Kufeya: growing at home. What kind of watering is needed

Kufeya fiery red - beautiful plant from unusual flowers- they resemble a cigar with a smoldering tip.

Kufeya: growing from seeds

One way to propagate kufei is to sow seeds. But it should be remembered that they differ in rather low germination. When sowing, which is carried out in the spring, a substrate is used from a mixture of sand and peat, the seeds are slightly pressed into such soil, without sprinkling them on top of anything. After that, the pot is covered with polyethylene, diffused light and a temperature of 21-25 degrees are provided.

Every day, the film must be removed for a few minutes, if necessary, moistening the soil. When shoots appear, the film is removed completely. As the plants grow, it is necessary to periodically pinch the top of the growth, thus forming a crown.

Reproduction of kufei

except seed propagation, in the first half of spring, cuttings can also be carried out. In this case, cuttings about 7 cm long are cut from an adult plant. All lower leaves should be cut off from them, and the cut site should be treated with a root formation stimulator.

Planting is carried out in a mixture of sand and peat, after which the cuttings are covered with a film. Periodically, it must be removed, airing and moistening the earth. Rooting should take place at room temperature. When rooting is completed, young kufei are seated in separate pots that are filled with a mixture of sand, turf and leaf ground in equal proportions.

Kufeya: the nature of growth and flowering

All summer kufei is thickly strewn long flowers tubular in shape, the length of which is 2-3 cm. Their fused petals form a bright red tube, its end is black and white.

The stems are densely dotted with leathery leaves, the tips of which are pointed.

Kufeya: features of care

Transplantation of fiery red kufei should be carried out annually in the case of young plants, and once every few years, adult plants. Moreover, each new pot should have a little big sizes than the previous one.

With active summer growth, the plant requires abundant watering, while in winter, during the dormant period, watering should be very economical, otherwise rotting of the roots may begin. Fertilize twice a month in spring and summer.

Kufeya in the house prefers bright and warm places, but requires protection from the bright light of the sun. In summer, it feels normal at a temperature of 20-25 degrees, in winter - 10-12 degrees.

Possible problems

Sometimes kufeyu can amaze. For minor lesions, rinsing with a strong jet may help. cold water otherwise, insecticide treatment is needed.

The plant must be treated with the same preparations when it is damaged by thrips. Signs of the presence of such pests are the deformation of the leaves and their jagged tips.

Appearance on leaves brown spots- a consequence of poor lighting, excess nutrients during dormancy or the presence of cold drafts. In this case, all damaged leaves are removed, the plant is provided with proper care.

Kufeya is a fast growing shrub. It belongs to the family loosestrife, And traditional place habitat is Central and South America.

Kufei comes from Greek word Kyphos, which means "hunched, crooked".

Indeed, its leaves and fruits are slightly curved.

The plant has smooth dark green leaves of a narrow shape. stems at shrub species grow up to 40-50 cm high. Flowers reach a length of 2-3 cm, they can be red, white, purple and other colors. Flowering goes all the way warm period, from spring to autumn.

A photo

Kufei flower photo:

Kinds

In nature, there are about 200 various kinds kufei. Annuals in the process of growth reach a height of 1 meter. Perennial - as a rule, small shrubs, used when planting in concrete flowerpots. The most popular among gardeners and lovers of indoor plants the following types:

Fiery Red Gel

this flower is usually grown as a potted flower, but it can be planted with great success in a flower garden on suburban area. In the process of growth, it becomes a small bush, on which bright red tubular flowers bloom. It can be propagated by both seeds and cuttings. There are several subspecies: Coan Flowers brick red or cream "Dynamite" blooms before all other species bright red flowers. Photo "Fiery Red Gel" see below:

hyssopolis

small bushy plant from Guatemala and Mexico. Prone to heat, but can grow in rain and wind conditions. It grows in the form of a bush up to 50 cm high. As a rule, this species is planted in containers on balconies, in courtyards. Very easy to propagate from cuttings. Flowers white, pink or lilac color, small, but usually a lot of them appear on the bush, and flowering time takes all summer. Below we can see a photo of the "hyssopolistic" kufei:

Home care

Caring for kufei is not difficult, the main thing is to provide conditions for temperature and abundant watering. Should not be allowed freezing plants and being in a draft.

Post-Purchase Care

Kufei can often be purchased at garden centers already in the form of a finished plant.

After purchase, in without fail it is necessary to transplant into a new pot or to a flower bed of the site.

