Myrtle tree - care at home, why does it dry out? Myrtle flower: photo of a houseplant and its care What threatens myrtle.

Pruning myrtle

As for pruning, myrtle tolerates it well, not to mention the fact that thanks to this, it is possible to give the crown a different desired shape, creating various compositions. Pruning and replanting are carried out in the spring, no more than once every two years.

Transplanting myrtle

When replanting, use the transshipment method, choosing a pot slightly larger than the previous one. The soil for myrtle is simple, with good drainage. The substrate is prepared from equal parts of turf soil, peat and sand.

It would be useful to add a little charcoal and organic compost. Any pruned varieties must be additionally fed; for this, any fertilizer for indoor plants (complex mineral) without chlorine is suitable. The young plant begins to bloom only in the fourth or fifth year after planting.

Myrtle care in winter

In winter, myrtle experiences a dormant period, during which watering is reduced (the soil is only slightly moistened, preventing it from drying out) and the plant is moved to a cooler (8-10°C) but bright place. If this is not done, the leaves will drop. Although this is not a big danger, since in the spring new, young leaves will begin to appear.

Myrtle propagation by cuttings

If the main task during propagation is the preservation of maternal (varietal) characteristics, then cuttings are considered the ideal propagation method.

Cuttings are cut from healthy plant, they should not be completely young, but in a semi-lignified form. For better rooting, the cut is treated with a special growth stimulator (for example, root) and stuck into the prepared soil at an angle (45-55°). The substrate is constantly checked for moisture.

Myrtle from seeds at home

The seed method is less effective, but it is also used. At the beginning of spring, the prepared substrate (one part peat and one part sand) is poured into boxes (soil thickness 8-10 cm), sown with myrtle seeds, sprinkled with the same mixture of soil (3-4 cm thick), moistened and covered with glass. The temperature is controlled around 20°C.

Periodically, the glass is opened to ventilate and moisten the soil, as necessary. The glass can be turned over or wiped to remove excess condensation.

In a couple of weeks, the first seedlings will begin to appear, when there are too many of them, thinning is carried out, and after at least three leaves appear on the seedlings, they are transplanted into separate pots with the same substrate composition. A month later, young plants are fed with low concentration nitrogen fertilizer.

Myrtle, which is easy to care for at home, is an evergreen plant. In Mediterranean countries it is grown as a shrub or small tree, and in cold climates it has become a houseplant. Myrtle is often perceived as a gift for the bride, which foreshadows a successful marriage.

Types and varieties of flowers

Several types of myrtle are grown at home.

The most popular are:

• Common myrtle or indoor myrtle is the most common species. The trunk of the plant is not long, but well developed. The bark is peeling. Its color is red-brown. The small leathery leaves have a rich green hue with a very pleasant aroma.
• Tarentina is a compact shrub.
• Alhambra - forms fruits and berries and is distinguished by very dense green foliage;
• Variegata - the plant stands out among others with its very variegated foliage.

If desired, you can also find more exotic forms of myrtle on sale, but the most common ones are also very beautiful when grown correctly.

Myrtle - growing features

Myrtle is grown at home in two ways - from seeds or apical cuttings. Those plants that are commercially available are most often obtained by cuttings. At home, if you want to grow myrtle yourself, you can use both methods.

Using seeds

Propagation of myrtle by seeds is not the most effective, but it is still used by amateur gardeners. The seeds are planted in early spring in a pre-prepared light substrate, which is made up of peat and sand, taken in equal quantities. Soil is poured into the planting box in a layer of 10 cm.

Next, seeds are sown on it and covered with 4 cm thick soil on top. After this, the soil is thoroughly moistened and the box is covered with glass. The seed germination temperature should not be lower than +20 degrees. To ventilate, the glass must be raised once a day for 4-5 minutes. Seeds germinate in about 2 weeks.

If the seedlings are too dense, they are thinned out.

Plants dive when they have 3 leaves.

30 days after germination, the first fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizer in a weak concentration is carried out. Subsequent feedings are carried out once a month, with complex mineral supplements and organic fertilizer.

By cuttings

Cuttings allow you to get a new plant that will fully retain its parental properties. Cuttings can only be taken from healthy myrtle. You should not take shoots that are too young for them. Only semi-lignified shoots are used for cuttings.

The cut, which is made at an angle of 45 degrees, is treated with root to stimulate the formation of roots. Afterwards, the cutting is placed in the soil, which must be constantly moist. When everything goes right, the cutting takes root and a new plant begins to develop.

If you miss a moment and the soil in the pot dries out, the cuttings will not be able to put out roots, even after the soil moisture is restored. After rooting, care will be the same as for an adult plant.

Temperature and humidity

The optimal temperature for the plant is considered to be +22+24 degrees. In summer, myrtle feels especially good if it is taken out into the fresh air, but not left under the scorching sun. In winter, it is advisable to reduce the temperature to +10 degrees. In this case, it is necessary to regularly ventilate the room where the indoor flower is located.

Air humidity does not play a big role, but it is still worth considering that myrtle grows better if it is less in winter than in summer. To do this, in the summer months, in order to increase air humidity, it is recommended to place the plant on a saucer with expanded clay, into which a little water is poured. As it evaporates, it will humidify the air around the plant. In the cold season, the saucer is not placed.

Watering and fertilizing

Watering should be regular and moderate. If over-watered, myrtle may begin to rot. The plant is also sprayed with water daily. Without this, the aboveground part will begin to dry out and turn yellow.

Only settled water should be used for watering and spraying. room temperature. In winter, myrtle is watered once a week and not sprayed.

Moisturizing the crown in the cold season is carried out only if the room is hot.

Feed myrtle with complex fertilizers for flowering indoor plants. In summer, feeding is carried out once a week, and in winter once a month. It is important to carefully monitor the plant's reaction to fertilizer. If it overpowers the feeding, then this means that the drug was not diluted well enough, or another product must be used.

Flower pruning

Pruning myrtle is needed in order to form its crown. It should be done in the spring once every 2 years. It is important to get there before active growing season begins. In the summer months, only pinching of emerging shoots is allowed.

After pruning or pinching, the plant must be additionally fed with fertilizer that does not contain chlorine. Very active pruning of the plant is not advisable, as it will cause poor-quality formation of flower buds. However, myrtle is easy to form a crown.

You can create pyramids, balls and other shapes.

Bloom

The plant blooms in early or mid-summer. Flowers, depending on the variety, are simple or double, single or collected in a brush. The main flower mass is located in the upper part of the plant, which receives maximum light. After pruning, there will be no flowering, and therefore during the formation of the crown, myrtle blooms only once a year.

Winter care

In winter, the tree is dormant. If it is not moved to a cool place, it begins to shed its leaves and loses its attractive appearance. There is no danger from this, and in the spring the green mass will be restored. Until the active growth of the crop resumes, the frequency of watering and the amount of fertilizing are reduced.

Myrtle: reproduction

The plant is propagated by cuttings or seeds, as described above.

Common plant diseases

In general, myrtle is a fairly strong plant that practically does not suffer from diseases. If it is flooded, then the flower begins to rot and become damaged by putrefactive bacteria and fungi. To solve the problem, begin to water the plant moderately.

Pests mainly attack old myrtle. The main pests are aphids and scale insects. If they are found on a plant, it must be immediately treated with a special pest control preparation.

Myrtle is a very attractive indoor flower that, with proper care, will grow for many years.

The myrtle tree is one of the most attractive and interesting indoor plants. Pleasant aroma, beautiful flowering, ease of shaping, high decorative value - myrtle has these advantages. Care at home is organized according to certain rules. You will learn about them from this article.

The Myrtle family is well known among gardeners. There are about 10 varieties of myrtle in total. The homeland of the plant is the Mediterranean. Grows in subtropical climates. In natural conditions it is a shrub or tree up to 3 meters high. When grown in an apartment it reaches 60 cm.

