When we start talking about myrtle, we immediately imagine the gentle southern sun, birdsong, light blows of a warm breeze. It is impossible not to mention the well-known myths of Ancient Greece, where a beautiful tree personified the magical nymph Mersina. The fragrant myrtle managed to “shine up” in biblical legends. According to Arab legends, Adam, expelled from Paradise, grabbed a sprig of myrtle.

Do you know that...myrtle is a small evergreen tree. It has very fragrant leaves. From the Renaissance to the present day, myrtle has symbolized sublimity, morality, and purity.

At home, myrtle is grown either in a pot or in a tub. This amazing plant, decorated with a scattering of small white flowers, will fit perfectly into the interior of any home. Many plant growers believe, apparently with good reason, that it is myrtle that brings an atmosphere of happiness to the house, filling the owners with joy and health.

In total, there are about forty plant species in the genus of evergreen trees. Translated from Greek, the name of the flower means “balm.” It is not surprising, since from time immemorial it has been famous for its amazing medicinal properties.

It is not surprising that such a magical decorative tree can very often be found in many homes in our country. Let's consider the basic rules of the organization proper care behind a decorative indoor plant.

Proper care of myrtle

Location at home

Seasonality is a major factor to consider when determining a place for myrtle in the home. An ornamental tree should change its position in the house regularly:

• the first time - in spring or early summer, with the arrival of stable above-zero temperatures: from +22 to +24 degrees. If the plant is not affected by pests and is not weakened by the development of any disease, it can be safely placed in the garden, on a glazed loggia or on the balcony. The plant can be safely left overnight if at night the temperature does not drop below +18 +20 degrees.
• the second time - in the fall, with the onset of the cold season. This time indoor plant should be moved back to the room so that it is not damaged during night frosts. In the future, the air temperature outside, both during the day and at night, will slowly but surely decrease, so it is better not to take the ornamental tree outside, starting from the onset of the first frost.

An important point is lighting. Myrtle is a very, very light-loving plant, and insufficient lighting causes either cessation or even complete absence flowering.

But you still shouldn’t overdo it with sunlight. Staying in the sun can cause burns on the plant. Therefore, on especially hot days indoor flower should be shaded.

Placing myrtle on a windowsill on the north side of the house can affect the sparseness of flowering.

It is important! To prevent the plant from experiencing “negative” emotions, you should initially choose the most favorable place in your home for the myrtle. This will be the window sill on the western or eastern side of the house.

IN winter time one of negative factors, which directly affects not only flowering, but also the development of the plant as a whole, this is the work of batteries central heating. If the air is too dry, placing it in close proximity to a heat source can significantly harm the plant. There are two most reasonable ways out of this situation:

• Humidify the air in the immediate vicinity of the place where the myrtle is located. The most reasonable solution is to install a humidifier. The smart unit successfully copes with normalizing the humidity level in the room even in winter. By the way, this will be useful for many other plants from the home “botanical” garden.
• Another option for solving this problem is to move the myrtle to another room for the winter. Ideally, if the plant has a place in the kitchen. For it is in this secluded corner of the apartment that the most heat and the most high level humidity.

Important! If you do not have the opportunity to take myrtle outdoors in summer time, arrange regular ventilation in the room. Myrtle needs an influx of fresh air. You should definitely ensure that the plant is not damaged by drafts that are harmful to it.

Myrtle content temperature

In the previous section we have already paid attention to this point, now we will give clear characteristics of what exactly the temperature should be in the cold and warm seasons.

• In summer the temperature in the room (or outside) where myrtle is kept should range from +22 degrees to +24 degrees.
• in winter the room temperature can drop to +8 +10 degrees. The decrease should be smooth, without sudden jumps, otherwise the myrtle may react negatively and, for example, stop growing or begin to shed leaves.

Watering myrtle at home

Myrtle can safely be classified as a moisture-loving plant, so abundant watering is prerequisite its successful and harmonious development.

