Reinwardtia

The genus Reinwardtia consists of a single species, Reinwardtia indica, or three-columned reinwardtia (R. trigyna), also called three-column flax (Linum trigynum). This delicate evergreen flowering shrub grows up to 90 cm in height in nature. In the pot, where it is usually grown, it does not exceed 60 cm. Regular leaves are 7-8 cm long, elliptical to oblong in shape and light green in color. Large bright yellow flowers are collected, as a rule, in apical brushes, but sometimes single axillary ones are also formed. Under favorable conditions, flowering may not be interrupted all year round, but mostly the plant blooms in summer. Fruits are seed pods.

The genus Reinwardtia consists of a single species, Reinwardtia indica, or three-columned reinwardtia (R. trigyna), also called three-column flax (Linum trigynum). This delicate evergreen flowering shrub grows up to 90 cm in height in nature. In the pot, where it is usually grown, it does not exceed 60 cm. Regular leaves are 7-8 cm long, elliptical to oblong in shape and light green in color. Large bright yellow flowers are collected, as a rule, in apical brushes, but sometimes single axillary ones are also formed. Under favorable conditions, flowering may not be interrupted all year round, but mostly the plant blooms in summer. Fruits are seed pods.

Cultivation

Rhinewardia can be grown outdoors in the open ground or in pots, but only in mild climates where there is no danger of sudden cold weather. Mainly the plant is cultivated in pots as an indoor annual or perennial and exposed to the air only in summer. However, in this case, for 2-3 years, the bushes acquire a too disorderly appearance, so it is advisable to replace them. When growing in the open ground, plants are planted permanently in spring, in fertile and well-drained land, fertilized with organic substances at the rate of 3-5 kg/m2 and mineral fertilizers at the rate of 30 g per bucket of land. The pot is filled with soil, which is made up of 2/3 of fertile land and 1/3 of peat. In the summer months, once every 15-20 days, a complete mineral fertilizer is diluted in water for irrigation at the rate of 10 g per bucket. Young plants should be pruned several times to promote tillering. After summer flowering, pruning is performed to maintain a neat appearance of the plant and prevent it from growing too large.

Rhinewardia can be grown outdoors in the open ground or in pots, but only in mild climates where there is no danger of sudden cold weather. Mainly the plant is cultivated in pots as an indoor annual or perennial and exposed to the air only in summer. However, in this case, for 2-3 years, the bushes acquire a too disorderly appearance, so it is advisable to replace them. When growing in the open ground, plants are planted permanently in spring, in fertile and well-drained land, fertilized with organic substances at the rate of 3-5 kg/m2 and mineral fertilizers at the rate of 30 g per bucket of land. The pot is filled with soil, which is made up of 2/3 of fertile land and 1/3 of peat. In the summer months, once every 15-20 days, a complete mineral fertilizer is diluted in water for irrigation at the rate of 10 g per bucket.

Young plants should be pruned several times to promote tillering. After summer flowering, pruning is performed to maintain a neat appearance of the plant and prevent it from growing too large.

Location

Plants of the genus Reinwardtia prefer a place in the open sun or with diffused light, semi-shaded, especially when the summer is very hot.

Temperature

If the winter temperature was not lower than 12-14 °C, then flowering is provided. Generally the Rain Guard can also tolerate lower temperatures (5-7 °C).

Watering

Throughout the spring and summer period, water is plentiful and frequent. Humidity is also important for plants of the genus Reinwardtia. Its constant level is maintained by spraying plants with water or placing pots in pallets filled with wet pebbles or expanded clay.

Transplant

Transplanted in the spring, using new pots slightly larger than the previous ones.

Care

It is required for potted specimens and consists of removing dry and damaged parts.

Reproduction

In April, semi-woody cuttings 8-10 cm long are taken and placed to form roots in pots (3-4 cuttings each), which are filled with a mixture of peat and humus, and kept at a temperature of 13-16 °C and a fairly high humidity level.

Diseases

If the humidity level is not appropriate, spider mite-related problems may occur. Dots appear, which later merge together, and on the underside of the leaves you can even see cobwebs. The pest is eliminated by treating the plant with acaricides.

Acquisition

Plants of the genus Reinwardtia can be purchased almost all year round, but only in horticultural centers and specialized nurseries that offer a wide range of crops. Choose well-formed, bud-studded specimens.