Rowley ragwort - care, cultivation, reproduction. General tips for growing Rawley ragwort

The ragwort represents the Compositae family from the genus Asteraceae. This is perennial, one-year-old specimens are rare. The ragwort is a shrub or compact tree that grows in all corners of the planet.

All varieties of ragwort found differ from each other. Some are smooth stems, others are pubescent. The leaves are elliptical, dissected, in some species, lobed and alternate. Flowering in the form of shields collected in bunches of several buds.


Varieties and types

A weed that most gardeners encounter. The height of the plant is about half a meter. Shoots are erect, branching little, dense with olive foliage and some pubescence. The shape of the foliage is similar to a dandelion leaf, but larger in shape.

Or cineraria His homeland is the Canary Islands. The erect stems reach a height of 60 cm. The foliage is soft, fleshy, slightly pubescent. The leaf shape is oval and with serrated edges. Outside, a sheet of dark shade, inner part scarlet shade. Flowering in the form of tongues collected in a brush.

This species is most popular among flower growers, as it has many hybrids. Each hybrid has a distinctive feature - inflorescences up to 8 cm in diameter. Reminiscent of a daisy in appearance. The hue is different depending on the variety of pink, bluish, two-tone, yellow.

Popular room view whose homeland is Namibia. This plant is grown as an ampelous hanging planters, or as a ground cover. This species takes root easily. Each shoot can reach a length of up to one meter. The leaves grow alternately and are ball-shaped and have a light shade of leaves. The flower is tubular with a spherical upper surface. The color of the flower is white with bluish pistils.

His homeland is East Africa. The leaves are poured, dense with creeping stems light shade and densely laid leaves. The leaves are oval, about 7 cm long. The hue of the inflorescences is orange. Juveniles of this species resemble a fat woman. Money Tree' as they used to call it. But already in adulthood, this species becomes ampelous.

Perennial, succulent type. This species has creeping stems with weak woodiness. In height, this species reaches up to 3 meters. The leaves are medium with small legs up to 1 cm and with an elongated leaf blade about 8 cm representing five sharp lobes. Inflorescences solitary in the form of a ball about 6 cm in diameter and with bright sunny tongues.

An interesting species with leaves with irregular growth and arrangement with orange blotches. Periodically sheds foliage and is quite photophilous. Prefers sandy areas.

Perennial up to 1.7 m in height. The root is dense and large in diameter. Shoots are pubescent, leaves up to 30 cm long with a shape similar to a triangle and decreasing towards the top of the base. Flowering in late summer, the fruit, after ripening, throws out seeds with thick hairs.

The height of this species is 40 cm. The shoots are single or about six pieces. Sometimes branches are found at the tops of the shoots. Juveniles are lightly hairy, becoming smooth and hairless with age. The leaves are elongated linear. The lower leaves are longer than the upper ones, but tend to fall off. Inflorescences in the form of reeds, elongated in a sunny shade.

Perennial plant, reaching a height of 70 cm. The root is elongated, creeping, dense. Shoots are smooth, solitary branched at the tops, dark olive color. The width of the lower leaves is about 30 cm, and the length is about 18 cm. The shape of the leaf is oval elongated. Inflorescences are orange in the form of tubules, about 12 pieces in a bunch. Flowering occurs at the end of summer.

Or seaside This is a shrub from the Jacobean genus. Its personality is gray pubescence on the leaves. His homeland is the Mediterranean. Dissected leaves. Inflorescences have a pale yellow hue in diameter flower 15 mm. The height of the plant is about a meter.

This is a two-year view with straight shoots reaching a height of 60 cm. The shape of the leaf is oval elongated. Inflorescences are yellow in the form of panicles. The birthplace of the plant is Central Asia.

The height of the species is 80 cm centimeters, a perennial plant. The root system is horizontal. Shoots are fragile, thin, but rather branched. The leaves at the root are large, but rare triangular in shape. Closer to the top, the leaf is smaller and angular. Inflorescences are orange in the form of tubules.

