spring to the last month of autumn. Less often - at the beginning of winter.

Also, many "experts" are sure that the blackening of the leaves of the plant under discussion promises serious illness to one of the family members. After such a phenomenon, all the inhabitants of the house urgently need to visit a doctor.

Signs and superstitions

Understanding why hibiscus is called the "flower of death", you will be able to get acquainted with so many signs and superstitions associated with this plant.

The most famous among them are the following:

• If a flower appears at a girl’s house, then her marriage with any man will be short-lived, and love relationship- unhappy.
• During flowering, the Chinese rose impregnates the whole house with negative energy, “sucks” from its owners positive emotions and may even lead them to depression.
• In thematic books on Feng Shui, it is noted that hibiscus is able to kindle passion between spouses and generally strengthen marriage. For this, a plant with bright red flowers is located in the bedroom near the couple's bed.
• If a woman takes good care of the Chinese rose and selects for her the best place in the house, she will soon become very popular among the opposite sex.
• Such flowers take root perfectly in hospitals, as they feed negative emotions and experiences of patients.

As you can see, the signs and superstitions regarding the flower under discussion are very diverse. Some of them even radically contradict each other.

Can you stay at home or not?

First of all, it should be noted that all of the listed signs are based solely on the conjectures of people. Not a single assumption about the "bloodthirstiness" of hibiscus is scientifically confirmed.

For example, in hospital rooms, it grows best simply because frequent ventilation and a lot of light in the corridors of clinics is ideal conditions for comfortable life Chinese rose. In this way, all existing assumptions can be refuted.

If we talk from the point of view of floriculture, then growing such a plant at home is a pleasant and interesting process. Hibiscus is unpretentious. For it to grow well, enough daylight and not a large number filtered water. At the same time, watering the flower daily is not required at all. On any botanical site, the user will be able to find the optimal scheme for watering a plant.

If you regularly spray the Chinese rose clean water and cut from time to time, then a tree of amazing beauty will appear on the window of the hostess. The buds of its stunning flowers appear regularly and linger for 2-3 days.

Among the minuses of the plant, one can note the high cost of its cuttings, the “love” of various pests for it, and active growth. Therefore, it is better to immediately allocate more space for the hibiscus with a sufficient flow of light.

Myths and truth about hibiscus

It is believed that hibiscus in a person's room causes him a constant feeling of melancholy and anxiety. Actually this is a myth. Maybe, unpleasant emotions when such a plant appears in the house, there really is. But, most likely, because most people today are familiar with the eerie signs associated with the Chinese rose. Further, self-hypnosis already operates.

But the information that such a plant is present on the coat of arms of Malaysia is true. In this place, hibiscus is loved and revered. There is even a separate park in the capital of the country, in which more than 2 thousand copies of the flower grow. It often hosts wedding ceremonies.

In the people, the Chinese rose is called the "husband flower." It is believed that the presence of such a plant in an apartment by all possible ways expels the representatives of the stronger sex from it. But it is very easy to disprove this myth. After all, there are thousands of examples when happy wives admire this flower in their home every day.

Useful properties of hibiscus for humans

Few people know that hibiscus is not only a very beautiful plant, but also useful for humans. The main thing is to use it correctly and study the list of contraindications in advance.

It is from the flowers of the Chinese rose that delicious red tea is brewed. Hibiscus drink perfectly quenches thirst even on the hottest days, and, in addition, invigorates and energizes. If a person regularly consumes such tea, then he is much less tired. The Egyptians are sure that this drink also preserves youth, beauty, and sexuality.

The Chinese rose is very useful for men and women of any age who are faced with diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Decoctions and teas from the petals of the plant help to normalize blood pressure, cleanse blood vessels and strengthen their walls. If we talk more about blood pressure, then cold tea from hibiscus lowers it, and warm tea, on the contrary, raises it.

You can apply various parts of the Chinese rose and externally. For example, fresh flowers are crushed and applied to damaged skin that has boils or ulcers. This tool speeds up the healing of burns.

If crushed flowers and leaves are used together, even malignant ulcers can be cured with the resulting mixture. This natural medicine becomes part of complex therapy and significantly speeds up the healing process.

Hibiscus is charming and mysterious. Delicate flower in our northern latitudes accompanied by dark legends. However, at home, the oriental rose is a symbol of female happiness, love and beauty. We learn to grow hibiscus, attract happiness to the house, look for an explanation for signs and superstitions.

