Barleria blue: how to care for the plant at home?
Barleria blue is valued by gardeners due to its attractive flowers. Depending on the type of indoor plant, the flowers can be yellow, blue, pink and red. This is a rather attractive houseplant; the only downside, perhaps, is that the color fades after just a couple of days.
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Features of growing a plant
Barleria blue – evergreen bush. The plant's homeland is the tropical zone of Asia and Africa. Very often you can find the second name of the flower - Philippine violet, although the plant has nothing to do with violets. Caring for this type of plant is absolutely simple; it does not require special skills or knowledge.
Small pots are selected for growing the plant. When choosing a pot, make sure that there are holes at the bottom to allow “excess water” to drain out. Don't forget about drainage, which should be placed at the bottom of the pot. This will help prevent rotting of the root system.
Barleria is a light-loving plant, so it is necessary to take care of sufficient lighting for the plant.
Diffused light is the best choice for indoor plants. The only thing you should be careful of is direct sunlight. With insufficient lighting, the plant trunks begin to stretch upward.In some cases, blue barleria stops blooming altogether.
The most optimal temperature for the plant is considered to be 18-20 degrees Celsius. However, this indicator is relevant in the spring-summer period. In autumn and winter, maintain the temperature at 15-17 degrees. The plant goes into a dormant period, metabolic processes slow down, nutrients accumulate in order to please the owner with beautiful blooms in the spring.
Watering there is nothing special about it. It is important to remember that you need to water the plant when the soil is completely dry, otherwise you will encounter an unpleasant phenomenon - root rot. In winter, the amount of watering should be reduced to 2 times a month.
Tips for caring for Barleria blue:
- Trim dried branches from time to time. After flowering, be sure to remove the color. These actions will prevent the proliferation and appearance of pests.
- For watering and spraying, use only settled water.
- It is better to apply fertilizing in the spring.
- To make Barleria blue happy with its bright color, you should place the pot in a dark place for 10 days. This will help the leaves accumulate starch. The best period for the procedure is spring.
As you can see, Barleria blue does not require specific care. Subject to simple care rules, the plant will bring its share of comfort to any living space.
How does Barleria blue reproduce?
Under natural conditions, Barleria blue reproduces seeds. At home, there are two methods of propagation: cuttings and seed sowing.
Features of propagation by seeds:
- After the plant has flowered, the seed box should be allowed to ripen. It is prohibited to collect seeds for two weeks.
- After full ripening, collect the seeds in a box and allow to dry.
- The day before planting, place the seeds in a solution with potassium permanganate. This will help get rid of pathogens.
- Select small pots and add black soil there.
- After the real leaves appear, it is necessary to pick, planting the seedlings in a separate container.
- After the barleria gets stronger, touch the top to form a bush.
It is better to carry out cuttings in the summer, after the plant has flowered. From the most viable trunk, separate a small branch. It is better to make the cut obliquely, this is determined by the anatomical features of the plant (presence of cambium). Place the cut petiole in warm water. After the roots appear, transplant plant in a small pot.
Be sure to maintain the optimal temperature and do not forget about timely watering. If you can't wait to see the first fruits of your work, you can help the cuttings or seeds take root faster. To do this, create the so-called greenhouse effect. Cover the pot with plastic wrap, and the result will not be long in coming!
Difficulties in cultivating the plant
When cultivating a plant, a grower may experience flower wilting as a result of pest attacks. Harm to Barleria blue can be caused by spider mites or scale insects.
What signs indicate the presence of pests:
- The leaves of the plant acquire a yellow tint. Over time, they completely crumble.
- The flower slows down its growth and development.
- You can see dots on the back of the sheet. This is a favorite place for the larvae to lay.
- The leaves are enveloped in a sticky web.
- The plant is attacked by midges.
If these symptoms accompany a houseplant, action should be taken immediately. The best choice in this situation would be to purchase ready-made preparations to combat floral pests. As a rule, using the product gives a positive result from the first use. Let us remind you that it is better to use the poison while wearing gloves. The product should be stored in a dark, cool place.
So, we met an amazing plant called Barleria blue. The basics of caring for an indoor flower will ensure proper development and growth of the plant. By following simple rules, you can easily grow a real flower miracle.
Video about the Barleria flower:
