Indoor plant aichrizon how to care. Aichrizon, tree of love: photo, home care, signs, reviews

Due to the peculiar shape of the leaves, reminiscent of small hearts, it has a very romantic name. indoor plant aichrizon - "tree of love". If you follow the simple rules for growing it, this plant will regularly delight with its flowering.

Description

Aichrizon is a small shrub with a height of 15 to 30 cm, a typical representative of the Crassulaceae family, which grows in nature mainly in the Azores and Canary Islands. Its fleshy branching stems are covered with medium-sized leathery leaves that have a slight pubescence and grow oppositely. At the tops of the stems, they are collected in rosettes.

The color of the leaves is mostly light green, with small patches of yellow, gray, white or reddish. Due to their ability to accumulate moisture, leaf blades look like filled pads. When broken, they exude quite bad smell.

At favorable conditions you can watch how the aichrizon ("tree of love") blooms. Photos of plants covered with modest but very romantic flowers can be seen in this article. They usually appear in April or May and are yellow or cream star-shaped, rarely red.

Types of aichrizon

Among the indoor species of these plants, the most common are:

- Aichrizon home. It has very small leaves (no more than 2 cm long), which are distinguished by a uniform green color without inclusions. At good care can bloom from spring to late autumn.

-Aichrizon loose. Shrub, whose height is from 15 to 40 cm, with larger leaves. Its feature is the dropping of foliage when the flowering period ends.

- Aichrizon stonecrop. It differs by sticky to the touch leaves with no pubescence on them. The length of the inflorescences does not exceed 7 cm. During the dormant period, partial leaf fall can be observed. Waterlogging of the soil is detrimental to this species.

- Aichrizon spot. The leaf blade with a crenate edge has a light green color. The stem is covered with translucent hairs, forming a denser pubescence on it than on the leaves.

- Aichrizon sinuous represents ornamental shrub, having the same height of shoots and the diameter of leaf rosettes.

Growing conditions

A representative of the flora of the Mediterranean is the flower aichrizon ("tree of love"). Care at home for him requires more thorough.

First of all, you need to determine the plant appropriate place residence. Due to enhanced gas exchange, it feels best in the open air, so in the summer it is recommended to take the flower out to the balcony or loggia. Growing this plant requires knowledge of required quantity light, suitable temperature, sufficient humidity level.

Lighting

Aichrizon ("the tree of love") needs good lighting, but at the same time, direct sunlight can be detrimental to him. It is best to place it on the windows of the east or west side. In any case, it is recommended to turn the pot from time to time so that the crown develops evenly. By placing a flower on the southern windows, you can cover it from the sun with a thin curtain or put it not on the windowsill, but on a stand or table located nearby.

Temperature regime

In summer, the ambient temperature for aichrizon is not of fundamental importance. It is preferable that it be within + 20-25 ⁰С. But in winter and autumn, the plant needs coolness. The air temperature at this time should be only + 8-10 ⁰С. In a city apartment suitable premises for this period, a closed loggia may become. In its absence, the flower is placed on the windowsill, placing a piece of polystyrene under the pot to reduce heating. If the room is too warm, the aichrizon ("tree of love") acquires elongated shape, becomes emaciated and begins to completely shed foliage. Therefore, placing a flower very close to heating devices is not recommended.

Watering

This plant is a succulent, that is, it has the ability to accumulate moisture in the trunk and leaves. Therefore, for him, excessive soil moisture is more detrimental than its drying out. Experienced flower growers used to determine the need for watering a very simple way. You just need to press lightly on the crown. If resistance and elasticity are felt at the same time, then watering is not required. With a lack of moisture, the plant is rather lethargic. In the same way, the need for watering can be prompted by the leaves. Their shriveled, fading appearance speaks of the plant's need for water.

After complete drying of the soil, the aichrizon ("tree of love") does not tolerate strong moisture. Caring for this plant involves frequent watering, but using a small amount of water. This is especially true in winter period, since the greatest danger to the flower is waterlogging against the background of low ambient temperature. Excess moisture in the soil can lead to rotting of the root system.

The pubescent leaves of Aichrizon easily collect dust, so the plant must be sprayed periodically. In winter, this procedure should be replaced by wiping the leaves with a semi-moist cloth. In summer, the plant responds very well to warm shower, which he is recommended to arrange twice a month. To do this, a flower pot is placed in a bath and left there until the leaves are completely dry.

top dressing

Like any indoor flower, aichrizon, the "tree of love," also needs to be fed. How to grow a full-fledged plant at home, what kind of fertilizers should be used so as not to harm it? In these matters, it is best to listen to the opinion of experienced flower growers.