The leaves are small, shiny, leathery, oval, dark green. If you rub them in your hand, they emit a pleasant spicy aroma. The main part of essential oils is concentrated in small veins. The flowers are small on long stalks, with five petals and many stamens. Color - white or pale pink. The fruits are round small berries of intense blue color.

Interesting information! Myrtle leaves contain phytoncides. They improve and disinfect the air in the apartment. The leaves and dried fruits are used as a spice. The most famous myrtle spice is cloves.

Subtleties of cultivation

Full care of myrtle at home is organized in accordance with a number of rules. Myrtle is considered a capricious plant, often refusing to bloom or dropping its leaves. Creating optimal conditions for growth and flowering helps to avoid this.

1. Lighting and location selection. It easily tolerates direct rays of the sun, but prefers diffused light. In hot weather it is shaded. It blooms only when there is enough light. The optimal location is window sills facing west or east. In summer, the flower is moved to fresh air. In winter they provide full lighting.
2. Temperature. In the summer season they are kept at 18-20 °C. In winter, the plant needs coolness. Myrtle is rearranged to glass balcony or a loggia with temperatures not lower than 6-8 °C. After a full rest, myrtle blooms magnificently and for a long time. When wintering in a room, the flower is well watered and systematically sprayed. This helps prevent leaf drop, but does not guarantee flowering.
3. Humidity. Grows better in high humidity. It responds to spraying with warm, well-settled water by unanimously releasing new shoots. The need for moisture increases during periods of increased growth. At this time, the procedure is carried out daily. Additionally, air humidifiers and trays filled with water are used.
4. Watering. Water the plant frequently - as soon as the top layer of soil begins to dry out. In winter, the need for water is less, but the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. Stable soil moisture is maintained all year round. Do not allow water to stagnate at the bottom of the pot.
5. The soil. The soil for myrtle is chosen to be nutritious, not heavy, and of moderate acidity. A mixture of peat, humus and turf with the addition of sand or perlite is best.
6. Feeding. During the period of active growth, fertilize frequently - every week. For abundant flowering, choose fertilizers with a high phosphorus content. Complex preparations for decorative deciduous crops are regularly used.
7. Transfer. Until the age of four, the bushes are replanted annually. Mature trees - once every 3-4 years. Optimal time- spring, before flowering. When transplanting, do not allow the root collar to deepen. A thick layer of drainage is provided at the bottom of the planting container. The size of the pot is determined by the diameter of the crown - it should be half that size. Myrtle will not bloom in a large pot.
8. Trimming and shaping. Myrtle is an indoor flower that is very easy to shape. It tolerates shearing easily and quickly produces young shoots. Myrtle pruning is carried out in early spring before the start of active growth. The method of pruning depends on the desired result. Throughout the summer, the crown of the plant is adjusted, pinching out too long young shoots.

Important! The lack of flowering may indicate insufficient lighting, a large pot, or a stuffy room. The situation is corrected by daily ventilation of the room, lowering the temperature during the dormant period, and transplanting into a smaller pot.

Reproduction methods

Propagating myrtle is not difficult even for novice gardeners. Young plants are obtained by cuttings and sowing seeds.

By cuttings

Cuttings are cut twice a year - in the middle of winter or summer. Select semi-lignified branches from the middle or lower part of the crown. The optimal length of the cutting is from 5 to 8 cm. Half of the leaves are removed from the cutting, the remaining half is cut off. The lower cut is dipped in a growth stimulator. A mixture of heteroauxin with 0.25% content gives a good effect ascorbic acid. The container is filled with a light substrate of sphagnum and sand. The cuttings are placed in it at a slight angle and covered with film. The greenhouse with cuttings is placed in a cool, shaded place.

During the rooting stage, maintain a temperature of 16-20 °C. The greenhouse is periodically ventilated, the humidity level is monitored, and if necessary, the soil is watered and the cuttings are sprayed. They take root quickly - no longer than a month. The seedlings are transplanted into pots with a diameter of 7 cm (an ordinary plastic cup will do). When the roots completely entwine the clod of earth, transfer them to the pot. bigger size. The first flowering is no earlier than after 3 years.

Seeds

Myrtle grows more slowly from seeds. When using seed material collected from the mother plant, the characteristics of the variety may differ. The substrate for germination is a mixture of peat and vermiculite. Before sowing, it is watered with a weak solution of fungicide.

Myrtle seeds are scattered over the surface and covered with a very thin layer of substrate. The planting container is covered with glass. Maintain the temperature at 18-20 °C, monitor the soil moisture - it should not be overdried or waterlogged. Every day, the glass is removed briefly to ventilate the greenhouse. When favorable conditions are created, seedlings appear in 1-2 weeks. Dive into separate pots in the phase of 2 true leaves. Flowering - no earlier than 5 years of life.

Important! Young seedlings grow very slowly. To accelerate growth, provide high-quality care and regular feeding.

Diseases, problems and pests

Young myrtle rarely gets sick. Mature and old bushes are less resistant to pests and negative factors.

• Aphids and scale insects. They attack the plant when there is insufficient moisture. Conditions are adjusted and treatment is carried out with anticoccidal agents.
• Spider mite. Appears when there is insufficient soil moisture. Myrtle is treated with insecticides.
• Fungi and putrefactive bacteria. Their appearance provokes constant waterlogging of the soil. The plant is replanted, removing the affected parts.
• Yellow, dull leaves with curled edges. A sign of excessive lighting.
• Grinding leaves, pulling stems. The reason is poor lighting.
• Falling leaves. Increased temperature and dry air in winter or stagnation of water in the root system.

Growing myrtle at home is a difficult but exciting activity. Once you master shaping, you can give your myrtle any shape.

Myrtle is a plant for those who love peace, comfort and tranquility. Myrtle is an evergreen shrub or tree that belongs to the Myrtaceae family, which has about one hundred species. Myrtle is native to the Mediterranean and grows naturally in tropical and subtropical climate zones. In Crimea, the Caucasus, and on the Black Sea coast, myrtle is grown in open ground as an ornamental plant. In a greenhouse it grows up to 2 meters, but when grown in a pot it is modest in size. Myrtle leaves are small, glossy, ovoid, arranged oppositely.

The trunk is woody and branches well. Myrtle blooms are small, solitary, fragrant flowers white. They appear in the axils of the leaves, rising on a long peduncle. Blooms from early summer. Pollinate indoor myrtle using a brush. In autumn, pollinated plants bear fruit - juicy, spicy dark blue berries appear. Seeds from the fruit can be used for propagation.

By providing proper care for the plant, myrtle will delight you with its decorative effect throughout the year. Unpretentious, can live on your for a long time. It lends itself well to pruning, which allows you to form a beautiful crown in the form of a pyramid, ball and other shapes.

Watering

Homemade myrtle is unpretentious in care. It will take up little space and growing will not be difficult. Ensure timely watering and spraying. The plant loves moisture very much. During the period of active growth - spring and summer - the soil should be constantly moist. During this period, it is also advisable to spray the myrtle foliage daily. Sometimes you can take a warm shower. Use softened, settled water for watering and spraying. Reduce watering when temperatures drop. Under no circumstances allow the earthen clod to dry out; if this happens, the myrtle begins to dry out and fall off.

Excessive watering is another destructive extreme, fraught with rotting of the roots. Avoid stagnation of water in the tray and pot.

Lighting

Myrtle likes bright light with some direct sunlight, but at midday it is better to shade a little. If the myrtle tree is constantly kept in the shade, even if all other rules of care are provided, it will not bloom. Myrtle is not afraid of drafts. On the contrary, air currents will better distribute favorable phytoncides.

