Description and photos of nematanthus species: Gregarius, Tropicana, Fritsch, Albus, Golenasty, Fine-bristle. Nematanthus - tropical goldfish in our planters

The genus Nematanthus has only six species of semi-epiphytic and epiphytic vines, shrubs and shrubs, which are part of the Gesneriev family. In the wild, these plants are most often found in South America.

The origin of the name is due to two Greek words nema - thread and anthos - flower, due to the fact that some flowers of the plant have a thin and long pedicel. The flowers are red, orange, pink or yellow. In appearance, the nematanthus plant can be compared with the flower of the hypocyrta and columna, for this reason, some species were previously also assigned to this genus.

Varieties and types of nematanthus

This plant is climbing with satin green, elliptical and opposite leaves, reaching up to 5-10 centimeters, which have a reddish color on the underside.

In the wild, the plant reaches up to 60 centimeters in height. The leaves are reddish below, reach up to 7.5 centimeters, quite beautiful with a green color. The flowers are bright pink, with a funnel up to 5 cm.

It is an epiphytic climbing shrub. Leaves are light green in color, hairless, elliptical and opposite, reaching up to 10 cm long and 4 cm wide, with a pedicel up to 10 cm long, which emerges from the axils of the leaflets. The flowers are solitary, funnel-shaped, have a scarlet-red color, and the corolla tube is swollen at the base. The calyx consists of five narrow segments, incised.

It is grown as an ampelous plant with thin, abundantly branching stems, reaching up to 90 centimeters in length. The leaf cover is small, waxy, oval, with a dark green color. The flowers have an orange-red hue with impurities yellow color reach up to 2.5 centimeters in length. The flowering period occurs quite abundantly and for a long time.

Nematanthus home care

When growing nematanthus, it is necessary to provide diffused bright lighting up to 12-14 hours a day, somewhat similar to lighting for Saintpaulia. When choosing a place for permanent habitation, it is best to choose windows of east and west orientation, the plant can also endure placement at the north window, but in autumn winter period the plant will lack sunlight and may have a flowering problem.

If the plant is placed at the windows of the southern orientation, then it will summer period it is necessary to provide shading from direct sunlight to avoid sunburn of the foliage.

In winter, it is necessary to provide the nematanthus with maximum lighting. You can also carry out additional illumination, plants respond well to them. Copies of large sizes should be placed under fluorescent lamps not very convenient due to their size.

During the period of active vegetation, the plant must be kept in a warm room at a temperature range of 19 to 24 degrees. AT winter time there is a dormant period of the plant, during which it is necessary to lower the temperature regime to 14-16 degrees.

Nematanthus can tolerate a decrease in temperature quite well, but with prolonged exposure to temperatures below 13 degrees, it will adversely affect appearance plants. If the temperature content reaches 7 degrees, the leaf cover falls off and turns brown. At a very high temperature content of about 27 degrees and above, the plant suffers very much. At night, it is very useful for the plant to ensure that the temperature drops to 5-10 degrees.

Watering and humidity

In spring- autumn period the nematanthus plant requires abundant watering, and in winter, watering is reduced to moderate, especially when kept cool. It is necessary to use only soft and settled water when watering. room temperature, which is moistened as the top layer of the soil dries.

If these are species with large leaves that absorb more moisture, differentiated moisture is used, depending on the size of the leaves, the size of the plant itself and the composition of the soil.

If your plant has a clustering of large leaves and falling off of small ones, this is the result of insufficient watering. With a strong overdrying of the soil, it is necessary to immerse the plant with a pot in a container of water to allow the earth to absorb moisture, and then pour fresh earth into the cracks formed between the walls and the soil.

The nematanthus plant needs to provide a relative humidity of about 50 percent. Moreover, the level of humidity is directly proportional to the temperature of the content: the higher the temperature conditions, the higher the humidity should be. At temperature conditions not higher than 21 degrees, it is recommended to provide 50 percent humidity. If the temperature reaches up to 27 degrees, the air humidity needs to be increased to a higher level of about 60 percent.