Mineral fertilizers are introduced not only in order to be able to admire the abundant and long flowering. Many of them are also used for crown formation. During the flowering period, the plant is fed at intervals of 2 weeks, using special complex fertilizers intended for succulents. They usually contain phosphorus, potassium and a small amount of nitrogen.

Transfer

This procedure should not be carried out too often. A sign that the aichrizon ("tree of love") needs to be transplanted is a soil lump densely braided with roots. The pot for aichrizon should not be large, otherwise you can wait a very long time for flowering. It is best to use a clay pot for planting. Due to its high porosity and breathability, it will remove excess moisture and facilitate air access to the roots.

A drainage layer must be laid at the bottom of the tank (expanded clay is usually used). There are no special requirements for the soil. You can fill the pot with a mixture of sod, humus, leaf ground and sand (in a ratio of 4:1:1:1), adding a few pieces of coal and brick chips.

The development of the plant largely depends on how to care for the aichrizon (tree of love) after transplantation. It is necessary to follow all the recommendations above, paying special attention to watering, which is done only on the fourth day after planting. It is very important to water the plant carefully for the first time, in small portions, so as not to cause root rot.

reproduction

Aichrizon can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. In the first case, the seeds are sown in prepared bowls filled with a mixture of leafy soil and sand (2: 1), and covered with glass. Periodically, crops must be ventilated and sprayed with water. After two weeks, the first sprouts appear. They dive into boxes at a distance of 1 cm from each other. The soil mixture changes and already consists of two parts of leafy soil and one part sod land and sand. After picking, the plants are placed closer to the light. As the seedlings grow, they are placed in separate pots 5-7 cm in size, filled with equal parts sheet, soddy soil and sand. Temperature for further cultivation flowers should be + 15-18⁰С, and watering is done daily.

Now about how to grow an aichrizon ("tree of love") using cuttings. This method is the simplest. Cuttings obtained by pruning, or specially cut for this purpose side shoots first you need to dry it by placing it in a dry, dark place for several hours. Then the stalk is placed in a glass of water, where it is, until small roots appear on it. To speed up the process, some coal is added to the water. You can immediately put the cuttings in a container filled with a moist substrate suitable for succulent plants or vermiculite. After rooting, they are planted separately in pots.

The soil mixture is the same in composition as it is transplanted into. mature plant aichrizon ("tree of love"). How to care for him in the future, what conditions must be provided for full growth - all this is not much different from the above rules for caring for the described indoor flower.

pruning

Aichrizon can be grown in the form of a bush or tree, the trunk of which is cleared of leaves. To create a beautiful crown, pinch the tops of the shoots, and also remove the weakest of them. During a warm winter, the plant often stretches, forming an irregular skeleton. In this case, its renewal is required, which can be carried out by pruning, as well as rooting cuttings. To form a tree with a smooth trunk and a spreading crown, you just need to periodically clean part of the trunk from shoots, and twigs from weak shoots, pinching the tops. Then the plant aichrizon - "tree of love" will fully justify its name (photos of such forms of this indoor flower posted in the article).

Difficulties in growing

For beginner flower growers in the process of growing aichrizon, a number of problems often arise, the solution of which requires knowledge and experience. First of all, frequent fall of leaves can cause concern. This phenomenon can be caused by various factors. This may be a consequence improper watering(overmoistening or, conversely, overdrying of an earthy coma), exposure of the plant to direct sunlight, deficiency of nutrients.

As a result of warm wintering, flower stems may become too bare. In this case, rejuvenation of the plant by rooting the top can help. The lack of moisture causes wrinkling of the leaves, and low lighting leads to the stretching of the stems, due to which the decorative effect of the flower is lost.

Insect pests for aichrizon are not terrible, only rot that occurs during excessive watering is dangerous.

Careful observation of indoor plants will help to see the signals indicating their uncomfortable condition in time and take timely measures to protect the flowers. With good care can long years to serve as a decoration of the house aichrizon - "tree of love". How to grow, expert advice on creating necessary conditions for this, and all the recommendations described in this article, you just need to take into account when purchasing such a wonderful plant.

There is " Money Tree », « tree of happiness" And … " Love tree". scientifically, Aichryson (Aichryson) . Low strongly branched succulent of the family Crassulaceae (Crassulaceae) decorative, unpretentious, grows quickly and propagates easily. And what interesting bonsai are obtained from the Tree of Love! Forming it is so simple that this plant can be safely recommended to all bonsai lovers, especially beginners.

