Sparmannia

The genus Sparmannia includes 7 evergreen tender species - shrubby and tree-like plants, of which only two are usually grown for decorative purposes. The most common species is African Sparmannia (Sparmannia africana), which grows in natural conditions up to 7 m in height, but when cultivated in a pot does not exceed 2 m. It has heart-shaped leaves sometimes more than 15 cm, covered with a thin down and blooming in late spring; white flowers collected in panicles - with yellow and purple protruding stamens. The culture begins to bloom no earlier than it reaches 50-60 cm in height. Sparmannia palmate (S. palmata) is a species that rarely exceeds 3 m in height. The flowers are white or with a purple tint, with yellow protruding stamens that bloom from spring to autumn with uneven breaks.

The genus Sparmannia includes 7 evergreen tender species - shrubby and tree-like plants, of which only two are usually grown for decorative purposes.

The most common species is African Sparmannia (Sparmannia africana), which grows in natural conditions up to 7 m in height, but when cultivated in a pot does not exceed 2 m. It has heart-shaped leaves sometimes more than 15 cm, covered with a thin down and blooming in late spring; white flowers collected in panicles - with yellow and purple protruding stamens. The culture begins to bloom no earlier than it reaches 50-60 cm in height.

Sparmannia palmate (S. palmata) is a species that rarely exceeds 3 m in height. The flowers are white or with a purple tint, with yellow protruding stamens that bloom from spring to autumn with uneven breaks.

Cultivation

Sparmannia is usually grown at home, but in areas of warm and temperate climates, you can plant the plant in the fresh air in the open ground or in pots on balconies and terraces. In any case, in the spring it is recommended to expose potted plants to the air so that they get more light, and in the fall bring them into the house. Usually, they are planted in spacious pots (with a diameter of 16-20 cm or more), filled with loose soil (1/4 of the earth, 1/4 of the sand and 1/4 peat). When grown in the open ground, they are planted permanently in loose, very fertile and well-cultivated land. When planting, add a full mineral fertilizer at the rate of 30-40 g per bucket of soil. During the summer, they are fed once a week - mineral fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in the amount of 5-10 g per bucket. If the plants overgrow or become too bulky, they are cut at the end of winter. For a complete renewal of the vegetative part after pruning, leave 10-15 cm from the root neck.

Sparmannia is usually grown at home, but in areas of warm and temperate climates, you can plant the plant in the fresh air in the open ground or in pots on balconies and terraces. In any case, in the spring it is recommended to expose potted plants to the air so that they get more light, and in the fall bring them into the house. Usually, they are planted in spacious pots (with a diameter of 16-20 cm or more), filled with loose soil (1/4 of the earth, 1/4 of the sand and 1/4 peat). When grown in the open ground, they are planted permanently in loose, very fertile and well-cultivated land. When planting, add a full mineral fertilizer at the rate of 30-40 g per bucket of soil. During the summer, they are fed once a week - mineral fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in the amount of 5-10 g per bucket. If the plants overgrow or become too bulky, they are cut at the end of winter. For a complete renewal of the vegetative part after pruning, leave 10-15 cm from the root neck.

Location

At home, bright lighting is required. In the garden, although the plant tolerates partial shade, it is advisable to keep it in the open sun, then more compact bushes develop.

Temperature

The minimum growing temperature is 8 °C; the optimal air temperature is 18-20 °C.

Watering

Sparmannia requires regular watering, especially during hot dry periods.

Transplant

They are transplanted in spring into more spacious pots compared to the previous ones, using the same substrate that was recommended for cultivation.

Care

Remove withered flowers and damaged parts of the plant.

Reproduction

In spring, cuttings are usually taken from shoots that easily develop at the base of a heavily pruned plant, and planted in clean sand in a heated, very humid place at a temperature of 20-22 °C. Then they are transplanted into pots filled with earth for cultivation, or immediately to a permanent place.

Diseases

When grown both in pots and in the garden, moist or poorly drained soil causes root rot, which can lead to plant death. This can be avoided by using a suitable substrate and following the rules of irrigation. But an extremely dry environment is ideal for the appearance of spider mites. Specks and cobwebs appear on the underside of the leaves. They get rid of it by using acaricides and providing higher humidity in the air.

Acquisition

Potted plants are easily found in flower nurseries and gardening centers. It is recommended to purchase well-formed compact copies.