Today it is the most unusual and unique plant, which is usually classified as a genus of evergreen tree flowers. Its unusual name comes from the Latin "Myrtus". At the moment, there are more than 40 varieties of this flower. When flowering, small flowers appear on the plant white. The leaves contain essential oils, which are often used for medical and cosmetic purposes. A small sprig of myrtle is considered the main symbol of calm, tranquility and peace!
The native regions of the Mediterranean and the Azores, which are located in the northern part of Africa, are considered to be the birthplace of myrtle. In nature, the plant can reach from 3 to 5 meters in height. But bred for breeding at home special types, the size of which spruce is 1 meter.
Myrtle will not only be an excellent decoration for any interior, but will help bring an atmosphere of calm and comfort to your home. With proper care of the flower, it will become a faithful companion on long years, whose development is a pleasure to watch.
So, what needs to be taken into account when growing myrtle at home?
Landing
Planting myrtle quite an easy procedure. It is best to use cuttings for this (a lot of troubles can arise with seeds).
The cutting will be able to take root very quickly if it is placed in a container of water. As soon as the first shoots begin to appear, you can start planting the flower.
If you pluck the cuttings in the middle or end of the spring season, you significantly increase the likelihood that after planting the plant, the myrtle will grow lush and healthy.
Typically, plant growth can last from 3 to 5 years.
Location and lighting
After the myrtle has been planted, you need to think about where to place it in the house. The most suitable option there may be window sills that will be located from the west or east. If this is not possible, and you have to place the flower on the south side, then it is necessary to protect the plant from direct rays of the sun. Otherwise, the myrtle will not bloom, and its leaves will quickly fade.
It is believed that myrtle tolerates natural light well. But still, you need to be careful. If exposed to the sun for a long time, the plant may get sick and die. It is for this reason that in summer time you need to worry about the appropriate location of the flower in the house.
Pot size
When carrying out the replanting procedure, you need to worry about a new pot for myrtle in advance. If the plant has reached its maximum size or will still grow, then it is best to purchase a pot that will be 2-3 times larger than the original one. You need to pay attention to tall and wide plastic pots, because quite often root system The flower grows greatly and begins to go beyond the edges of the pot. At making the right choice With this accessory, such trouble should not happen.
A pot that is too large is also dangerous. In this case, all the liquid will flow to the bottom, and the root system will absorb it. With prolonged exposure to moisture, the process of rotting may begin. Therefore, it is very important to monitor how often the flower is watered.
The soil
If you plan to grow myrtle in the house, then it would be best to prepare the soil, which will consist of turf soil, ordinary sand and humus. Before planting, all components are mixed together in a 1:1:1 ratio.
When purchasing land in flower shop, preference should be given to soil for palm trees.
Transfer
After the winter cold passes, the plant mandatory needs to be replanted. Before this procedure, it is necessary to purchase a convenient and correct size pot and prepare the soil, which will promote the active growth of the Mediterranean plant. The soil can be purchased at a specialized store, or you can prepare the soil yourself. Here everyone has the right to decide for themselves.
First of all, drainage is laid out at the bottom of the pot. For this you can use ordinary pebbles or coarse sand. The drainage layer is standard and is at least 3 centimeters. After this, a little soil is poured into the pot and the plant itself is placed. If the roots are not crowded, they do not bend and do not look out of the pot, then you can continue to cover the plant with soil. Do not sprinkle the myrtle trunk too heavily. It should always be level with the top of the pot.
After transplantation, the flower is watered or sprayed. This is done daily until the plant adapts to the new growth conditions.
An adult plant is replanted every 3-4 years.
Fertilizers and fertilizing
Fertilizers and top dressing for myrtle necessary during the period of active flower growth from March to August. To do this, you can purchase in the store the following fertilizers: “Kemira-combi”, “Kemira-universal” or other types of fertilizers that are recommended for feeding house plants.
If the concentration of fertilizer is quite strong, then it can be diluted with plain water.
Proper watering
Myrtle is a very water-loving flower. Therefore, in no case should you allow the soil to dry out too much. If this happens, the roots will instantly react in a negative way, which can significantly affect the overall health of the plant.
It is best to water the world with boiled or settled water, which will not contain lime. Once every 7 days, the flower must be watered with water, to which a little lemon juice or citric acid. If these components are not sufficient in the soil, then the plant's root system may not strengthen properly.