Small grains of sand often get stuck on the villi of the leaves of the Tree of Love. Wash them off with warm water

Description of aichrizon

Why is aichrizon called the Tree of Love? I don't know any legends or legends about this. Most likely, the shape of the leaves of common species vaguely resembles a heart. Or this is an attempt to give a simple name to an indoor succulent with a scientific name that is difficult to remember the first time.

Aichrizon - low ( no more than 40 cm) a plant with brittle stems. They lignify only at the bases of mature plants. Neat grayish-green or green leaves are smooth or with noticeable pubescence. Their shape (diamond-shaped, heart-shaped, spatulate, etc.) depends on the type of plant. Rosettes of succulent leaves are dense or loose.

The tree of love blooms more often in April - May. On a peduncle tall up to 20 cm there is an inflorescence in the form of loose panicles or corymbs with asterisk flowers, predominantly yellow in color.

Home care (for most types)

A place. Aichrizon is unpretentious, prefers moderation in everything. Such a bright place is suitable for him, where the leaves will not be burned by the burning rays of the sun. With prolonged sunshine, the Tree of Love will “shrink”, but will continue to live. In the shade it will become loose and lose its compactness.

aichrizon love tree in composition with succulents

A flower pot or other container should not be selected "for growth", because. This plant has a poor root system. Drainage should be provided at the bottom.

The soil. This succulent thrives in light nutrient soil (preferably neutral), but without a high dose of nitrogen. It is worth adding coarse sand or crushed brick to it. Suitable soil mixture for cacti. I have one tree for a couple of years living in a glass with hydrogel.

Air temperature. The love tree adapts well to living in a room throughout the year. The ideal conditions for him would be warm summer (+21 … 25°С) and cool winter ( +8 … 12°С). Then in the autumn-winter time, the aichrizon will be able to rest, and bloom in the spring.

Watering. In order to choose the right watering mode, it is worth once again remembering moderation. Water as needed in summer, rarely in winter. This succulent is able to tolerate temporary drought.

I have aichrizon planted with some indoor plants. Even those that require regular watering. There, the Tree of Love has more juicy leaves than bushes that grow in conditions of moderate watering. Of course, we are not talking about excessive soil moisture, which usually ends in rotting of the stem. If the soil is not watered for a long time, then the lower leaves become smaller, shrink and fall off. At the same time, the stems quickly become bare.

Formation. Aichrizon must be formed. Without this, with an asymmetrical crown, its overgrown fragile branches can break even under their own weight. This is one of the most suitable indoor plants for creating bonsai. The plant can be shaped into a low tree, a fancy silhouette, or made into a ball. Pruning stimulates the appearance of new branches, it has to be done several times a year. The gradual drying and falling of leaves in aichrizon should not be frightening. This phenomenon is normal, which inevitably occurs during growth and during flowering.

Aichrizon can be planted with other indoor plants

Bloom. The love tree blooms by the third year of life, usually in the spring April - May. The inflorescences of most popular species consist of yellow or golden star-shaped flowers. During flowering, aichrizon loses a lot of leaves (sometimes the branches dry out), so many amateur flower growers do not allow it.

If you want to see the flowering of the Tree of Love, which lives in the house for many years and does not bloom, it is worth “punishing”. Transplant to a tighter pot and keep in a cool place in winter.

reproduction. Propagation of aichrizon is not difficult, like many other plants capable of producing aerial roots. Especially if you take for this cut off during the formation cuttings. It is enough to stick them into the ground at any time of the year, and they will quickly take root. I rooted like this in a simple way not only tiny and large twigs, but also adult formed trees. Rooting in water is also possible if pieces of coal are added to it. However, the possibility of decay increases, especially in small cuttings.

Branches of the Tree of Love (Aichrizon) take root quickly if they are stuck into the soil.

seed breeding It is difficult, first of all, because of problems with the acquisition of seeds. Seeds are sown superficially in a container with soil mixture (with high content washed sand). They cover it with glass on top, leaving a narrow slot for ventilation, and wait for the emergence of seedlings for about a couple of weeks. The soil should not dry out all this time.

Types of aichrizon

Aichrizon home ( Aichryson domesticum) . This is a hybrid obtained from Aichrizon sinuous and Aichrizon point. A low bush with a rounded crown or a well-formed tree. Green fleshy leaves (up to 1 cm wide) have short pubescence. Leaf sockets are dense. The yellow flowers are fragrant. There is an interesting variegated form " Variegatum ", in which the edges of the leaves are trimmed with a white border.