Interesting. The word Hibiscus comes from the Greek word "hibiskos" which means mallow.

It is one of the few plants among life forms which is:

• herbaceous plants
• shrubs
• bushes
• small trees

Botany knows about 300 species of hibiscus. The most popular of them:

• trifoliate/northern
• Syrian
• hardy horticultural/herbaceous
• Chinese
• changeable / lotus tree
• marsh

Modern breeding offers many hybrid plant varieties, which allows even inexperienced flower growers to enjoy the abundant flowering of hibiscus in their garden or on the windowsill.

Hibiscus - flower of death: why? Signs and superstitions

Many exalted persons tend to see a bad sign in the short-term flowering of each individual hibiscus flower. Recall that the hibiscus flower lives from 1 to 3 days. At the same time, the flowering period of the plant takes a total of about 6 months (from April to October), which corresponds to the natural rhythm of life of most representatives of the tropical flora.

Important. Esotericists advise paying attention only to the "unplanned" flowering of hibiscus. Pay attention, not wait for death!

Another explanation for gloomy superstitions can be found in the ancient Indian epic. One of the most violent goddesses in Hinduism - Kali - embodies destruction and death. It is Kali who is customarily presented with hibiscus flowers during a visit to the temple of the goddess. But how does Hinduism interpret death? Simply put, it's the start of something new. For the people of India, Kali is one of the most revered goddesses, and hibiscus is one of the most beloved flowering plants.

Chinese rose flowers are revered in South Korea and the islands of Polynesia. For example, Red flower hibiscus - a symbol of the paradise island of Haiti

In general, the gloomy speculation that accompanies the flowering of hibiscus is most likely associated with a "capped" acquaintance with the culture of Asia and Oceania and is completely groundless.

Growing hibiscus at home. Care

Important: when buying a plant, be sure to check if the lowest buds have fallen from the flower

Subject to the basic rules of maintenance and care, the plant will delight its owners with abundant and long flowering. hybrid varieties, often bloom year-round, making only small breaks

Temperature

• spring/summer -18-21⁰С (maximum - 27⁰С)
• winter - not less than 13⁰С

The soil

Equal parts of peat and clay substrate. For adult plants, the proportions are somewhat different: 2 parts of clay substrate and 1 part of peat

Watering

• At high air temperatures (summer): 2-3 times a week. Humidity must be constant. Avoid waterlogging or drying out the soil
• IN winter period: once a week. Be careful, the dried surface of the soil indicates the need for watering.
• At temperatures below 13⁰С: once every two weeks

top dressing

• spring/summer: 1 time in 2 weeks, especially after the appearance of buds. Used as a feed liquid fertilizers for flowering tropical plants

Important: for abundant flowering, enrich the soil with phosphorus salts. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding fertilizer dosage. An excess of phosphorus for the plant is very harmful and can lead to the death of the flower. During the period of vegetative activity, hibiscus loves mineral fertilizers high in potassium, copper and iron; in moderation - nitrogen

Transfer

Every spring, before the start of the period active growth. It should be transplanted into a flower pot that is one size larger than the previous one.

illumination

Scattered light. Duration: 6-12 hours

pruning

In the spring, before the beginning of the period of active growth. Use secateurs or sharp scissors to shorten the stems of the plant. Cut at an angle just above the leaf or just above the lateral shoot. Sprinkle the cut ends with cinnamon powder or powdered activated charcoal.

Air humidity

At high temperatures and relative dryness of the air (spring / summer), the plant needs to be sprayed daily with warm soft water.

Video: Hibiscus pruning

Growing hibiscus outdoors

The main agrotechnical characteristics of hibiscus grown in open ground are as follows

• Perennial unpretentious bush. In winter, the ground part dies off, new shoots appear in May
• Flowering begins in the second half of summer and lasts for several weeks.
• With proper care, the size of the flowers can reach 20-30 cm.
• Garden hibiscus require lots of sunlight and moisture.
• They winter well, but require little shelter for the winter (for example, an earthen layer 15-20 cm high can be poured on top)
• Propagated by seeds, delenki, live bait
• Life span: up to 20 years

illumination

Well lit area (at least 6 hours of diffused sunlight per day)

Watering

Garden varieties of hibiscus delight the eye with large leaves and flowers that require a lot of moisture.