Temperature

The plant will do well in cool rooms. A moderate or slightly below moderate air temperature (within 18-23°C) is suitable. To get abundant flowering, provide cool air temperatures in winter between 6-8°C. If this is not possible, you can winter in a warmer room, but with more frequent watering and spraying.

In winter, when heating systems are operating, the air becomes warm and dry - this can cause myrtle leaves to fall off. Don’t despair; continue to water the plant moderately and by spring it will turn green again. A myrtle that has had a warm winter will most likely not bloom. In summer, myrtle can be taken out into the open air.

Feeding

For successful growth For good development, indoor myrtle needs to be fed. Apply organic mineral fertilizers once every two weeks. No fertilizing is needed during wintering.

How to trim and shape the crown of myrtle

IN room conditions Common myrtle is commonly grown. It tolerates pruning well. Even if the myrtle does not bloom, the formation of the crown will allow you to grow a beautiful bonsai-type tree. Do not expose the trunk too much, because it is not very strong. Leave as many side shoots as possible. However, if you want the tree to bloom, you shouldn’t get carried away with pruning, otherwise flower buds will not form.

Trimming myrtle on video:

Transfer

Home myrtle can grow for a very long time; it does not need to be renewed every few years, like many other plants, but it still needs to be replanted. This is done before active growth begins - in early spring. Young plants will need an additive every year, adults - as needed (every 2-3 years). Suitable substrate there will be a mixture: turf soil + humus soil + peat + sand, mix in proportions 2: 1: 1: 1. Be sure to place drainage at the bottom of the pot.

Growing myrtle from seeds

Reproduction by seeds and cuttings is possible. During seed propagation, varietal characteristics may be lost if the seeds are taken from hybrid bushes. Only fresh seeds germinate well. Wash the seeds without pericarp in a weak solution of potassium permanganate and dry.

Plant in pots using light soil. The seeding depth is 0.5 cm. Cover with film or glass to form greenhouse effect. Place in a warm, lit place, avoiding direct sunlight.

Ventilate the seedlings regularly, moisten the soil, but do not flood it. Expect shoots to emerge in 1.5-2 months; once they appear, the film must be removed. When the seedlings grow up, they are planted in separate pots. When reaching a height of 15-20 cm, you need to pinch out young shoots, stimulating the growth of new ones. Myrtle grown from seeds will bloom by the 5th year of life.

It is easier to grow myrtle from stem cuttings. They take root very well.

• Take cuttings in early summer from the top non-flowering shoots.
• The cuttings should have 3-4 pairs of leaves.
• Approximately 1 cm of the lower part of the cutting should be immersed in a phytohormone solution and left for about 2 hours, then rinsed with clean water.
• Plant the cuttings in a damp sand-peat mixture, deepen it into three nodes at an angle of 45-50°.
• Cover the top with film or cut transparent plastic bottle and place in a warm, shady place.
• Ventilate the seedlings. New shoots will appear in about a month.
• Then the shelter needs to be removed and placed in a bright place.

In the future, care for it as you would for an adult plant. This myrtle should bloom in 2-3 years.

Video about cutting myrtle:

Diseases and pests of myrtle

Myrtle diseases occur due to improper watering. It is important to constantly keep the soil moist, but to avoid stagnation of water in the flowerpot and tray itself. Excessive watering can trigger the onset of root rot, which will spread further and the plant will simply die. Due to dry air and insufficient watering, the foliage may turn yellow and fall off, but moderate watering will restore the plant. Also during this period, spider mites can attack. You recognize their appearance by the presence of cobwebs. The leaves, especially on the underside, need to be washed with water or a weak tobacco solution, sprayed with ground sulfur or insecticides applied (spray in the open air).

When scale insects appear on a plant, it may secrete resin and the leaves and stems become covered with dark spots. The plant can be treated with a soap and tobacco solution. If scale insects have already become clearly visible, soak a swab in vodka or denatured alcohol and remove the pests mechanically. Then treat with an insecticide or, more gently, with a soap solution to completely destroy the larvae.

If the leaves dry out and curl, most likely there are aphids - small insects green, black or gray, located on the bottom of the sheet. They reproduce very quickly. Immediately treat with special preparations that are sold in flower shops.

Types and varieties of myrtle

Common myrtle Myrtus communis

The Russian interpretation of the Latin name - Myrtle Communis - is an evergreen tree that reaches a height of 50 cm to a meter in indoor conditions. The leaves are small, glossy, leathery, oblong, arranged oppositely.

Variegata Myrtus Variegata

The foliage is variegated, the edges of the leaves are covered with dots and stripes of amber color. The flowers are miniature, beige-snow-white in color with golden stamens, and exude a pleasant aroma. Suitable for growing indoors. This species is revered as a symbol of fertility.

Myrtle Hymen variety - the name was received in honor of the God of Marriage, people call it the happiness of the bride. We honor it as a symbol of youth and beauty. This is an evergreen shrub, reaching a height of 3-5 m in the natural environment, and about 1 meter in a room. The leaves are miniature, lanceolate, emerald in color. The flowers are snow-white with a large number of golden stamens, 1.5-2 cm in diameter. At the end of flowering, blue-black berries are formed that have an intense, pleasant aroma.

Bigleaf Myrtle Myrtus macrophylla

It has a powerful antibacterial effect, eliminating pathogenic bacteria and rods. Helps in the fight against flu, sore throat, sinusitis; in the prevention of treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, prostatitis.

The plant reaches a height of 3-4 m. The tetrahedral stems are covered with large leaves (up to 5 cm in length). The leaves are glossy, with pointed edges, arranged oppositely. A five-petalled snow-white flower with symmetrical golden stamens.

Myrtus Alhambra

An excellent ornamental plant, suitable for growing in wild and domestic conditions. The leaves are compacted, with a high content of essential oils. The flowers are small, white, fragrant. They bloom in late spring. After flowering, white, fragrant fruits are formed.

Myrtus Tarentina

Dwarf form of the common subspecies. Small white flowers cover the plant profusely. The leaves are elongated, reach 1.5 cm, the edges are serrated, pointed, colored emerald, attached to shortened petioles. The plant has a fast growth rate. In nature it grows about 5 m tall, in indoor conditions - up to 1 meter.

Lemon Myrtle Myrtus lemon

Exudes a pleasant lemon aroma. Originally from the tropics of Australia. Widely used in cooking. It is used to make essential oil, various sauces, dressings, syrups and lemon drinks. Dry leaves are used as seasoning.

Small-leaved myrtle Myrtus communis microphylla

The small-leaved form of the common myrtle captivates with its unique elegance with many small, densely planted dense leaves that completely cover the crown of the tree. Along with abundant flowering, the myrtle tree turns into a festive decoration for any room.

How to prepare a tincture of myrtle leaves?

It's quite easy to do this yourself. Take a liter jar, put about 100 g of leaves in it and fill 500 g with 60-70% alcohol or vodka. For two weeks you need to infuse the mixture in a dark place. It is advisable to shake the jar daily. Then filter the infusion. To prevent diseases, you need to take 20 drops of infusion 30 minutes before meals 3 times a day.

You can benefit from the plant simply by placing it in the room: it will purify the air from various viruses and microbes. It is not recommended to place myrtle in the bedroom. You will surely love the aroma exuded by the tree. Myrtle is ideal for both home and office.

Myrtle is a symbol of a strong, prosperous, friendly family. Will a great gift newlyweds and established families.

Legends, beliefs about myrtle, its medicinal and other beneficial properties

An ancient legend says that Adam brought myrtle from Paradise. The ancient Greeks considered myrtle sacred. Myrtle was also revered by the Romans, Egyptians, and Jews. Myrtle was credited with the ability to restore youth to aging facial skin, and it gave strength and vigor to travelers. For Catholics, myrtle is the personification of the spirit of the Virgin Mary, therefore the peoples of Northern Europe consider it a talisman for women. With the birth of my daughter, a myrtle tree was grown, and at her wedding, myrtle branches were used to decorate the veil and the bride’s outfit, bridal bouquet. That is why myrtle is sometimes called the bride tree.