Short villi on a leaf of aichrizon

Aichryson prostrate, or loose (Aichryson laxum) . In this species, leaf rosettes are looser than those of homemade aichrizon. Longer and pubescent leaves with a long petiole. Short hairs are white. The leaves have interesting property: The ability to change hue depending on the lighting. In bright light, the leaves appear bronze, and in low light, they appear dark green. It blooms for a long time (up to 6 months) with golden flowers, while losing a lot of leaves, and sometimes twigs.

. This is very interesting view co light green leaves, decorated with longitudinal reddish uneven stripes. Flowers are golden yellow. The bush can grow more than 30 cm high. Waterlogging of the soil is dangerous for this species.

. The height of the bush is more than 30 cm. Dark green leaves have elongated petioles. Flowers are yellow stars.

In this species, leaf rosettes are looser than those of homemade aichrizon. Longer and pubescent leaves with a long petiole. Short hairs of pubescence are white. They have an interesting property: the ability to change color depending on the lighting. In bright light, the leaves become almost bronze, and in low light, they become dark green. It blooms for a long time (up to 6 months) with golden flowers, while losing a lot of leaves.

Aichryson sinuous (Aichryson tortuosum) . Low species - strongly branched shrub with very dense rosettes. The bush usually grows no higher than 20 cm. Fleshy diamond-shaped pubescent leaves on a short petiole have white villi. Flowering lasts up to 6 months.

Aichryson sedifolium (Aichryson sedifolium) . This is a very interesting species with light green leaves, decorated with longitudinal reddish stripes. Flowers are golden yellow. The bush can grow up to almost 40 cm. Waterlogging of the soil is dangerous for this species.

Aichrizon spot ( Aichryson punctatum) . Bush height up to 40 cm. Dark green leaf plate on a long petiole. Flowers are yellow stars.

Aichryson shrub (Aichryson dumosum) . Rare dwarf (up to 15 cm) species. In nature, it is found only in a small area in rock crevices in southern Portugal.

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Modern flower growers are attracted by the unpretentious indoor plant of the Tolstyankov family - home aichrizon (lat. Aichryson). The meaning of the Latin word is "always golden tree love." Among the people there is a synonymous name for homemade aichrizon - “tree of love” or “tree of happiness”.

homeland of aichrizon

A marvelous plant with small leaves resembling hearts was brought by sailors from the islands of Portugal. The locals did not consider this plant to be cultivated, and did not think about the conditions for its cultivation, because it grew everywhere, in open areas, in rock crevices. Today it is estimated that this genus contains fifteen species, which may be:

• ordinary annual plants with soft leaves;
• perennial view;
• branched, but miniature (up to twenty centimeters in girth) shrubs;
• low trees, about thirty centimeters.

Distinctive features of the plant are soft fluffy leaves, rounded in shape, collected in spreading clusters hanging from the tops of the stems. If you look closely, you can see that the leaves are covered with small villi on both sides. white color. Nature did not spare paints for aichrizon and dyed the leaves different types all shades of green, sometimes adding droplets of white, gray, yellow.

The stem of the flower is slightly curved: the breeders did not seek its straightness. The ability to branch decorates this species.

Anichrizon - flowering plant, the flowering period can last up to six months. At the end of spring, it throws out an inflorescence - a panicle with small flowers resembling stars, not only in shape, but also in color: reddish, creamy silver, yellow. After the color has crumbled, the rosette that showed the miracle dries up.

Species diversity

It is difficult to list all types wondrous plant and even more difficult to learn to distinguish between them. But most flower growers who grow a houseplant at home do not think about it. However, it is interesting, what kind of aichrizon process was broken off by a neighbor:

• Spot! No, this species does not fit, it has brown smooth leaves on long petioles, but the stem, on the contrary, is hairy.
• Winding! Again, not him, the named species is a low (dwarf) shrub, up to thirty centimeters, with diamond-shaped leaves; they are covered with small white villi. The flower fully justifies its naming and scattering shoots in different directions. Attracts a lilac shade of inflorescences.
• Spread out, loose? This species has fleshy leaves, collected in rosette inflorescences. They can be light, dark green, depending on the lighting. In bright sun, the leaves change their color to bronze. Each leaf has several reddish spots. The plant during the dormant period arranges leaf fall: sheds its leaves. But after resting, in the spring, the aichrizon is covered with large tassels of inflorescences. Flowers are yellow with a hint of gold.
• Shrub aichrizon! No, this species cannot be confused with other varieties: it belongs to the endangered species. Scientists counted all representatives of this species. There are about two hundred and fifty of them, but they do not produce seeds, so they occupy a limited area. The smallest succulent (its height is ten centimeters) is found only in the rocks of Madeira. Distinctive feature hidden in its leaves: they do not have cuttings. The shape resembles narrow wedges.
• Of course, this is a domestic, hybrid, combining the signs of a dotted and sinuous variety. Leaves are fleshy, glossy, covered thin layer villi, tightly pressed against each other. The edges are covered with white dots, a real border. Bright yellow flowers have a pleasant smell. The plant blooms for six months, with the onset of the first sunny days and to the golden leaf fall.

