Indoor flowers can be an excellent decoration for your home, but only if you provide them with proper care. Growing and caring for indoor plants differs from the principles of cultivating plants in open ground. In order for your indoor flowers to constantly delight you with fresh greenery, you need to provide them with optimal temperature, humidity and lighting.

From this article you will learn how to properly grow and care for indoor plants, and examples of some popular flowers for the home will help you master this process.

Indoor plants can decorate and transform any interior. In order for them to delight you with greenery and flowers all year round, you need to follow certain rules for growing and caring for them.

First of all, home crops need a stable temperature regime (20 degrees in winter and 23 degrees in summer). A battery regulator will help maintain it in winter, and in summer it is necessary to regularly ventilate the room.

Note: Tropical species, like any others, cannot be grown in a hot room. If it is not possible to lower the temperature, provide high humidity to compensate for evaporated moisture.

Tropical flowers need care that replicates natural conditions. For example, arrange an artificial rainy season and drought. The rainy period can be reproduced by intensive watering, and during drought (from October to March) watering is significantly reduced. Other species also need to provide conditions as close as possible to the natural cycle of seasons, reducing or increasing watering, humidity levels and duration. daylight hours.

All varieties need to be provided with a period of vegetative rest. During this time they accumulate nutrients. To do this, you need to reduce watering and stop applying fertilizers and fertilizing. As a rule, the period of vegetative dormancy occurs in the winter months. However, if the room is too cold, the temperature must be raised artificially using induction heaters or regular radiators. They gradually increase the temperature, do not dry out the air and do not cause leaf burns.

Note: You cannot use heated floors, as they dry out the air very much and the flowers in such a room will die. If there is no other heating option, the leaves should be sprayed with water daily.

Regular ventilation will help reduce the temperature. But it is important to ensure that there is no draft in the room: intense air movement will lead to frostbite of leaves and death of crops. To reduce the temperature, you can use a fan running at low speed.

Peculiarities

Indoor flowers, especially tropical ones, are very sensitive to air humidity levels. Use of heaters and other heating devices dries out the air a lot, so flowers need to be provided with additional moisture (Figure 1):

• Place the pot in a large pot, covering the bottom with a layer of expanded clay. You need to water as usual. The layer of water under the expanded clay should not reach the bottom of the pot;
• The space between the walls of the pot and the flowerpot can be filled with moss or peat, constantly maintaining its moisture by regular spraying;
• Place a container of water near the fireplace or other sources of open fire;
• Place a small decorative fountain that will not only decorate the room, but also saturate it with the necessary moisture;
• Regularly spray the leaves on both sides. But this method of increasing humidity can only be used for crops with hard, dense leaves. Varieties with thin decorative leaves may develop fungus from this procedure.

Figure 1. Common ways to increase air humidity

The most modern device A saturator is used to increase the humidity in the room. This is a container that is filled with water and hung on the battery. The moisture gradually evaporates, humidifying the air.

Rules

Without regular watering, flowers begin to become thirsty and use their own reserves to replenish moisture reserves. For example, species with dense leaves, tubers, bulbs or thick stems can survive on their own reserves for a month, but varieties with thin stems and leaves quickly die due to lack of watering.

The first sign of lack of moisture is yellowing and wilting of the leaves. If this happens, the earthen lump needs to be thoroughly wetted.

The intensity of watering depends on the time of year, environmental temperature and variety:

• In April-September, at an air temperature of 20 degrees, watering is carried out twice a week;
• At temperatures above 24 degrees, the frequency of watering is increased and moisture reserves are replenished every two to three days;
• From October to March, most flowers are in a state of vegetative dormancy and only need to be watered once a week;
• If the temperature is below 15 degrees, water is added once every two weeks.

If it is too hot in summer, watering is carried out daily, but in small portions. For this it is better to use rainwater, collected in rural areas. City rainwater is not suitable as it contains many harmful impurities.

But most often, ordinary water is used for watering. tap water. Since it contains a lot of chlorine and lime, you need to add the juice of half a lemon to 10 liters of water and let it stand overnight.

Note: Azaleas, gardenias and orchids need soft water, so tap water should not be used to water them. It is better to collect rainwater or soften water with lemon.

As a rule, crops are watered from above so that the substrate is saturated with moisture. But if the variety is prone to fungal diseases, it is better to place the pot in a tray with water. Cuttings or seedlings are watered by spraying so as not to disturb the substrate in which the crop is rooted. Figure 2 shows the main methods of irrigation.

• Indoor crops should not be watered cold water. Fill the watering can in advance and let the liquid sit until it warms up to room temperature;
• If you will be away for several days, place the pots on a felt mat. Place the end of the mat in a sink filled with water. Water the flowers well, and then they will absorb water from the wet mat;
• In rural areas, potted crops can be exposed to warm, light rain. This is especially true for ferns, ficus and other species with large leaves;
• After watering, be sure to remove excess water from the pan;
• If the flower is watered too much, monitor the filling of the tray and pour the water out of it. However, if the substrate begins to smell moldy, it needs to be changed so that the plant does not die.

Figure 2. Basic methods of watering flowers in the house

It also happens that you urgently need to restore a wilted flower. To do this, the pot is placed in a container of water. As soon as air bubbles stop coming to the surface, the pot is removed, as this means that the substrate is completely saturated. In the future, water the flowers regularly, but do not allow water to stagnate in the tray.

The substrate in the pot gradually loses the nutrients necessary for flower growth. Therefore, indoor crops require regular feeding.

Practical tips for fertilizing are:(Figure 3):

• Liquid products are used for all varieties. They need to be added to the soil every two weeks during active growth(from April to September);
• Special fertilizing candles are simply stuck into the substrate, and the substance gradually dissolves, nourishing the roots;
• Granular fertilizers are spread on the surface of the earth. They dissolve throughout the year during watering;
• Spray fertilizers are suitable for orchids and crops with fragile roots.

