Flower growers grow up fittonia for the sake of decorative leaves from which streak grids of white or red color depart. Its homeland – South America therefore this plant needs the damp and warm atmosphere.
Care for fittonia
The Dekorativnolistny plant fittonia belongs to family of akantovy. Flower growers like exotic leaves of various shades, from pale lime till coral color with the fancy drawing for the sake of which it is grown up. House cultivation of fittonia can represent some complexity as in the conditions of the city apartment it is hard to create damp and warm microclimate which is necessary in order that the fittonia felt comfortable. Optimum temperature for cultivation of fittonia: +20-24 °C, it is necessary to try to support her all the year round. At decrease in this indicator the plant begins to dump leaves. Same will occur if to overdry the soil in pot and also at the maintenance of fittonia in arid climate. Besides this mollycoddle does not take out drafts and sharp temperature drops.
That the fittonia normally developed, it is necessary to provide it sufficient lighting, but direct sunlight is harmful to plant. In shadow the bushes are excessively extended therefore it is recommended to put pot with flower closer to luminous source. East and northern windows will be suitable for cultivation, however during the winter period the problem will be created by the neighbourhood with the hot battery. To avoid air overdrying, it will regularly be required to spray plants from spray or to put near flowerpot saucer with water. It is possible to put pot with fittonia in damp substrate or moss, in this case moisture will arrive to roots at once, and the evaporating water – perfectly to moisten air.
It is better to make waterings the soft filtered or rain water. In the summer the thicket needs to water plant, in the winter – is more rare, but it is impossible to allow dryings of root system. Tiny grades of fittonia can be grown up in empty aquarium, creating decorative compositions with its participation. It helps to create optimum microclimate, and the plant will be able to prove to be in all beauty.
How to replace fittonia
It is necessary to replace fittonia every two years in process of growth of bush. The nutritious soil for houseplants consisting of the cespitose earth, humus and sand in the ratio 2:1:1 will be suitable for plant. At the same time it is better to use fresh shanks as old branches are excessively extended over time, the plant loses decorative effect. Top shanks should be cut off and put in the container with water or to plant in damp substrate under glass cap, it is possible to use the cut-off plastic bottle. 2-3 weeks later there will be fresh roots, and the plant can be planted on the constant place. It is more preferable to landing of fittonia wide and low tanks, the pot has to have drainage holes. On bottom the layer of haydite or pebble, over it – prime quality land in which put the implanted shanks is filled. The soil around roots needs to be condensed and spilled water. That the fittonia always looked decoratively, it is necessary to prishchipyvat tops of escapes regularly. It will stimulate growth of side kidneys that will positively affect exterior of plant.