How should this variety be cared for? Under what conditions will it grow well?

Indoor families of succulents require minimal attention, so their care is not difficult, but in order for flowering to continue long time, you need to remember some rules:

Care

Like any room view, the plant must grow under the following conditions:

• illumination;
• soil moisture;
• temperature regime;
• top dressing.

The man who planted unpretentious plant, should know that caring for him begins with the creation of diffused lighting, so a flowerpot with a flower should be placed in the western part of the house. The eastern windows are illuminated by the bright rising sun in the morning, so they should be shaded for a while until the sun goes to the south side, which will not be quite suitable for aichrizon. But, if the flower has already been placed there, then, in order to avoid burns, you need to create diffused light: hang the window with a white curtain. In addition, the flowerpot must be rotated periodically so that the succulent grows evenly.

Caring for a mountain plant consists in maintaining a certain temperature, which is not difficult to do: in the summer you should not take out a flowerpot in the hot sun. Room temperature- just above twenty degrees - the most optimal for him. In winter, the flower should be placed in a cool place, otherwise the shoots will stretch up, dropping leaves. Some hosts are short winter days turn on the backlight so that the plant does not slow down growth, and does not lose its decorative effect.

Care: watering. Experienced flower growers know in what conditions a specimen needs to be grown, but little tricks are not immediately revealed. They establish the need for watering in a simple way:

• If the plant bends the leaves and begins to drop, then it needs to be watered urgently.
• It is worth pressing lightly on the leaf: it becomes elastic, there is a feeling that the shoot repels the palm. In this case, watering can be abandoned.
• You should not water the plant abundantly, otherwise the roots will begin to rot, the soil should dry out by about two centimeters

So beginners need to carefully look at the leaves: they are the ones who will tell you when to water the aichrizon. In summer, the plant should be kept in completely different conditions than in winter, in particular, the flower is watered much more often. In the hot period, you should also periodically spray the leaves. The plant loves soft water (many flower growers defend water for watering indoor plants). If, nevertheless, the water is hard, and there is no way to collect rainwater, then you can drip into the composition apple cider vinegar, but so that the taste of acid is not felt.

Care: top dressing. Aihrizon spends a lot nutrients during growth, and especially during flowering, which is usually long. Under normal conditions, it will grow poorly, so it needs periodic top dressing. It is better to choose for this multi-complex compositions for cacti and succulents, in which nitrogen is contained in a minimum amount.

Should the shoot be pruned?

Gardeners believe that in order to form an attractive bush or tree, aichrizon must be cut. The plant rejuvenates and releases young shoots. If you pinch the young shoots, the plant begins to bush. Ugly, dry shoots should also be removed. The flower is also cut off after an unsuccessful wintering, when the plant stretched upwards.

A little about transplantation and reproduction

The described species is a plant that grows very quickly, so the soil in the flowerpot is quickly filled with roots, which slows down growth. So, the flower needs to be transplanted. Low pots made of clay are suitable for this: they are porous and breathable. It pours into them soil mix, such as for other types of pets:

• at the bottom of the flowerpot you need to put drainage from fragments of bricks, pieces of coal;
• then you need to prepare the substrate by mixing sod, humus or peat with sand.
• to make the soil friable, you need to add brick chips or crushed charcoal to it.

The plant requires abundant moisture. The next watering is carried out as the soil composition dries.

An outlandish specimen can be propagated in several ways:

• seeds;
• cuttings.

The first method requires great desire, because the seeds planted in small pots need to be moistened and covered with pieces of glass. Every day for two weeks, the glass pieces need to be raised to moisten the crop and ventilate. If the vases are warm, then the aichrizon sprouts quickly. After the seedlings get stronger, they need to be transplanted into big box close to each other. You have to take good care of them. Heat, light, watering are the components that make up the care of aichrizon.