Figure 3. Main types of fertilizers: 1 - liquid, 2 - granular, 3 - nutrient sticks (candles)

Standard fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other microelements are considered universal. Standard fertilizers are divided into two types: for flowering and non-flowering varieties. In addition, there are separate substances for citrus fruits, tree crops, cacti, etc.

When applying fertilizers, you must follow the dosage indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. Exceeding the dose can have a detrimental effect on the condition of the flower, since its roots will not be able to fully absorb the applied fertilizer.

Regular pruning helps not only to remove excess branches to preserve the silhouette of the flower, but also to stimulate its growth. Indoor crops are pruned infrequently, removing excess or damaged shoots, dried and diseased leaves. But with potted crops you need to be very careful, accompanying pruning with intensive feeding, maintaining optimal temperature regime and watering.

As a rule, pruning is carried out during vegetative dormancy (winter) or immediately after flowering. When performing an operation, you must first of all be guided by common sense, removing only damaged, diseased or unsightly shoots and leaves. The exceptions are ornamental trees bonsai, the pruning of which is approached more carefully, forming a crown of a special shape. They are also periodically, every 3-4 years, defoliated. This is a special procedure during which all old leaves are removed, and new ones will be smaller. Since such pruning is a great stress for the plant, it is often not recommended.

Note: Proper pruning stimulates growth, and in combination with good fertilizer accelerates flowering.

Large and bulbous crops can be cut off completely (all aboveground part) so that the plant produces new strong shoots. It is important that stemless or rosette varieties should not be pruned at all (for example, achimenes, clivia, primrose, etc.). It is strictly forbidden to prune palm trees, as they grow from the apical bud. It is also important to remove faded buds flowering species to stimulate the formation of new ones. It is better to do the procedure with scissors so that the cut is even. You will learn the trimming details from the video (for example Chinese rose).

Growing indoor plants involves daily care for them. They need not only to be regularly watered and fed, but also trimmed, cleaned of dust and sprayed.

Useful tips for daily care are:(Figure 4):

• Periodically, flower leaves need to be cleaned of dust. To do this, use a soft cloth, sponge or brush. For crops with small leaves, regular spraying will be sufficient.
• The brown tips of the leaves need to be trimmed, leaving a small piece of dry leaf so that living tissue does not come into contact with the air. The appearance of brown tips means that the air in the room is too dry.
• To high grades began to branch, they need to be regularly pruned, stimulating the growth of side shoots.
• Tall species need to be sprayed daily if the temperature rises above 20 degrees. The upper layers of air are hotter than the lower ones and without additional moisture the plant may die.
• In summer, indoor crops can be taken out into the garden or placed in light and warm rain.

Figure 4. Daily care: 1 - dust removal, 2 - pruning, 3 - fertilizer, 4 - watering

At proper care Most species can live in the house for many years, but do not forget to replant them in a more nutritious substrate and larger containers. More detailed information about daily plant care - in the video.

Growing indoor plants

Growing indoor flowers begins with planting new seedlings or replanting existing ones. Before transplanting, select a substrate that is suitable specifically for your crops. For example, cacti need soil that drains water well, while ferns need soil with a minimum lime content.

Transplantation is best done in the spring, when the plant wakes up from vegetative dormancy and begins to actively develop. During this period, flowers take root better and grow faster. In addition, it is better to immediately move newly purchased crops that have little space in the old pot into a new nutrient substrate.

• You cannot change the substrate for a plant that has begun to bloom, since in this case it will drop its buds;
• When replanting, you need to carefully examine the root system. If it huddles into a tight ball, it means the culture is cramped in the pot. Choose a larger container, buy a nutrient substrate and untangle the roots;
• A week before transplanting, it is better to minimize watering;
• The earthen ball is carefully removed from the old pot and moved to a new one. A drainage layer (expanded clay or gravel) is placed at the bottom of the container, and the free space is filled with nutrient soil;
• The soil needs to be compacted and watered.

Figure 5. Stages of replanting indoor plants

Flowering species (such as azalea) are replanted annually to ensure the crop receives sufficient nutrients from the ground. Large flowerpots that grow slowly are replanted every few years.

Signs of a necessary transplant are:

• Substrate sinking along the edges of the pot or white streaks appearing on the surface of the soil;
• Loss of capacity stability;
• Water is poorly absorbed. This means that the roots have taken over the entire pot;
• The culture has significantly slowed down or stopped growing.

For large crops that are difficult or impossible to get out of the pot, only the upper part of the substrate is changed. This procedure can be carried out up to twice a year, removing the maximum amount of soil from the container and replacing it with a more nutritious one.

In the future, some plants may need support. These are vertical posts to which species with fragile and weaving stems are tied. Crops that grow in width need to be tied using nets or trellises. As a rule, the support is installed when the plant is still young.

The modern market offers a wide selection of supports: in the form of columns, arches, bamboo sticks or columns covered with moss. All of them are suitable for climbing plants, but when choosing a support, you need to try to ensure that it is not too noticeable in the pot or serves a decorative function. Popular types of supports are shown in Figure 6.

Note: Bamboo sticks are considered one of the best. They bend easily, are almost invisible and are suitable for most crops. However, for large and heavy plants it is better to choose posts made of plastic and metal.

Views from aerial roots you should buy supports covered with artificial or natural moss. They not only perform a supporting and decorative function, but also play the role of a substrate, providing the plant with additional nutrition. But to do this, the moss needs to be moistened regularly by watering or spraying from above.

It is better to tie the plant to a support using soft threads or ropes that will not damage the stems. Raffia, a moss that produces a special type of African palm, is well suited for this purpose.

Indoor plants, like crops open ground, bloom at a certain time. But there are also those that cease to exist after flowering (for example, azalea or banana). For most potted crops, the full vegetative cycle lasts a year, and includes the time of active growth, flowering and vegetative dormancy.

The formation of buds directly depends on the degree of lighting. For example, to provoke the flowering of cyclamen, azaleas or primroses, it is enough to move them to a shaded place for several days. Crops that bud in summer, on the contrary, require long daylight hours, which can be provided with artificial lighting.