IMPORTANT!
For easier planting root system may be closed special bag, which provides easy separation of the plant from the ground.

However, if it is not removed, the fabric will stop letting water through to the roots, rotting and a flower will begin. perish. In addition, transplantation is carried out not by transshipment of an earthen coma, but by the maximum complete cleansing root system from the transport substrate.

pruning

The plant reaches its maximum height very quickly, therefore, to stimulate branching and formation beautiful crown need to constantly perform pinching of the tops of the shoots and corrective pruning. If grown perennial, then the cut is made at the beginning of spring before active development and preparation for flowering began.

On fiery red kufei, only pruning of elongated shoots is usually performed. More time should be devoted to the hyssopolistic formation - due to the strong branching, this plant can be given the appearance of a ball or pyramid.

Watering

Both indoor and garden kufei are watered in moderation with water at room temperature in the summer. In autumn, the procedure is performed 1 time in 2-3 days. In winter, the amount of water is reduced, but it is impossible to allow a strong drying of the coma.

In spring and summer, during flowering, you can add to the water mineral fertilizers, based on 20 grams per bucket.

Landing and ground

For planting kufei, fertile nutrient soil is needed. You can make it yourself by mixing 1 part leaf, humus, peat and sod land, and half river sand. If this is not possible, then the purchase of a universal slightly acidic soil is allowed.

When growing kufei on the street, it is moved there after a significant increase average daily temperature- best in late May or early June. The place for planting should be sunny, the soil is soft and fertile.

Transfer

When growing kufei as houseplant, it must be replanted annually in early spring, before the flowering period begins. At the same time, you can trim or pinch.

The pot is selected from any material, but with the obligatory presence of holes in the bottom. Size - 2-3 cm larger in diameter than the former before.

As soon as the capacity reaches 25 cm, transplantation is performed 1 time in 2-3 years. A thick layer of expanded clay drainage or brick chips is poured down.

cultivation

Where to grow Kufeya? Gardeners living in the southern part of the country can grow kufei under open sky as an annual crop.

The flower is planted in the garden not before the end May as soon as frost has passed.

A place must be chosen with good lighting, but partial shade is also allowed. Do not plant kufei in a damp place where there is no air movement. The gap between the bushes should be at least 30-35 cm.

reproduction

The flower propagates by cuttings or seeds.

The cuttings are cut from the top of the plant and planted in the ground in early spring, when the air temperature reaches +18 degrees, or they are rooted in a glass of water.

To ensure the shape of the bush, you can plant 2-3 shoots in one place at once.

When the cutting begins to grow and three pairs of new leaves grow in addition, the top is pinched.

Seeds are sown in the ground in March-April The main thing is that it was already warm and the sun was shining brightly. They are not covered with earth from above. For the best shoot, it is desirable that the temperature outside be at least +18 degrees. You can also place the seeds in a bowl, close the bag, and put it in a warm place. After germination, they are planted in disposable cups, and then as they grow into the ground or a large pot.

Temperature

Kufeya is thermophilic. In the summer, it grows well at room temperature + 22-25 degrees.

On the winter period it is lowered to + 12-18 degrees, but not lower.

The flower does not tolerate low temperatures and cold drafts.

When grown outdoors, the bush is either used as an annual, or dug up and transferred to wintering indoors.

Lighting

The plant should be in a bright place, with shading from direct rays. In an apartment, these can be east or west windows. If there is not enough light, then the kufei will not bloom, and the leaves will lose their color and be dull. Upon receipt sunburn they blush.

Benefit and harm

Plants are not poisonous or toxic. In some countries, kufei is planted for seeds. Fatty acids are made from them, which are used for industrial and domestic purposes.

Diseases and pests

The flower is not inclined to pest infestation, however, a spider mite or scale insect may appear on it.

When damaged by a spider mite, a thin white cobweb forms on the leaves.

At initial stage Wash the plant gently with a soft sponge and soapy water.

In a running form, after washing, you still have to spray with chemicals.

When a scale insect appears on the leaves, brown bulges are clearly visible, which are the shells of these insects.

To fight it you need to brush with soapy water rinse all leaves on both sides, mechanically cleaning off the pest. If necessary, then you can still treat with insecticides.

Appearance gray spots on the leaves and rotting of the stem is the result of the appearance of fungi and gray rot. It is necessary to treat the plants with fungicides against rot.