The second method consists of the following chains of actions:

• It is necessary to cut small cuttings and hold them in a cool, dry place so that the slices “wilt”.
• Next, you need to place the prepared shoots in sand moistened with plenty. Sand can be replaced with vermiculite or any other substance that retains moisture well.
• After the future succulents have taken root, they can be transplanted into separate containers. Their care is the same as described above.

Why doesn't aichrizon bloom?

The flowering of a plant depends on the conditions in which it is grown. If the plant is properly cared for, then it begins to bloom in early spring. Flowering lasts almost six months. Small stars are being replaced by others. The plant during flowering, despite the care, sheds leaves, but from this it loses its attractiveness, because it is covered with a ball of small inflorescences.

However, if the plant does not bloom for a long time, then it does not grow in those conditions. You need to transplant it into a tighter pot, and change the care:

• move to a cool but bright room;
• change the frequency of watering.

Succulent diseases

This species is resistant to various phytodiseases, but the slightest changes in the conditions of detention, in particular, high humidity, can cause rotting of the roots and shoots of plants. It is this environment that contributes to the spread of scale insects, spider mites.

You also need to take care of the "tree of love" with love, and then this specimen will delight with its flowering for a long time.

Aichrizon - room perennial flower the Tolstyankov family. It grows in the form of a shrub with a diameter and height of up to 30 cm. A characteristic feature is the shape and appearance of the leaves, they are fleshy, succulent and covered with villi (fluff).

General information

The people called aichrizon the “Tree of Love” (“Tree of Happiness”), this is due to unusual shape leaf resembling a heart. The leaves are collected in rosettes at the ends of straight, maybe slightly curved stems that do not lignify and grow very well. At the slightest damage, aichrizon begins to exude an unpleasant odor.

It begins to bloom only if all conditions of care are met in the period April-May. The inflorescences are a panicle of small flowers in the form of stars in red, yellow and cream shades. After the end of flowering, the inflorescence dies off.

Species and varieties

- stunted shrub standard height and diameter (up to 30 cm). The flowering period lasts from early spring to late autumn, with proper care. fragrant yellow flowers located on a peduncle up to 20 cm long.

- a dense succulent shrub, slightly higher than home aichrizon - 30-40 cm. hallmark is considered to be the absence of villi on sheet plates instead, they have a sticky base and a light green color with reddish flecks around the edges. Blooms only in spring (April or May). It has a predisposition to shedding leaves after the end of the flowering period.

Or prostrate - semi-shrub, up to 40 cm high, has pubescence on green leafy plates. The inflorescences consist of golden flowers collected in brushes up to 30 cm long. It blooms in spring, after which it can shed some of the leaves - this does not mean the death of the plant.

- an ornamental shrub (20-30 cm), with whitish villi on a light green leaf surface. It starts flowering in spring and lasts until late autumn.

- succulent shrub rises 30-40 cm up. It has greenish-brown leaves covered with pile. Small bright yellow star-shaped flowers are collected in inflorescences.

Aichrizon home care

Aichrizon - photophilous plant but does not tolerate direct sunlight. To avoid sunburn, the plant may need shading, for example, you can use curtains on the windows and do not expose the pot to the south side. To achieve uniform crown growth, it is necessary to periodically turn the flower.

In summer, the optimal temperature regime can be considered 20-25°C, and in winter - not lower than 10°C. An increase in temperature is unacceptable, as a result, a strong stretching of the shoots upwards is observed and, as a result, the leaves fall off. This can happen both in summer (during extreme heat) and in winter (near heating appliances).

Watering aichrizon

The easiest way to determine if aichrizon needs watering is to conduct a small test: lightly press on the leaf and if it is sluggish, then water it immediately, otherwise it is better to refuse watering. But that's not all.

After the soil has completely dried out, abundant moisture is fraught, the process of rotting of the roots and the base of the stems may begin. Therefore, watering is carried out in small portions on warm days, and even less in winter.

Aichrizon normally tolerates dry room air, but it will still be useful to periodically arrange a warm shower, with the exception of the dormant period of the plant (in autumn and winter).

Aichrizon fertilizer

Top dressing is carried out in spring and summer (before and during flowering). You can use complex fertilizers for succulents with a low nitrogen content.

pruning aichrizon

Aichrizon pruning is carried out for various reasons. One of them is the desire to grow not a standard bush, but, for example, a standard tree. For this, weak branches are cut off and a beautiful crown is formed, in addition, it is necessary to pinch the tops of young shoots (carried out throughout the entire period of plant growth).

Another reason for pruning may be the need to trim cuttings for further propagation and rooting. For example, the only way to save a flower, after the aichrizon has deformed and stretched up due to a too warm winter (being near heating appliances), is to trim the tops and root them. Also pruning is carried out after flowering.