Every day it is useful to spray the plant from a spray bottle with soft and warm water. In winter, spraying is not performed when kept in cool conditions, but you can place dishes with a plant on wet expanded clay or pebbles to increase air humidity.

Fertilizer and pruning

During the period of active vegetation, the nematanthus is fed once every two weeks with a complex mineral fertilizer. In the autumn, feeding should be reduced, and in the winter, they should not be fed at all.

The flowering of the plant occurs from spring to autumn, but if you provide the plant with sufficient lighting in the winter, it can also bloom.

A characteristic difference for nematanthus from many plants is the appearance of flowers only on young shoots. It is for this reason that the plant needs regular anti-aging pruning. Usually it is carried out after the flowering period.

With a warm content of the plant in the winter, it grows, and needs a new spring pruning. Overgrown plants should not be thrown away, they can also be re-rooted, cut off stronger shoots and root them.

Nematanthus transplant

AT spring period transplant the nematanthus into the earth mixture as needed. Do not greatly increase the size of the dishes when transplanting, as the plant feels best in cramped conditions. New dishes are chosen a little larger by 1-2 centimeters in diameter, compared to the previous pot.

Epiphytic or semi-epiphytic existence in natural conditions due to the need for drainage in the tank, stagnant moisture in the dishes and loose soil. The substrate is slightly acidic or neutral, light, loose and breathable with a pH of 5.5-6. For example, you can use the following composition: 1 part of humus, 2 parts leaf ground, 1 part peat and 1 part sand, with chopped sphagnum and pieces added to the soil charcoal.

Nematanthus propagation by seeds and cuttings

Nematanthus propagates with the help of seeds in the same way as other Gesneriaceae propagate. Sprinkle dusty seeds on White list paper from already ripe boxes. With gentle tapping on the leaf, the seeds should be evenly sown on the surface of the pre-moistened and leveled substrate, and then covered with glass.

After that, the crops are irrigated through the pallet. And as soon as the first shoots appear, the glass should be moved to the edge, the seedlings need to be picked. Grown up young plants are planted in the same way as cuttings, in one bowl, several pieces. The flowering period will come next year.

Nemanthus is successfully propagated by stem or apical cuttings. Cuttings are cut in the amount of 7 to 10 centimeters throughout the year. Leaves are removed from the lower third of the cutting and planted in sphagnum or in loose, breathable soil. The mother plant, from which the cuttings were cut, is better for the first time to hide from the sun in a shaded place. After a long period, numerous shoots will appear from the center of the dish.

Possible difficulties

• The appearance of light brown spots on the surface of the leaves , may indicate watering with cool water, for watering the water temperature should be 20 degrees.
• If the nematanthus sheds its leaf cover in the autumn-winter period , the reason for this may be the low temperature limit in the content.
• The plant suffers from a strong overdrying of the root system. , this is due to too dry substrate in the summer.
• Leaf tips turn yellow and dry , the reason may be low humidity at high temperature.
• Flowers turn brown and fall , this happens when water gets on the flowers, try not to do this when spraying.
• The plant can be affected by the disease gray rot with excess moisture . As well as pests: aphids, thrips, spider mites.

Nematanthus (Nematanthus) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family. Under natural conditions, it is a semi-shrub or herbaceous plant, growing or attached permanently on other plants (epiphyte). The genus includes about 30 species. Nematanthus is native to South America. By modern classification it included the once independent genus Hypocirta.

general description

The shoots of the nematanthus are climbing, creeping or hanging down, up to 90 cm long. They first grow vertically, then fall under their own weight. Its leaves are small, juicy, elongated with a sharp tip, painted green, in some species the underside sheet plate purple.

For the unusual shape of the flowers with fused sepals, the nematanthus is sometimes called the "goldfish". The corollas of the plant are painted in orange, pink, red, purple colors. Flowering is abundant, long, lasts all summer.

Nematanthus is considered both an ornamental and ornamental flowering plant.