Attention! Being in a draft can cause leaf shedding.

Conclusion

Kufeya - popular garden plant, which is grown for its bright flowers. It can be used both in an apartment in pots and on personal plot in open ground. When leaving, you need comply with the conditions for irrigation and lighting. Because of rapid growth requires constant pruning and pinching.

Kufeya got its name from the Greek people, translated from their language "kufeya" means - curved. Its fruits are of an irregular curved shape, maybe that's why it was called that. It is very beautiful and exquisite plant grows well in the southern regions of America, there are more than 250 species. Some of them are annuals, some are perennials.

Kufeya is mainly preferred to be grown as an annual, but flower lovers grow this beauty at home with great success. In regions with a warm climate, kufeya tolerates wintering well and can be grown as a perennial. The beautiful flowers of this plant cannot leave anyone indifferent. Kufeya pleases with its flowering for quite a long time: from the beginning of March to the end of September. Thanks to its exquisite colors, it looks very beautiful in large flower pots or containers and decorates the entire flower bed with its appearance.

Lauric acid is obtained from kufei seeds, it is grown in some regions for these purposes. Interest in the decorativeness of kufei has arisen recently, but breeders have already managed to bring out more than ten species of this wonderful plant.

prostrate kufeya- an annual, it is very difficult to find it in the store. About 50 cm high, with well developed stems. Flowers white to purple. When planting in a greenhouse or open ground rises very quickly.

Pale kufeya- annual, propagated by cuttings, which begin to bloom in early June. The foliage is abundant, the flowers are small, mostly red. Can be grown in pots and containers. Looks great and how individual plant, and in various compositions. Looks original in hanging planters.

hyssopolis kufeya- a wonderful annual with a very neat shape of a bush, perfectly keeps the shape of a bush even with bad weather conditions. small pink flowers very much, loves a lot of heat and water. Great for growing on balconies and flower beds. It also propagates by cuttings, appears on sale in early spring.

"Flaming Bonfire"- a very beautiful amelny annual is literally strewn with red flowers, thanks to which it got its name. Also at timely pruning can grow like a small bush. The contrast of red flowers and bright green foliage will not leave anyone indifferent.

lanceolate kufeya- extravagant tall plant with narrow long flowers lilac. Propagated mainly by seeds, like most varieties of this plant. pleases long flowering from the beginning of July to the end of September.

Fiery red kufeya- a very heat-loving plant, prefers to grow indoors. But it can be taken out into the street in June, it will thank you even more abundant flowering. Popularly, this species is called the "cigarette" because of the tubular shape of the flowers with dark edges. The plant is very compact, looks great on windowsills and balconies.

Care of the kufei

It is necessary to place the kufei in bright, sunny places, thanks to which it will develop perfectly.

In warm southern regions, kufei is recommended to be grown in flower beds as an annual. Compact beautiful bushes look great in gardens and balconies. It will harmoniously look in a flower bed in a composition with other flowers, but it can also attract attention well in a single planting. It also grows well in hanging planters indoors. In summer, the kufei needs to be taken outside to a calm place so that it gets enough air. In the fall, it is recommended to bring it into place in the room.

follow appearance kufei need to be very careful: as they wither, remove flowers, cut off dried leaves and shoots.

temperature and watering. Beautiful kufeya loves very much frequent watering, but with the advent of autumn, it must be gradually reduced. During the flowering period, it is necessary to prevent the earthen coma from drying out; with a lack of moisture, the plant can drop buds and flowers. Room temperature is very suitable for the growth of kufei, but for the winter it needs to provide no more than 5 degrees of heat. This temperature will be ideal for keeping kufei in winter time of the year. In early spring you need to cut the branches of this plant by about a third so that the young shoots can gain strength before intensive flowering.

Feeding kufei. Kufeya is not indifferent to organic fertilizers. It is necessary to feed it with each watering throughout the spring and summer. Any complex fertilizer diluted in water at the rate of 20 g per 10 liters of water. It is preferable to treat kufei with fertilizer for feeding leafy plants, and for feeding flowering plants. You can buy fertilizer in specialized flower shops. Now on sale huge selection fertilizer for flowers.

