Callisia creeping. Fragrant callisia: home care, photo

In many apartments and houses you can find perennial evergreen callisia. It's not only attractive enough herbaceous plant.

Callisia has many medicinal properties that allow it to be used in the manufacture of medicines traditional medicine.

Description and features of the plant

Callisia is distinguished by creeping stems. Sometimes you can find plants with erect stems. Their homeland is the subtropical and tropical part of America. Here they grow in wet areas.

The most suitable place for growth is a warm, fairly bright room with a constant supply of fresh air.

It is not recommended to leave a collision in rooms saturated with various smells. In spring and autumn, pots can be taken out to the veranda or balcony. It is better to plant it in wide vases; it is permissible to create compositions with other plants.

If you have animals in the house, then you need to purchase this plant with caution. After all, many species, for example, fragrant callisia, as well as creeping, can cause them an allergy, which manifests itself in a change in the color of the skin and itching.

Species diversity

The callisia plant has many varieties that take root well in room conditions:

Elegant - a very small plant. It has strong and rather juicy creeping stems. A feature are the beautiful velvety leaves of an ovoid shape. Their color is dark green and purple underneath.

Silver stripes are visible on the surface. The length of the leaves is 3-6 cm. They are located in 2 rows on each shoot.

The navicular callisia is a succulent. Her leaves are appearance similar to a boat. Under the bright sun, they have a red tint.

This is a fairly light-demanding species, which needs to be watered infrequently. Shoots can be short or elongated.

Creeping - a small plant whose leaves do not exceed 2 cm in size. Purple dots are visible on their surface. The stem is thin, leaves are arranged in two rows on it. Differs in ability to grow quickly.

Fragrant, which is also called the golden mustache. A plant with fairly large leaves 30 cm long has a height of up to 1.2 m. The leaves have a sheen, and in bright light they become pink.

Thick stems can be vertical with a large rosette or horizontal, which are placed in a spiral leaves.

The photo of fragrant callisia shows that the plant can throw out horizontal shoots. This happens when the collision becomes mature. A rosette of leaves appears at the ends of the shoots.

How to care for callisia

The plant has some lighting requirements - it should be bright, but diffused. To put the pot, you need to choose a bright or slightly shaded place in the house. The more intense the light, the brighter the leaves.

The plant prefers warm rooms with a temperature of 20-25 degrees during the spring-summer period, and in winter - not lower than 14 degrees. Sudden changes in temperature are harmful.

For a plant, you need to create conditions with high humidity air. To do this, it is necessary to regularly, but carefully, spray with water at room temperature.

Caring for callisia at home is not very difficult. For irrigation, you need to use soft settled water. If it is necessary to water abundantly in summer, then in winter the frequency of watering is reduced. Overdrying of the earth should be avoided.

The boat-shaped type of plant in winter requires even less watering than other species. The plant needs regular feeding during the period April-September.

Application nutrients produced every week. Complex mineral fertilizers are preferred.

Growing and transplanting

When growing callisia at home, it is difficult to achieve its flowering. This happens in the first weeks of summer. The flowers are small white. They are formed in the upper part of the shoots and have a rather pleasant smell.

If you prefer balls hanging type from ampelous plants, then for their placement it is necessary to choose shaded areas of the house. It is necessary to make a wire frame with large cells and a hook for fixing in a suspended state.

So that the soil does not spill out of the frame, moistened sphagnum is laid inside it. Additionally, it is possible to strengthen the walls with the help of nylon with holes for cuttings or fabric-type mesh. Then wet soil mixture is laid inside. Plant cuttings are planted on all sides of the sphagnum.

The resulting ball must be sprayed with water. The first days it should be kept wrapped in polyethylene in the light. Then the film must be removed and the plant left in low light for 1 day, not forgetting to spray it.

With weak rooting, you can add more planting material. The substrate should be watered regularly, and the plant itself should be turned to the light in different directions.

The plant must be regularly rejuvenated using apical cuttings. They must be planted in a pot with nutrient soil. The shoot will be ready if more than 12 "joints" appear on the shoot.

Features of plant reproduction

To get a cutting, the top of the callisia is cut off at a distance of 2 “joints” from the rosette of leaves. The cut is made in the center of the third "joint". The stalk is rooted in ordinary water, and after 7-10 days, when the root is formed, it is transplanted into the ground. Full rooting occurs in 2-3 weeks.