Ampelous view with leaves similar to ivy leaves or grapes. His homeland is South Africa. Shoots are long, brittle with many leaves in adulthood becomes creeping. Inflorescences are yellow with a pleasant aroma.

This is an annual plant up to 60 cm high. The shoots are pubescent, dense, sticky and with many leaves. The leaves are alternately elongated. Inflorescences in the form of corymbs, in the form of tongues of a yellowish tint. The fruits are smooth with hairs. Flowering begins in summer.

Rawley's ragwort home care

Caring for a ragwort is not whimsical and does not take much time. The plant prefers diffused sun. The location is east or west. When exposed to direct sunlight, the plant gets burned, so it is necessary to create an artificial shadow.

The plant prefers an air temperature of about 25 degrees in summer, and in winter time withstands a drop in temperature, not lower than 7 degrees.

The plant does not need air humidification, it takes root perfectly and in dry conditions. Watering the ragwort prefers moderate watering, after the top layer of the soil dries out about several times in 7 days. Water for irrigation should be settled and at room temperature.

Fertilize several times every 30 days with a fertilizer ready for succulents.

The plant prefers loose and light soil. Can be purchased ready ground in the store, suitable soil for cacti. And prepare yourself to take sheet soil and coarse sand in an amount of two to one.

Recently planted, that is, young plants require an annual transplant, and adults once every three years.

Rawley's ragwort breeding

A cutting for transplanting needs about 10 cm, it is better to root it in light soil with sand and sheet soil. For good rooting, it is necessary to provide warm conditions and occasional hydration. After rooting, the plant is transplanted to a permanent place in a prepared container.

To root cuttings, it is best to place a pot of soil next to another adult plant and dig it into the ground until it is fully rooted.

The plant is propagated by seeds very rarely, since this is a long and laborious process. Plants should be sown in light soil, after germination and the appearance of a pair of leaves, the plants are transplanted separately into pots until fully adapted and good growth.

Diseases and pests

The plant is affected by aphids, spider mite and a worm. And diseases are the most common gray rot and powdery mildew. To prevent pests, it is necessary to treat the plant with insecticides.

  • When white spots appear on the plant in the form of plaque , must be treated with foundationazole with water in accordance with the instructions for use.
  • Gray rot appears when the soil is waterlogged , it is necessary to remove the affected leaves and provide right conditions care.

The variety of the Groundsel has up to three thousand varieties, sometimes completely dissimilar to each other. It is one of the largest genera in the Astrov family. They exist on an equal footing with annuals and perennial herbs, and trees, and shrub forms.

Each of existing species captivates with something inherent only to him. It could be unusual shape succulent leaf, stem fluffiness, flower basket size, color palette. Unites so different plants uniformity of inflorescences. Regardless of size, formations (single or many) are always represented by a basket, with the possibility of gathering into corymbs or panicles.

Representatives of room content are represented by twenty different specific succulents. Among them are popular and little-known individuals. Individuals so different in appearance, and so identical in care requirements.

Rowley ( Senecio rowleyanus)

Perennial, the most common in room content, stands out for its growth rate. Long shoots with thin threads are able to hang in an ampelous placement, or spread along the ground, covering an impressive surface. Spherical, centimeter at the base and narrowing into a sharp tip, they are arranged like beads on a thread. White flowers with protruding purple pistils gather inflorescences in the form of a basket. During flowering, the smell of cinnamon spreads.


Rawley's ragwort / bloom

Large-tongued ( senecio macroglossus)

This representative has the structure of a creeper, and expresses a resemblance at first glance to an ordinary singing. hallmark serve more dense and large leaves on long stems (up to three meters), slightly branched and woody. Sheet plates copies of the form are densely attached to the stem with the help of small petioles.

Flowering occurs in winter period collected in apical or axillary baskets (usually single, spherical in the center), small yellow flowers. On the basic version, variegated varieties, with stripes or spots, white and yellow shades.