Basic principles of effective watering of a plant:

• Always use settled water for irrigation. If you did not have the opportunity to prepare water for irrigation, then use tap water, just boil it first and cool it. Or run it through a filter. Another option is to use distilled water.
• The temperature of the water for irrigation is also important. It is preferable if it is indoor.
• Do not allow the soil to dry out completely or allow water to stagnate in a pot or tray. The frequency of watering should be strictly regulated in accordance with the intensity of drying out of the soil in the pot.
• In summer, myrtle should be sprayed regularly. The requirements for water for spraying are the same as for water for watering an indoor flower.
• In winter, myrtle is usually dormant. This period lasts from one and a half to three months, depending on the conditions of the plant.
• During the winter dormant period, myrtle also needs watering. But they should be less intense compared to summer watering.

Soil composition for myrtle. Fertilizing the plant

Myrtle prefers to grow in slightly acidic soils. You should not use natural organic matter, for example, manure. This can only harm the plant.

If you are just starting to grow myrtle at home and this is your first experience, you can purchase ready-made soil in the store. You can also prepare the soil for myrtle yourself by mixing leaf and turf soil in equal proportions and adding one part each of sand and humus. Don't forget about the drainage layer.

Myrtle loves it very much various kinds feeding and readily responds to them. In order to achieve beautiful bloom, phosphorus-containing fertilizers should be used. But to preserve the decorative miniature of myrtle, nitrogenous fertilizers should be regularly added to the soil. Myrtle should be fertilized once every 2 weeks in the spring and summer. You can use ready-made complex fertilizers designed specifically for flowering plants.

On a note! During the dormant period, there is no need to fertilize myrtle.

Transplanting an ornamental tree

As with many other indoor flowers, one of the most important moments Myrtle care involves replanting it. But unlike many of its “neighbors” from the home botanical garden, myrtle will not annually shock its owners with its breathtaking growth rate. However, young plants should be replanted regularly.

Rules for replanting myrtle:

• Young indoor flowers should be replanted regularly, at least once a year. Experienced gardeners It is recommended to replant during the plant’s winter dormancy. Each subsequent pot should be slightly larger than the previous one.
• Mature plants can be replanted once every 3-4 years.
• To make it easier to remove the plant from the pot, you should first thoroughly dry the earthen ball. Therefore, you should not water the plant for several days before replanting; there is no need to water the indoor flower.
• Carefully turning the pot over and holding the plant by the base of the trunk, remove the tree from the container.
• You should carefully examine both the plant itself and root system for insect damage or disease development. Take preventive measures at the right time. It is also necessary to treat the roots of indoor flowers with growth stimulants.
• The new pot should be several centimeters larger than its predecessor.
• We add a layer of drainage to the bottom of the pot and then fill it with nutrient substrate. We have already mentioned the composition of the soil above in the article.
• We carefully place the plant in a pot, sprinkle it with soil and finally level it.
• After transplanting, myrtle should be watered generously.

Decorative tree trimming

So that the plant retains its noble appearance, it should be trimmed regularly. Myrtle takes such manipulations completely calmly. In this case, you should follow a number of simple rules:

• Do not pinch young shoots. This can negatively affect the flowering of the plant.
• Side shoots should not be cut back too much. For myrtle does not have a very strong trunk.

Problems when growing myrtle. Diseases and pests

To be fair, I would like to say that any significant difficulties when growing myrtle arise extremely rarely.

If the grower does not pay enough attention to the formation of the drainage layer, then the tree may develop root rot. Also, the successful growth of myrtle can be significantly affected by a lack of sunlight, excessive or poor watering, and lack of fertilizers.

This should be remembered! Myrtle is one of the whimsical indoor flowers. Therefore, even the slightest failure to follow the rules of caring for it can lead to very, very sad consequences.

Among the pests, myrtle is afraid of spider mites, scale insects, aphids and thrips. Insects can be controlled using insecticides.

Beautiful myrtle will not only decorate your home, but will also bring into it an atmosphere of joy, harmony and mutual understanding!

Myrtle (Myrtle), or Myrtle tree- It is recommended to have one at home. This is a discreet, but such a necessary plant. By releasing phytoncides, myrtle destroys pathogenic microbes and also brings peace and love to the home. However, the plant requires constant attention and careful care.