The procedure for planting fragrant callisia is not too complicated. This is due to the fact that its horizontal shoots take root easily. The barrel must be fixed to a solid support. side shoots will hang down and gradually take root in the ground.

To speed up the process, they are lightly sprinkled with earth. When the shoot is firmly rooted, it is separated from the stem. After that, you can already transplant.

The most suitable is humus soil. In its composition, the presence of sod land or hardwood is allowed. The addition of humus, peat and sand is required. A mixture of turf, humus and sand is also well suited. Drainage should be laid at the bottom of the pot or vase.

Fragrant callisia is not only an ornamental houseplant, but its medicinal properties are also known.

There are many varieties of callisia that can be grown at home. They are quite easy to care for and unpretentious, but they allow you to create attractive living sculptures.

Photo of fragrant callisia

Sin .: golden mustache, Far Eastern mustache, homemade ginseng, dichorisandra, live hair.

Golden mustache or fragrant callisia is indoor plant with medicinal properties.

Ask the experts

In medicine

In traditional medicine, the golden mustache is not used, however, in pharmacies, you can find preparations that have an extract of this plant in their composition. They accelerate tissue regeneration, improve blood flow, stimulate metabolism. Most often this local preparations recommended for use in varicose veins, trophic ulcers, thermal burns, dry skin, as well as diseases of the joints and spine.

Contraindications and side effects

In cosmetology

In cosmetology, the golden mustache is used to combat acne and blackheads. It improves blood circulation and slows down the aging process. In addition, the golden mustache can be used for increased hair loss and baldness.

In floriculture

Golden mustache is quite popular with flower growers. The plant is unpretentious and does not require any special care. It is only important to keep it away from direct sunlight and maintain indoor air humidity at 70-75%. Golden mustache can be grown in winter gardens, and in the southern regions - in greenhouses or open ground under the film.

Classification

Golden mustache or fragrant callisia (Callisia fragrans), belongs to the Commelinaceae family. The genus Callisia (Callisia) has about 10 species, the most famous of which are fragrant callisia (Callisia fragrans), graceful callisia (Callisia gentlei) and creeping callisia (Callisia repens).

Botanical description

Golden mustache is a herbaceous plant with two types of shoots. Some are fleshy, erect, similar to corn leaves, have a length of up to 30 cm and a width of up to 5-6 cm. Another type of fragrant callisia shoots is horizontally located lateral processes - mustaches, separated by brown-purple nodes. These shoots end in rosettes of young leaves, with the help of which the plant reproduces. Small white flowers of a golden mustache, collected in inflorescences in the form of simple or double curls, exude a pleasant aroma reminiscent of the smell of hyacinths or lily of the valley. After flowering, fruit-boxes are formed.

Spreading

IN vivo the golden mustache grows in semi-shady and humid places of the tropics and subtropics, forming dense dense sods. Most often it can be found in Mexico, the Antilles, South and North America.

Procurement of raw materials

For treatment, leaves, stems and horizontal shoots of the golden mustache are usually used, on which at least nine brown-purple nodes have formed. These nodes should be cut, kept in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, mixed with crushed leaves and stems, if necessary, and then squeezed out the juice or use the greens in accordance with the recipe for the preparation of a particular drug.

If necessary, the raw materials can be dried or frozen. Because the largest number biologically active substances accumulate in the golden mustache in autumn, the maximum benefit from the treatment can be obtained by harvesting raw materials during this period. You need to store the golden mustache in a hermetically sealed container away from sunlight at a temperature of 18-20 degrees. It is important to ensure that moisture does not get into the container with the dried plant.

Chemical composition

The stem, leaves and mustaches of fragrant callisia contain a large amount of vitamins A and C, as well as B vitamins (B2, B3, B5). In addition, the composition of the plant includes macro- and microelements. Among them are magnesium, potassium, iron, chromium, nickel, sodium, copper, manganese, vanadium and cobalt. Present in the golden mustache and other biologically active substances, such as flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), glycosides, carotenoids, catechins and pectins. Thanks to this balanced composition, the plant is a strong biogenic stimulant that accelerates metabolic processes and promote rejuvenation of the body.

