Gesneria

The genus Gesneria combines delicate perennial herbaceous plants with tubular roots and collected in panicles characteristic double-walled tubular flowers, and very decorative velvety leaves. Gesneria red-purple (Gesneria cardinalis) - a species 30-35 cm high with a rosette of leaves, - elongated, with a heart-shaped base, 15 cm long. In summer, bright red tubular thin flowers with a protruding upper lip bloom. Gesneria leucotricha - a species with a height of 25 cm. Obovate leaves covered with silvery-white pubescence are collected in whorls (3 or more leaves grow from one node) on the stems. In late summer and early autumn (until October), pink or salmon - red axillary pubescent flowers bloom.

The genus Gesneria combines delicate perennial herbaceous plants with tubular roots and collected in panicles characteristic double-walled tubular flowers, and very decorative velvety leaves.

Gesneria red-purple (Gesneria cardinalis) - a species 30-35 cm high with a rosette of leaves, - elongated, with a heart-shaped base, 15 cm long. In summer, bright red tubular thin flowers with a protruding upper lip bloom.

Gesneria leucotricha - a species with a height of 25 cm. Obovate leaves covered with silvery-white pubescence are collected in whorls (3 or more leaves grow from one node) on the stems. In late summer and early autumn (until October), pink or salmon - red axillary pubescent flowers bloom.

Cultivation

Plants of the genus Gesneria are usually grown in warm greenhouses and rooms; these flowering plants are difficult to cultivate and propagate. Gesneria is usually replaced every 1-2 years. Potting soil is made up of pure peat or peat with sand (20-30%), and a complex fertilizer is added there at the rate of 30 g per bucket of soil. During the spring-summer period, once every 15 days, a mineral complex fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in the amount of 10 g per bucket. At the end of the flowering period, after yellowing of the leaves and until spring (dormant period), the pots are kept at a temperature of at least 7-9 °C.

Location

Gesnerias need a shaded light place.

Temperature

Plants of the genus Gesneria are resistant to high air temperature. They can withstand a temperature drop of up to 12 °C, but the optimal temperature for growth and development is 16-20 °C.

Watering

During the spring and summer period, they are watered abundantly to ensure constant moistening of the soil. In winter, during the dormant period, water a little. Gesneria responds well to spraying.

Transplant

Transplanted in the spring, in a new pot of a larger size compared to the previous one.

Care

Remove withered flowers and damaged leaves.

Reproduction

Propagate by seed. Sowing is carried out at the end of winter, in boxes filled with a mixture (leafy earth, peat, sand), which are kept indoors, preferably at a temperature of 20-22 °C. Grown seedlings are planted singly in pots. In early spring, you can also divide the plants. In addition, plants are separated from the mother instance, which are planted singly in pots.

Diseases

Plants are affected by aphids (mainly green apple aphids) and mealybug, pests weaken the Gesneria by sucking out the juice. It is recommended to use appropriate insecticides, preferably systematically applied to the soil, as spraying can damage the foliage. The most common fungal diseases are oidium (powdery mildew of grapes) and gray rot of vegetable crops. Treatment with fungicides can successfully fight these diseases. Damage can also occur if the gingerbread is exposed to direct sunlight (discoloration and spotting). leaves), and due to lack of lighting (difficult growth and lack of flowering). These troubles can be avoided by choosing the right place to place the plant. Avoid excessive water and humidity, do not water the plant from above. Insufficient watering causes yellowing, wrinkling and spotting of the leaves.

Acquisition

Gesneria can only be found in flower shops and nurseries that offer a wide range of products. Check the condition of the planting material. Plants should be compact, well-formed, preferably blooming.