Aichrizon transplant

The transplant is carried out in spring period as the container fills with roots. Because root system not poorly developed, it is recommended to choose a shallow pot. It is best if it is a clay pot with good breathability.

After transplantation, the first watering is carried out no earlier than after 4-5 days and in small doses in order to prevent decay.

Soil for aichrizon can be made up of 4 parts of soddy land and one part of leafy soil, humus and sand. Be sure to put drainage at the bottom of the pot.

Propagation of aichrizon by seeds

Seeds are sown in boxes with a prepared substrate: leaf earth and sand (1: 0.5). Cover with glass or polyethylene on top (create greenhouse conditions). Air every day and moisturize if necessary.

After two weeks, the first shoots appear, which must be dived into another box with a different composition: soddy land, leafy ground and sand (0.5: 1: 0.5). When the seedlings grow up, they can be transplanted into prepared pots (5-7 cm in diameter) with a substrate in a ratio of 1:1:1.

All this time, from the moment of sowing, to the care of young shoots, it is necessary to provide good lighting and temperature conditions within 15-18 ° C. Therefore, the procedure is carried out in the spring.

Aichrizon propagation by cuttings

For propagation by cuttings, it is necessary to cut off the apical young and healthy processes and dry them a little in a dark, dry place. Wet sand or succulent substrate is used as a rooting mixture.

After rooting, the sprouts are transplanted into soil similar to the seed method, and similar care is provided.

Diseases and pests

Abundant fall of leaves (almost bare shoots) - there may be several reasons:

• if this happened in the autumn-winter period, then the reason is the location of the flower next to heating appliances, in this case, move the flower to a cooler place (not lower than 10 ° C);
• in summer - due to severe drying of the soil, or vice versa, excessive waterlogging, as well as after a long stay under the scorching sun.

The only salvation is pruning still healthy apical shoots and transplanting into new soil.

Leaves are limp and shriveled - lack of moisture, evidence of the need for watering.

Stretched stems - lack of lighting.

Aichrizon (lat. Aichryson), or love tree, refers to the genus of succulent plants of the Crassula family, growing in rock crevices in the Azores and Canary Islands, Madeira, Morocco and Portugal. There are fifteen species in the genus, represented by herbaceous annuals and perennials, as well as semi-shrubs. The name "aihrizon" is formed from two Greek words: ai - "always" and chrysos - "golden". The aichrizon plant is very similar to its related money tree.

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Planting and caring for aichrizon (in short)

• Bloom: from April or May for two months.
• Lighting: bright but diffused light (east or west window).
• Temperature: during the growing season - the usual for residential premises, during the dormant period - 8-10 ˚C.
• Watering: after the substrate in the pot has dried to half the depth.
• Air humidity: moderate. In the heat from time to time it is recommended to wash the plant under a warm shower.
• Top dressing: during the period active growth 2 times a month with fertilizer for succulent plants with a low nitrogen content.
• rest period: autumn and winter.
• Transfer: annual.
• Pruning: in order to form a crown during the growing season, the plant is pinched. With anti-aging pruning, up to 5% of the vegetative mass is removed.
• Reproduction: often by cuttings, less often by seeds.
• Pests: spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects and nematodes.
• Diseases: root rot, white swelling.

Read more about growing aichrizon below.

Home aichrizon - description

The aichrizon flower has partially branched, practically non-lignified stems, on which for the most part oppositely located fleecy, rounded-ovate leaves, collected in rosettes. The leaves are painted green or dark green, sometimes with gray, yellow, red or white patches. Damaged leaves exude an unpleasant odor. The shape of the leaves resembles a heart, hence the name of the plant - "tree of love". Aichrizon tree blooms with corymbose or paniculate inflorescences of small star-shaped flowers of red, white or cream color in April or May, and after flowering, the rosette that formed the peduncle dies off. home aichrizon grown both as a bush and as a standard tree.

Airizone care at home

How to care for aichrizon

Airizone care is extremely simple. Despite the fact that the houseplant aichrizon is a big lover of light, take sunbathing he loves through gauze or a curtain - the light should be diffused. That's why the best place for aichrizon - east or west window. Try not to forget to turn the room aichrizon around its axis from time to time so that the leaves and branches grow evenly. The temperature of the plant can withstand the one that is comfortable for you, but in winter, do not be afraid to put it in unheated room, since aichrizon normally winters at 8-10 ºC, and with a warm wintering, leaves may fall off and shoots may stretch.