Pharmacological properties

Golden mustache contains trace elements that have a beneficial effect on redox processes and the state of the body as a whole. Studies have proven that it improves cellular metabolism, promotes tissue regeneration, and has a resolving effect. Due to the presence of biologically active components, golden mustache extract is often included in pharmacy dietary supplements intended for topical use.

Application in traditional medicine

Folk medicine is well known beneficial features golden mustache, which is why it is widely used as an alternative to traditional medicine. Decoctions, infusions, tinctures, oil, ointments are prepared from it. It is believed that the plant has a beneficial effect on the body, both internally and externally.

A decoction of the golden mustache is used for infections, urolithiasis, gastrointestinal diseases, disorders of the immune system, as well as to cleanse the body of toxins and toxins. It contains vitamins, as well as macro- and microelements, so it has a tonic, immunostimulating and tonic effect. The decoction normalizes metabolism, lowers cholesterol levels, and thanks to the fiber in its composition, improves performance. digestive system and speeds up metabolism.

Infusion of golden mustache affects carbohydrate metabolism, and therefore can be used as an aid in sugar surges in patients with diabetes mellitus. In addition, it can be taken for the prevention of this disease. Also, the infusion is used for rinsing with sore throat, stomatitis and other diseases of the oral cavity.

Golden mustache is a powerful antiseptic, so an infusion of it can be used to prepare compresses for skin diseases and shallow wounds. With it, you can cure abrasions, cuts, boils, dermatitis, trophic ulcers, psoriasis.

Alcohol tincture of the golden mustache is used for cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, thrombophlebitis, atherosclerosis, osteochondrosis, blood diseases. As a rule, they drink it, starting with small doses, increasing every day drop by drop until the maximum allowable dosage by weight and age is reached.

Also alcohol tincture from the golden mustache can be used as a warming and distracting remedy for sciatica and bone pain. A golden mustache is also useful for joints. Also, the ointment is good for bruises and bruises.

To prepare an ointment from the golden mustache, the juice of the plant is used. Usually it is mixed with baby cream, and then applied to the skin for eczema, trophic ulcers, herpetic eruptions, shallow burns, wounds and abrasions.

From the juice of a golden mustache, you can prepare not only an ointment, but also an oil. It is used for intestinal diseases as part of microclysters. With erosion of the cervix, tampons are impregnated with oil. The course of treatment includes at least 10 procedures.

A little less popular is the golden mustache balm. It can be used for all of these diseases, as well as to strengthen the immune system. Golden mustache is one of the most famous folk remedies with anticancer activity. That is why preparations based on it are often used by cancer patients and people with a predisposition to these diseases. Decoctions, infusions and tinctures can be taken to strengthen the body in the postoperative period, as well as during radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Oil prepared on the basis of the golden mustache is an excellent prophylactic against rectal cancer. Golden mustache treatment is also carried out for other types of cancer, such as thyroid and breast cancer, lung cancer, etc.

It is important to remember that long-term use of the golden mustache may be unsafe, therefore, during treatment, you should periodically monitor your condition with your doctor.

History reference

The fragrant callisia borrowed its name from the Latin language, either from the word calleo, which means “corny” (knotty stem), or from the word callis, which sounds like “path”, “path” (lateral horizontal shoots diverge to the sides). The Greek name of this genus comes from two words: Kallos - beautiful and Lis - lily.

The homeland of the golden mustache (scented callisia) is the tropical forests of Mexico. In 1840, the plant was first described under the name Fragrant Spironema (Spironema fragrans). In 1932, he was given a new name: "Fragrant Rectantera" (Rectanthera fragrans). Own current name fragrant callisia (Callisia fragrans) received thanks to the American botanist Robert Everard Woodson in 1942.

Andrey Krasnov, the founder of the reserve in Batumi, brought the golden mustache to Russia in 1890. For a long time, the plant was grown exclusively as an indoor plant, but gradually the rumor began to spread about medicinal properties golden mustache. Popular recognition of the golden mustache aroused interest among biologists. In the 80s of the twentieth century, the plant became the object of research. A group of scientists from the pharmaceutical faculty of the Irkutsk Medical Institute under the guidance of Professor Semenov took up the study of its properties.

Literature

Ogarkov V. All about the golden mustache - M .: ACC-Center LLC, 2004. - 112 p.

Sheshko N. B., Logacheva N. I. Encyclopedia of indoor plants - Minsk: Modern school, 2006. - 277 p.