Large-tongued ragwort / flowering

Crosswort staple-shaped ( Senecio stapeliiformis)

Herbaceous perennial, a worthy specimen of the succulent genus, resembling a cactus in appearance. Upright shoots are fleshy, have pronounced edges, are subject to branching from the very bottom.

Modified leaves are represented by needles located along the trunk, from the very bottom to the top, in straight rows along the stem edges. The wax coating gives the plant a green, silvery color. Collected from flowers (from orange with pink to bright red tones), baskets of inflorescences look like a carnation flower.


Groundsel stapeliform / flowering

Lemon ( Senecio citriformis)

Perennial, reaching half a meter. Berry leaves look like mini lemons and limes. Deep grey-green color. There is a bluish coating. Inflorescences like chamomile cream with yellow color.


Groundsel Lemon-shaped

Care

The maintenance of succulent species differs from the care of herbaceous representatives, but not much, and not in many ways. pledge successful cultivation quite simple rules for the supply of moisture, light, compliance comfortable temperatures, moderate top dressing. At home, it is easier to maintain a certain regimen than on open field. Let's take a closer look at the main points of care.

Watering

The ragwort is one of the most sensitive succulent representatives to excess soil moisture. Bays, abundant moisture are categorically contraindicated for him. Regardless of the season of the year, you should follow the rule: less is better, but more often.

A small amount of water for irrigation better saturates the earthen ball, while leaving no excess in the soil. The frequency of moistening depends on the drying of the upper soil layer. Strict control of the state of the substrate introduces a little difficulty in care (difficulties are basically limited to this).

In the warm seasons of the year, watering is done after a couple of days, from the moment the surface dryness of the soil sets in. The beginning of autumn brings changes to the content regime. Regardless of the weather, the flower is gradually preparing for a dormant period (or it should be prepared artificially).

During adaptation, it is worth increasing the gap between waterings, gradually bringing the earthy coma to complete drying from one moistening to another. In winter, while maintaining the elasticity of the leaves and there are no signs of insufficient moisture, you can not water the plant. Soft water is used long time aged at room temperature.

Lighting

For permanent place habitats are well suited east or west side. Morning and evening direct sunlight will not harm the plant, on the contrary, their entry has a very favorable effect on the saturation of the color, the uniform growth of the shoots.

“Residing” on the southern windows provides for the obligatory presence of the dispersion of daytime messengers of the heavenly body (unlike the morning and evening counterparts, they can destroy a pet).

The lack of bright lighting is manifested in the stretching of internodes, stems. Variegated species lose their individuality in color, which leads to a loss of external attractiveness.

Temperature

The ideal temperature regime for the Groundsel is the temporary distinction between spring-summer, autumn-winter. This is due to the presence in life cycle pores of activity and dormancy. The warm season is characterized by elevated temperature indicators (about twenty-two plus degrees, and the allowable range is at the level of twenty-six). Succulent pets are negative about sudden temperature changes, but prefer access fresh air in the form of ventilation.

This feature allows you to “walk a green friend” with external thermal data equal to the room content ( summer season). In the cold, you should lower the temperature by a dozen degrees. The impossibility of carrying out such a regime adjustment is replaced by additional lighting (at least 10 hours of daylight) and low-volume irrigation as needed. Senecios are capable of adapting to a particular home range.

Humidity

Great fit this creation flora for living in the microclimate of urban apartments. Even during hard work central heating. Of course, it is worth protecting the “tenant” from directed streams of heated air. Tolerance of high humidity eliminates the need to additionally moisten the plant and the surrounding air with regular spraying and water spraying.

The soil

The main requirement for soil composition is good drainage properties. Along the way, acidity (preferably neutral), saturation with substances for plant nutrition should be taken into account. Suitable ready-made soil (from a flower shop) for succulents and cacti, with mixing river sand coarse fractions or perlite.