Myrtle means "balm" in Greek. Its flowers and leathery leaves exude phytoncides - useful material, capable of not only protecting the plant from diseases, but also purifying the air around it, relieving fatigue, and creating a positive mood.

Myrtle essential oil is widely used in medicine and perfumery. Wipe your face with myrtle tincture, which refreshes the skin better than any lotion. Myrtle tincture or a decoction of bark and leaves is used in the treatment of diseases of the throat and respiratory tract, diseases of the genitourinary system and gastrointestinal tract, and treats various suppurations and poorly healing wounds.

In ancient times, myrtle fruits were infused into wine, considering it a good tonic, a real elixir of health.

Be careful with folk remedies treatment, be sure to consult your doctor. Myrtle treatment should be used with caution by elderly people and pregnant women.

Dried fruits and leaves are used as a spice. When baking, smoking, grilling meat or fish, adding a sprig of myrtle will give them a special aroma. Remove leaves after cooking. By the way, the spice clove is a product of one of the types of myrtle tree.

chto-posadit.ru

When buying myrtle, you need to understand that the plant has a pronounced dormant period. This means that you need to care for myrtle differently in summer and winter. Because of this feature, myrtle can be located in different places depending on the temperature in the house and the time of year. The most favorable time for the plant is summer. Myrtle loves fresh air very much, so the plant can even be buried together with the pot in the ground, for example, in the garden. Before digging in, you need to think and decide on the place where the myrtle will grow.

Myrtle is in great demand among flower lovers. But quite often, various problems occur when growing myrtle at home. For example, myrtle sheds its leaves. This may be due to improper maintenance of myrtle. Something similar can be observed when growing such famous plants as azalea or pomegranate. Caring for myrtle is quite simple, but still has its own nuances.

Location and lighting

Myrtle loves bright, diffused light and easily tolerates direct sunlight. But it is worth considering that the plant should be shaded from direct sunlight in the hot season. If you want to get flowers from the plant, then you need to take into account that the myrtle should be in a well-lit place. In summer, myrtle can be taken out into the open air.

If myrtle grows in a room on a windowsill, then the best option would be western and eastern windows. If you place myrtle in the south, it can get sunburn. The north is the most unfavorable place for flowering: the flowers will be faded and quickly fall off. It can also be noted that light acts on myrtle as a signal for awakening.

In winter, you need to give the plant as much light as possible. If the myrtle stands in the south, then the dormant period will last only a month, if in the north, then all three. If you had to change your permanent place, then you need to do this gradually. After all, in another place the level of light will be different. The myrtle may lose light or, on the contrary, receive too much of it, so you need to approach rearranging the tree carefully and gradually. The plant does not like a sudden change of place of residence. It’s worth starting with the fact that little by little the myrtle can be placed a little further from the window, so it will quickly get used to the new conditions of detention.

Temperature

In summer, room temperature is quite suitable for myrtle. In general, the plant likes cool or moderate temperatures. The most favorable air temperature is 18-20 degrees. In winter, it is better to move the myrtle tree to a cool room with an air temperature of 6-8 degrees Celsius. Under such conditions, the myrtle will bloom profusely in the summer. You can, of course, overwinter myrtle at room temperature, but in this case you will need abundant watering and constant spraying.

When the air is warm and dry in winter, myrtle leaves often fall off, although you should not despair. If you continue to water the tree moderately, in the spring it will turn green again, but myrtle that has endured a warm winter most likely will not bloom.

Air humidity

Myrtle loves moist air, so it needs regular spraying. Usually, myrtle is not sprayed in winter when it is kept cool, but in summer or during the warm season the plant must be constantly sprayed. This is especially true in autumn and spring, when the plant is in the active growth phase.

Watering

In spring and summer, myrtle is watered regularly and abundantly as soon as the top layer of soil dries out. In winter, of course, myrtle needs to be watered less often, but still the soil should not be allowed to dry out, otherwise the plant will die. Myrtle should be watered with warm and, if possible, soft water. It is important to ensure that the soil in the pot never dries out. Regardless of the time of year, there should always be moist soil in the pot. At the same time, you need to make sure that the water does not stagnate in the pot.

The soil

The optimal soil composition for growing myrtle is: turf, humus, peat soil and sand in equal proportions or clay, turf, peat and humus soil with the addition of sand in a ratio of 1:1:1:0.5.

Feeding and fertilizers

From spring to autumn, myrtle needs to be fed every week. Depending on what kind of tree you want, you choose the fertilizer for myrtle. If you want the plant to delight you with its flowering, you need to use fertilizer with a high level of phosphorus. If you like a miniature tree, then it is better to use nitrogen fertilizers. In general, you can use conventional liquid complex fertilizers for decorative foliage plants.

Transfer

It is best to replant an adult myrtle once every 3-4 years, and young plants are replanted annually in the spring before flowering. When transplanting myrtle, you should not bury the root collar of the plant; this can lead to various diseases or rot. Be sure to place a good layer of drainage at the bottom of the pot. The myrtle pot should not be too large, just enough to accommodate the root system. For transplanting and transshipment, you need to choose a pot that is half as large in volume as the volume of the plant’s crown.

Trimming and pinching

For myrtle, pruning is an opportunity to radically change the shape of the plant and is best done in the spring. If you pinch young branches in time, you can increase the density of the crown; you can pinch them as needed at any time of the year.

You need to pay special attention and spend more time on pruning and pinching myrtle. After purchasing myrtle, you should decide what kind of tree you want to have in your home. For example, if nothing is done, a myrtle tree may end up taking on a pyramidal shape. If you cut off the top of the tree, it will take on the appearance of a bush. If you trim the sides, you will end up with a lush tree. In any case, no matter how you prune the myrtle, it will still bloom and delight its owner. But it is important to remember one thing: if you pinch myrtle back often, you will end up with much fewer flowers than before.

In general, if you look at it this way, the myrtle tree is one of the plants that is susceptible to defragmentation. It can always be cut in different ways and thereby give it a unique look. But don't overdo it. When the plant is small, you need to take into account that the trunk is still young and will not be able to hold a proudly lush bush like that. You just need to wait a little and the myrtle will get stronger and within three years it will show itself as a beautiful bush.

One note when replanting myrtle, you need to ensure that the trunk remains on the surface of the earth, and so the whole transplantation algorithm is suitable, as for other plants living in the rooms of the house. Planting directly into a large pot is a mistake. For a tree that is only three years old, the pot should have a diameter of at least 12 centimeters. The soil for myrtle is bought at the store.

Myrtle propagates by cuttings and seeds. For beginners, it is recommended to propagate the plant from cuttings.

Propagation by cuttings

Propagation by cuttings should be carried out no more than twice a year. The first time should be done in winter (January-February), and the second time should be aimed at spring or mid-summer (July). Cuttings should be taken from the lower or middle part of the tree. The length of the cutting should be 5-8 centimeters. To prevent moisture evaporation, you can remove the leaves from the cuttings; the remaining ones can simply be shortened. To ensure quick rooting, you can use stimulants.

The most suitable mixture for rooting is a mixture of sand and moss. If this is not the case, then you can use ordinary leaf soil containing coarse sand. The temperature at which the rooting procedure will take place should be within 16-20 degrees.

The best time for rooting is winter. The cuttings do not need light at all at this time - on the contrary, this place needs to be shaded. The container for rooting should be strictly not deep; after rooting, you need to cover the cutting with a cap. Sometimes the plant needs to be ventilated so that it does not fester at an early age. Rooting usually takes about a month. After this, you can safely plant it in a small pot with a diameter of approximately 7 centimeters.