Irrigation is conditionally divided into two periods

• spring/summer (high temperatures): stable water supply. During this period, it is important to prevent stagnation of water in the root ball, in order to avoid rotting of the roots.
• winter (low temperatures, high humidity air): rare watering, only after the topsoil has dried well around the ground part of the plant

spraying

Loves spraying even in open ground conditions. garden hibiscus(especially the swamp) will really like the presence of a reservoir nearby. If there is none on the site, then simply place a container of water near the plant

top dressing

• spring/summer: once every 2 weeks, especially after the appearance flower buds. Liquid fertilizers for flowering tropical plants are used as top dressing. Organic fertilizers are also popular with experienced gardeners.

Important: for abundant flowering, enrich the soil with phosphorus salts. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding fertilizer dosage. An excess of phosphorus for the plant is very harmful and can lead to the death of the flower. During the period of vegetative activity, hibiscus loves mineral fertilizers with a high content of potassium (especially on the eve of the rest period), copper and iron; in moderation - nitrogen

• during the rest period, the plant does not need additional feeding

The soil

Hibiscus are very fond of acidified soil (in this they are very close to roses). Landing site prepared in autumn

How to prepare a place for planting hibiscus?

1. Prepare the soil mix. For a garden bed with an area of ​​1 m² you will need

• superphosphate granulated - 40 g
• river sand - 5 l
• cow humus - 5 l
• yellow clay (thoroughly dried and crushed) - 5 l
• riding peat - 5 l

2. Sprinkle the nutrient mixture evenly over the area previously cleared of weeds

3. Dig up the bed

pruning

The procedure is performed only for an adult plant (age - over 4 years old)

Important: the length of the cut part should be 20-25% of the length of the branch / shoot

Types of possible cuts

• spring

To stimulate flowering

• hygienic (thinning)

Damaged, diseased, shrunken branches / shoots are removed. Healthy tissue is green

• corrective

For shaping a bush

• autumn

Performed after flowering, no later than September

• radical

Cut off all branches/shoots. It is performed extremely rarely if the plant is threatened with death.

Important: for young plants (up to 4 years old) the pruning procedure is not carried out! The upper branches of a young hibiscus need only pinching.

Terry hibiscus: home care, cultivation

Caring for terry hibiscus is no different from general recommendations care for hibiscus at home (see the beginning of the article)

The only thing worth dwelling on in more detail is plant propagation at home.

Terry hibiscus is propagated by stem cuttings, while maintaining all the characteristics of the mother plant

The flower that will become the mother plant must be absolutely healthy and have an age of 1 year. The age of the escape must also exceed 1 year

How to prepare a cutting?

1. Cut off the shoot with a sharp tool. The tool before use should be treated with alcohol or any other disinfectant solution.

Please note: on the escape must be missing

• foreign spots
• rotted areas
• signs of pest infestation
• signs of a viral infection

1. With oblique cuts, divide the shoot into several parts, each 8 cm long. Cut off parts should have several leaves and several nodes (growth points)

1. Sprinkle the cut on the mother plant with powdered activated charcoal. Activated carbon is also treated with the upper cut of the cutting (if any)
2. Cut off the lower leaves from the cuttings (if any) and place the cuttings in a solution of heteroauxin (heteroauxin is a fertilizer to activate root formation). Before applying fertilizers, be sure to read the instructions

Important: hibiscus root poorly in aquatic environment. For the full development of the cutting, a special substrate is needed.

1. The cutting substrate consists of equal parts calcined sand and steamed high-moor peat. Heat treatment of the substrate allows you to neutralize all pathogenic microflora

1. Fill clear disposable cups with substrate. Do not forget to pre-pierce holes for drainage in the bottom and bottom of the glasses

1. Place the cutting in the substrate strictly vertically. The second growth node from the bottom should be at the level of the substrate. Be sure to compact the substrate around the cutting

1. One of the most important conditions successful root formation - sufficient moisture. But this does not mean that the substrate must be filled with water. The container with the handle should be placed in plastic bag, creating a semblance of a mini-greenhouse. Do not forget to spray the cuttings daily with clean, soft water.

1. To prevent the development of a fungal disease, treat the cutting with a solution once a week. aqueous solution fundazol (substance concentration in water 0.2%)

1. Avoid direct sunlight falling on the cuttings. The light should be diffused, but in sufficient quantity. The light period for cuttings should be 12 hours, followed by a night break. You can lengthen daylight hours with phytolamps

1. Try to create optimal temperature conditions. The optimal temperature indicator for fast and high-quality root formation is considered to be + 25⁰С

If you did everything right, you will see rooting results in 30 days.