Self-mixing of the substrate is possible. For him, you need leafy earth (two parts) and the same sand (one part). You can add a substrate for orchids (in a crushed state) to the prepared soil in a ratio of one to one. Separate types able to successfully exist in mixed sandy-clay soils. It is important to consider in what soil the young specimens were grown. Habituation is the dominant factor in soil selection.

Transfer

The process of transplanting for Senecio is carried out depending on the need of this enterprise. The level of penetration in the new pot remains what it was before. The bottom of the container is laid out with a rather thick layer of expanded clay (which protects the roots of the plant from possible rotting due to good drainage qualities).

The spring period is the most optimal for carrying out these works. Young cultures, due to the intensity of development, require a more frequent change of capacity and earthen substrate. For them, a transplant once a year is acceptable. Adult plants are content with carrying out this process with an interval of two or three years.

Suitable for the "residence" of the Krestovniks are both ordinary planters and ampelous designs. At ampel cultivation several (from five) shoots should be placed together in one vessel. In this way, it will be possible to form a “waterfall of greenery”, because by nature individuals are slightly branched.

Fertilizer

You will have to feed the ward during the period active growth, and it falls on the spring-summer time interval (from the first spring month and including the last summer month). The frequency of fertilization is one dose every fourteen days. In some cases, it is permissible to increase the interval up to 21 days or a month. Among ready-made fertilizers should be chosen with a reduced content of the concentration of the nitrogen component. These are cactus, and succulent, and orchid directions of produced dressings for representatives of plant diversity.

reproduction

You can get new specimens from the individuals you like in three ways: through sowing seeds, cuttings of apical shoots, layering from creeping and penetrating species. Each of these methods is interesting in its own way.

  • seeds

It is used extremely rarely due to the small number of fruit-bearing plants in room conditions succulents. Only fresh seed is used. Pre-sprouted, sown in several copies in one vessel. Humidification is carried out using a spray gun. When cotyledons appear, they are seated in individual containers with a diameter of five centimeters.

  • cuttings

Pretty simple way. Root formation takes place without additional expenditure of time and effort. The upper part of the shoot (about 10 centimeters) should be deprived of the lower pair, three sheets, dried for a while. It is necessary to plant in individual pots, in sandy soil without moisture, with light spraying.

Having formed roots, individuals are transplanted in a group of two or more pieces into one vessel to form splendor and attractive appearance. For some species, a simple laying on the surface of the soil can be used (as an example, Rowley's ragwort). Roots quickly emerge from stem nodes.

  • layering

It is difficult to imagine a more unpretentious breeding option. Long creeping or drooping stems are placed in a bowl placed next to the mother plant, filled with earth for the succulent. Parts of the shoots pressed to the soil begin to develop their own root system. Rooted lashes are carefully separated from the "mother".

  • Additionally

There are species that give a new representative through the rooting of a leaf cutting. But due to the duration and low success rate, the process is rarely used to obtain a new instance.

Diseases and pests

Succulent crops are very resistant to diseases and pests that are common in home maintenance. Most often, flower health problems occur due to violations of care conditions.

Diseases

  • Powdery mildew - excess nitrogen in the soil. Removal of damaged parts, treatment with a solution of Fundazol (one gram per liter).
  • Gray rot - violation of the rules of care (bad light, waterlogging, cold). Restore the required conditions. Treat with copper chloride.

Leaf damage

  • Brown spots, drying out, falling off - lack of normal soil moisture, dry air, strong fever environment.
  • Dry areas on the surface - sunburn.
  • Yellow and brown spotted rashes on the plates - an excess of water in the ground.
  • Scanty, sparse and small foliage - lack of light.
  • Variegated colors turn into monochromatic - low light, or a cramped pot.

Pests

  • Aphid greenhouse pelargonium - destroys young shoots, inflorescences. Required high humidity, in a critical form of insecticide treatment.
  • Spider mite - spoils foliage. Maintaining a high moisture content in the air warm shower. Actellik is used in peak form.
  • Mealybugs - suck out juices. Soapy or alcohol solution, in extreme cases, an emulsion of Karbofos.