When propagated by cuttings, flowering occurs in the 3rd or 4th year.

The seeds are evenly distributed over the soil surface and sprinkled with a thin layer of substrate on top. The container with seeds is covered with film or glass to create greenhouse conditions. The temperature must be maintained within 18-20 degrees. The container with seeds must be ventilated periodically. The soil is kept moist at all times.

Seedlings usually germinate in 1-2 weeks. When the seedlings have two full-fledged leaves, they can be transplanted into separate small pots. Transplantation is carried out using the transshipment method. In the future, caring for young plants is the same as for adult myrtle. Transplantation is carried out when the roots completely fill the pot.

When myrtle is propagated by seeds, flowering occurs after approximately 5 years.

Myrtle can be affected by aphids and scale insects, and in dry air and insufficient moisture, by spider mites.

The scale insect is practically invisible at an early stage, but multiplies quickly, covering the stems and leaves of the plant with dark spots. The scale is removed with a damp swab, but it is still necessary to treat the entire plant with an insecticide or soap solution.

Aphids often settle on the underside of the leaf and feed on the sap of the plant, which leads to the leaves drying out and curling. Aphids are destroyed by insecticidal agents.

Spider mites appear on the undersides of leaves and envelop them in thin white webs. It is destroyed by spraying and washing the leaves, especially on the underside, with water or weak tobacco infusion. Myrtle can also be treated with ready-made universal insecticides.

Difficulties in growing

• The stems are stretched, the leaves become smaller and turn pale - lack of lighting.
• The leaves become dull, turn yellow, the edges curl - excess lighting.
• Leaves fall - insufficient lighting in winter or warm wintering.

In conclusion, we can say that myrtle is an amazing plant. Apart from the fact that myrtle blooms and the flowers are beautifully fragrant, it also has medicinal properties. Even the smallest tree can protect against diseases and viruses in the house. As you know, myrtle oil is highly valued among the people and has many indications for use.

Tincture from the myrtle tree gives a person energy and vigor, the effect is almost like coffee. Myrtle leaves are boiled and used to treat gastrointestinal diseases. Even in cooking, myrtle has found its use. Very often, the leaves or even the shoots of myrtle themselves are used in the preparation of fish or poultry dishes. If you throw a sprig of myrtle on the coals, the kebab will turn out simply magnificent: the aroma will simply be incomparable to anything else. Even bay leaves will not be so popular in this area.

Among several peoples, myrtle is considered almost a cult tree. Wreaths and bouquets are made from it. A gift from myrtle is given to brides, so the plant was given the name “Bride Tree”. The myrtle tree is also called the “Tree of Family Well-Being and Happiness,” which personifies a friendly and strong family.

flowertimes.ru

How to properly care for myrtle at home

Myrtle - This is a very interesting plant, part of the corresponding Myrtaceae family. It grows in Mediterranean countries with subtropical climatic conditions. In general, the name itself is of Greek origin and is derived from the word “incense”. This name is explained by the fact that the leaves and flowers of this plant contain essential oils, which emit a very pleasant and soothing aroma.

Externally myrtle is a beautiful small tree with elongated and pointed leaves arranged oppositely. The leaves are bright green in color and their petioles are short.

How to water?

When caring for myrtle, it is very important to ensure regular watering: We must not forget that the plant comes from the subtropics, and therefore loves moisture very much. Along with watering, the tree should be sprayed daily. If the soil is not sufficiently moistened, the plant will begin to turn yellow and dry out.

In winter, watering rules change somewhat: it is necessary to switch to moderate mode, i.e. one watering per week. There is also no need for spraying (unless the tree is left in a warm room).

Lighting

It is best to place myrtle on the south side of the house. In principle, myrtle will grow on the eastern side, and not even on the western side. But it is in this place, on the southern windows, that the plant will feel as comfortable as possible and will be able to bloom. At the same time, keep in mind that at midday, especially in summer, the tree should be somewhat shaded. To do this, use a screen or curtain.

Temperature and humidity

When choosing a temperature regime, you should again take into account the natural habitat of the plant. For this reason in the summer optimal temperature is about 22-24 degrees. It will be useful to take the tree out into the garden or onto the balcony. If you keep myrtle in your apartment all the time, do not forget to ventilate the room.

With all this, it is necessary to ensure an appropriate level of humidity: in summer it should be quite high.

A little about feeding

When caring for myrtle, you can safely use comprehensive fertilizers intended for flowering indoor plants. In summer, the optimal frequency of feeding is weekly. In winter, this can be done monthly.

Transplanting myrtle

Myrtle is a slow-growing plant, and therefore it is not recommended to replant it too often. At the same time, all young trees should be replanted annually, increasing pot volume. Adult plants can be in one pot for about 3-4 years.
The most optimal time for replanting is winter, when the tree is dormant.

The entire transplant process looks like this:

• It is first recommended to dry the earthen ball, for which you do not water for several days. This will make it easier to remove the plant;
• Then you simply need to turn the old pot over from the plant and carefully pull out the tree, holding it by the base of the trunk;
• The roots of the plant need to be treated with some kind of stimulant, which will improve the survival rate of myrtle;
• New pot filled with expanded clay. We should not forget about drainage;
• Then the substrate is prepared. By the way, both during the initial landing and subsequently best option the substrate is peat and turf soil (30% each), as well as humus and river or sifted sand (20% each);
• The finished substrate is poured onto the bottom of the pot;
• The plant is installed in a new pot, covered with substrate, leveled;
• After replanting, water the myrtle thoroughly until water seeps out of the drainage hole;

After all stages, the tree is transferred to a shaded place.

There are two ways to propagate myrtle:

• Cuttings;
• Seeds.

Propagation by cuttings will occur if the soil temperature reaches 25 degrees. This is extremely important condition.

Propagation is carried out using apical cuttings.

• A cutting that has reached a length of 7-9 cm must be cut from a side shoot. You can also use a shorter cutting (5-7 cm), but in this case it is necessary to cut it from the main, but not flowering, shoot. The lower leaves must be removed, and the formed cut must be processed using Kornevin.
• The next step is planting cuttings. A mixture of sand and peat is ideal for this purpose. The cuttings are placed in this mixture and covered with a loose film on top. The rooting process occurs at room temperature. The result appears after approximately 2-3 weeks.

Another propagation option is using seeds. This method has a significant drawback: the seeds take a long time to germinate. But many are already familiar with such difficulties and may try to grow myrtle this way. To propagate by seeds, you need to prepare a substrate consisting of peat and sand. It is also recommended to sprinkle the mixture with a little soil. The substrate and soil on top are covered with plastic film.

For successful germination, it is important to meet two conditions:

• Provide diffused light;
• Monitor the temperature, which should be maintained at 21 degrees.

No less important when this method reproduction to form a crown:

You need to pinch the sprout at a certain height. Flowering of young plants should be expected in the second or third year.

Those who want to get myrtle flowers should know that to do this they should not prune the plant in the spring. In general, it is better to postpone pruning until flowering has ended.

The flowering period is the beginning and middle of summer, June-July. In order for the flowers to turn out beautiful, two rules must be followed:

• Provide proper care for the tree;
• Provide constant access to fresh air for the plant.

Inadequate care will lead to the development of diseases, and in this case there will be no need to talk about flowering. Flowering is also not observed when myrtle is kept indoors, where the air is predominantly stagnant.

The flowers themselves on the tree in question are arranged like this:

• Or singly in leaf axils;
• Or being collected in brushes.

There are usually 4-6 petals, but the flowers themselves are simple and double. The main part of the flowers is located in the upper part of the plant, since that is where the best illumination is.