Types of nematanthus

• Nematanthus Golenasty - shrub with oval smooth leaves up to 10 cm long and red flowers.
• Nematanthus Wetstein - it is a plant with thin drooping stems up to 90 cm long. The leaves are small, as if waxy, of a beautiful dark green color. Blooms with yellow-orange flowers.
• Nematanthus Tropicana It has yellow-orange flowers with red stripes.

• Nematanthus gregarius- it is thanks to this species that the nematanthus is sometimes called a goldfish. Its yellow-red flowers really resemble aquarium fish in shape and color.
• Nematanthus Prirechny is a climbing plant with lemon flowers. The leaves are shiny, green above, reddish below, smooth and shiny, 5-10 cm in size.

• Fritsch's Nematanthus- a shrub up to 60 cm high with a pubescent stem and pink flowers. The leaves, painted red on the underside, reach 7.5 cm.

• Nematanthus Naked- semi-ampel shrub with glossy small leaves and bright orange flowers.
• Nematanthus Monetolistny - plant with drooping shoots and tiny light green leaves. When the red flowers with a yellow limb fade, the plant sheds its leaves.
• Nematanthus Fine-bristle - miniature, no more than 25 cm tall plant with orange-red flowers.

Nematanthus Care

Nematanthus is not one of the easy-to-care plants, but if you follow all the rules exactly, taking care of it will not take much time.

Temperature and lighting

Nematanthus needs a lot of sun, he will feel great on the south window, and only on a summer afternoon shading may be required. This is one of those plants that can grow completely with artificial lighting. Lighting is required in winter.

In summer, room temperature is suitable for nematanthus. Cooler wintering at 16-18 degrees stimulates flowering. The plant can withstand lower temperatures, but then it should almost stop watering.

Humidity and watering

Humidity doesn't matter. Spray only at high temperature and dry air.

Watering is plentiful in summer, moderate in autumn, and scarce in winter. Do not allow stagnation of water at the roots and drying of the earthen coma.

Fertilizer and top dressing

Nematanthus is fed in spring and summer with a complete mineral fertilizer, and in the spring this is done twice a month, and in the summer - once every 3-4 weeks. Top dressing is stopped after flowering.

Soil and transplant

The plant is suitable substrate for saintpaulia with the addition of crushed brick, sand, crushed coal, sphagnum moss and pine bark so that the soil is more suitable for epiphyte.

Often the plant does not need to be repotted. It is enough to transplant the flower every 2-3 years into a larger pot with a good drainage layer. A pot for a nematanthus is suitable for a small and small one - it has a weak root system.

Flowering and pruning

Nematanthus blooms for a long time and abundantly on the shoots of the current year. So that the flowering is plentiful, and the bush beautiful plant need annual pruning.

Grown as an ampelous plant, the nematanthus is pruned lightly, only to stimulate the formation of side shoots. The flower, which is formed in the form of a bush, is cut in half. This can be done in the fall immediately after flowering or in the spring, in late February - early March.

Reproduction of the nematanthus

Nematanthus is propagated throughout the year by apical cuttings with at least four internodes. It is better if there are 6-8 of them.

Rooting can occur in water, perlite or peat. All you need is a high temperature, about 22-25 degrees, daily spraying, light and a transparent film for shelter. For rooting, it is better to take thick shoots from previous years, as young branches can rot.

When young plants go into growth, they are planted in the ground in several pieces.

Pests, diseases and possible problems

When pests appear, the nematanthus is treated with an insecticide, for example, aktelik.

In the absence of drainage or stagnant water at the roots, various rots can affect the plant, and powdery mildew is also possible. Stop watering and spraying and treat the flower with a systemic fungicide.

At improper watering and too cold, the nematanthus can drop leaves and flowers.

Too much fertilizer will cause the leaves to turn yellow.

If you spray the plants at noon, a burn may appear on the leaves.

From watering cold water the plant may shed its leaves.

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Nematanthus is a genus of plants of the Gesneriaceae family, which includes about 30 species, among which are lianas, shrubs and semi-shrubs. In the modern classification, it also includes hypocyrta, which was previously considered a separate genus. Therefore, in the literature you can find both the first and the second name.