Figure 6. Supports for tying climbing plants

Plants bloom for procreation, which is required only if the crop is in uncomfortable conditions. Therefore, if you want the crop to bud faster, do not try to provide it with absolutely suitable conditions for growth.

Peculiarities

The choice of dishes for plants is very diverse. Indoor flowers can be planted in pots, clay bowls, vases, bowls, plant pots or even wicker baskets (Figure 7). All dishes for plants are divided into two types:

• Growing containers with holes in the bottom;
• Decorative dishes without holes (pots). It can be placed on furniture without fear that water will leak after watering.

Although the decorative tableware is very beautiful, it has one significant drawback. Due to the lack of a hole in the bottom, excess water will accumulate in the container. If they are not drained after each watering, the roots of the plant will begin to rot.

Figure 7. Variety of pots and flowerpots for indoor plants

This is very easy to determine: the leaves of the flower first turn brown and then completely wither.

Growing containers with a hole can also serve a decorative function. It is made from colored clay and coated with varnish, enamel or designs. Under such containers it is necessary to place a tray in which residual water accumulates. To prevent the development of fungus on the roots of plants, excess liquid from the pan must also be drained regularly.

Dishes for indoor plants should be correct size, which depends on the type of plant:

• Most indoor flowers feel great in small containers, tightly wrapping their roots around an earthen ball;
• For palms and other plants with large leaves It is better to choose large, deep pots;
• Short plants with lush leaves feel better in low and wide containers.

Average, optimal height The pot should be one third of the height of the entire plant (including its root system). The correct diameter of the dish should be 2/3 of its height.

Note: The taller the plant, the deeper the pot should be, and if the flower is branched, you need to select the widest possible container for it.

It is also important to follow the rules for selecting a pot when replanting young plants that have just begun to develop. For each transplant, you need to select a container whose size will be 2-3 times larger than the previous one. When transplanting an adult plant, the pots can be the same in size, since the main purpose of such a transplant is to replace the old substrate with a more fertile one. Tall plants are best planted in plastic pots. They are much lighter than clay ones and easier to move. Pots for planting tall plants cannot be used.

Attention should also be paid to the stability of the pot. Since indoor flowers grow asymmetrically and stretch their leaves towards the light, the pots should be wide at the bottom and heavy so that the weight of the container itself matches the weight of the leaning plant. You can add a little sand to the substrate to weigh down the dishes and make them more stable.

Note: You can plant several plants in one pot. This will make caring for them easier. But you should select flowers with the same requirements for watering, lighting and temperature (for example, cacti different types). In addition, plants need to be planted at some distance so that they do not interfere with each other’s development.

When choosing a pot, pay attention to the water container (Figure 8). It should have a grate with exhaust wicks or fabric. The fabric will absorb water and the moisture will gradually rise to the earthen clod. The flower should stand on the grid until the substrate absorbs enough water. It is important not to leave the plant in a water container for a long time, as the soil in contact with moisture will turn into mud, the roots will begin to rot and the plant will die. But such containers - a great opportunity save indoor flowers if you need to go away for a few weeks or simply don't have enough time for regular watering. Using such a container, water is poured into it, and not onto the surface of the soil in the pot.

Note: The reservoir does not need to be constantly filled with water. Wait until all the liquid is absorbed into the ground, take a week break and only then water again.

Cacti and orchids cannot be grown in containers with a water reservoir, as they are especially demanding when it comes to watering conditions. It also happens that the roots of the plant protrude beyond the drainage hole. This means it's time to replant the flower. Carefully remove it from the container, trim off the dry and brown roots and move the plant to a larger pot.

Figure 8. Trays for collecting excess water

Presence of drainage hole - required condition, since with their help excess moisture is removed from the pot. If there is none, just drill a hole with a drill.

Flowerpots deserve special attention. They can be used to hide or decorate simple but reliable pots for indoor plants.

The main differences between a planter and a pot include:

• There is no drainage hole in the flowerpot, as it is placed on top of the main container with the substrate;
• Excess water after watering from the pots must be drained;
• Using planters can help increase indoor humidity levels. If the house is hot, just select a flowerpot a few centimeters larger than the pot and place wet expanded clay or moss between the walls of the containers.

A flowerpot helps in growing climbing plants, since you can install a support in it without sticking it into the substrate. You can make a flowerpot yourself, using metal or any other containers. original design. For example, modern metal tea or biscuit boxes are perfect for growing cacti.

When choosing a pot, focus on the type of plants that will be grown in it:

• For flowering ones it is better to choose flowerpots simple design, which will not drown out the beauty of the flower itself;
• Plants with dense foliage without flowers require additional decoration, so choose bright flowerpots or products with decorative molding for them.

For growing orchids and hanging plants hanging pots and baskets are used. With their help you can decorate a balcony, cornices or tall furniture. The only drawback of such dishes is that they use a porous lining. It does not retain moisture well, so the plants will have to be watered more often, but in small portions. When growing climbing plants next to a hanging pot, you need to tighten threads, fishing line or wire to ensure the branches are positioned nicely.

If you plan to grow indoor plants yourself, you will need a mini-greenhouse. This can be any large glass vessel in which it is easy to maintain the desired level of temperature and humidity. Plastic containers covered with a glass lid are also used as mini-greenhouses.

An important element in the full growth of indoor plants is the use of the correct substrate. The soil for indoor flowers is selected especially carefully, since it is from it that they receive moisture and the necessary nutritional elements. In nature, soil is constantly exposed to environmental factors that change its composition.

In a pot, the composition of the soil is stable, so it is important to monitor what elements are included in the substrate:

• The soil must be dense enough for the plant to take root;
• At the same time, a high-quality substrate retains water well, nourishing the roots;
• But it is important to ensure that the soil does not turn into mud, as this can cause the flower to rot.

One of the components of soil is humus - a substance that is formed during the decomposition of organic matter. Also, expanded clay is added to the soil for indoor plants - a neutral porous material that acts as drainage. Sometimes expanded clay is laid on the surface of the substrate to hide salt deposits. In addition, expanded clay can be used to maintain moisture levels. To do this, it is poured into a tray and filled with water.