Useful video

Species cultivated in the open field

Garden varieties require well-lit places with diffused sunlight, fertile soils with good drainage performance. Otherwise, you will have to save the plants from burns and drying out, fight root rot and decay of the lower ground parts of the flowers.

Ash (meadow) ( Senecio praticola)

Perennial up to half a meter. Straight stems, pubescent in a loose cobweb type when young. The leaves are rosette, differently shaped (depending on the location). Umbrella inflorescences consist of a maximum of 9 baskets. Flowers yellow, reed.

seaside ( Cineraria maritima)

Evergreen shrub or shrub. Cultivated as an annual (though perennial). The surface of the leaves is pubescent with a silvery pile. Inflorescences are removed when they appear, due to the low decorative effect. Requires full lighting.


Seaside crosswort

Bloody ( senecio cruentus)

The annual Cineraria Bloody rises by 0.6 meters. Soft fluffy leaves are two-colored: dark green above, red below. The flowers are similar in shape to primroses and daisies. Inflorescences reed baskets are collected in lush brushes. A rich assortment of colors.


Bloody ragwort

Mixed ( senecio confusus)

Perennial liana. Curly lashes under three meters. The foliage is dark green, heart-shaped, veined. Small flower clusters from heads of bright orange color. Gradually become red.

Jacob (Lugovoy) ( Senecio jacobaea)

Grows perennial or biennial. The stem of this herbaceous representative is erect, with edges and grooves, it is from ⅕ of a part to a full meter in height. The leaves change shape and attachment to the trunk as they move up. General salient feature: leaves are represented by lyre-shaped pinnate cuts along an oblong ovoid plate. Upper inflorescences of falsely reed flowers of pale or bright yellow shades, collected large quantity baskets in corymbose panicles.

Rawley's ragwort is a member of the genus Asteraceae in the Asteraceae family. The natural habitats of this perennial succulent are the arid mountainous regions of Namibia (South-West Africa). This type of ragwort has thin long creeping shoots rooted in the internodes, with green alternate short-petiolate spherical leaves, up to 1 cm in diameter, with a small tip-tail resembling in the shape of an unripe gooseberry or currant. Thanks to such peculiar shoots, the plant received the name "string of pearls." Flowering at Rowley's ragwort occurs in late spring. At this time, pale pink tubular flowers bloom on long thick peduncles, collected in dense inflorescences-baskets, similar to dandelion inflorescences. The flowers are fragrant, with a slight gentle smell of cinnamon. In nature, the plant reaches a two-meter length. In room culture, its dimensions are somewhat more modest - 0.6 - 1 m. This species is grown as an ampelous or ground cover plant. Currently, a variegated variety of Rowley's ragwort has been bred with white large shapeless spots on pea leaves. Although caring for this plant is not so difficult, it is not one of the easiest to plant. room culture. Here are a few basic requirements that should be followed to create comfortable conditions for the godson. Lighting

The plant prefers bright diffused light, but calmly tolerates direct sunlight in the morning and evening hours. It should be shaded from the midday sun. When placed in a room, it is advisable to choose windows to the south, west and east. On the north window, he will not have enough light, which will lead to the stretching of the stems, the shrinking of the leaves and the loss of the overall decorative effect of the plant. To avoid these problems, you will have to use additional lighting. Temperature

Rowley's godson is quite like a summer temperature of 22 - 26 ° C, corresponding to central Russia. In winter, during the dormant period, it is recommended to reduce the temperature to 12 - 15 ° C. At a lower level, the plant may freeze, and at a higher one, the leaves may begin to fall off.