Diseases and pests of myrtle, methods of combating them

To begin with, we note that myrtle does not have any special diseases or serious problems. But individual ailments can still sometimes occur.

For example, in conditions of poorly drained soil, a tree may develop root rot. Individual problems may arise due to non-compliance key rules care: providing insufficient lighting, poor watering. It is important to always take into account the fact that myrtle is a very fastidious plant, and therefore every condition for its care must be observed as precisely as possible.

Also, the tree is often attacked by insects: these can be thrips, scale insects, spider mites, aphids. For this reason, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the plant and, if there are any negative signs, carefully inspect it for the presence of insects. This requirement is especially relevant in relation to old plants.

If there were pests discovered, then you need to purchase the appropriate drug to combat them. This product must be used in strict accordance with instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions on Growing Myrtle

Those who grow myrtle often have certain questions. We will look at the most common of them, and also try to give extremely detailed answers.

• Myrtle not growing?

The lack of tree growth can be associated with various factors. Here you need to, firstly, take into account that myrtle, in principle, does not grow too quickly. In addition, one should not expect active growth from it in the very first stages of development. For the rest, try to provide high-quality care and feed the plant well.

• Myrtle not blooming?

The tree will not bloom in several cases. So, if you cut a plant in the spring, then you should forget about flowering this year. There will be no flowers even when the myrtle is kept in a poorly ventilated room.

• Are myrtle leaves withering?

In winter, myrtle may be left without leaves if its temperature is too high for a dormant period. A similar picture can be observed if the basic rules relating to watering the plant, spraying it and feeding it are not followed. Thus, the leaves of a tree can wilt when water stagnates in the tray. Or, on the contrary, it can happen if the soil dries out excessively between waterings. Among other things, the cause of leaf wilting can be excess sunlight. Therefore, when you detect the first signs of myrtle wilting, it is important to move it to a place protected from sunlight, adjust watering and start spraying more often.

• Is it poisonous?

Myrtle leaves are slightly poisonous. Long-term exposure to substances contained in the leaves can cause nausea and headaches in the most sensitive people.

Video on caring for myrtle at home

Thus, when caring for myrtle, it is important to understand that this plant does not accept any deviations from the key rules of caring for it. We must not forget about the frequency and abundance of watering, spraying, and fertilizing. It is necessary to provide the plant with a flow of fresh air. Finally, it needs to be replanted periodically. If you follow all the tips and take into account all the nuances, you will be able to fully enjoy the beauty of this unusual tree.

source

s30668802513.mirtesen.ru

Features of growing myrtle

The main feature of growing myrtle is the need for cold wintering. As a southern resident, he loves light and high humidity. Myrtle is a flowering plant. For good flowering it needs pinching. On the other hand, if you actively shape its crown, its ability to flower may suffer. Therefore, you need to know the basic rules of pruning and decide what you like more – a flowering tree or a plant with a beautifully formed crown.

Another feature of myrtle is its slow growth. Over the course of a year, the tree gains only 10-15 cm.

Myrtle is not very whimsical and not difficult to care for. It is enough to provide it with temperature, light and watering conditions.

Planting an indoor myrtle flower

Landing this home flower has no special features. Transplantation is carried out as the plant grows. Each time they take a larger pot for a flower.

Planting methods

Myrtle propagates by cuttings or seeds.

Optimal time for planting

The best time to plant cuttings in winter is February, in summer – July. For propagation by seeds, the time of year does not matter.

Soil for the plant (Composition and selection of soil)

The following soil composition is suitable for myrtle:

• A mixture of turf, humus, peat and sand in equal parts
• Greenhouse land
• Peat, humus and sand in a ratio of 1:1:0.5, respectively.

The soil should be slightly acidic.

Features of caring for your home myrtle flower at home

There is no difficulty in caring for myrtle if you follow the basic conditions for its cultivation.

Myrtle grows well in bright light. However, in extreme heat, he needs openwork shade. If the myrtle lives in the country in the summer, it is better to place it in the shade of trees at midday; if on the balcony, you can shade it with a tulle curtain.

In accordance with this, you need to choose a place in the house. It is better if it is south, south-east or south-west. If you put it on the north side, it will, of course, survive, but it will bloom worse.

Air humidity

Myrtle loves moist air, especially in summer. The soil should not dry out, and the plant itself must be sprayed.

In winter, if it is not possible to keep the myrtle in the cold, it should be placed away from heating radiators and maintain high air humidity.

Temperature regime for the plant

The main difficulty in keeping myrtle in good shape is organizing proper wintering. Myrtle urgently needs a fairly low temperature in winter - optimally no higher than +7 degrees, in summer - +22 - +25 degrees.

How to water correctly

Overflow and excessive dryness equally harmful to myrtle. Intensified watering is carried out from spring to late summer. Then it is reduced to 1 time per week. It is unacceptable for the earthen clod to dry out. If there is water in the pan after watering, it must be drained.

Feeding and fertilizing the myrtle flower

You can feed myrtle all year round; only the frequency of fertilization changes.

In summer this can be done weekly, in winter - monthly. Fertilizers for flowering plants are ideal for feeding.

Trimming

Regular pruning of myrtle stimulates the growth of side shoots. If you do not do this, it is impossible to get a lush crown. Frequent pruning of young shoots can negatively affect flowering.

Trimming methods

To get a neat crown of the desired shape, you will have to come to terms with the fact that the plant will bloom less.

If you pinch the top, you get a neat bush; if you don’t touch the plant, the crown will be pyramidal; if you trim the side shoots, you get a crown like a tree.

Transplanting myrtle

Young plants are replanted once a year, adults - once every 2-3 years.

Transplant methods

Replanting is done by simply transferring the plant into a new, larger pot. Naturally, in new soil. In order for the plant to be easily removed from the pot, you need to dry the earthen ball a little, so you should stop watering a few days before replanting.

Be sure to put drainage at the bottom of the pot, then plant the myrtle in soil of any composition indicated above. The soil needs to be well compacted around the plant. There is no need to bury the trunk into the ground.

Myrtle is propagated by cuttings and seeds. Both methods give good results and are not particularly difficult at home.

Reproduction methods

Cuttings

Cuttings can be taken both from a side shoot and from the main one, but not from the flowering one. From a side shoot you need to take a cutting no more than 10 cm, from the main shoot - 5-7 cm. Before planting, you need to remove the lower leaves from the cutting and trim the upper ones. Treat the cutting itself with root or heteroauxin. Plant in flat pallet into a mixture of leaf soil and coarse sand.

It is better to place the tray with cuttings in a cool, shaded place and cover it with film. As well as mature plant, seedlings need to be watered and sprayed. From time to time it is advisable to ventilate the greenhouse so that the soil does not become sour and the cuttings do not rot. Rooting occurs within a month. Then the grown plants are planted in separate pots in a regular myrtle substrate.

To sow seeds, take peat soil mixed with sand. Before sowing seeds, the soil must be moistened, possibly with a fungicide solution. Seeds are distributed into a tray on a layer of soil, then they are sprinkled with another layer of soil and covered with film or glass. The greenhouse needs to be ventilated and the soil should always be kept slightly moist. Seeds germinate on the seventh or tenth day. After the first leaves appear, the seedlings need to be transplanted into pots. When the root system develops and entangles the earthen ball, the plants are replanted again by transferring them into larger containers. Next, they need to be cared for like adult plants.

Bloom

If you want myrtle to bloom, you don't need to prune it in the spring.

When the plant blooms (flowering period), flower shape

Flowering period is June and July. At this time, the flower requires increased watering and fresh air. Some gardeners take myrtle to the dacha and dig the pot into the garden bed so that it is not exposed to direct sunlight, but has enough light.

Myrtle flowers are small, delicate, white or pink. The main part of the flowers is located on the upper part of the crown. They come in regular and terry types.