Chub V.V., Lezina K.D. The complete encyclopedia indoor plants - M.: Eksmo, 2001. - 416 p.

Callisia (Callisia) - a representative of the Commelin family

Callisia is a representative of a large family Commelinaceae (Commelinaceae). This family is represented by perennial evergreen herbaceous plants.

Callisia belongs to a large group Tradescantia - Tradescantia

Very often these plants are confused with, zebra or netcrasia. Although these plants are relatives and belong to the same family of Komelinovs and the group Tradescantium, but still they differ with Callisia in many ways.

All members of this group may occasionally bloom indoors. But they do not represent great value in the sense of decorativeness, but they delight us when bright colors appear.

But still, these plants are grown for their greenery.

Where is Callisia from? callisia)

Homeland of Callisia South America is considered, and more precisely, then its subtropical and tropical regions. She loves damp places with partial shade. Callisia is also widespread ( callisia) in Mexico and the Antilles.

In the natural range, there are approximately twenty species of Callisia. But in indoor and greenhouse floriculture, several species of this amazing plant are known. We will talk about them a little lower.

Callisia ( callisia) as an ampelous plant

Callisia (callisia) can be grown as an ampelous plant. In general, this is what it is. It has succulent powerful stems, which can be both creeping and erect, depending on the type and content.

You can also grow Callisia ( callisia) as a groundcover in various compositions with other plants, taller, in warm and bright rooms.

It quickly fills the empty space around the trunk on the surface of the earth and creates a carpet that pleases the eye and creates an interesting unique composition.

Compact dimensions make it possible to grow Callisia ( callisia) in wide ceramic vases or pots of any other material.

You can also plant different types of Callisia in the same pot ( callisia), and experiment with design.

In general Callisia ( callisia) - unpretentious plant, but all certain rules must be followed if you want to have a beautiful plant in your house.

It is best to put this flower in a spacious room with fresh air. Callisia does not like drying out of the soil, you need to monitor this.

As soon as the frosts go away (not lower than fourteen degrees Celsius) - you can put Callisia ( callisia) to the balcony or terrace.

Types of Callisia ( callisia)

The most common types of Callisia ( callisia) in our territory are:

• Callisia elegant (graceful) - callisia gentlei

• Callisia fragrant or Golden mustache - Callisia fragrans

• Callisia scaphoid - Callisia navicularis

• Callisia creeping -

Also known are the following types of Callisia:

• Callisia cordifolia

• Callisia graminea

• Callisia micrantha

• Callisia monandra

• Callisia ornata

• Callisia rosea

• Callisia warszewicziana

Now more about different types Callisia ( callisia).

Callisia elegant (graceful Callisia elegans ), or callisia gentlei var elegans

For decorative purposes, Callisia Graceful, or Elegant, is most often grown.

FROM decorative purposes usually bred Callisia Graceful

Callisia elegant (Callisia elegans ) is a small plant. It has small matte velvety leaves of dark green color with bright white stripes, and the stems are long and articulated-rising.

Unlike Tradescantia Callisia elegant (Callisia elegans ) has a stalk more juicy and stronger.

The stems of this species of Callisia are first straight and then drooping. The small leaves are oval and pointed, without petioles and form a dense carpet. For the sake of them, basically, this plant is grown.

The leaves can be three to six centimeters long. They are located on a creeping stem in two rows. On the underside, the leaves are purple-green or purple. The whole plant - both stems and leaves are covered with velvety pubescence.

blooms Callisia graceful ( callisia gentlei) mostly in late summer or early autumn. Her flowers are white, small, inconspicuous at first.

But if you look closely, you can see their simple beauty. Look at the photos above and below - do you agree with me?

Callisia graceful ( callisia gentlei) lives for several years when growing conditions are suitable for her. It can also be easily restored by cuttings. As for Callisia elegans, the foliage becomes less dense and less colorful after two years. It is better to update and replace it.

Callisia Fragrant or Golden Mustache ( Callisia fragrans)

Fragrant Callisia (Callisia fragrans) is a perennial herbaceous plant. She, in comparison with her relatives, has a large size.

It is grown as a medicinal and as an ornamental plant. In the people, this plant is better known under the name "GOLDEN MUSCLE".

The powerful stem and fleshy leaves, as well as long mustache processes, contain biological substances. These properties have long been recognized by the people and are used in the treatment of many diseases.