Belongs to the myrtle family. Homeland: Mediterranean. The origin of myrtle is associated with the name of the nymph Mersina, who was killed in anger by the goddess of wisdom because she dared to overtake her in a race and defeat her in a fight. From the body of a killed mersina it grew graceful plant- myrtle.

Evergreen ornamental shrub 1 - 2 m tall. The leaves are leathery, small, tender, dark green, lanceolate-oval, located oppositely on the branches.

White-cream, small, fragrant, regular, 4-5-petalled flowers with numerous stamens on single pedicels develop from the leaf axils. Pollinated flowers produce black berries with strong aroma. Flowering time is June-July.

Received for many years whole line varieties and forms with edged, painted, leaves of different sizes and double flowers.

Reproduction

This plant is propagated by seeds and cuttings.

Seeds: sown in March - April in leafy soil mixed with sand. If the seeds are fresh, then the germination rate is quite high, but in biennials it decreases sharply.

Prepare the substrate from turf soil, peat and sand (2:2:1). Place the seeds on the surface of moist soil, lightly sprinkle with the same soil and, covered with glass, place in a warm (not lower than +18) and bright place, but without direct sunlight. In about 7-10 days, shoots will appear.

When two true leaves grow, the seedlings dive. Later, as it grows, the myrtle is transferred to larger flowerpots. A plant obtained from seeds blooms only in the fifth year.

Cuttings: for propagation, cuttings are best harvested in May, August and November. This is due to the undulating growth of myrtle. Green cuttings root better than semi-lignified ones. Cut them about 10 cm long, cut off the leaves from the bottom. Cuttings take root in 1 - 1.5 months. After rooting, they are planted in small pots with a mixture of turf, leaf, peat, greenhouse soil and sand (1:1:1:1:1). Myrtle plants obtained by cuttings bloom in the second or third year.

There are 2 types of rooting cuttings:

• Place the cuttings in a container of water room temperature in a warm, bright place (but not direct sunlight). If you change the water regularly, the process will take about a month (possibly more). As soon as the roots grow to 3-5 cm, transplant the myrtle into the ground.
• Plant cuttings into a loose, damp substrate or sand. Be sure to cover with film or glass and place in a bright (not sunny) place with a temperature of 20-23 degrees. Ventilate the soil occasionally to prevent souring.

Care

Young trees are replanted annually before growth begins, i.e. in February - March, adults - after 2-3 years in a mixture of equal parts of turf, greenhouse and leaf soil with the addition of sand.

Myrtle grows slowly. At 4 - 5 years of age it begins to bloom. Good for shaping. By pruning you can create balls, pyramids, round bushes, garlands. In winter it grows better in bright, cool rooms, in summer - on the balcony or in the garden. During this period, the plant is actively developing.

Difficulties in growing

Leaves dry out and fall off, shoots wither - this often happens in winter due to too dry air. In this case, the plant needs to be placed in a mini-greenhouse, sprayed with a growth stimulator (EM-Preparation), occasionally and little by little watered and ventilated. If the roots are alive, young leaves will appear after a while. Dead shoots can be pruned in March.

Myrtle as a spice

Myrtle leaves, young shoots, and fruits are used as spices. They give dishes, especially meat and fish, a specific, refreshing aroma, improve taste qualities beef, pork, poultry. If you place a sprig of myrtle on the coals, the kebab will acquire a wonderful aroma.

To prepare the spices, take fully ripened leaves (not young ones). Dry in a well-ventilated area. Dried leaves are separated from the branches and stored in canvas bags in a cool, dry place.

Myrtle is such a charming plant that you fall in love with it at first sight: fluffy crown, dark green glossy leaves, creamy beads of buds, beautiful white flowers with numerous stamens.

Common myrtle, namely, it is grown at home, and is found growing wild in Mediterranean countries. It was known back in Ancient Egypt. And in Ancient Greece, myrtle was a cult plant. Entire myrtle groves grew near the temples of the goddess of love Aphrodite, symbolizing youth and beauty. And the name itself - myrtle came to us from Ancient Greece, which translated means balm, myrrh.