In its natural environment, the nematanthus grows in tropical forests. South America. Most species are characterized by an epiphytic and semi-epiphytic way of life. They settle in the forks of tree branches, on fallen trunks and in other places with a loose, light and moisture-intensive substrate.

Nematanthus Care

Features of natural existence must be taken into account when growing nematanthus at home. To obtain a full-fledged healthy plant, it is necessary to adjust the ratio of humidity and temperature. At a temperature of about 20 - 21 ° C, the humidity should be about 50%, and with a warmer content, it will have to be increased to 60%. Nematanthus is very responsive to spraying soft warm water. Moreover, often in conditions of dry air, the leaves curl and crumble, the shoots go bald and lose their decorative effect.

Watering during the growing season should be plentiful. It is carried out as the surface of the substrate dries, using a soft settled, preferably warm water. In winter, especially when kept in a cool environment, watering is reduced. During this period, care should be taken to avoid waterlogging, which can destroy the plant. After drying, the nematanthus can be restored by half-immersing the pot in a container of water and filling the gaps formed between the walls of the flowerpot and the earthen clod with fresh soil.

Optimum for keeping nematanthus is bright diffused lighting. It is desirable to keep it on the windows of the western and eastern orientation. On the north side, especially in the autumn-winter period, the plant will not receive enough light, which may adversely affect its flowering. Poor lighting is also manifested in the general appearance of the nematanthus - it takes on an unhealthy, frail appearance, its shoots are drawn out, the leaves become smaller and turn pale, and flowering becomes rare and scarce. Growing on southern windows is fraught with the appearance sunburn, so this option is only appropriate if there is shading. In winter, additional lighting will not hurt, which will keep the plant beautiful and healthy.

Nematanthus flowers are formed only on the shoots of the current year, so the plant needs regular rejuvenating pruning. As a rule, it is carried out after flowering has ended, but if the bush grows during the winter, a new pruning is required in the spring. Heavily overgrown specimens can be re-rooted using the strongest shoots for this purpose.

Nematanthus transplant

Transplantation is carried out in the spring, but only in cases where the pot is clearly small for the plant. New flowerpot should not be much larger than the previous one, since the roots can rot in an excessively large volume of soil. To prevent stagnant water, good drainage and a light, loose substrate with a neutral or slightly acidic medium and good aeration are necessary. Suitable soil mixture of humus, peat, leaf soil and sand in a ratio of 1:1:2:1. You can also add chopped sphagnum and pieces of charcoal to the substrate.

Reproduction of the nematanthus

Like other representatives of the Gesneriaceae family, the nematanthus successfully propagates by cuttings. They can be harvested throughout the year using stem pieces about 10 cm long. After clearing the leaves from the lower parts of the cuttings, they are planted in sphagnum, peat tablets or other breathable substrate, in which they soon take root. To obtain more magnificent specimens, several cuttings are planted in one container. The mother bush soon produces numerous young shoots.

The seed method of reproduction also gives good results. From the ripe boxes, the seeds are shaken out onto a sheet of paper, then evenly sown on a carefully leveled and moistened substrate, without embedding. From above, the seed container is covered with glass, which must be removed from time to time in order to ventilate. Watering is best done through the pan. Fortified seedlings dive, and then planted several pieces in one pot. At proper care flowering occurs within a year.

The plant is resistant to diseases and pests. Occasionally it is affected by spider mites, aphids and thrips. But most often, problems arise in connection with a violation of the conditions of care.

Nematanthus bloom with early spring until the end of autumn. However, with additional illumination, flowering continues into the winter. In the axils of the leaves appear orange, red or yellow (rarely white or pink) flowers of a bizarre tubular shape. They have modest size, but are usually formed in large quantities and against the background of juicy green leaves look very impressive. With proper care of the nematanthus, you can get a picturesque ampelous plant, which will be an excellent choice for landscaping bright windows.