It is advisable to transplant the kufei every year. In this case, the shoots will be updated and more lush flowering will occur. The soil for transplantation is well drained and fertilized to minimize the effects of transplantation. You can buy soil for planting a plant in a store, but you can cook it yourself. To do this, you need to take 2 parts of the earth, one part of sand and peat. When transplanting, you need to be extremely careful to cause as little damage to the plant as possible. After transplanting, you need to pour the kufei very well and put it on the windowsill. Drafts should not be allowed after transplanting the plant, it can shed its leaves. Also, the first time after transplanting, you do not need to water the plant often, this can lead to rotting of the roots.

Reproduction of kufei. Kufei is preferable to propagate by cuttings in spring period. The air temperature during cuttings should exceed 18 degrees. For creating lush bush You can plant several cuttings in one pot. For correct formation bush, you need to pinch the plant when the third pair of leaves appears. Thanks to this, the bush will be more lush and beautiful.

You can also grow kufei from seeds. You can try growing new varieties by buying them in the store. Seeds should be sown in March, when the sun begins to warm. The temperature for seed germination should be at least 18 degrees. For better germination, you can make a greenhouse effect. To do this, the seeds are laid out in a container, it is not necessary to sprinkle with earth, and cover with a film. Put the container in a warm place, periodically open and water with a spray bottle. When the plants grow up, they need to be transplanted into plastic cups, and after a little more time in pots in a permanent place.

Possible diseases of kufei. May appear on leaves and stems dark spots caused by gray mold and various fungi. If this disease is detected, it is necessary to treat the plant with a fungicide or other drugs. This plant is also very fond of whiteflies. There is also a remedy for it on sale. You need to sprinkle the solution on the plant, and the whitefly will leave it alone.

Some believe that kufei can bring people together. For these purposes, this flower is placed in the office so that it helps people to make contact. And in the house where it is beautiful plant, there is always a friendly and sensitive atmosphere. By placing a kufei in the room, you will definitely feel its positive impact on yourself.

Kufeya (Cuphea) are perennial and annual herbs and shrubs belonging to the Derbennikov family. This numerous genus consists of about 250 species and lives in the American tropics and subtropics. Some kufeis are cultivated to obtain oil from seeds, others as honey plants and ornamental plants.

general description

Kufei represents fast growing plant with slightly curved smooth narrow leaves of dark green color. Stems up to half a meter upright or ampelous.

It blooms from spring to autumn with red, white or purple flowers. original form 2-3 cm long. The shape of the bud of some species resembles a smoldering cigarette, for which it received the name "cigarette tree". Because of a large number species flowers can be of various shapes and sizes. Usually large-flowered species do not bloom very profusely, while small-flowered species favorable conditions almost completely covered with buds.

Types of kufei

• – annual flower 90 cm high. Red tubular flowers with a purple or white limb. The leaves are light green.

• Kufeya Fiery Red- bush up to 35 cm in height with red tubular flowers.

• - an annual hybrid species with red flowers 30 cm high.

• - an annual duckweed up to 40 cm high with branching creeping stems. Flowers white, lilac or purple.

• Kufeya Hyssopolis is a bush up to 50 cm high with branching stems and numerous elongated leaves. The flowers are white, pink or red-violet, up to 2 cm in diameter.

• Kufeya Pale compact shrub with many red flowers. Widely used as a houseplant.

Care of the kufei

The plant is more suitable for flower beds, but because of the beauty of flowering bushes it is successfully grown as potted plant. IN room culture Kufeya grows quickly and can reach a size of 40-60 cm both in height and in width. It is grown as a bush or ampelous plant.

Temperature and lighting- the plant needs good lighting, but from the direct rays of the sun at noon it must be protected. With a lack of light, flowering will be poor or not at all.

In summer, kufeya will grow at normal temperatures, and in winter it should be reduced to 10-18 degrees, but not lower than 8. In summer, the plant can be taken out onto the street or balcony, but remember that it really does not like drafts.

Humidity and watering- the plant should be watered very abundantly, draining the water from the pan after 30 minutes, but between watering the soil in the pot should dry slightly. In autumn, watering is gradually reduced. Good drainage is needed, as moisture stagnation at the roots is unacceptable.

Every other day, kufei needs to be sprayed, especially in summer or if it hibernates in a living room with dry air. Sometimes it should be rinsed in the shower.

Fertilizer and top dressing- during the growing season twice a month with fertilizers for ornamental flowering plants.

Soil and transplant- suitable soil for ornamental flowering plants, you need drainage and a pot regular shape. Young kufei are transplanted annually, and adult plants - in the spring in a slightly larger bowl when they braid the entire earthen ball with their roots.