An interesting custom associated with growing myrtle at home, existed for a long time in Lutheran Germany: a little girl was given a small pot of myrtle. The girl took care of the plant herself, trying to grow it into a beautiful and fluffy tree. Having become a bride, she wove a wreath from its branches, in which she walked down the aisle, and the myrtle tree settled in a new family. They say that if the bride’s myrtle tree was well-groomed, with a strong trunk and fluffy crown, then family life The young wives' life was a happy one. What was the reason for this?

Hard to say. Maybe that’s why there was happiness in a family with a well-groomed myrtle tree, because the ancient goddess of love favored its owner. Or maybe the whole point was that only knowledgeable, skillful and, most importantly, patient people could grow a good myrtle tree in a room. Such people will be able to improve family life and bring comfort. So there will be happiness in the house. And whether myrtle is the cause of this happiness or not, everyone decides for himself.

But myrtle is valued not only for its beauty. Pluck a myrtle leaf and rub it lightly. The pleasant, resinous aroma that appears indicates the essential oils contained in the plant. They are widely used in perfumery and medicine. And in an apartment, even a very small myrtle plant will “fight” with all its might for the health of its owners. Its smell calms the nervous system and helps with insomnia. Essential oils of myrtle vulgaris have such a powerful bactericidal effect that they destroy pathogenic microorganisms and purify the air in the apartment. Basil has the same effect. For colds, runny nose, and sore throat, it is useful to brew myrtle leaves and breathe in the resulting steam.

Grow common myrtle at home not everything is easy. Still, it's worth trying. Knowing the difficulties, you can avoid them or overcome them.

Caring for myrtle in summer

Myrtle loves bright rooms. Water abundantly, but without accumulating water in the pan. Myrtle does not tolerate even short-term drying out of the earthen clod: this can lead to yellowing, drying and falling of the leaves. Myrtle likes very high air humidity, so spray the leaves more often, up to 2-3 times a day, from spring to mid-summer, and also regularly feed it with complex fertilizers or biological fertilizers once every two weeks. In the summer, it is useful to expose myrtle to fresh air.

Caring for common myrtle in winter

In winter, the common myrtle requires a cooler (optimum temperature 8-10 ° C), but bright room. In winter, myrtle should be watered very carefully, just so that the earthen ball does not dry out. It is quite difficult to create such conditions for myrtle in winter in an ordinary city apartment, so we can recommend the following. Put flower pot with myrtle on the lightest and coldest window sill, next to the glass the air temperature at night is about +12 +15°C; try to limit the intake of dry and warm air from central heating radiators to the plant; scour its crown more often; water with minimal doses, but do not allow over-drying. Under such conditions, myrtle will feel quite tolerable in winter.

The soil mixture for growing common myrtle consists of turf or leaf soil, humus, peat and sand in equal parts (1:1:1:1). Young myrtle is replanted every year, then, when the plant becomes an adult, replanting is done once every 3-4 years. But every year in spring and autumn you can change the top layer of soil. This will avoid soil depletion. For older myrtle specimens earth mixture make up a heavier one - the ratio of the above components is 2:1:1:1.

Pruning myrtle. In order for myrtle to branch better, young plants need to pinch out the apical buds on the shoots. Myrtle tolerates pruning and pruning very well, so its crown can be given any shape: bush-like, tree-shaped, spherical, spindle-shaped, etc. In addition, by pruning you will create the myrtle dimensions that suit you. During spring pruning, and also in June, when the myrtle crown is forming, you can take a lot of cuttings and root them. Common myrtle propagates by stem cuttings.

For better rooting, myrtle cuttings can be treated with root formation stimulants, after which they easily take root in a mini-greenhouse for 20-30 days at 18-20 °C. After they take root, the myrtle cuttings are transplanted into small pots. Common myrtle blooms in the 4-5th year of life.

Myrtle is one of the gardener's most favorite indoor plants. This is not surprising, because the myrtle tree is incredibly beautiful and useful. In addition, it has a rich history of origin and very beautiful symbolism. There are many legends and beliefs associated with this deciduous beauty.

