Exacum
Fragrant single flowers
Latin name | Exacum |
Homeland | Socotra Island (Indian Ocean) |
Family | Gentianaceae |
Cultivation | complex |
Location | very well lit, but the light is diffused |
Temperature | minimum in winter-15 °C |
Watering | frequent |
Flowering time | in summer |
Height | 30 cm |
Transplanting | in spring |
Appearance maintenance | remove withered leaves and flowers |
The genus Exacum (Exacum) includes about 40 herbaceous and semi-shrubby annual, biennial and perennial plant species. Exacum has oval and lanceolate leaves and small flowers. Grow a single species-exacum related (Exacum affine). It is a compact plant with a height of 30 cm with small, oval, glossy leaves, painted in a more or less dark green color. From summer to late autumn, single, flattened, small and very fragrant flowers bloom.
The genus Exacum (Exacum) includes about 40 herbaceous and semi-shrubby annual, biennial and perennial plant species. Exacum has oval and lanceolate leaves and small flowers.
Grow a single species-exacum related (Exacum affine). It is a compact plant with a height of 30 cm with small, oval, glossy leaves, painted in a more or less dark green color. From summer to late autumn, single, flattened, small and very fragrant flowers bloom.
Cultivation
This houseplant is usually grown as an annual, using a well-drained and moist-maintained groundcover of garden soil, leaf humus, peat, and sand. Before the beginning of flowering, once every two weeks, a full mineral fertilizer is applied in the amount of 20-30 g per bucket of water.
Location
Well-lit, but not open and sunny. In summer, the plant tolerates a shaded location.
Temperature
It is maintained at 15 °C in winter, and the room is periodically ventilated in summer, so that it is not too hot.
Watering
Water often - the soil should be kept moist at all times.
Transplant
Exacum kindred is transplanted in the spring, when the period of intensive growth begins. Sometimes the plant is transplanted after flowering - in a more spacious pot. But usually discarded specimens are discarded and new ones are grown from seed.
Reproduction
Propagate, as a rule, by seeds. They are sown in late summer or spring on the surface of fine loose soil or in a special soil; to maintain humidity, the container is covered with glass or plastic; watering is carried out by filling the tray with water. When the shoots that have appeared grow up so that you can take them in your hands, the seedlings are placed in pots with soil. Make sure that watering, temperature (17-18 °C), and lighting are properly observed.
Diseases
If the soil is saturated with moisture at low temperatures, Pythium and Phytophthora cause root and stem rot. You can only get rid of these fungi by eliminating or correcting the conditions that favor their appearance. Young shoots damage aphids, which leads to deformation of the shoots, and thrips are especially attracted to the bright flowers of this plant, which leads to discoloration of the edges of the petals. Both of them are disposed of by treatment with appropriate drugs.
Acquisition
This plant is difficult both to find and grow - because of the requirements for lighting conditions and humidity. Make sure that the exacum does not suffer from prolonged stay in the wrong room: the symptom may be the falling of leaves and flowers.