Now the cuttings should be gradually acclimatized and transplanted into suitable flowerpots.

Growing and caring for Syrian hibiscus. Growing and caring for tree hibiscus

Distinctive features:

• life form - shrub
• frost-resistant
• grows very slowly
• begins to bloom in adulthood (3-4 years)
• flowering period of the bush - June-October
• flowering period of 1 flower - 24 hours
• life expectancy (with proper care) - up to 20 years

1. The soil

• rich in humus
• moderately loose

Sunny area protected from drafts

1. Watering

During the flowering period - regular

1. top dressing

Before the onset of the sleep period, it needs additional feeding with potassium

1. Needs regular pruning!

Features of caring for young bushes: require additional winter shelter

Cultivation and care herbaceous hibiscus

Distinctive features:

• life form - perennial herbaceous plant
• frost-resistant
• in winter, the ground part dies off
• can reach a height of up to 3 m
• flowering period - June-October
• the size of the peduncle is 2-3 times the size of the flowers of tree-like hibiscus

1. The soil

• rich in humus
• moderately loose
• preferably - loam

1. Lighting and temperature conditions

Sunny area protected from drafts. IN spring period awakening requires the construction of a temporary greenhouse

1. Watering

During the flowering period - regular. Also needs spraying (especially in dry microclimate)

1. top dressing

During flowering and growth - regular

1. Needs spring hygienic cleaning of weak young shoots and light pruning of strong shoots
2. A transplant to a new place is necessary every 4 years. In the process of transplant special attention I need plant roots. Damage to one of the tubers can lead to the death of hibiscus
3. Propagated by cuttings, seeds, cuttings

Reproduction of hibiscus at home

We have already talked about the rules for cutting hibiscus

We will devote this section to the propagation of hibiscus seeds. Before you start growing hibiscus from seed, consider the following:

• not all seeds germinate
• not all seeds that sprouted will give full-fledged seedlings
• not all seedlings will survive
• not all young seedlings planted in open soil will become adult plants
• an adult plant will bloom only after 3-4 years

Experienced flower growers consider the following statistics to be successful: 4-5 adult plants from 10 seeds

A huge plus of growing hibiscus from seeds collected by yourself - quite unexpectedly, you can get an absolutely unique plant!

1. Period January-February. Conduct seed stratification. Place the seeds of the plant in a convenient container, such as a plastic container. Cover with a thin layer of substrate (sand and peat in equal proportions). Moisten the substrate a little with a spray bottle. Close the container with a lid and place in the refrigerator for 30 days
2. February March. Remove the seed container from the refrigerator. Humidify again with a spray bottle. Cover with a lid. Place in a warm place. Check the humidity inside the container daily. After 3-5 days, most seeds will have white roots.
3. Transplant the hatched seeds into plastic disposable cups. Don't forget to make drainage holes at the bottom of each of the glasses. The root must be at the bottom when planting! Planting depth 2-3 mm. Soil recommendations are presented at the beginning of the article
4. Place the cups in a tray with small pebbles or expanded clay
5. Provide seedlings

• good long-term illumination without direct sunlight
• absence of drafts
• high humidity
• temperature regime within 25 ⁰С

1. The second half of May is the time to plant seedlings in open ground. In anticipation of this, tender seedlings should be gradually hardened, taking them out into fresh air.
2. The best conditions for planting seedlings are rainy weather

Hibiscus transplant

Indoor plants are transplanted by transshipment into a larger flowerpot

Transfer garden plants requires special care to avoid damage to the roots of the plant

Video: Spring transplant and pruning hibiscus

Why the indoor hibiscus flower does not bloom: what to do?

Important: Buds are laid only on young branches!

Hibiscus needs pruning to bloom profusely.

The absence of flowers may also indicate the wrong watering regimen or insufficient amount. nutrients in the ground

Why hibiscus leaves and buds turn yellow and fall: flower diseases

Symptom: lower leaves fall
Reason: chlorosis
Treatment: chlorosis occurs against the background of an excess of calcium chloride in the water with which you water the plant. Change the water

Symptoms: drooping and sluggish leaves with constantly wet soil
Reason: an excess of nitrogen fertilizers
Treatment: optimize plant nutrition

Aphid, thrips, whitefly, spider mite infestation
Treatment: systemic insecticide treatment

Symptoms: yellow leaves
Reason: too much/lack of sunlight
Treatment: daylight hours for hibiscus should be 6-12 hours. In this case, sunlight should be diffused. If there is not enough light, use artificial lighting (special fitolamps)

Video: Hibiscus on the windowsill

Hibiscus (Chinese rose) is a delicate flower that is ideal for those who want to add coziness to the house. Its beauty inspires and helps to create that atmosphere of warmth that you want to feel when you return home. However, there are folk signs that say that it brings misfortune. Why you can’t keep the hibiscus flower of death in the house, and is it so dangerous - I want to know everyone who was fascinated by the plant with its beauty.