Myrtle is a plant from the genus of evergreen shrubs and trees. It belongs to the myrtle family and has its origins in Ancient Greece. For many centuries, this tree has been considered a symbol of beauty and youth, and it also symbolizes happiness and well-being in the family. As decorative flower The myrtle plant took 400 years to form. IN room conditions the flower can reach 1 m in height, in natural ones it grows upward by 3-4 m.

Leaves of a woody shrub

The woody shrub has straight stems that branch quite densely. The leaves of this beauty are dark green, dense, leathery. The shape of the myrtle leaf is oblong, slightly tapering towards the edge. The leaves grow very abundantly on the stems and are held on small petioles. The length of one leaf reaches from 2 to 5 cm. The leaves can have different shapes depending on the type of plant, for example, the hequen myrtle has wrinkled edges on the foliage.

Myrtle leaves are shiny and have a pleasant smell. The thing is that the leaves contain small glands that can be seen close up in good lighting. It is thanks to these glands that the plant leaf produces essential oils and aromatic substances. Myrtle essential oil helps relieve fatigue, has a calming effect and treats insomnia. However, you should be careful with the myrtle scent; too much of it can cause nausea and dizziness.

Flowering indoor plant

Myrtle flowers grow singly in the axils of the leaves, or the blooms are collected in whole clusters. Flowering is mostly white, with occasional pink flowers. The flowers themselves are small, very fragrant and fragrant. Bloom indoor myrtle pollinated by a brush. The tree blooms in early summer and bears fruit in the fall. The fruits of this plant contain spice, they are edible and juicy, dark blue or deep red in appearance.

Popular types of myrtle

Today there are about one hundred various types myrtle. This fragrant foliage beauty is represented by a wealth of species around the world, but the most common is the common myrtle or, as it is also called, communis. And this is not surprising, because flower growers consider the common myrtle plant to be the most unpretentious flower from the myrtle family. Characteristics This tree has five-petal flowers with golden stamens in the center, as well as a highly branched trunk, quite short.

Species such as small-leaved myrtle, lush myrtle, Ralph's myrtle, and hequen myrtle are very popular. Also included in the description of the myrtle plant is a species such as Tarentina Granada, dwarf flower, which gives its owners beautiful lush flowering. All these species have differences in the shape of the leaves and branches, as well as in the color of the fruits, but they are all incredibly beautiful and unique.

Medicinal and beneficial qualities of the myrtle plant

It is not in vain that the characterization of myrtle has such an interesting point: the word “myrtle” is translated from Greek as “balm”.

One could go on and on about the benefits of myrtle and how it is valued in medicine. This southern plant has a huge storehouse medicinal properties. Today, everyone who cares about their health is interested in the topic - the myrtle plant: its properties and uses, because this small indoor dweller is very rich in useful qualities.

The flower is able to purify the air in the apartment, protect the inhabitants of the house from bacteria and annoying viruses, for example, from ARVI, from tuberculosis and diphtheria bacilli. The antibacterial properties of myrtle plants are widely known, as well as the fact that the flower promotes anti-inflammatory processes in the body.

Various tinctures are made from the tree, which help with intestinal diseases, help fight cancer, help cope with heart disease, and have healing effects for sinusitis, diabetes, liver and kidney diseases. Interestingly, myrtle is also used for various allergic symptoms.

The essential oil, which is contained in the leaves, bark and flowers of the tree, perfectly tones and soothes. This oil is widely used for cosmetic purposes, because it treats the skin from acne, gives it freshness, and strengthens the hair. Myrtle oil also invigorates and improves mood. And with that beneficial features Myrtle plants are not running out. This evergreen flower softens the cough of a heavy smoker and improves immunity.

Proper care of myrtle at home

Many amateur gardeners are wondering how to care for myrtle so that it grows healthy and strong. Any indoor flower needs tender and attentive care, because it needs to feel cared for. If caring for the myrtle plant at home was complete, then this indoor handsome man will certainly delight the gardener with its lush growth. To do this, you need to follow a few simple tips.