Watering. During the growing season, this succulent needs abundant watering. It is desirable that the soil is slightly damp at all times, but not wet. Can dry out a bit upper layer, but in no case should you flood the plant. Excess water will quickly lead to decay of the roots and stems. In winter, watering is reduced to a minimum, especially when kept cold. It is only necessary to ensure that the earthen ball does not dry out completely. Water the ragwort with soft settled water without chlorine content. To do this, the water is defended during the day, and if necessary, it is additionally softened by adding citric or acetic acid .. air humidity

Air humidity. Rowley's ragwort does not require an increase in air humidity. He feels fine even when the central heating batteries are running.

The soil. The plant prefers neutral loose nutrient mixtures. For cultivation, ready-made soil for cacti and succulents with the addition of loosening components, such as vermiculite, perlite or brick chips, is quite suitable. If there is a desire and an opportunity to prepare an earthen mixture on your own, then we can recommend the following composition: sheet, humus, peat soil, sand and brick chips in a ratio of 1: 1: 1: 1: 1 .. Trimming. The plant does not need pruning, but for better branching, the shoots can be pinched.. Transplant. Young specimens are transplanted annually, in the spring. Adults - once every three to four years, as needed, when the old pot becomes cramped. When transplanting, you should be very careful with the plant and try not to damage the fragile leaves and roots. And it is necessary to create a good drainage layer that protects the plant from the bay .. Transplant

Reproduction. Rawley's ragwort breeds stem cuttings and layering all year round, but in the spring-summer period, rooting is faster and more likely. When propagated by stem cuttings, segments of shoots 4–5 cm long are used. They are rooted in a pot prepared for them, dropping several pieces on the surface at once, for greater splendor of the future specimen. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the soil is constantly moist. Roots in the internodes appear within a week. To give more splendor in one pot, you can plant several plants at once. When propagating by layering, another pot is placed next to the mother plant and several lashes of the ragwort are placed on moist soil, “pinning” the internodes to the surface, after pinching off a few leaves in these places. After rooting, the cuttings are cut off from the mother plant. Reproduction by seeds is possible, but only fresh, as they quickly lose their germination capacity .. Caution! Rawley the bastard is very poisonous plant and at the same time it is very attractive to young children with the shape of the leaves, similar to berries. Therefore, it is categorically not suitable for growing in kindergartens and apartments where there are small children.

- arid mountainous regions of Namibia (South-West Africa).

This type of ragwort has thin long creeping shoots, rooting in internodes, with green alternate short-petiolate spherical leaves, up to 1 cm in diameter, with a small tip-tail, resembling unripe gooseberries or currants in shape. Thanks to such peculiar shoots, the plant received the name "string of pearls."

Flowering at Rowley's ragwort occurs in late spring. At this time, pale pink tubular flowers bloom on long thick peduncles, collected in dense inflorescences-baskets, similar to dandelion inflorescences. The flowers are fragrant, with a slight gentle smell of cinnamon.

In nature, the plant reaches a two-meter length. In room culture, its dimensions are somewhat more modest - 0.6 - 1 m. This species is grown as an ampelous or ground cover plant.

Currently, a variegated variety of Rowley's ragwort has been bred with white large shapeless spots on pea leaves.

Caring for Rowley's ragwort at home

Although caring for this plant is not that difficult, it is not among the easiest to grow indoors. Here are a few basic requirements that should be followed to create comfortable conditions for the godson.

Lighting. The plant prefers bright diffused light, but calmly tolerates direct sunlight in the morning and evening hours. It should be shaded from the midday sun. When placed in a room, it is advisable to choose windows to the south, west and east. On the north window, he will not have enough light, which will lead to the stretching of the stems, the shrinking of the leaves and the loss of the overall decorative effect of the plant. To avoid these problems, you will have to use additional lighting.

Temperature. Rowley's godson is quite like a summer temperature of 22 - 26 ° C, corresponding to central Russia. In winter, during the dormant period, it is recommended to reduce the temperature to 12 - 15 ° C. At a lower temperature, the plant may freeze, and at a higher one, the leaves may begin to fall off.