Plant care after flowering

After flowering ends, watering and fertilizing are gradually reduced. In autumn the crown is pruned.

Problems, diseases and pests of a flower

If myrtle is cared for well, it will not face any trouble. It can only suffer from overwatering, then the roots begin to rot and the plant dies.

If the indoor air is too dry, myrtle may become susceptible to pests. It is affected by aphids, scale insects and spider mites.

• Scale insects or shield aphids attack leaves and stems. Measures to combat it are spraying with a soap and tobacco solution with the addition of kerosene. The pests themselves are removed with a damp swab, and spraying with an insecticide saves from the larvae.
• Spider mites appear if the indoor air is too dry. You can get rid of it by washing the leaves (their lower side) with a soap solution or weak tobacco infusion. Insecticides can be used.
• Aphids attack leaves– they begin to curl and dry out. Treated with insecticides.

Plant species

As an ornamental plant, myrtle is represented by only one species - the common myrtle (Myrtus communis).

There are practically no difficulties in growing myrtle. But we dare to give some advice.

• Annual replanting of adult myrtle is not required, but you can change the top layer of soil every year with the addition of complex fertilizers
• If you spray myrtle in winter, it may lose its leaves.
• Place myrtle in a child's room - it creates a very good atmosphere.

Answers to readers' questions

Myrtle is a perennial plant, with good care lives long.

Is it possible to keep this plant at home?

Myrtle in the house is a source of peace and Have a good mood. Myrtle leaves contain essential oils that have a beneficial effect on mood and health.

Is this flower poisonous?

Myrtle leaves are (slightly) poisonous. May cause nausea and headaches in allergy sufferers

Why doesn't the flower bloom?

There may be no flowering if the crown is formed. It will not bloom even if it is kept indoors in the summer.

Why do the leaves turn yellow (dry)?

Myrtle leaves turn yellow if it is damaged by a pest. Dry air and lack of light can also be the reason for this.

Why does myrtle shed its leaves?

Leaves fall due to lack of light or too high temperature.

floralj.ru

Description of the plant

The Myrtle family is well known among gardeners. There are about 10 varieties of myrtle in total. The homeland of the plant is the Mediterranean. Grows in subtropical climates. In natural conditions it is a shrub or tree up to 3 meters high. When grown in an apartment it reaches 60 cm.

The leaves are small, shiny, leathery, oval, dark green. If you rub them in your hand, they emit a pleasant spicy aroma. The main part of essential oils is concentrated in small veins. The flowers are small on long stalks, with five petals and many stamens. Color - white or pale pink. The fruits are round small berries of intense blue color.

Subtleties of cultivation

Full care of myrtle at home is organized in accordance with a number of rules. Myrtle is considered a capricious plant, often refusing to bloom or dropping its leaves. Creating optimal conditions for growth and flowering helps to avoid this.

1. Lighting and location selection. It easily tolerates direct rays of the sun, but prefers diffused light. In hot weather it is shaded. It blooms only when there is enough light. The optimal location is window sills facing west or east. In summer, the flower is moved to fresh air. In winter they provide full lighting.
2. Temperature. In the summer season they are kept at 18-20 °C. In winter, the plant needs coolness. Myrtle is moved to a glazed balcony or loggia with temperatures not lower than 6-8 °C. After a full rest, myrtle blooms magnificently and for a long time. When wintering in a room, the flower is well watered and systematically sprayed. This helps prevent leaf drop, but does not guarantee flowering.
3. Humidity. Grows better in high humidity. It responds to spraying with warm, well-settled water by unanimously releasing new shoots. The need for moisture increases during periods of increased growth. At this time, the procedure is carried out daily. Additionally, air humidifiers and trays filled with water are used.
4. Watering. Water the plant frequently - as soon as the top layer of soil begins to dry out. In winter, the need for water is less, but the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. Stable soil moisture is maintained all year round. Do not allow water to stagnate at the bottom of the pot.
5. The soil. The soil for myrtle is chosen to be nutritious, not heavy, and of moderate acidity. A mixture of peat, humus and turf with the addition of sand or perlite is best.
6. Feeding. During the period of active growth, fertilize frequently - every week. For abundant flowering, choose fertilizers with a high phosphorus content. Complex preparations for decorative deciduous crops are regularly used.
7. Transfer. Until the age of four, the bushes are replanted annually. Mature trees - once every 3-4 years. The optimal time is spring, before flowering. When transplanting, do not allow the root collar to deepen. A thick layer of drainage is provided at the bottom of the planting container. The size of the pot is determined by the diameter of the crown - it should be half that size. Myrtle will not bloom in a large pot.
8. Trimming and shaping. Myrtle is an indoor flower that is very easy to shape. It tolerates shearing easily and quickly produces young shoots. Myrtle is pruned in early spring before active growth begins. The method of pruning depends on the desired result. Throughout the summer, the crown of the plant is adjusted, pinching out too long young shoots.

Reproduction methods

Propagating myrtle is not difficult even for novice gardeners. Young plants are obtained by cuttings and sowing seeds.

By cuttings

Cuttings are cut twice a year - in the middle of winter or summer. Select semi-lignified branches from the middle or lower part of the crown. The optimal length of the cutting is from 5 to 8 cm. Half of the leaves are removed from the cutting, the remaining half is cut off. The lower cut is dipped in a growth stimulator. A mixture of heteroauxin with 0.25% ascorbic acid gives a good effect. The container is filled with a light substrate of sphagnum and sand. The cuttings are placed in it at a slight angle and covered with film. The greenhouse with cuttings is placed in a cool, shaded place. During the rooting stage, maintain a temperature of 16-20 °C. The greenhouse is periodically ventilated, the humidity level is monitored, and if necessary, the soil is watered and the cuttings are sprayed. They take root quickly - no longer than a month. The seedlings are transplanted into pots with a diameter of 7 cm (an ordinary plastic cup will do). When the roots completely entwine the clod of earth, transfer them to a larger pot. The first flowering is no earlier than after 3 years.

Seeds

Myrtle grows more slowly from seeds. When using seed material collected from the mother plant, the characteristics of the variety may differ. The substrate for germination is a mixture of peat and vermiculite. Before sowing, it is watered with a weak solution of fungicide. Myrtle seeds are scattered over the surface and covered with a very thin layer of substrate. The planting container is covered with glass. Maintain the temperature at 18-20 °C, monitor the soil moisture - it should not be overdried or waterlogged. Every day, the glass is removed briefly to ventilate the greenhouse. When favorable conditions are created, seedlings appear in 1-2 weeks. Dive into separate pots in the phase of 2 true leaves. Flowering - no earlier than 5 years of life.

Diseases, problems and pests

Young myrtle rarely gets sick. Mature and old bushes are less resistant to pests and negative factors.

• Aphids and scale insects. They attack the plant when there is insufficient moisture. Conditions are adjusted and treatment is carried out with anticoccidal agents.
• Spider mite. Appears when there is insufficient soil moisture. Myrtle is treated with insecticides.
• Fungi and putrefactive bacteria. Their appearance provokes constant waterlogging of the soil. The plant is replanted, removing the affected parts.
• Yellow, dull leaves with curled edges. A sign of excessive lighting.
• Grinding leaves, pulling stems. The reason is poor lighting.
• Falling leaves. Increased temperature and dry air in winter or stagnation of water in the root system.

Growing myrtle at home is a difficult but exciting activity. Once you master shaping, you can give your myrtle any shape.

flower-fan.ru

Myrtle plant - description, photo

The tree at home grows in height from 30 to 60 cm. It has elongated, small, leathery leaves that appear polished. The leaves have a pointed apex and grow on short petioles. In summer, clusters of simple or double flowers, or single flowers, form in the leaf axils. After flowering, the plant ripens fruits, which are a drupe berry or a nut.