This houseplant has the following popular names:

• homemade ginseng,
• venus Hair,
• live mustache,
• far eastern mustache,
• Golden mustache,
• corn.

This large plant has two types of shoots. First type- erect, fleshy, can reach a height of up to two meters in room conditions. On average, the height of the plant is about one meter.

Such a stem needs either support or free space to strengthen with additional whiskers. If this is not done, then the plant may not withstand and break under its own weight.

On the main upright shoot are simple sessile leaves. They are spirally arranged throughout the stem. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate in shape.

The leaf length of Fragrant Callisia (Callisia fragrans) is from twenty to thirty centimeters, and the width is from five to six centimeters.

The leaves are leathery and dark green in color. They are glossy on the outside and matte on the bottom. In the upper part, the leaves are drawn and pointed.

Another type of escape- horizontal. From the trunk of an upright shoot, in its lower part, long shoots grow - mustaches. They are horizontally hanging and end in young rosettes. These rosettes resemble small panicles, or mustaches of strawberries.

If a leaf of Fragrant Callisia (Callisia fragrans) is broken and torn in half, then we will see yellow thin threads between the halves. These are the vessels of the sheet tissue. For this reason, the people called Callisia the Fragrant "Golden Mustache".

And the name "homemade ginseng" and "helper" this plant received for its ability to cure many diseases.

If the fragrant Callisia (Callisia fragrans) is well looked after, then it can bloom.

The flowers of this plant are small, white or with pink tint. They have a delicate smell, very pleasant and gentle. The flowers are fragrant and somewhat reminiscent of the aroma of hyacinths or lilies of the valley.

Flowers of Fragrant Callisia (Callisia fragrans) are collected in axillary inflorescences. They look like curls, single or double. After flowering, fruit-boxes appear on the inflorescences.

For more than a hundred years "Golden mustache" has been grown at home. And all the years this plant - a mystery helped to overcome various ailments.

IN last years This plant is studied and used in medicine. "Golden mustache" made me look at him as a biogenic stimulant. It began to be included in the complex therapy for the treatment of many diseases. But this is only at the level of alternative medicine.

But be careful! It is necessary to strictly follow the dosage and prescription.

Remember that the use of "Golden Mustache" can lead to allergic reactions, headaches and other unforeseen situations!

Only correct use"Golden mustache" will help with various diseases!

Callisia navicular ( Callisia navicularis)

This plant has a synonym :

Tradescantia navicular (Tradescantia navicularis) .

This type of Callisia is miniature succulent plant with succulent leaves.

Callisia navicular ( Callisia navicularis) quite variable depending on the variety and growing conditions. stems this plant is creeping and takes root quickly at the nodes.

shortened shoots with leaflets arranged one above the other like tiles on a roof. They look beautiful in pots and resemble boats. Hence the name of this type of Callisia.

Leaves have a length of two to three centimeters, and a width of one to two centimeters. They are very juicy, two-row, lanceolate. Ovate boats of leaves, with longitudinal grooves, strongly concave.

They are sickle shaped. Leaves by color bronze-green, dark purple, striped at the bottom.

The leaves are usually glabrous except for a line ascending from the axil of each leaf. Along this line the castings are covered with a fringe of fine hairs.

But elongated shoots with leaves that are located at a great distance from each other constantly grow. Here they grow in different directions and take root.

Elongated shoots with leaves that are located at a great distance from each other. They grow in different directions and take root.

Cveta at Callisia scaphoid ( Callisia navicularis) inconspicuous.

The inflorescence consists of petals of lilac or bright purple color. They are polysymmetrical and consist of three sepals, three petals, six stamens in two circles of three, and three relic carpels below. In the center is a filamentous pistil.

Callisia scaphoid blooms ( Callisia navicularis) in summer. One-day flowers open early in the morning and their flowering lasts only one day (hence common name"one-day flowers"). The buds open in a row one after another in the interval from three to five days between them.

Callisia navicular ( Callisia navicularis) loves a lot of sun, which is different from Callisia the Graceful ( Callisia gentlei). Also this species needs to be watered rarely, especially in winter.

creeping callisia

creeping callisia is a perennial herb. This ampelous representative has creeping stems of red-violet or green-violet color. They are delicate and fragile, grow quickly and spread a beautiful carpet.