Flowers bought in modern stores sometimes contain small white polystyrene beads in the soil, which lighten the soil and make it more porous.

In order for indoor plants to grow normally, you need to properly prepare the ground for them:

• The best soil is considered ordinary garden soil, but it needs to be cultivated and fertilized regularly. From such soil you must first remove all weeds and their roots, as well as small stones or other foreign objects. Do not use soil treated with herbicides. You also need to ensure that there are no living organisms in the soil (for example, earthworms). The share of garden soil in the substrate for flowerpots is 20-50%, depending on the plant variety. As a rule, it is used for planting large species that need heavy soil for rooting.
• The substrate is supplemented coarse and fine river sand. You can also use quartz sand, which acts as drainage. The proportion of sand can be 50% if it is used for rooting cuttings or growing cacti.
• Peat is also mandatory element soil for indoor plants, as it retains moisture well. In addition, it does not decompose and ensures a normal supply of oxygen to the roots. As a rule, the proportion of peat is 25-35%, but for young plants the substrate may consist of 50% peat.
• heather land formed when heather decomposes on undergrowth or sandy soil. It is used only for growing azaleas, since such soil contains too few mineral salts. However, it is also included in the substrate for ferns, bulbous plants and begonias.
• Household compost, which is formed during the decomposition of household and food waste (food scraps, eggshells, grass, leaves, small rags and ash), can also be used as an element of the substrate, but it must be sifted before application. Due to its increased fat content, compost successfully replaces garden soil and humus.
• For cooking earth mixture used and pine bark, especially for orchids. Parts of the bark saturate the soil with air and nutrients. Pine bark cannot be replaced with deciduous bark, as it slows down the growth of indoor flowers.
• The composition of the substrate for epiphytic orchids crushed fern roots are included to lighten and ventilate the soil.

Figure 9. Substrate types for indoor crops

Nowadays, artificial elements are often added to the soil: expanded clay (balls of porous clay), perlite (silica granules), pozzolan (crushed volcanic rock), asbestos fiber and dolomite. All of them act as drainage and help retain moisture in the soil.

Note: A layer of drainage must be placed at the bottom of the pot to remove excess moisture. For this you can use expanded clay, sand or peat.

When buying a substrate, it is better to give preference to expensive balanced soils, since cheap analogues do not contain enough nutrients and do not retain water well. Each type of plant has its own substrate (Figure 9). As a rule, the packaging of the finished soil indicates what flowers it is intended for.

There are many ways to propagate indoor plants. In addition, you can grow citrus fruits, pineapples and even avocados at home.

• To plant an avocado, insert three matches into the pit at an angle and place the pit in a nutrient medium or water. Over time, the bone will crack and the root and stem will come out. When two leaves appear, the shoot is transplanted into the substrate and regularly pinched to give the bush the desired shape.
• Lemon or orange seeds are planted in small containers filled with substrate for young plants. The soil is constantly moistened and covered with a transparent cap.
• Pineapple is propagated by cutting off the top and leaves of the fruit. The cut area should dry out a little, after which it is placed on the substrate, pressing lightly. The earth is pressed down a little, watered and covered with a cap.

Other indoor plants are propagated by cuttings, seedlings, seeds, tendrils, division and other methods (Figure 10).

• Cuttings

Many indoor crops produce cuttings that take root well in water (for example, cyperus, senopoly). Simply cut off the shoot and place it in a container of water. When the plant takes root, it is transplanted into nutritious soil. You can use a piece of stem, leaves or young shoots as a cutting. To form roots, cuttings can be placed in a nutrient substrate or simply in water with charcoal.

• Seeds

They are bought in specialized stores and sown in small pots or bowls according to the instructions indicated on the package. If the seeds are small, they should be sown in shallow furrows. In addition, they do not need to be sprinkled with substrate, but simply lightly pressed down on the soil.

• Disputes

This is how ferns reproduce. Spores are collected on glass or paper and scattered over the soil surface. The soil needs to be moistened by sprinkling water on it and covered with a cap. When the first shoots appear, young ferns are planted in separate pots.

• Division

This method is used to propagate large plants, from which young stems with leaves and roots are separated. Division is best done in late winter or early spring. Crops with fleshy stems and a tuberous root system are propagated by division. Sometimes a young shoot can be separated without removing the mother plant from the ground. But care must be taken not to damage the roots or stems. This is how most varieties of orchids are propagated.

Figure 10. Methods of propagating indoor plants (from left to right): layering, cuttings and leaves

Climbing plants and orchids are propagated by layering and aerial roots. To do this, the shoot must be carefully bent to a container with a nutrient substrate and lightly sprinkled with earth to form roots. When young plant will be kept tightly in the ground, it can be separated from the mother.

Rules

Lighting plays an important role in growing indoor plants. The light intensity of indoor plants is measured in lux. One lux equals luminous flux at 1 lumen per square meter area. Light levels vary throughout the day due to weather, time of year and day. For example, in the morning the sun's rays are weaker than in the evening, so it is better to place plants that do not require light on eastern windows, and those that need intense sunlight on western windows.

In addition, the level of lighting changes in the room itself: the further away from the window, the more the rays are refracted and the level of light weakens. Therefore, plants need to be rearranged depending on the time of year and the position of the sun. For example, flowers that love bright light can be placed on a windowsill in winter, but in summer they need to be additionally protected from direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation (Figure 11).

To properly arrange flower pots, follow a few simple rules:

• Only cacti or plants with hard and dense leaves can be exposed to the sun;
• Those with bright green leaves require less light than flowering plants;
• Flowerpots with light foliage are highly susceptible to burns, so they need to be shaded.

The degree of illumination depends on the location of the window. The sunniest windows are those facing south, and the darkest are those facing north. For some light-loving plants this is not enough natural lighting, and they need to provide additional. Fluorescent lamps are used for this, since they do not heat up and cannot cause leaf burns. There is no need to light the plants around the clock; it will be enough to extend the daylight hours by just a few hours. Using such lamps, you can grow flowerpots even in a long corridor where sunlight practically does not penetrate. In this case, the lamp will have to be turned on for at least 6 hours. The diagrams in Figure 12 will help determine whether the temperature regime is optimal.