Place and lighting for the flower

Myrtle loves sunlight, but the sun's rays should be in moderation, especially on hot summer days. You should not keep a flowerpot with a myrtle tree in the heat. It is best to place the flower in a well-lit area, or on a windowsill. It will be great if the tree is on the western or eastern side. In summer, caring for a myrtle plant requires less effort; you just need to take it out into the fresh air, for example, onto a balcony. In winter you need to provide the flower good lighting.

Air temperature and humidity

Favorable atmosphere for the myrtle flower: how to care for it, what temperature to maintain, how to refresh it and not dry it out? It's all quite simple. The myrtle tree grows well at moderate air temperatures; in winter it will feel good at temperatures up to eight degrees below zero. If you keep myrtle cool in winter, then in summer this beauty will bloom thickly and profusely. IN summer season the flower just needs to be kept in the fresh air, but protected from the sultry heat.

This evergreen tree requires high air humidity and copes very poorly with dry indoor air. The plant needs constant spraying in the summer, as well as in the spring and warm autumn, when it grows intensively and strengthens. When cold weather sets in, you don’t have to spray it.

Soil, fertilizer, and watering

The soil in the flowerpot with the myrtle plant should remain fairly moist. It is recommended that the flowerpot contain sand, humus, peat soil and turf soil in equal quantities. You can also make soil from clay, humus, peat and turf soil in equal quantities and add sand. Watering indoor tree should be done regularly, but in moderation; do not overfill the flowerpot. Warm water is used for irrigation.

How much fertilizer does the myrtle houseplant require: cultivation and care during feeding, are there any special features? The fact is that feeding depends on what result the grower expects. If you need to achieve good flowering, you can, for example, use fertilizer with phosphorus, and fertilizing with nitrogen is suitable for growing a small ornamental tree. Whatever the gardener’s choice, the main thing is not to forget to feed the myrtle flower once a week.

Replanting woody shrubs

Transplant woody shrub should be done as needed, this should be done carefully and carefully.

During this important procedure, it is necessary to ensure that the trunk does not sink into the ground along with the roots; it is recommended to leave it on the surface of the flowerpot. While the deciduous beauty is young, you can replant it once a year, but try not to overdo it, because very large flowerpots will not do the tree any good. Also, it is necessary to remember that the flower is replanted in the spring before it begins to bloom.

Trimming and pinching

Myrtle needs pruning in order to achieve beautiful shape. This foliage flower will be pleasing to the eye in any case, but if you give it the desired look with trimming, it will look unique. If you trim the top of the flower, it will decorate the interior of the room in the form of a bush, but if you trim the side parts, the myrtle will stretch upward like a slender tree. Here it is recommended to remember the following: a woody plant is pruned when the trunk is already strong, and this procedure must be carried out in the spring.

You can pinch the deciduous beauty as needed in order to increase the density of the crowns. The myrtle will become fuller and healthier after pinching, but it is not recommended to do this too often, as the tree may lose the density of flowering. Experienced flower growers they know that procedures of this kind should be carried out in moderation, taking into account all the subtleties of the issue of myrtle vulgaris: care at home, because each plant loves an individual approach.

Myrtle tree propagation

In nature, there are two ways to propagate myrtle: from seeds and using cuttings. Both methods require quite a lot of attention and care. The grower propagates by cuttings twice a year; to do this, it is necessary to remove them from the myrtle and plant them for rooting in peat with sand. The cuttings are covered with a bag to retain moisture, and after a month, when the roots grow, they can be planted in a small flowerpot. This myrtle blooms already in the third year of its growth.

For seeds, it is necessary to prepare the soil from peat and sand, distribute them evenly on the surface, sprinkle a thin layer of earth on top and cover with film. It is recommended to place this soil in a well-lit place and water it regularly. After about 2 weeks, when the seedlings have two leaves, they can be transplanted into small flowerpots. This myrtle will begin to bloom in the fifth year of life.

What threatens myrtle?