Creeping callisia (Callisia repens) has creeping stems that grow quickly and spread a beautiful carpet.

Callisia creeping the leaves are arranged very densely on the stem. They are small in size and are located next to each other on the plant.

The leaves are bright green color, although depending on the intensity of illumination, they can change their color.

The dependence is directly proportional - the more light, the darker the leaves, up to purple-violet. FROM reverse side leaves are burgundy.

The leaves are heart-shaped, slightly pointed at the end. In length, they reach from one and a half to two centimeters.

As we see, creeping callisia this is a small plant, but it grows very quickly and its dense greenery looks very beautiful in hanging baskets and planters.

Callisia repens "Bianca"

This plant is not capricious at all, it can be used as a ground cover for large flowerpots and compositions.

This is an unpretentious plant with delicate, fragile red-violet stems and bright green small leaves.

Look closely at the leaves, and you will see small dots of lilac color on them.

Creeping callisia is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Commeline family. Outwardly resembling tradescantia, with which it is often confused, it is distinguished by creeping hanging stems and is therefore grown as an ampelous plant in hanging baskets.

• Latin name: Callisia repens
• Family: Commelinaceae
• Origin: Central and South America
• Growing: quite easy
• Location: bright diffused light
• Temperature: 12-14 °C
• Watering: regular
• Height: 50 cm
• Transfer: if necessary
• Care: -

The succulent stems of callisia are segmented and highly branched, it has spear-shaped wax leaves with bright green upper side and purple lower side. Another species often grown indoors is the elegant callisia (C. elegans) with olive green leaves with prominent white veins on the upper side and purplish red on the underside.

On a note

Callisia can be easily found commercially, including plants already placed in hanging baskets. Choose instances from big amount twigs and leaves.

Callisia is very unpretentious, and therefore especially popular with flower growers. It can grow even in unfavorable conditions for other plants and is undemanding to the substrate, which nevertheless should be light enough. In the spring-summer period, callisia needs to be fed liquid fertilizer for green plants, adding it to the water for irrigation every three weeks.

Location

Callisia feels good both in the shade and in bright light. Even exposure to direct sunlight will not harm her.

Temperature

Despite the fact that callisia can even tolerate low temperatures It's best not to stress her out.

Watering

Watering, regular and plentiful in the spring and summer, is reduced in autumn and winter, making sure, however, that the soil always remains slightly moist. Stagnant water for the plant is dangerous!

Transfer

Callisia is transplanted if necessary, if the plant begins to suffer from a lack of space. In this case, it is recommended to divide the plant in two, seating its parts in different pots, or choose a more spacious container for it.

Care

Removal of damaged stems and dry leaves.

reproduction

Callisia is usually propagated using cuttings, which are placed for rooting directly in the ground or in water. After the appearance of the first roots, the plants are transplanted into a container for permanent cultivation.

Diseases and pests

This plant is very resistant to both fungal diseases and diseases caused by pests.

Room and garden plants from A to Z No. 32 2014

There is a wonderful plant in the world - Golden Mustache. It is scientifically named using the Latin term Callisia fragrans Woodson, from which it becomes clear that this culture belongs to the genus Callisia. Golden Us is a plant not only spectacular in appearance, but also healing. Its leaves serve as components in many traditional medicine recipes for a variety of ailments. But in the genus Callisia, in fact, there are many natural healers besides the Golden Mustache. Actually, the current article is devoted to this genus.

General information about the callisia plant

The genus Callisia belongs to the Commelinaceae family. These plants originate from the tropical regions and subtropics of South and Central America. A large number of species can be seen in Mexico. Callisia is also common in the Antilles. The life form of culture is herbaceous perennials. Its characteristic feature is creeping shoots. In some varieties of callisia, the stems are erect, but this is extremely rare. IN wild nature A favorite place for exotics is a humid forest, where twilight reigns. Here, callisia forms a green turf carpet.

The name of tropical exotic comes from two Greek words: "kalos" - beautiful and "lis" - lily. In the presence of insufficient experience in floriculture, a collision can be easily confused with tradescantia. They are, in fact, very similar, moreover, they are representatives of the same family. Callisia is a decorative leafy plant, although it has the ability to bloom. Just now reproductive organs its mostly nondescript and have unremarkable dimensions.