How often to water the "tree of love" aichrizon, the condition of its leaves will tell you: if they are dense and elastic, you can skip watering, but if you find a slight loss of turgor, then it's time to moisten the soil. Usually, the time to water the plant comes when the soil in the pot has dried to half the depth. Aichrizon flowers need to be watered a small amount water, but often, from abundant and rare watering, the roots of the aichrizon rot. In spring and summer, the soil in the pot is moistened more often than in winter.

Aichrizon is undemanding to air humidity, but sometimes in the summer it likes to take a warm shower. in winter water procedures aichrizon are contraindicated. To form a crown or stem tree resort to pruning plants. Remove weak shoots, and to enhance tillering and crown density, pinch the tops of young shoots. In the spring, the elongated shoots are also shortened.

Aichrizon fertilizer

It is necessary to feed aichrizon during the active growing season, in spring and summer, 2 times a month. complex fertilizer for succulent plants with low nitrogen content.

Aichrizon usually blooms in the summer, but in order to see the flowering of aichrizon, certain conditions must be met: the pot should not be spacious, watering should not be too frequent, the wintering of the plant should take place in a cool, bright place. As you can see, supernatural efforts will not be required from you, but if you fulfill the listed requirements, you can enjoy the flowering of aichrizon for six months. Only when this holiday is over, you will find that the plant has lost more than half of the leaves, so cut off all faded flower stalks, weak shoots and increase watering so that the plant can gradually recover.

Aichrizon transplant

Caring for home aichrizon also provides for its annual transplant, provided that you have not planted it in a pot that is too spacious - the pot for the plant should be cramped. As a soil for aichrizon, a mixture of four parts of soddy land is used with the addition of one part of leafy soil, humus and purified sand. Don't forget that at the bottom without fail there should be a layer of expanded clay.

Reproduction of aichrizon

Propagation of aichrizon by seeds

Aichrizon is propagated both by seed and cuttings, and both of these methods give nice results. Seeds are sown in a soil mixture of leafy soil and purified sand in a ratio of 2: 1. Crops that are in a bright place under glass are regularly ventilated and sprayed, and when shoots appear in a couple of weeks, they dive into boxes at a distance of 1 cm from each other, and the composition of the mixture should now be different: half of clean sand and light earth and one piece of leaf land. After a while, the grown aichrizons are seated in personal pots 7 cm in diameter and grown at a temperature of 16-18 ºC, subject to daily watering.

Propagation of aichrizon by cuttings

The cuttings that you got after trimming the aichrizon should be dried for a couple of hours in a dry, dark place, and then planted in a shallow container in a mixture of vermiculite with sand or in soil for succulent plants with the addition of sand. The cuttings take root fairly quickly, and then they can be transplanted into pots with a diameter of 7 cm. Cuttings can also be rooted in water, to which charcoal should be added.

Pests and diseases of aichrizon

Harmful insects and diseases

If you establish the correct watering of the aichrizon and put it under bright diffused light, and take it out to the insulated loggia for the winter, you will not have problems with the plant. If you make mistakes in caring for the plant and do not provide it with the necessary maintenance, then spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs and nematodes can harm the aichrizon. Due to improper watering, any of the rots can get sick.

We have repeatedly written how and with what to deal with these pests and diseases, we also wrote that you do not have to do this if you take care of the plants responsibly, so we will not repeat ourselves.

Aichrizon's leaves are falling

If this happens in the warm season, the cause may be the action of direct sunlight, the drying of the earthen clod, or, conversely, too frequent watering. If the leaf fall took place in the autumn-winter period, then it is time for the aichrizon to move to a cool, bright room for the winter. The leaves of the plant also fall during flowering.

Types of aichrizon

We present you the most popular types of aichrizon in culture.

Aichryson point (Aichryson punctatum)

A small succulent from 15 to 40 cm high with greenish-brown shoots covered with white hairs, diamond-shaped, slightly pubescent leaves on long petioles, collected in a rosette.

Aichryson sinuous (Aichryson tortuosum)

Also a low shrub from 15 to 30 cm in height and width, with diamond-shaped, fleshy leaves pubescent with white hairs, also collected in rosettes. Leaf up to 1 cm wide, 1.5 cm long, petiole short. Blooms in spring.

Aichrizon loose, or prostrate (Aichryson laxum)

Shrub 30-40 cm tall and 20-40 cm in diameter. The leaves are diamond-shaped, long-petiolate, pubescent with white short hairs, 1 cm wide, 1.5-3 cm long. Inflorescences are large brushes up to 30 cm long from golden yellow flowers.