Watering. During the growing season, this succulent needs abundant watering. It is desirable that the soil is slightly damp at all times, but not wet. You can dry the top layer a little, but in no case should you flood the plant. Excess water will quickly lead to rotting of the roots and stems.

In winter, watering is reduced to a minimum, especially when kept cold. It is only necessary to ensure that the earthen ball does not dry out completely.

Water the ragwort with soft settled water without chlorine content. To do this, the water is defended during the day, and if necessary, softened further by adding citric or acetic acid.

Air humidity. Rowley's ragwort does not require an increase in air humidity. He feels fine even when the central heating batteries are running.

The soil. The plant prefers neutral loose nutrient mixtures. For cultivation, ready-made soil for cacti and succulents with the addition of loosening components, such as vermiculite, perlite or brick chips, is quite suitable. If there is a desire and an opportunity to prepare an earthen mixture on your own, then we can recommend the following composition: sheet, humus, peat soil, sand and brick chips in a ratio of 1: 1: 1: 1: 1.

Fertilizer. During the period of active growth, the ragwort is fed once every two weeks. complex fertilizers with a low nitrogen content. You can use fertilizers for cacti and succulent plants for these purposes.

pruning. The plant does not need pruning, but for better branching, the shoots can be pinched.

Transfer. Young specimens are transplanted annually, in the spring. Adults - once every three to four years, as needed, when the old pot becomes cramped. When transplanting, you should be very careful with the plant and try not to damage the fragile leaves and roots. And it is necessary to create a good drainage layer that protects the plant from the bay.

Experienced flower growers who grow this plant recommend not replanting it in adulthood, but updating it, since transplanting will not improve the appearance of bald stems.

reproduction. Rawley's ragwort propagates by stem cuttings and layering all year round, but in the spring and summer, rooting occurs faster and with greater probability.

When propagated by stem cuttings, segments of shoots 4–5 cm long are used. They are rooted in a pot prepared for them, dropping several pieces on the surface at once, for greater splendor of the future specimen. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the soil is constantly moist. Roots in the internodes appear within a week. To give more splendor in one pot, you can plant several plants at once.

When propagating by layering, another pot is placed next to the mother plant and several lashes of the ragwort are placed on moist soil, “pinning” the internodes to the surface, after pinching off a few leaves in these places. After rooting, the cuttings are cut off from the mother plant.

Reproduction by seeds is possible, but only fresh, as they quickly lose their germination capacity.

Pests and diseases. The plant is damaged

Rowley's ragwort is a very interesting and unusual plant, so it is especially popular with flower growers, and can often be found as houseplant. On the numerous shoots of the flower are leaves that have a spherical shape and resemble beads of different sizes. Those who see this flower for the first time may not immediately guess that it is alive.

plant description

Rowley's ragwort resembles in appearance climbing plant or liana. Its shoots can reach a length of up to two meters, and it was brought to our territory from African countries. Namibia is considered his homeland. The ragwort is classified as a succulent and it has taken root well in the climate. middle lane but grow it at home.

Very interesting appearance plants. Its leaves are fleshy and green, have the shape of balls and are located on long shoots like beads. different sizes. Due to the structure of the foliage, the flower is able to accumulate moisture in them and be without water for a long time.

Rowley's godson belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is not difficult to grow a plant at home, however, in children's educational institutions and homes where there are small children, this should not be done, because it is poisonous. Inside the leaves of the plant there is juice, which, having got on the skin of a person, does not affect him in any way, but it should not be allowed to get on the mucous membranes. And the kids strive to taste the little funny balls.

It is very beautiful to use Rowley's ragwort as ampelous plant. Sometimes flower growers use it as a ground cover. If the shoots are lying on the ground, then they very quickly begin to take root.