The genus Callisia has approximately 12 plant species.. IN room culture in most cases, fragrant callisia, elegant callisia and creeping callisia are bred.

• fragrant callisia. This is the well-known Golden Us, with the mention of which this story began. Fragrant callisia has two types of shoots: vertical and horizontal. First, they form long leaves large, tubular and green in color. The second look like a mustache creeping along the surface of the soil - due to them, the plant got such a bright name. The ends of the whiskers are decorated with small leaves.

• Callisia elegant (graceful). It has dark green ovoid leaves with purple bottom surface and silver stripes on the outside. Their ends are pointed. The vegetative organs are pubescent. At the end of the summer season or in September, fragrant, nondescript white flowers appear on graceful callisia.
• creeping callisia. Miniature exotic, which is characterized by neat heart-shaped leaves of a juicy green hue with burgundy inside, creeping shoots, tendency to strong tillering and growth.

Conditions for growing exotic callisia

• Lighting. Callisia develops best under the influence of bright diffused light. The best option accommodation tropical beauty: west or east window. Permissible a small amount of direct rays of daylight.
• Thermal regime. Creeping exotic is very thermophilic. During the growing season, the recommended temperature is + 20 + 25º, in winter it is important to maintain in a room with a plant that temperature is not lower than + 14 ° and not higher than +20. Sudden temperature changes are detrimental to the culture.
• Air humidity. This indicator of the environment should be sufficiently high. To ensure this level of air humidity, frequent spraying of callisia with water from a spray bottle will be required, especially in summer. Moisture is used soft, separated, slightly warm. However, it is better to spray it not on the culture itself, but nearby, so as not to spoil the beauty of the foliage.
• Soil and container for planting. Callisia loves nutritious, slightly acidic, air- and water-permeable substrates. Recommended Composition soil mixture: 1 hour leaf, 1 hour sod land, 1 hour peat, 1 hour sand and 1 hour humus. The pot for the plant is chosen in medium size.

Callisia care at home

Since the natural habitat of callisia is tropical rainforests, the green beauty simply adores water and, therefore, needs it immensely. Thus, the plant is watered intensively. But this only applies to the period active growth. Since autumn, soil moisture under the flower is limited, in winter it is even more reduced. However, make sure that the earthen ball does not dry out. In the same way, soil flooding is also not allowed. For water procedures use only soft moisture at room temperature.

From March until the end summer season carry out top dressing of callisia. As a fertilizer, a complex mineral concentrate is used for this purpose. Feeding is carried out frequently, once a week.

Every spring, the plant needs to be repotted while it is young. For a mature change of substrate and pot is more rare - once every two years. The soil is used the same composition as at the time of planting the exotic. Make sure the soil is slightly acidic. At the bottom of the pot, arrange a quality layer of drainage material.

Applicable to callisia and rejuvenation procedure. It consists in re-rooting the apical shoots of the plant. This event is relevant due to the rapid so-called growth.

New individuals of callisia are obtained by propagating the plant with cuttings. This is the simplest and most common method among flower growers. If you use apical shoots as propagation material, root them in aquatic environment. If your choice fell on a horizontal cutting crowning a horizontal layer, carefully cut the shoot under the outlet and plant it in nutrient soil, attaching the shoot to the ground with a special wooden hook. From above, sprinkle the seedling with earth. As soon as the shoot takes root, it must be carefully separated from the main exotic and planted in another container, already in a permanent place.

Difficulties in cultivating callisia

Callisia is practically not susceptible to disease. If any ailment arises, know that you yourself had a hand in this, because this is always connected with a violation of caring for the plant and providing it with proper conditions of detention. As for insect pests, no one is to blame here. Callisia can become a victim of spider mites and thrips.

There are also other problems:

• Decay of the plant, browning of the vegetative organs, leaf fall. The reason is the flood of soil under the flower, excessive soil moisture.
• Drying of the tips of the leaves. The reason is the lack of moisture in the soil, the low level of air humidity.

Finally, let's return to the famous type of callisia - Fragrant Callisia or Golden Mustache. This plant is known to have medicinal properties. It enriches the room air with bactericidal compounds - phytoncides. Exotic juice perfectly heals various skin lesions: from scratches to serious wounds. If you put the Golden Mustache at the head of a sleeping person, this measure, according to popular belief, will save the dreamer from nightmares. May your callisia serve you faithfully!