Indoor eustoma: growing and care on the windowsill

Indoor eustoma, the cultivation and care of which is quite within the power of every florist, a frequent guest on the windowsills of apartments. And this is not casual. In beauty, a wondrous flower can only compete with a rose. Eustoma comes from the Gentian family. Natural habitat - Mexico, the south of the United States, as well as part of the Caribbean islands. The plant has many names. The most famous of them are lisianthus, Irish rose, prairie bell. Today eustoma is popular all over the world.

The plant is a compact, low bush. Stems actively branch, leaves are dense, oval-lanceolate. They are coated on top with a layer of wax that protects them from the bright sun. The flowers are very similar to a rose, differing only in a funnel-shaped notch. Fully blooming flowers are more like poppies. In pots, undersized varieties feel best. However, they will need maximum attention and care. In order for the plant to please with its appearance and abundant flowering, it is necessary to provide it with good conditions.

The right place and lighting

When growing and caring for room eustoma, it is important to choose the right place for it. Eustoma needs a lot of light. For winter, south-facing window sills are suitable, and for summer, west or east. So in the hot season, the plant will be protected from burns, and on cloudy and cold days, more diffused light is required. The quality and duration of flowering will depend on compliance with these rules. Additionally used in the winter months supplementary lighting with phytolamps (at least 15 hours a day).

Selection of soil and capacity

The most suitable substrate for growing eustoma will be a ready-made mixture for violets. You can buy it at any flower shop. If you want to tinker, you can make the soil mixture yourself from humus, garden soil and coarse sand. A little lime is also added. Eustoma is also grown in a medium of fine peat and bark (in equal proportions).

Soil acidity is a very important point. The optimum pH is 6.7 to 7.0. In an acidic environment, the plant slows down in growth, and chlorosis develops on the leaves. This is the result of the so-called zinc toxicity.

The choice of container for growing such a flower as eustoma should also be approached responsibly. It should be wide, with low sides. The fact is that the roots do not go too deep into the ground, but are concentrated mainly in the upper layers of the soil. Make good drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, pour a layer on top perlite or expanded clay. Without it, the roots will quickly rot.

Temperature and rest period

Growing and caring for room eustoma includes maintaining the correct temperature values. This gentle southerner loves soft conditions. The optimum temperature for keeping is from + 20 to + 24 ° C. At such rates, new buds will be laid every year. If the marks reach + 27 - 30 °, then in the first year the bud will initially gain nutrients, and will bloom only in the second year. After budding, eustoma needs a rest period.

During this period, plant care has its own characteristics:

1. Pruning the stems. It is enough to leave 2 - 3 internodes.
2. Rare watering. But the earthen coma should not be allowed to dry out.
3. Lowering the temperature.The pot with the plant must be moved to a dark, cool place (the thermometer should be about 10 - 12 ^aboutFROM.

Humidity and watering

You cannot keep eustoma in an apartment in winter in too dry air. She is strictly prohibited from being in an air-conditioned room, as well as near heating appliances... The optimal indicator is from 40 to 60%. Watch the plant. If it develops well, then there is enough moisture. Otherwise, it needs to be increased slightly.

Humidity 10 - 30% is a critical indicator for plants. It equates to desert conditions. In the case of eustoma, trays of water placed next to the pot will help solve the problem.

Eustoma care at home should include spraying. But such procedures should be carried out with caution. If water drops remain on the leaves, rot and fungus will develop.

For the same reason, they approach the irrigation procedure with extreme caution. Warm settled water is used. Water sparingly when the ground dries out a couple of centimeters deep. Be sure to use a pallet, and pour out excess moisture. The jet is directed at the root, trying not to splatter the leaves.

Top dressing and transplanting

The potted eustoma gratefully accepts nutritional supplements. She especially needs them during the budding period. It is useful to alternate minerals with organics. Fertilizers are applied from 3 to 4 times a month. When the plant comes out of the dormant period, it must be supported with nitrogen-containing preparations. This will help the eustoma grow new shoots and leaves. With the appearance of buds nitrogen excluded.

When to transplant eustoma? This process is carried out only in extreme cases. The plant reacts very badly to this process. The roots are easily injured and the flower does not take root. Eustoma is often transplanted as seedlings. The pot is taken a little wider than the previous one. Only the transshipment method is suitable.

Eustoma indoor cultivation and care: seed propagation

Eustoma begins to reproduce by seeds in the first half of December. Plastic cups or small food containers are used as containers. A loose substrate with a share of peat is selected. You can also add coconut fiber to the ground.

The prepared soil is filled with containers and watered, then seeds are laid on top. Additionally sprayed from a fine spray bottle. All containers are sealed with foil and kept at + 25 ° C. Every day the greenhouses ventilate and moisten the ground. Indoor eustoma will germinate from seeds in about two weeks. With the appearance of the first shoots, backlight is used. Plants that have reached a height of 15 cm can be planted in pots. Better if they are ceramic. You need to take care of drainage and choose the right soil.

Many are interested in when eustoma blooms at home? As a rule, flowers appear at the end of May, the buds open in turn. The plant pleases with bright shades for about three weeks.

Diseases and pests

The stems of this plant contain a bitter sap. It repels pests. With proper care, diseases in eustoma are practically absent.

But sometimes it may appear:

• spider mite;
• whitefly;
• aphid.

You can fight them with folk tinctures or the most common drugs (Fundazole or Ridomil Gold). Excessive watering and cold air in the room can develop fungal infections. Transplanting and fungicide treatment will be required.

Eustoma is a delicate fairy flower. He will bring positive energy to the house. It is a symbol of love, happiness and longevity.

Growing room eustoma from seeds - video