Nematanthus, or hypocirta, is a tropical plant that has appeared relatively recently in our home flower beds. Therefore, not all growers know how to properly care for this handsome man so that he is always green and pleasing to the eye. Caring for a nematanthus, indeed, requires some effort. But they more than pay off with the result: blooming view beautiful plant which leaves no one indifferent.

plant description

The homeland of the nematanthus is the rainforests of the Amazon, where it grows freely in the form of small bushes with flexible stems. This plant is of the type climbing vines, and therefore it seems to be asking itself to be grown in a flower pot on the wall or in flowerpots on various openwork stands installed at a height. Dark green, sometimes with bluish veins, the leaves of the nematanthus are located oppositely on the branches, have an ovoid or elliptical shape, from 3 to 10 cm in size. The underside of the leaves sometimes has purple and slight swelling.

Nematanthus flowers are similar in shape and size to aquarium fish.

Thanks to the original unusual shape flowers resembling smaller copies of aquarium goldfish, nematanthus can become a wonderful decoration for a home flower garden. Each type of nematanthus has its own color nuance - its buds can be painted in various shades red and yellow. The shape of the flowers is also very interesting: the petals of its corolla grow together like a pocket-shaped cavity with a tubular throat, and the corolla itself is sometimes painted purple. Bottom part flowers may have a slight swelling, which makes them look like exotic fruits, berries, and even goldfish. All this looks very elegant and decorative: against the background of a mass of dark juicy leaves, they stand out like precious stones, bright flowers. During the flowering period, nematanthus is a true miracle that can bring a smile and cheer up.

Flowering nematanthus bright view transforms everything around

At home, in the Amazon jungle, in Brazil, nematanthus bloom only in summer, and in home flower garden with proper care, these plants bloom for a long time - from the beginning of spring to the end of autumn.

A popular belief is associated with nematanthus. They say that in a house where this plant blooms, there will certainly be happiness and prosperity. It is also believed that this flower freshens the air in the room.

Variety of species

In the genus of nematanthus, botanists count 28 species, about 7–8 of them grow in flower gardens of plant growers around the world.

• Nematanthus Gregorius is perhaps the most spectacular, therefore it is most often cultivated by flower lovers. It is he who is known by his second name - "Goldfish". This type of nematanthus has thick dark green leaves and bright red-orange flowers that actually resemble aquarium fish. There are several varieties of Gregorius, the most famous is the Australian subspecies. It looks best in wall or hanging planters: with this type of cultivation, it does not need to cut off the shoots, let its vines fall beautifully. This is a spectacle for true lovers of the exotic.
• The Wetstein species is also very common. It gives many vine-like shoots up to 90 cm long. The leaves of this plant are small, oval in shape. Their surface is glossy waxy, the color is rich dark green. The flowers are tubular, yellow, orange-red, slightly swollen, up to 2.5 cm long. They look magical against the background of dark green foliage. Like other representatives of the genus, Wetstein's nematanthus blooms continuously from spring to mid-autumn.
• Fritsch view. Less common than the previous two, but still well known. Fritsch's nematanthus is a relatively large beautiful species with rather large leaves that have a light edge on the underside. Nematanthus Fritsch forms bushes up to 60 cm tall. Its flowers are gracefully curved, bright pink, shaped like a funnel.
• Fine-bristled nematanthus is a small shrub 20–25 cm high, which produces straight ascending shoots that are quite branched. The leaves of this type of nematanthus are oval, shiny, small, single or collected in threes. The flowers are tubular with a spherical swelling, with a corolla, which has a slight limb. The color of the buds is a bright yellow-orange, classic for the nematanthus genus.
• Ankle nematanthus belongs to the type of climbing shrubs. Its leaves are light green and large, reaching a length of 7–10 cm. Pedicels are just as long, with solitary red flowers, strongly swollen on the tube.
• View Prirechny. It is also a very graceful climbing plant. The leaves of the riverine nematanthus are large, elliptical, about 10 cm long, back side their purple. The flowers are lemon yellow, up to 5 cm long. The pharynx of the flower, unlike most nematanthus, is deployed, the tube is pubescent on the outside.
• Nematanthus Tropicana distinguishes among other nematanthus large flowers pitcher-shaped. In the lower part they are swollen, their color is yellow-orange, bright. Stripes of red-brown and golden-burgundy color stand out noticeably on the buds. Bracts are red-orange. The flowers are incredibly beautiful. The reverse side of the dark green dense, glossy leaves of the Tropicana has a reddish tint. The shape of the leaves is oval, pointed. The shoots are erect, but eventually droop and branch. The type of Tropicana nematanthus is very popular among plant growers, because it blooms profusely and spectacularly for a long time.
• The unique type of Santa Teresa nematanthus is considered to be rare, and it cannot be confused with others because of its large, catchy flowers. They reach 5 cm in length, are white or cream in color and are abundantly dotted with yellow dots and spots. The shape is tubular, pubescence is weak. Flowers emit a delightful aroma reminiscent of the smell of zest and olive oil. The mouths of Santa Teresa nematanthus flowers, unlike other species, are wide open to attract insects for pollination. Large (up to 7 cm) dark green elongated leaves of the Santa Teresa nematantus have reddish veins and pubescence on the underside. Shoots can reach 70 cm, but in the process of growth they droop and branch.
• Variegated (variegated) forms of nematanthus deserve special mention. Such forms of plants arise as a result of genetic mutations: some of the leaf cells do not produce chlorophyll, so the leaves acquire light green or white spots. Variegated nematanthus are extremely beautiful.