Figure 11. Light intensity depending on the position of the flower and time of year

With the right lighting, you can easily highlight the beauty of your indoor plants. For example, a light source located below or to the side will highlight the silhouette of large and tree-like varieties. Flowers with thin and original leaves are best illuminated from behind, and overhead lighting will not only emphasize small parts flower, but also stimulates its growth.

How to care for a houseplant money tree

The money tree is a popular indoor plant, scientifically called Crassula. This is very beautiful plant, which can become a real decoration of the home with proper care.

Figure 12. Signs of excess and lack of sunlight

The money tree grows quickly, but does not require special care. He needs to provide(Figure 13):

• Diffused sunlight: it is better to place the fat plant on a south-eastern window or shade the window with blinds;
• Watering should be moderate, only 1-2 times a week, since the fat plant does not like excess moisture;
• Fertilizing is carried out mainly in the summer, using fertilizers for cacti;
• It is advisable to maintain the temperature at +18+25 degrees, and in extreme heat the leaves can be periodically wiped with a damp cloth or sprayed.

Figure 13. Growing a money tree at home

The most important thing in caring for money tree- avoid excess moisture, as this can cause disease and rapid death of the plant. From the video you will learn how to properly care for a money tree.

Indoor primrose flower: care and photo

The indoor primrose flower, with proper care, will delight you bright colors during the whole year. Despite the beauty of the plant, it does not have high care requirements, and even beginners can cope with growing this crop (Figure 14).

Figure 14. Growing indoor primroses

Primrose does not tolerate well elevated temperatures, therefore it is better to keep it in a cool room with a temperature no higher than +16 degrees. Ventilation will help reduce the temperature. Primrose loves good lighting, but without exposure to direct sunlight. In addition, the flower needs to be watered regularly to keep the soil constantly moist. In summer and during the flowering period, the leaves are additionally sprayed with water.

How to care for an indoor flower bride

The delicate inflorescences of the Bride houseplant look great as home decoration. But this plant is valued not only for its beautiful appearance, but also for unpretentiousness.

The second name of the bride flower is campanula, and at home they care for it like this(Figure 15):

• For planting, use hanging pots so that the flexible shoots of the campanula hang beautifully;
• A temperature within +25 degrees is considered comfortable, but the bride tolerates a short increase in this indicator well;
• Lighting should be intense, but without exposure to direct sunlight;
• Watering should be regular and abundant, and in hot weather the leaves should be additionally sprayed.

Figure 15. Bride caring for an indoor flower

In the spring, the bride's indoor flowers also require pruning of shoots. This will help renew the above-ground parts of the plant and speed up the start of flowering.

Caring for an indoor jasmine flower

Jasmine is not only ornamental shrub, but also a popular houseplant. Jasmine is considered an unpretentious crop, but some features of caring for it should still be taken into account (Figure 16).

Firstly, the water for irrigation should be soft, since the lime content in it can cause the leaves and shoots to dry out. Secondly, to save regular flowering Jasmine needs to be replanted regularly: young plants annually, and adults - once every 2-3 years.

Figure 16. Features of caring for and growing indoor jasmine

Jasmine tolerates normal room temperature, but if the readings rise above +25 degrees, you need to increase watering and spray the leaves with water.

Indoor violet flowers: care and propagation

Violet is considered one of the most common indoor plants, as it is unpretentious, does not require special care, but blooms for a long time and regularly (Figure 17).

Note: In fact, violet care comes down to standard measures: regular watering, periodic feeding and ensuring optimal temperature and humidity conditions.

Figure 17. Growing indoor violets

It is better to place the violet on a well-lit windowsill, but protect it from direct sunlight. Watering is necessary twice a week, but it should be done so that moisture does not linger in the soil. In addition, for planting it is better to choose loose and light soil that easily allows water and air to pass through. It is these conditions that are considered as close to natural as possible.

Indoor cyclamen flowers: care at home

Cyclamen is also called alpine violet. This plant prefers cool weather, but also loves bright light. Therefore, in summer it is better to place it on eastern and western windows, and in winter - on southern ones (Figure 18).

Figure 18. Features of growing indoor cyclamen

Cyclamen is necessary constant influx fresh air, but at the same time it is afraid of drafts, so it is better to place it at a distance from open windows and heat sources. In addition, this plant is quite demanding when it comes to watering. The flower does not like drought or excess moisture, so it is best to water it through a tray.

Kalanchoe as an indoor flower has become widespread thanks to varieties bred with large and double flowers. Blooming Kalanchoe It looks impressive and bright, lush inflorescences, like a colored cap, rise above the fleshy dark green leaves. These varieties appear on sale under the general name Kalanchoe kalandiva or Kalanchoe hybrid; they may have flowers different forms and colors - white, pink, purple, red, yellow, etc.

Sellers of potted flowers assure that Kalanchoe does not require special care and blooms for a long time; buyers believe the specialists and willingly buy potted flowers to decorate the house or as a gift. However, Kalanchoe owners experience disappointment after a while. Kalanchoe can indeed bloom for a month or two, but after the inflorescences fade, new flowering does not occur either after six months or after a year. During this waiting period, lost beautiful shape Kalanchoe bush, the shoots stretch out, the lower part becomes bare, large leaves fall off, and only small leaves remain on the tops of the shoots. An overgrown Kalanchoe does not look beautiful or tidy.

12 Feb 2019

Pelargonium blooms beautifully at home in a pot and in a flowerbed as annual flower. To rejuvenate pelargonium or get a lot planting material To decorate a flower garden, it is propagated by cuttings.

From cuttings, pelargonium develops faster and in 2-3 months forms a lush bush that constantly produces new inflorescences. When grown from seeds, pelargonium blooms only after 5-6 months.