Why hibiscus is a flower of death, the history of the origin of the flower, photos

The plant has many names, one of them is the Chinese rose. It belongs to the Malvaceae family. The history of the flower of death indicates that the place of its birth is Asia, or rather, South China.

Hibiscus has been known since ancient times, there are references that the ancient Greeks called it stock-rose. Varieties of this beautiful flower set - there are about 300 species. Chinese rose is not only a house plant, it also grows in vivo, while it can reach 3 meters in height.

In the botanical gardens of Europe, it could be found already at the beginning of the 18th century, where it was brought from the Hawaiian Islands. It came to the USA much later - towards the end of the 20th century.

Hibiscus flower of death, bad omens from Europe

A lot of bad signs associated with hibiscus came from Europe.

It was believed that well-being can be determined by the way the Chinese rose grows. family life. For some reason, signs are only negative:

• If the plant fell ill, began to wither, then one of the family members should also expect illness;
• Early flowering (early appearance) indicates that in the near future one of the family members will die;
• The presence of a flower in the house leads to quarrels between the wife and husband, and the result of its appearance in the house can be a serious discord in the family. It was believed that sorcerers and magicians used plants in their rituals for celibacy.

The word hypocrisy: meaning, its origin, who are hypocrites, how hypocrisy differs from hypocrisy

Failures in personal life promised a Chinese rose unmarried girls: it was believed that the plant dares all admirers from their house, so the girl will be lonely. Therefore, another name for the plant is the husband racer.

Hibiscus flower of death, why is it called that? - the answer to this question can be found in ancient Indian philosophy. It is considered the flower of the goddess Kali - it is presented to her as a gift when visiting the temple. Kali is the goddess of destruction and death. But we should not forget that the attitude towards death in India is fundamentally different from the European one. Death is seen not as the end of life, but as the beginning of something new. Therefore, Kali is one of the most revered goddesses, and hibiscus is one of the most beloved plants.

Of course, there is no scientific justification for all the negative signs associated with the flower. The flowering period of the plant is on average about six months, and the plant itself is widespread. Therefore, it could well happen that during flowering there was grief in the family or the spouses quarreled. However, do not build dependencies, this is just a coincidence.

Science will not answer the question why you should not keep a Chinese rose in the house. However, there is a scientifically based connection between the fact that the flower dries up, withers, and human health deteriorates. The plant is sensitive to the atmosphere: if the house is too damp, there is mold (even invisible to the eye), or, on the contrary, the air is too dry, polluted by emissions from a nearby enterprise, or saturated with radioactive elements, then it absorbs microparticles from the air and reacts to bad air faster than a human.

How do insects see the world around them?

In addition to checking the atmosphere in the room, it is also recommended to get rid of the flower. Such a deterioration in its condition indicates that the concentration in the plant harmful substances too large, and the plant itself has become a source of danger. Perhaps this is the reason for the name hibiscus - "flower of death."

If we turn to magic, then in order to get rid of the plant, it is recommended to burn it, and bury the ashes, reading a special plot. People who have a more pragmatic mindset can do without a conspiracy, but burning a dried plant - a good option. You should also pay attention to the fact that a few fallen leaves do not at all indicate danger. Hibiscus refers to evergreens that need to constantly change their crown, and this process is continuous.

Good omens associated with a flower

You should not concentrate on the bad, because there are good signs. If we turn to the Chinese teaching of Feng Shui, then the Chinese rose, in contrast to the European interpretation, brings only positive changes. It preserves and multiplies feelings, makes marriage stronger, kindles passion between spouses. As for color, a plant with red and pink flowers is suitable for the bedroom of a husband and wife.

Hibiscus will help improve human health, renew, strengthen energy. Presumably, it has a beneficial effect on qi energy, which is directly related to the state of human health. Growing a Chinese rose is advised to people who have communication problems and those who are not very confident in themselves.