Photo gallery: the most common types of nematanthus

"Tropical sissy" nematanthus is very sensitive to the conditions of detention

During summer flowering, the temperature should be kept at 19–24 o C. But the nematanthus does not like intense heat: at 27 o C, it already begins to suffer - the tips of the leaves dry up. At night, it is recommended to keep the temperature 5 degrees lower than during the day.

Watering

In summer, the nematanthus should be watered when the top layer of the substrate dries up with soft, pre-settled water at a temperature environment. It is important to remember that watering should be individual for each species: large-leaved plants need more water than small-leaved ones. In winter, the nematanthus is watered sparingly.

illumination

Nematanthus requires bright but diffused lighting 12-14 hours a day. Therefore, pots with it are recommended to be placed on windows on the east or west side of the room. At windows on the south side, the plants must be shaded to protect them from sunburn. In winter, the nematanthus needs additional strong lighting.

It is best to place the nematanthus on the east or west windows.

Pre-plant and post-plant care

The blooming appearance of the nematanthus will provide not only the right temperature, light and watering conditions. Proper soil selection and timely top dressing will also affect the well-being of the plant.

Soil selection

Nematanthus prefer loose, light and breathable soil with slightly acidic or neutral chemical reaction(pH 5.5–6). The soil should be made up of leafy soil, humus, peat and sand (2: 1: 1: 1), it is advisable to add a little charcoal, pieces of sphagnum or pine bark.

top dressing

In order for the nematanthus to please you with its beautiful buds, you should feed it with fertilizers for flowering plants containing phosphorus and potassium. However, fertilizers should not be applied too often: top dressing should correspond to the natural cycles in which the plant develops. Between October and February, the nematanthus is at rest, so fertilizer should not be applied to the soil. But in the period from March to September, when young shoots actively grow and intensive flowering begins, there is a need for top dressing.

Fertilize the nematanthus only during the period of active growth.

Nematanthus should be fertilized in 10-15 days, not more often, otherwise the leaves and flowers will fade. Dosage of fertilizer - according to the manufacturer's recommendation.

plant pruning

Nematanthus needs shaping pruning at least once a year at the end of the active flowering period, that is, in October. It is necessary to carry out pruning as soon as shedding of leaves is indicated.

The pruning method is very simple: the shoots of old bushes are shortened by half the length, the branches of young bushes are cut by one third.

Nematanthus, like other types of houseplants, must be cut correctly.

Without annual pruning, the next year the plants will lose their foliage density, the crown will lose its density, the spectacular silhouette.