Flowering and pruning- blooms profusely from the first year of life in June-November. Kufei grows very quickly and reaches its maximum size. In early spring, as soon as new leaves appear, it is cut off by two-thirds. Throughout the season, young shoots pinch, strongly - if you grow it in the form of a bush, a little, only to form more side shoots - if it grows as an ampelous plant.

If during the winter the plant has lost its decorative effect, you can throw it away, having previously rooted it. apical cuttings. They will bloom at the same time mature plant. In summer, the plant can be planted in a flower bed, and in the fall it can be brought indoors.

Reproduction of kufei

Kufei is propagated by cuttings or seeds.

Vegetative propagation

In March-April, during pruning, cuttings with a length of at least 7 cm are taken, the lower leaves are cut off, the cut is treated with a root formation stimulator and planted in a sand-peat mixture. Planting is covered with a transparent film and rooted at room temperature, moisturizing and airing regularly.

After rooting, the cuttings are planted in pots in several pieces for greater decorative effect. Kufeya can be successfully propagated by placing its branches in a glass of water.

seed propagation

Kufei seeds have poor germination, in order to get several plants, you need to sow a lot of them. In the spring, scatter the seeds over the surface of the soil, press them lightly, spray them with a spray bottle and cover with glass, without sprinkling soil on top. Place the seed container in a bright place with a temperature of 18-22 degrees, moisten and ventilate regularly.

Remove the glass after the shoots appear, and when they grow a little, dive into small cups.

Pests, diseases and possible problems

• Kufeya can be affected by aphids and spider mites. Treat it with an insecticide.
• The plant can rot if it is systematically poured.
• Leaves may fall if the kufei is standing in a draft.
• Gray spots on the leaves can signal the appearance of a fungus or gray rot - cut off the affected parts, and treat the plant with a systemic fungicide.
• Kufeya is prone to chlorosis - if her leaves turn yellow, but remain elastic, pour it with iron chelate, or even better, spray it on the leaf.

kufei belong to the family loosestrife. These are Mexican plants. Greek name. The name, however, is quite prosaic. Kyphos translates as "bent, crooked". The fruits of the kufei are really slightly curved.

In the Central and South America there are up to 200 types of kufay. There are annuals among them, reaching almost a meter in height, there are undersized shrubs and shrubs. The latter are popular in Europe as container plants.

Especially appreciated kufeya fiery red (C. ignea, or C. platycentra), hyssopolis kufeya (C. hyssopifolia) And kufeya micropetal (C. micropetala). In our country, these species are more known to lovers of indoor plants.

Kufeya micropetal shrub 30-40 cm high, with small narrow leaves, very similar to hyssopolis kufeya . small flowers appear one after another, but not in the axils of the leaves, but higher, above them. The flowers, that is, the calyx, are yellow, scarlet at the base, with a greenish throat, the stamens are red. There are six petals, but they are so tiny that they are not visible because of the teeth of the calyx, hence the name of the species. A lot of seeds are formed, but this plant is propagated mainly by cuttings.

Kufeis bloom from March, as soon as the sun begins to shine brighter, and until October, when its light fades. Kufei bushes grow quite quickly, they need to be pinched, trimmed and transplanted regularly, otherwise the decorative effect of plants is significantly reduced. Abroad, this feature is successfully used by planting kufeis for the summer in large outdoor vases and concrete containers, along with various flyers.

annual species cuphea grown in their homeland to obtain seeds - a source fatty acids, including laurel, without which they cannot do in the production of shampoos. And as decorative, these plants are little known, and only in recent decades have breeders seriously taken up them.

Almost all species have flowers with six unequal petals - the top two are much larger than the other four. And the one who likes a riot of colors and large flowers hardly see anything remarkable in them. Modest kufei - for lovers of the exotic and meditation. Or for owners of cats and dogs: an unceremonious pet cannot get through a bed with tall kufei - they are unlikely to like numerous sticky shoots.

In Arizona, in the eighties of the last century, a lot of work was begun to obtain valuable decorative interspecific hybrids - scientists crossed different types kufei. But the novelties have not yet reached Europe.

Photophilous, prefers bright lighting, but tolerates partial shade.

thermophilic, optimum temperature in summer - 20-25°С, in winter 12-18°С (for room culture).

Watering is plentiful in summer, moderate in winter, drying out of the soil is undesirable.

Annual pruning in spring.

It is practically not subject to diseases and pests, the appearance of spider mite with dry air.