Home care

If you have a desire to decorate your house with this unusual plant, then you should find out a few simple rules to care for him. Living in harsh African conditions has made the plant quite hardy, and thanks to this it it became well tolerated by heat, drought and direct sunlight. But an excess amount of water can, on the contrary, destroy it. Rowley's ragwort is able to do without water for a long time, so you should not water it regularly and abundantly - the main rule of care.

At home, you should place the plant in a sufficiently lit place where it will be light and warm. It tolerates bright light quite well and is not afraid of direct sunlight. However, the best place for him is the western side of the room. If it is located not on the window, but in the back of the room, then you can put it on the south side.

In winter, you should add a bastard additional lighting, because for him optimal length daylight hours should be about 12 hours. If he lacks light, then his foliage will become smaller, and the shoots will begin to stretch and the flower will lose all its attractive appearance.

You can water the succulent more often in the warm season, but make sure that the soil has time to dry out and the water does not stagnate. During this period, the plant accumulates moisture in the leaves. In winter, watering is significantly reduced, especially if the room is cool enough. If the room is well heated, then the irrigation mode can not be changed.

As for the soil, this plant is perfect soil ready for succulents sold in flower shops and suitable for growing plants at home. This soil is quite light and loose, but besides it, there must be drainage in the pot, for which expanded clay can be used.

There is no need to worry about the humidity in the room where the ragwort grows, because the ragwort comes from Africa and is therefore accustomed to a dry climate and does not need additional spraying.

Thus, caring for Rowley's ragwort is not difficult at all and consists in:

  • proper watering;
  • good soil;
  • plentiful lighting.

Does Rawley's ragwort need fertilizer?

Periodically, the plant needs to be fed, as gradual depletion occurs in the soil. nutrients. The best fertilizer to use ready mixes, which are intended specifically for succulents and cacti. These complex compositions include all the necessary substances for good flower growth.

The main thing to remember is that the fertilizer should contain minimum amount of nitrogen compounds. Their succulent tolerates quite poorly.

Approximately once every two weeks during the growing season, the plant must be fed. That is, top dressing should be carried out with early spring and until autumn. In winter, it is not necessary to fertilize it, even if it is kept in a fairly warm room.

You can feed the ragwort with others universal fertilizers, but the main thing is that they contain a minimum amount of nitrogen. Fertilizer - main part plant care.

Pruning, transplanting and propagation

Rowley's ragwort, when kept at home, grows in length by about thirty centimeters per year. This, of course, may seem like a lot, so in the spring you can pinch the tops of the shoots. That activates the growth of new branches and will allow the flower to become more dense and lush.

As for transplantation, it is not required annually. Usually it is transplanted only when the shoots fill the pot completely. But if it has not grown much, then you can renew the soil after about four years from the moment of planting. If you still need a transplant, that is A few tips to help keep your plant healthy:

  • it is better to take the pot 5-8 cm more than the previous one;
  • the first layer must be laid drainage, which will not allow water to stagnate;
  • it is better to use special soil for succulents or cacti for a flower, but if it is impossible to get it, then you can do it yourself. To do this, you will need to mix in equal proportions humus and leafy soil, peat, sand and vermiculite;
  • the plant should be transplanted especially carefully so as not to damage the thin shoots.

In addition, after a few years, the old plant loses its beauty and does not look as attractive as the young one, so it should be renewed from time to time. To rejuvenate the flower, several cuttings are taken, which are from five to seven centimeters in length, and they are pressed to the ground. It needs to be kept moist during this time. Better do it like this so that the bead leaves remain on the surface. The roots of young shoots may appear after a week.

Reproduction of succulents is carried out at a fairly rapid pace. This is usually done vegetatively, because any part of the shoot adapts quite well and is able to take root, while seed propagation at home, there are usually failures. Germination using seeds is possible only when using fresh planting material. But, it should be noted that their freshness lasts only a week.

Best to use at home two simple ways to propagate a plant. This is:

  • propagation by cuttings;
  • reproduction by layering.

Succulents grow best in spring and summer. The rest of the time they are more capricious and may not always start to grow.

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