It is necessary to shorten the old branches of the nematantus so that they start up new shoots - only on them does this plant bloom the brightest and largest flowers. There are few flowers on last year's old branches, they are small and ugly.

Signs of improper care

1. No flowering, or it is insignificant. Causes: poor lighting, indoor air too cold or dry, lack of nutrition, the plant is not pruned.
2. Brownish spots appear on the leaves. Reason: watering too cold water. The water temperature should be 20 o C or slightly higher.
3. In summer, the plant sheds its leaves. Reason: drying out of the roots - the nematanthus requires compliance with the rules of watering. If the plant sheds leaves in winter, the reason for this is the low temperature in the room.
4. The tips of the leaves dry. Reason: low humidity and excessively high temperature.
5. Flowers fall prematurely, change their natural color. This is due to the fact that during watering drops of water fall on the flowers, this should be avoided.
6. The appearance of gray rot. Reason: excessive watering, it should be reduced.
7. Leaves fade. This may be due to an overdose of fertilizers, excessive lighting, excessively dry air. Neutralization of these factors brings the plant in order.

Pests and diseases of the nematanthus

Unfortunately, nematanthus are prone to all sorts of diseases, and many pests want to feast on their juicy greens. The best way the fight against all misfortunes is a strict observance of the requirements for care. But if it was not possible to avoid the disease, decisive measures should be taken. When attacked by aphids, scale insects, spider mite apply insecticides. When rot appears due to waterlogging of the soil, it is recommended to limit watering. Against powdery mildew apply fungicide treatment.

Table: causes of pests and diseases and their control

Photo gallery: from whom and from what the plant should be protected

How to plant and transplant nematanthus

Those who want to start a nematanthus at home can purchase an already formed flower in the store or try to grow it from seeds or cuttings.

Growing from seed

To propagate the nematanthus by seeds, it is first necessary to prepare the substrate - it must be leveled and moistened before sowing. The seeds of the nematanthus are very small, dusty; from a dried seed box, they must be poured onto a sheet of paper and evenly scattered over the surface of the prepared substrate, and then covered with glass. When the seeds sprout, the glass must be moved to the side so that a gap forms between the edge of the container and the glass.

Nematanthus seeds should be placed under glass

The grown seedlings dive - they are transplanted 5-6 pieces into a pot. Plants will bloom in a year.

Reproduction by cuttings

With this method of reproduction, the substrate is carefully loosened before planting. The mother plant is cut into cuttings 8-10 centimeters long (they can be harvested throughout the year). Leaves are cut off from the bottom of the cutting and planted in a prepared substrate (sphagnum, preferably fresh, can act as this).

Propagation of nematanthus by cuttings is considered a more traditional way.

The donor plant should be placed in a shaded place, and after a while it will give new shoots.

Transfer

The practice of cultivating nematanthus has shown that this plant needs to be transplanted. But it should be carried out no more than every 2-3 years, since the nematanthus develops at a fairly moderate rate. Transplantation is carried out in the spring, as soon as the first sign of growth of a young shoot appears.

Nematanthus has a small root, so it needs a compact pot, and the new one should not exceed the previous one by more than 2–3 cm in diameter. In too spacious flowerpots, nematanthus are more likely to infect diseases or pests. Besides, in large pots this tropical sissy grows and blooms poorly. As for the soil, it should be moist, soft and breathable.

Nematanthus transplant step by step

1. Prepare the container and soil for transplanting the plant. Take about a third of the pot where you plan to place the nematanthus under drainage (expanded clay, brick chips, vermiculite). Its presence ensures that the plant will not suffer from waterlogging. Make up a new substrate from leafy soil, peat, humus and sand (2: 1: 1: 1).
2. Carefully remove upper layer soil in an old pot, being careful not to damage the tender roots.
3. Remove the plant from the old flowerpot without destroying the clod of earth with the rhizome.
4. Place the root ball carefully on the drainage layer in the new pot.
5. Pour in the prepared new substrate. It is not necessary to compact the earth. With natural sedimentation of the soil, you can add a little earth, but still do not compact.