In indoor floriculture, the common myrtle (communis) is most often grown, the care of which we will discuss in detail in our article.

The ordinary world - care at home

Myrtle communis (common) is a small tree with a short branched trunk. It has red-brown bark, leathery, glossy, oval-lanceolate green leaves and white or pale pink flowers. Stamens protrude from the middle of the flower. The leaves of the plant have a pleasant aroma. It blooms throughout the summer, after which red-black berries form on the tree.

It is recommended to grow the myrtle houseplant on windows on the western and eastern sides. On southern window sills in the summer it will need to be shaded, for which you can use a tulle curtain. When grown on northern windowsills, flowering will be sparse.

Air temperature. Indoor myrtle does not like heat and grows well at air temperatures within +18...+20 degrees. It is recommended to ventilate the room regularly. In winter, the plant needs to be provided with cool conditions with an air temperature of +5 to +10 degrees. At higher temperatures in winter, the flower may shed its leaves.

Air humidity. Myrtle needs high air humidity, so in spring and summer its leaves must be regularly sprayed with settled water at room temperature. In winter when low temperatures Spraying will not be needed indoors. But, if it is not possible to provide the plant with cool conditions, spraying should be carried out several times a day. Operating heating radiators at home causes the air to become dry, causing leaves to fall from the tree. To avoid this, you need to increase the air humidity around the plant. To do this, you can use special humidifiers or place a flower pot on a tray with damp expanded clay or moss.

Watering myrtle. Water the tree abundantly in spring and summer, as soon as the top layer of soil dries out. In winter, in a cool room, the frequency and abundance of watering decreases. Under no circumstances should the earthen clod be allowed to dry out! Otherwise with indoor plant The leaves may fly off and dry into twigs. If the soil is still dry, place the pot in a container of water for a few minutes. Also, do not allow the soil to be wet all the time. Constant waterlogging of the soil can lead to rotting of the roots. Water for irrigation is used to stand for 24 hours.

Feeding myrtle. From March to August, once a week or two, the flower must be fed with fertilizers for flowering plants. If myrtle is grown as a bonsai and its flowering does not interest you, then fertilizers are used that are intended for decorative deciduous plants.

Rest period. Myrtle definitely needs a period of rest, during which it gains strength to flower and grow foliage. Therefore, in winter the plant is grown in cool rooms for three months. You can place the flower on a closed loggia, where the air temperature does not drop below +5 degrees. At this time, watering should be sparse, and fertilizing and spraying should be stopped. In a warm room, the dormant period of myrtle lasts about one and a half months.

To give the tree the desired shape, pruning should be included in your myrtle care at home. It can be done in early spring and after flowering. To get a tree, the side shoots are pruned. A bush-shaped plant will be obtained by trimming the upper branches. If you don't trim the myrtle at all, it will take on a pyramidal shape. However, it should be remembered that frequent pinching has a negative effect on the formation of flowers, so it is not recommended to get too carried away with pruning. If flowering is not too important for you, then you can experiment and pinch out the branches. The myrtle houseplant grows quickly, so it appearance can be changed every year.

Transplanting myrtle

A tree purchased at a flower shop should be transplanted into new soil one to two weeks after purchase. In the future, young plants are replanted every year, and adults - once every two to three years. The new pot should be 2-3 cm larger than the previous one. The substrate can be bought at the store or prepared yourself. The following soil mixtures are suitable:

1. Sand, peat, turf and humus soil. Everything is taken in equal parts and mixed.
2. Sand, turf, humus, clay, peat soil (1:2:2:2:2).

It is necessary to pour drainage into the bottom of the pot, which is covered with a small layer of nutritious soil. The tree is carefully removed along with a lump of earth from the old pot and placed on a layer of soil in a new container. The roots around and above are covered with soil. There is no need to fill the base of the trunk. Transplanted myrtle must be watered immediately.

Pests and diseases of myrtle

Pests

With proper care and maintenance of the plant in favorable conditions, no diseases or pests will affect it.

High temperatures and dry air are favorable conditions for the appearance of scale insects, thrips, spider mite, mealybug, whitefly. They all feed on the sap of the plant, which is why the leaves begin to dry out, turn yellow and fly off. Treatment with Actellik or Aktara will help get rid of pests. These are insecticidal preparations that should be diluted and used strictly according to the instructions.

This situation may arise if the rules for caring for myrtle at home were not followed. Myrtle leaves dry out for the following reasons:

1. Irregular watering. If you forget to water a plant and its soil often dries out, then not only the leaves, but also the twigs will begin to dry out.
2. Low air humidity. In winter, the air temperature for the flower should not exceed +18 degrees. In a room with heating radiators running, the air becomes dry, which is why the leaves begin to dry out and fall off. Spray foliage in a dry and warm room more often and more abundantly. Keep it on a tray with wet expanded clay, pebbles or moss, but so that the water does not reach the bottom of the pot.

Myrtle leaves are falling

This situation may arise in the following cases:

• lack of light;
• high air temperature;
• the plant is in a draft.

With excessive lighting (in summer on southern windows), the leaves lose their shine, turn yellow and curl. If there is not enough light for the plant, the stems become elongated and the leaves grow pale and small.

As you can see, all problems when growing myrtle at home arise from improper placement of the flower or errors in care. Care for the plant according to all the rules described above, and it will delight you with a beautiful, lush crown and flowering.

Cuttings are the most reliable and The best way myrtle propagation. Its seeds quickly lose their viability; in addition, when propagated by seeds, flowering will occur only after three years.

Cuttings can be taken from friends after formative pruning of the tree. It is best if they come from the middle or lower part of the crown. Rooting of cuttings should be carried out in January, February and July. For cuttings, semi-lignified shoots of the current year with a length of 8 to 10 cm are selected.

Procedure for rooting cuttings:

1. The lower leaves are removed from the cut shoot.
2. The large leaves located at the top are shortened by half, and the small ones - by a third of the length.
3. The lower cut is treated with a root formation stimulator (Heterauxin or Kornevin).
4. A wide and low container is prepared.
5. The soil for rooting should consist of sand and sphagnum (0.5:1) or sand and leaf soil (0.5:1).
6. The cuttings are placed in moist soil and covered with a glass jar or other transparent cap.
7. The containers are placed in a shaded place with an air temperature within +17...+20 degrees.
8. To prevent the soil from turning sour, the cover must be removed briefly every day.

After about a month, the roots will grow, and the cuttings are planted in separate pots with a diameter of about 7 cm. The same soil mixture is used. Caring for young seedlings involves regularly moistening the soil and spraying the foliage. It is necessary to ensure that the soil does not dry out.

When the cuttings grow up, which will happen in about a year, the plants are transplanted into pots, the diameter of which should be 9 cm. Rooted and grown bushes should be cared for in the same way as adult trees.

Properties of myrtle

The plant has healing properties, since its fruits and young shoots contain active substances and essential oils with antibacterial effects. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the tree in children's rooms and bedrooms, where it will clear the air of bacteria and germs, protect health, and help cope with the flu and acute respiratory infections.

Myrtle tinctures help treat cough, purulent otitis, staphylococcal infections, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and diabetes.

Myrtle - signs

IN different countries There are different attitudes towards growing indoor myrtle.

In Europe, they believe that wood brings love and peace to the home. But this is possible if the bush was planted by the owner of the house and all family members are proud of their beautiful pet. Myrtle is carefully looked after so that the flower does not die. Otherwise, luck will leave the house along with the dead tree.

Muslims do not keep myrtle in their homes, because according to their superstitions, it is believed that this plant dooms young girls and boys to loneliness.

It is recommended to grow a beautiful tree with healing properties at home, while observing all the rules for caring for it. Myrtle needs a family hearth, so it is not suitable for offices and public institutions.