Cuttings of pelargonium are usually started in early spring, since with lengthening daylight hours and warming, the process of rooting and plant growth occurs faster. Pelargonium cuttings do not take root quickly, especially varietal royal and ivy geraniums It is difficult to reproduce, only if all the rules are followed, otherwise the cut cuttings may rot and die without starting to grow.

How to take pelargonium cuttings for rooting:

29 Jan 2019

January is ending, winter is in full swing, there is frost outside, and the first shoots are appearing on the windowsill. In January, only flowers were sown for seedlings, with a long period of development from germination to the beginning of flowering . Everything that can be sown in January.

At the end of January, we sum up the results of the January crops: what was sown, what came up, and how the seedlings are developing.

27 Jan 2019

Spathiphyllum flowers look like white sails - a long thin peduncle ends with a small spadix and a white blanket located vertically. The “Women’s Happiness” flower is very popular and it is believed that when it blooms, the cherished wishes of the owner of the plant are fulfilled.

Many of us received as a gift blooming spathiphyllum. Even in winter, plants with a large number of flower stalks are sold, but unfortunately, such flowering of potted flowers is caused by treatment with a stimulant, gibberellic acid. After the end of flowering, we carefully replant the donated flower and wait for “ Women's happiness» new buds, but the plant produces only leaves and does not want to bloom.

26 Jan 2019

Spider mites often attack house plants, these tiny insects can attack any species with succulent or rough leaves .

It is difficult to see spider mites, since they are very small; with the normal eye they are recognized as small dots of red, yellow or Brown. The presence of a mite on plants is revealed by a thin cobweb that envelops the tops of shoots, leaves and stems.

The appearance of a pest on a houseplant can be suspected by the deterioration in the appearance of the leaves., they gradually turn yellow, curl, and many small light dots appear on the leaves, which gradually grow. Plant attacked spider mite, stops growing and blooming, the growing tips of the shoots curl and dry out, the buds fall off.

24 Jan 2019

Tuberous begonias - luxurious flowers. Growing tuberous begonia from seeds is not an easy task, since the seeds of this plant are very small, like specks of dust, and so that the smallest sprout turns into a gorgeous flowering plant The plant needs to form a fairly large tuber. When grown from seeds, you can see the first flowers of tuberous begonia in the second year, and the maximum ornamental plants are obtained from 3-4 year old tubers measuring 5-6 cm in diameter.

You can buy a begonia tuber and grow it yourself in the first year beautiful flower . If you decide to buy blooming begonia in a pot, then know that many sellers sell tuberous begonias in pots from rooted cuttings and stimulate them to flower more in order to attract buyers. Such plants spend all their energy on flowering; by autumn, their tubers remain small, they do not contain enough nutrients to survive the winter and sprout in the spring, and they often die.

22 Jan 2019

Plant propagation through rooting cuttings is used very often, since this The best way obtain new plants with the exact qualities of the mother plant , preserving all varietal characteristics - the shape and color of flowers, leaves or fruits.

The properties of root formation in plants are different; cuttings from some species take root easily in water and soil, while from other species they die for a long time and often. Root formation stimulants will help gardeners get maximum results when propagating by cuttings.

18 Jan 2019

In addition, the method of growing indoor plants places special demands on soil, watering and fertilizers.

Land for home growing

The land must provide a small amount flower pot normal nutrition of plants and providing them with moisture, therefore strict requirements are imposed on it. Good soil should be loose, allow water and air to pass through well, and at the same time retain water and fertilizers well, so that the roots of the plants develop normally, but do not rot. It is usually prepared from different components.

Humus. Obtained as a result of rotting leaves various plants. In autumn, you can collect leaves in the forest or park. After adding a little fertilizer and water, they are piled up into piles up to two meters wide and one meter high. For normal air access, the pile is shifted once every three to four months. After two or three years, humus is obtained, which, after drying, can be used.

Compost. It is obtained as a result of rotting of stems, branches, leaves, grass, and household waste from the table. For compost heaps, choose places that are sheltered from the wind, fairly shady, and not flooded with water. Heaps can be formed gradually, all year round, any organic mass is placed in them layer by layer, without pressing down too much. Once every two to three months, they are transferred from the edges of the pile to the middle. Readiness occurs in three years. Before using compost, it is necessary to remove unrotted parts from it and dry it properly - for disinfection. Peat. Peat itself contains very few particles that can be classified as phosphorus, potassium and other fertilizers. Therefore, microelements and fertilizers must be added to it before use.

Sand. Used as soil lightening additives when preparing soil for plants. Sand grains measuring 0.2-0.5 mm are most suitable for this.

Fuel slag, igneous rocks, tree bark and other additives.

Watering house plants

When watering, it is very important to pay attention to the quality of the water. Usually water is divided into hard and soft. The first contains quite a lot of metals, the second contains little metals. Hard water, water with a salt content higher than 0.1% and high acidity, is unacceptable for growing houseplants. Rainwater with low or medium acidity can be considered ideal for them. It can also be soft water from a lake or river. Before watering, tap water must be kept for some time, paying attention to the fact that the temperature difference between the water and the surrounding air does not exceed 5 ° C.

Plant growth is largely determined by the amount of water supplied. At proper watering all the soil in the pot should be evenly moistened so that there is little or no water. The required volume when watering is mainly determined practically, “by eye”: if the soil is dry, you need to water it, if it’s too wet, you can wait. You can also determine the humidity by ear: if the pot responds loudly when you tap, this means that the soil is dry and needs watering. The frequency of watering also depends on the composition of the soil: sandy soil dries out quickly, while peat soil takes a long time. In addition, the size of the pot also determines the amount of water: plants in large pots can be watered every 1-2 days and even less often, in small ones - daily.

For watering, it is best to use a watering can, which makes it easy to determine the amount of water needed for irrigation. When watering seedlings and leaves, use a nozzle. Do not water with a hose from a water tap, as the temperature tap water too low and the pressure is too high, in addition, it is difficult to control the amount of incoming water. To water germinating seeds, you should use the “slow water” method, in which it flows through capillaries from the tray of the flower pot. IN summer time It is very useful to use sprinkler irrigation, as this allows you to increase air humidity and reduce temperature.