Is myrtle healthy: diseases and treatment, what should you be wary of and how to properly protect a woody plant? Flower growers definitely need to know what myrtle diseases are in order to prevent their occurrence. The most common scourge is aphids, which are very unpleasant spider mite, as well as scale insects. These, as well as similar myrtle pests, can manifest themselves if the flower is not provided with good lighting and proper watering is not observed. Treatment is carried out with insecticides; it is also recommended to spray the beautiful myrtle with water, special attention focusing on the underside of the foliage.

Every gardener who can boast of a gorgeous myrtle plant in his collection is incredibly proud of it, because this flower carries many useful nuances. We can talk forever about the symbolism, history and beauty of this leafy favorite, but it’s better to just enjoy the sight of it in your home! A lot of useful information in the article:

The luxurious evergreen myrtle shrub, a recognized symbol of family well-being, harmony and love, is rarely found today in the collections of Russian flower growers, although it has long been cultivated. A native of the mysterious Mediterranean, it is distributed in the wild in the Azores, northern Africa and the south of the Euro-Asian continent. Covered in legends and revered by various religious concessions, myrtle, unfortunately, does not have the habit of decorating gardens of temperate latitudes, not enduring the harshness of the climate, but has perfectly adapted to life at home.

This exotic beauty is spectacular and decorative, and is also one of the top ten plants that purify the surrounding airspace. The features of its cultivation, care and agrotechnical techniques will be discussed in the article.

Description

The myrtle tree, or rather a tree-like shrub, is an evergreen, ornamental, deciduous plant, reaching 2-4 meters in height in nature. Indoor representatives of this species rarely cross the meter line, although in greenhouses winter gardens providing the necessary conditions, there are specimens with the parameters of their free brothers.

A multi-stemmed shrub with medium-sized, slightly elongated, dense, opposite leaves with pointed tips, the common myrtle (the most common cultivated species) is compact and decorative. It can decorate any room - from a formal office to an elegant living room. The plant has distinct periods of activity: with the onset of cold weather, myrtle stops in development, and awakens in the spring.

By the beginning of summer, the crop blooms, becoming covered with single or numerous white inflorescences in short racemes on long stalks, located in the axils of the leaves and emitting a pleasant, subtle aroma. With the onset of autumn, flowers pollinated with a brush turn into dark purple, almost black spicy berries that can be used in cooking and medicinal infusions. Ripe fruits produce seeds suitable for subsequent propagation.

All above-ground parts of the plant contain essential oils, which are used not only by perfumers and pharmacists, but also by cooks. This wonderful shrub not only pleases the eye, but also brings very noticeable benefits.

Requirements for maintenance and care

Although myrtle is not the most fastidious representative of the home plant kingdom, follow some rules to ensure it comfortable conditions still have to.

Watering and spraying

One of the main requirements is high humidity. During periods of activation, the plant needs generous watering: the substrate should not dry out. In addition, myrtle is partial to daily spraying and such hygienic procedures as showering. For watering and moistening the foliage, use soft, settled water. Myrtle is also watered in calm winter periods. This is especially true if the plant overwinters in a warm room: the crop will respond to a lack of water by dropping its leaves.

Excessive watering is harmful, since stagnation leads to rotting of the roots due to the activation of pathogenic microflora. Therefore, water accumulated in the pan must be removed after waiting half an hour after watering.

Temperature and light conditions

Myrtle prefers moderate (20-23˚C) air temperatures and good lighting. In the summer it is taken out to the balcony or into the garden, where it feels very comfortable. He is not afraid of bright light, and successfully tolerates the sun's rays. Apparently, the southern origin of the culture has an effect. However, myrtle, whose care at home makes it much more tender than its wild counterparts, is not always able to withstand the midday heat. Therefore, the plant should be protected from aggressive sun by building a canopy or a small screen.

Important! Myrtle needs sunlight. Its deficiency, even with high-quality agricultural technology, will not allow the crop to establish flower buds.

For winter, it is advisable to move the crop to a cool place with a temperature of 7-10˚C. This aging stimulates abundant summer flowering. The plant can overwinter in a warmer room, but in this case watering and spraying must also be carried out with the same regularity as in summer. And you should be prepared for the fact that after a warm winter, the myrtle will refuse to bloom.

