Nertera

The genus Nertera contains about 15 tender herbaceous evergreen creeping species. Very small rounded opposite leaves are arranged on a set of thin stalks that form a continuous mat-a kind of pillow, which, like pearls, are covered after flowering with very decorative red berries. The height of the pillows is only a few centimeters. This plant is called "coral moss". Nertera depressa, or N. granadensis, is the most well - known species. Shoots of square cross-section are twisted and tangled, small leaves form pillows with a diameter of up to 40 cm. In early summer, single greenish-yellow inconspicuous axillary flowers bloom. In their place, bright orange spherical or egg-shaped berries are formed, which can last on the plant most of the winter. The Balfour's nertera (N. balfouriana) forms pillows -less extensive (up to 25 cm in diameter), this species differs mainly in the shape of fruits that look like tiny bright orange pears. But Nertera ciliata (N. ciliata) is famous for its flowers and leaves, which form tiny "eyelashes". The diameter of the pillows reaches 25 cm. Bright orange berries are spherical. The diameter of the pads formed by Cunningham's nertera (N. cunninghamii) is approximately 20 cm. In autumn, they are covered with decorative red berries.

The genus Nertera contains about 15 tender herbaceous evergreen creeping species. Very small rounded opposite leaves are arranged on a set of thin stalks that form a continuous mat-a kind of pillow, which, like pearls, are covered after flowering with very decorative red berries. The height of the pillows is only a few centimeters. This plant is called "coral moss".

Nertera depressa, or N. granadensis, is the most well - known species. Shoots of square cross-section are twisted and tangled, small leaves form pillows with a diameter of up to 40 cm. In early summer, single greenish-yellow inconspicuous axillary flowers bloom. In their place, bright orange spherical or egg-shaped berries are formed, which can last on the plant most of the winter.

The Balfour's nertera (N. balfouriana) forms pillows -less extensive (up to 25 cm in diameter), this species differs mainly in the shape of fruits that look like tiny bright orange pears.

But Nertera ciliata (N. ciliata) is famous for its flowers and leaves, which form tiny "eyelashes". The diameter of the pillows reaches 25 cm. Bright orange berries are spherical.

The diameter of the pads formed by Cunningham's nertera (N. cunninghamii) is approximately 20 cm. In autumn, they are covered with decorative red berries.

Cultivation

Nertera is grown in pots as a houseplant. In the summer months, it is recommended to keep it outdoors, which contributes to better development of both leaves and flowers. In early autumn, the formation of berries begins, then the plants are removed to the house. The pinned seal can live in rooms for a short time, it needs a lot of air and coolness, especially in winter. Much less often, nerteras are grown in the open ground; this is possible only in very mild climates. Plants are planted in spring in a fairly light substrate (1/3 peat, 1/3 sand, 1/3 fertile land), filled with complex fertilizer at the rate of 20 g per bucket of soil. Periodically, during the summer, they are fed 2-3 times: phosphorus-potassium fertilizer is diluted in water for irrigation at the rate of 10 g per bucket. During the summer months, plants need regular ventilation. During flowering, it is not recommended to spray.

Nertera is grown in pots as a houseplant. In the summer months, it is recommended to keep it outdoors, which contributes to better development of both leaves and flowers. In early autumn, the formation of berries begins, then the plants are removed to the house. The pinned seal can live in rooms for a short time, it needs a lot of air and coolness, especially in winter. Much less often, nerteras are grown in the open ground; this is possible only in very mild climates. Plants are planted in spring in a fairly light substrate (1/3 peat, 1/3 sand, 1/3 fertile land), filled with complex fertilizer at the rate of 20 g per bucket of soil. Periodically, during the summer, they are fed 2-3 times: phosphorus-potassium fertilizer is diluted in water for irrigation at the rate of 10 g per bucket. During the summer months, plants need regular ventilation. During flowering, it is not recommended to spray.

Location

Plants of the genus Nertera require diffused lighting, only during flowering a little lighter.

Temperature

The minimum winter temperature is 8-10 °C. Summer temperatures just above 15 °C promote flowering and subsequent fruiting. Higher air temperatures encourage strong foliage development.

Watering

During the spring and summer period, they are watered often and abundantly, but so that water droplets do not fall on the plant. The soil should be kept moist at all times. On the other hand, you need good drainage, which would ensure the removal of excess water and prevent it from stagnating. In addition, it is useful to spray the plant with water to maintain the humidity around it. In winter, the intervals between watering are reduced, keeping the soil in a slightly moist state.

Transplant

Transplanted in early spring before flowering or late summer, when the berries are shriveled. Use a new container slightly larger than the previous one.

Care

Remove individual dried or damaged parts.

Reproduction

The easiest way to reproduce is by dividing the bush, which can be transplanted early in the spring. The resulting parts are planted in separate pots. It is also possible to sow seeds in the spring.

Diseases

Most often, the problems of growing nertera are related to water: its excess causes rotting of plants, and the lack - drying out. Excessive light or heat causes browning. With improper feeding (nitrogen overdose), berries are poorly formed. All this can be prevented if you follow the rules of cultivation with great attention.

Acquisition

Plants of the genus Nertera are easily found in gardening centers and the best flower shops. The best time to purchase is the beginning of autumn, when you can admire the beauty of berries. Choose berry-strewn plants with beautiful foliage.

Don't mix it up! Nertera pressed down to flowering and fruiting, while it has only leaves can be confused with the type of soleirolia Soleirolya (Helexine soleirolii). These and other plants are characterized by thin shoots that form dense green pillows, on which small leaves are located from egg-shaped to heart-shaped at the base of the shape. Flowers are also not very helpful in recognizing species, since both species are small, greenish. Only the appearance of bright orange berries will make it possible to determine the pinned nertera without hesitation. Therefore, be especially careful when buying a plant, on which has not yet formed berries.

Don't mix it up!

Nertera pressed down to flowering and fruiting, while it has only leaves can be confused with the type of soleirolia Soleirolya (Helexine soleirolii). These and other plants are characterized by thin shoots that form dense green pillows, on which small leaves are located from egg-shaped to heart-shaped at the base of the shape. Flowers are also not very helpful in recognizing species, since both species are small, greenish. Only the appearance of bright orange berries will make it possible to determine the pinned nertera without hesitation. Therefore, be especially careful when buying a plant, on which has not yet formed berries.