Tropical plant of crossandr according to flower growers rather whimsical. It is impossible to tell that the flower demands difficult leaving. However does not forgive in relation to himself rough oversights and mistakes. India is considered the homeland of the ekzot. In the wild nature grows also in tropical forests of Africa. Only 2 types of crossandra have adapted to house conditions: funnel-shaped and prickly. The first version is most popular among flower growers.
Requirements to leaving
Crossandra is appreciated by smart foliage of olive color and long blossoming. At appropriate care the flower pleases with bright coloring of inflorescences from early spring to late fall. Cassandra yellow, orange, red flowers blossoms. It is simple to achieve such results, but it should be taken into account some nuances.
First, the crossandra is exacting to lighting. Does not love shadow and direct beams of the sun. Windowsills from East and West side will approach best of all. The arrangement at the southern windows is not contraindicated on condition of protection from direct hit of ultraviolet. But as it is not simple to achieve it, it is better not to risk and pick up more suitable place with diffused light.
Secondly, the flower well reacts to spraying and watering. The sprayer it is necessary accurately, trying not to touch inflorescences. To water carefully in process of soil drying-out. In winter time the watering is reduced.
Thirdly, Cassandra quite sociable representative of fauna and well feels in environment of other plants.
Temperature will be suitable for the favorable atmosphere of crossandra normal room. The main thing that there were no sharp differences and drafts, differently plant will lose leaves. Transfers heat very well, and here in the winter temperature should not be lower than 16 degree centigrades.
It is impossible to forget also about fertilizing which it is necessary to carry out once a month. Otherwise the flower will begin to fade and wither.
Change and reproduction
Cultivation of tropical plants in house conditions always business troublesome. And Cassandra needs regular change and scrap. Replace flower of times a year at young age. More mature copies – time in 3 years. Soil is prepared in advance. It has to be friable, feeder. Ease of the soil it is possible to achieve by mixing of foliage, sand, peat, the earth, humus in equal quantities. Before filling of pot by the soil, we fill drainage.
Breeds ekzot in house conditions by means of shanks. It is simple process, about a month lasts. Cut off stalk and lower in glass with water before emergence of backs. Then replace in soil. The seed way is possible, but is not desirable owing to big labor input.
For improvement and extension of the period of blossoming the plant needs to be rejuvenated periodically. For this purpose carry out cutting of stalks half and prishchipyvat tops of escapes.
Flower diseases
Once beautiful crossandra - window plant, care for which is carried out properly suddenly, begins to lose beauty and brightness. Diseases can be the cause of similar manifestations:
- Foliage has reddened – the flower has got solar burns. It is necessary to rearrange to the suitable place.
- Leaves – to plant cold have turned black, or there are drafts and stagnation of water.
- Leaves are lowered – the earth has dried up.
- Foliage dries up – dry air and lack of spraying.
- Long does not blossom – there is not enough light, have incorrectly made cutting, or the plant has grown old.
If the flower was struck by wreckers, for example plant louse and mealy worm – it is urgently necessary to process special solution.
Observance of simple and available rules on care for crossandry will allow to grow up magnificent bush with bright inflorescences. Multi-colored flowers will please fans of houseplants. Besides, will perfectly decorate the room and will add interior.