Feeding

Active growth and high-quality development of a crop is impossible without fertilizing. In spring and summer, myrtle should be fed once every 10 days, using liquid solutions complex fertilizers for indoor flowers, for example, “Ideal”. The application of fertilizers from the peat-humic group (“Flora”) will help improve the quality of the substrate. They are dissolved according to the instructions and applied once every 2 months.

Crops placed in a cool room for the winter do not need fertilizing, but those wintering in normal conditions Our dwellings must receive food once a month.

Reproduction and transplantation

Myrtle is a slow-growing crop, however, young plants are transplanted annually, each time increasing the diameter of the pot by 2-3 cm. Adult specimens develop normally in one container for 3-4 years.

Important! Transplantation should be done during the dormant period until spring.

The optimal soil is a mixture containing turf soil, peat, humus and clean river sand (2*1*1*1). To aerate the roots, expanded clay is used, which is placed on the bottom of a new container. Drainage takes up no more than a quarter of the pot’s volume, then the prepared substrate is added. The plant removed from the previous container is inspected, damaged or rotten roots are removed, powdered with crushed charcoal and placed in a pot, carefully straightening the roots. Then the tree is generously watered, covered with soil and carefully compacted. The planted plant is left in a shaded place for several days, minimizing stress.

Sowing seeds

Myrtle is a houseplant that can be successfully propagated traditional ways: seeds and stem cuttings.

The seed material is exclusively fresh seeds. They are kept in a slightly pink solution of manganese for 2 hours, dried, sown in a light, breathable peat-sand substrate, moistened with a spray bottle and covered with film. Containers with crops are left in a warm and bright place. As soon as the shoots appear (after 1.5-2 months), the shelter is removed.

Grown seedlings are planted in separate pots, and when they reach a height of 20 cm, the tops of the shoots are pinched, enhancing the growth of lateral branches to form the future crown. Myrtle grown from seeds usually blooms in the 5th year. The length of the process is a disadvantage of this method.

Cuttings

Flower growers give priority to propagation by cuttings. The advantages of this method are unconditional: flowers bloom already in the 2-3rd year.

Cuttings 7-9 cm long are cut from non-flowering apical shoots in early summer. The sections are treated with Kornevin solution. The cuttings are planted in soil consisting of a mixture of peat and sand. To ensure the necessary microclimate, the containers are covered with film and left in a warm place.

Advice! For faster rooting of cuttings, the soil is heated to 24-26˚C.

After 2-4 weeks, the cuttings take root. This can be seen by the formation of new leaves. Established cuttings are transplanted into separate containers and provided with the necessary care.

Crown formation

The myrtle tree tolerates pruning well. Using different techniques, the crown can be given the most bizarre shapes - from a spreading tree to an imitation of the legendary bonsai style.

Important! Pruning myrtle should not be done frequently - this weakens the culture. It will take two to four years to give the plant the desired shape.

To make the tree more luxurious and dense, pinch off the tips of the branches. This significantly stimulates the branching of shoots.

Constant care for the plant brings rewards - the myrtle blooms. This is an amazingly beautiful sight, the peak of which occurs in June-July. At this time, access to fresh air and maximum lighting are required. Another condition for quality flowering is pruning at the right time.

Important! Formative pruning of the bush cannot be carried out in the spring, since the flower buds are laid on the tops of the shoots, and an ignorant gardener will simply cut them off. It is more advisable to wait for the end of flowering and then start forming the crown.

Diseases and pests

Myrtle is a plant resistant to serious diseases. Various ailments usually arise from him due to errors in care. For example, drying out the soil and insufficient lighting can cause leaf loss, and excessive watering can damage the root system. The attention of the grower and proper care will help correct the problems that have arisen.

The tree responds to the care shown with the magnificent condition of shiny foliage and the aroma of excellent delicate flowers. The photos of myrtle presented in the article clearly demonstrate the beauty and decorativeness of this symbol of world harmony.