Temperature for home growing

Different types of indoor plants require different temperature conditions. Even the same plants at different stages of growth require certain optimal temperatures. Some plants are sensitive to temperature fluctuations associated with changes in time of day. Although at home the possibilities of creating an optimal temperature regime are limited, it is nevertheless necessary to distinguish between heat-loving and cold-tolerant plants. At the same time, you should pay attention to the fact that both hypothermia and too high a temperature are dangerous for plants.

Home Grow Lights

Lighting can be direct or diffuse. Direct is required for plants that love sunlight, and diffused for shade-loving plants. The development of plants is affected by the length of daylight hours: short daylight hours are sufficient for tropical plants, while plants in the temperate zone need long daylight hours. Plants that bloom in autumn are also plants with short daylight hours, not exceeding 12 hours. Plants that bloom in spring and summer, and they usually come from warm countries, require more than 12 hours of daylight.

Fertilizers and fertilizers for house plants

Fertilizers can be divided into natural (manure, plant fertilizers, etc.) and mineral - nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and others.

The composition of fertilizers and the method of fertilizing depend on the needs of the plants and the need to improve the soil. Before application, it is necessary to analyze their composition, and also determine exactly which elements the plants need. When applying fertilizers, flower growers, as a rule, rely primarily on practical experience: usually during the phase of rapid plant growth it is necessary to apply nitrogen fertilizers in quite large quantities, and phosphorus and potassium during this period play a secondary role; when they bloom and during preparation for winter, more phosphorus and potash fertilizers. It should be noted that the correct combination of various nutrients allows the most effective use of fertilizers, while the mixtures, as a rule, are prepared before application and are not stored for a long time.

There are two types of fertilizing: basic fertilizer, when natural and mineral fertilizers are added to the soil at the bottom of the pot when planting or replanting plants, and additional fertilizing - applied in liquid form or along with irrigation water additional fertilizers, necessary due to the limited fertility of the small volume of soil in the flower pot. Additional fertilizing is usually especially necessary during the growth period, then for several months in a row, liquid fertilizers are applied to the soil once or twice a week. When feeding, it is necessary to strictly control the concentration of fertilizers so that it does not exceed 0.1-0.3%. During the cold season, fertilizing is reduced or not carried out at all. Additionally, plants can be fed not only by giving the solution directly into the soil, but also by using a spray bottle, spraying it onto the leaves.

Growing indoor plants at home without soil

Growing indoor plants without soil involves the use of soil substitutes: water, sand, peat, fuel slag. Inorganic fertilizers are often used to stimulate growth. This method of growing indoor plants has advantages over the usual one in terms of hygiene, disinfection, convenience and time saving.

There are two options for growing plants without soil. The first is the use of soil base substitutes, which are used individually or in a mixture, and nutrient solutions are used instead of water irrigation. The second option is to grow plants in nutrient solutions, in which the pot is divided into two parts: upper and lower, separated from each other by a disk with holes. In the upper part there is the plant itself, the roots of which descend through holes into the lower part, which contains nutrient solution. The lower part should not exceed 2/3 of the depth of the flower pot. You should pay attention to the fact that the roots are not completely in the nutrient solution, but are partially exposed to air. With this method of growing, water or a nutrient solution must be added to the pot every 1-2 weeks, the nutrient solution must be completely changed once a month, and the pot must be washed.

Almost all of our domestic plants came from distant countries. And each of them requires individual approach. One needs the sun, while the other can die from its exposure and prefers shade. Some require plenty of moisture, while others need to be forgotten. And in order for the plant to please the gardener with its appearance, you need to know the rules required for care. Consider a catalog of popular indoor flowers.

Classification of indoor plants

All homemade plants can be divided into 4 groups, each of which has its own characteristics and characteristics. Groups:

• decorative foliage. This group, if all care rules are followed, will stay with flower growers for a long time. Their leaves are mostly green all year round. The only thing is that there are species that should be kept in cool rooms in winter.
• decorative flowering. Flowers of this group are considered to be long-lived. Their leaves do not die off after flowering; in some species they simply become less attractive. Among indoor plants of this type, some need to be kept cool in the winter, and some should be taken out into the garden in the summer.
• decorative flowering potted plants. These types are mainly used for a variety of flower arrangements. Once they have lost their appearance, they are simply disposed of. But, if you leave some types of tubers, you can use them next year. That is, plants of this group can be decoratively flowering for a short time.
• cacti. This is the most famous and popular type. Their stems are covered in thorns and hairs. Sometimes cacti also have common leaves. Many of the cacti may bloom. They are long-lived and quite unpretentious.

Catalog of indoor flowers

Let's consider the names related to decorative foliage, which are valued for beautiful leaves, as well as decorative flowering ones, capable of boasting beautiful flowering.

Dracaena

This is a shrub that attracts with its exotic appearance. It has a rosette of leaves with straight stems that eventually develop into a trunk. Depending on the species and age, it can reach three meters. Leaves of this house plant juicy green color elongated shape. Dracaena with proper care room conditions can last up to 15 years. Types of dracaena:

• dracaena tree
• Dracaena cinnabarica
• Dracaena deremenskaya
• dragon tree
• dracaena fragrant
• Dracaena Godsefa

Dracaena is unpretentious shrub, which will not cause a lot of trouble for the gardener if you follow the following care rules:

1. Dracaena is a light-loving plant, but it must be protected from direct sunlight.
2. moisture-loving, requires abundant watering. It must be carried out as soon as the top layer of soil has dried approximately 2 cm.
3. It is advisable to loosen the soil before watering.

Houseplants

Cypress

Belongs to coniferous crops. It is not demanding in care, it will easily take root in a new place. He is very photophilous and is not afraid of sunlight. If there is insufficient light, the cypress may die. It does not tolerate drafts and strong winds, but the room where it grows must be ventilated regularly.

The plant loves moisture, so it needs to be sprayed, and you can also place containers with water next to the pot. Cypress needs to be watered regularly, monitoring this every day to prevent the soil from drying out. IN winter time You can water less often to prevent rotting of the roots.

Cypress in May - September needs to be fertilized with fertilizers. It can be purchased in specialized stores.

Decorative flowering indoor plants are loved because of their exquisite flowers. They are also among themselves vary in appearance, care requirements, and smell. Examples of decorative flowers: Saintpaulia, acacia, anthurium and others.

Saintpaulias or Usambara violets

These indoor flowers almost ideal, because they bloom almost all year round, mostly without taking up much space on the windowsill. Many colors of flowers, there are both delicate shades and bright flashy ones. In order for violets to bring joy with their flowering, they need to create the necessary conditions. Rules for caring for Saintpaulias:

The lower leaves and faded flowers are torn off. If in the spring Saintpaulia gave a second rosette, then it must be cut off and placed in water.

Anthurium

It has a shortened stem that can be aboveground or underground. Its leaves are green in color, reaching a length of 15 cm, and 7 cm wide, the flowers come in a variety of colors. Anthurium care rules:

Spathiphyllum

This is a stemless houseplant with a short root. Kinds:

• spathiphyllum cannofolia - differs from its other species in the wonderful aroma of the flower. Its leaves are lush green. Blooms in spring and winter.
• spathiphyllum profusely blooming - can bloom throughout the year.
• Spathiphyllum Willis - perfect for growing indoors.
• Spathiphyllum heliconifolia is quite large, reaching a height of up to 1 m.

Spathiphyllum care rules:

Indoor plants, the photos and names of which you see below, belong to the decorative flowering potted type. Difference from the previous type The fact is that such indoor flowers can only spend a short period of time in living quarters. If the plant begins to fade, then the days of this flower are already numbered.

Only some of their species can be saved. Therefore it would Most plants are thrown away, some are saved., moving them to a cool place, while others can be stored in the form of bulbs until the next planting.

The short lifespan of such crops is the main drawback. These include flowers such as azalea, chrysanthemum, poinsettia, gloxinia.

Azalea

It is considered an evergreen, branched, beautifully flowering dwarf plant. Types of indoor azaleas:

• Indian azalea. The height of this evergreen shrub is up to 50 cm, its leaves are small, no more than 3.5 cm.
• Japanese azalea reaches a height of 50 cm, it has white shiny leaves that are smaller than its previous species.

Basic rules for caring for indoor azaleas:

Cacti are a separate type of indoor crops that delight the gardener with their unpretentiousness.

Mammillaria

A fairly large cactus with a dark green stem in the shape of a ball or cylinder. Main The difference from all other cacti is the presence of papillae from which needles appear. The roots are usually located on the surface, only root system in the center goes deep. Types of Mammillaria cactus:

• Mamilaria shide is a miniature species, shaped like a ball with a diameter of 4 cm.
• Mammillaria macrosapular - this species is distinguished by its large size, up to 30 cm in height.
• Snow-white mammillaria is also a fairly large species.
• Mammillaria Teresa - this type of cactus has very large flowers, reaching 3 cm in diameter and, as a rule, they are purple in color.
• Mammillaria spinosa is a medium-sized cactus, often unbranched and cylindrical in shape.

Basic rules of care:

Lobivia

This is a classic cactus with a stem in the shape of a ball or cylinder. Its flowers are yellow, pink, white, and red. Types of lobivia:

• Lobivia backeberga is a dwarf with a gray stem color. It does not exceed 5 cm in diameter, the color of the flowers is cream.
• Bolivian lobivia - a cylindrical stem with a gray-green color. The height of this type of cactus reaches 10 cm.
• Lobivia densispina - this cactus consists of a number of species of different stem shapes, flower colors, and spines. Their main feature is their large size and bright color.
• lobivia zhajoyana - this type of cactus is distinguished by its spherical stem, with a diameter not exceeding 10 cm.

Basic rules for caring for indoor crops:

Having considered the types and names of the presented crops, the gardener will be able to independently choose the most suitable one for himself. Because indoor flowers vary depending on their type according to home care requirements.

Need good lighting and air humidity. It is better to maintain the temperature at 18–22C. But the pot needs to be shaded from direct sunlight. But this is not the only success in flower breeding.

How to grow flowers so they don't wilt

For successful breeding, the soil in which the flower is located is important. Loose and breathable soil mixtures are preferable. This soil absorbs and retains moisture well and provides oxygen access to the roots.

It is necessary to replant flowers and completely change the soil mixture every two years. The soil in the pots is quickly depleted, and the plant suffers from lack of nutrition. Mature palm trees and large specimens are replanted extremely rarely, but the top layer of soil is replaced annually.

Never leave indoor flowers in the soil in which they were sold. It is not suitable for cultivation, but serves only for transportation.

Fertilizer for indoor flowers

Growing flowers without additional nutrition is impossible. Indoor plants are regularly fed mineral fertilizers. There are several types of fertilizers:

• for blooming and exotic plants;
• for decorative deciduous trees;
• for cacti and succulents;
• for palms and tropical plants.

Fertilizer is selected depending on whether the flower belongs to a particular group. Plants need to be fed throughout the growing season. In winter, the flowers are at rest and do not need additional nutrition.

Watering mode for home flowers

When growing plants, the watering regime is also important. As a rule, flowers are watered as the soil dries. But knowing some nuances won't hurt.

• Violets are watered into a tray. Watering frequency is 3 times every 7 days in summer, 1 time every 10 days in winter.
• Palm trees are watered rarely and little by little.
• Succulents and cacti do not need frequent watering. Optimally 1-2 times every 7 days.
• Exotic flowers require not only regular watering 2-3 times a week, but also humidified air. The humidity level is maintained at about 70%.

The watering regime is selected individually for each specimen. In winter, the frequency is reduced if the plant is kept cool. In the room with central heating flowers are watered and sprayed as usual.

Check your flowers regularly. Their appearance should be healthy, and the leaves should be green and shiny. Any spots, underdeveloped buds, dry ends, etc. should alert you.

Growing indoor flowers is a fun and easy activity. Watch a training video on how to grow home flowers, and everything will definitely work out.