Temperature
This flower is quite resistant to low temperatures. With proper care, it tolerates winter and late autumn well. So, during periods of severe cold, the optimal room temperature for a flower will be considered to be 7-10 degrees Celsius. The only thing you need to take care of is proper watering. Under no circumstances should the soil of the flower be allowed to become dry in winter.
If it is possible to take the plant to a balcony or loggia, then this can be done in the autumn. Only if the mark drops below 7 degrees, the plant will still have to be moved into the room.
If wintering is unsuccessful, myrtle may shed its leaves. But this is not a reason to get rid of the flower. Already in the first half of February, the plant will regain its strength and take on its previous appearance. True, flowering after this may not happen.
Humidity
The flower loves water very much and water procedures. Therefore, it is believed that it can be sprayed almost every day. The only exception is the winter period. At this time of year, watering should be avoided. The air humidity in the room where the myrtle is located should be at least 60%.
Trimming
Pruning this flower is the only way to change its appearance and shape. The most suitable period for this procedure is spring. If you pinch the branches in a timely manner, the plant will be very lush (pinching can be done at any time when the myrtle needs it).
Possible diseases and pests
If you do not monitor the level of air humidity in the room, myrtle can be affected by pests such as scale insects, spider mites and aphids.
If you want to see how myrtle blooms, then you should not prune it in the spring. This procedure can be carried out only after the process of active flower blooming has ended.
When flowering, flowers grow on the top of the plant. With proper care and proper lighting, active flowering can continue from early June to late July. At this point, it is necessary to ventilate the room and ensure regular spraying of myrtle.
In order for myrtle to bloom every year, it must be fertilized. We mentioned how to do this correctly a little higher.
Plant propagation
By nature, myrtle can reproduce in several ways. These should include:
1. Reproduction using seeds. This procedure must be carried out between March and April. The prepared seeds are scattered on the top of the ground and a little special substrate is poured on top. You will be able to notice the first shoots within 1-2 weeks. The plant sits in the prepared soil only when the first couple of leaves grow.
2. Reproduction by cuttings. It is better to pre-harvest cuttings in May, August or November. Their length should reach 10 centimeters. Bottom leaves must be pruned, and then the cuttings are sent for rooting. After 1-1.5 months, the young plant can be transplanted into a small pot.
Rest period
In myrtle, the dormant period begins at winter time. That is why it is very important not to disturb the plant with the onset of cold weather. It is important to comply temperature regime(7-10 degrees with the “+” mark), and reduce the amount of watering and spraying.
If there is an excess of moisture, the flower begins to shed its leaves.
In winter, it is also necessary to stop feeding the plant.
Beneficial properties of the plant and toxicity
From the very beginning of its existence, myrtle has been known for its unique and beneficial properties. If we consider it from a medical point of view, it can act as an analogue of antibiotics, since the plant contains bactericidal components. They, in turn, help heal and reduce the symptoms of diseases such as sore throat, flu, prostatitis, migraine and cystitis.
Myrtle can have a beneficial effect on the human immune system. It is recommended to be used as an additional treatment and for preventive purposes.
As for toxicity, there is no confirmation of this fact today. As you know, most myrtle fruits are edible and do not pose any threat to human and animal life.
So, if you are planning to start growing myrtle at home, then you need to know the following facts:
- The plant does not tolerate bright sunlight very well, but it does well with a little shade.
- If there is not enough light, the plant begins to die and shed its leaves.
- The flower is very water-loving, so regular spraying and watering is necessary.
- For an adult myrtle, you need to change it in a timely manner. upper layer land, using mineral fertilizers.
The myrtle tree will be a great decoration for any home! For many years it will contribute to a calm and cozy atmosphere in the family!
On the windowsills of apartments and offices you can often see a compact tree, delighting with fragrant flowers. This is myrtle, grown since ancient times. The plant got its name from the aroma of flowers. "Myrtle" translated from Greek means "incense." In this article we will talk about caring for myrtle at home.
According to legend, myrtle grows in the Gardens of Eden. Adam managed to carry away a branch of the tree of paradise when he was expelled for his sins, as a memory of life in paradise. The twig took root in the warm and humid climate of the Mediterranean, spreading throughout the world. Greek legends claim that the goddess Aphrodite wore a wreath of myrtle branches. For its delicate fragrant flowers, the plant has become a symbol of love and fidelity. Until now, in some countries, flowers or a sprig of myrtle are added to the bride’s bouquet, symbolizing fidelity in marriage.
Under natural conditions, the flower grows in Mediterranean countries with a subtropical climate. It is an evergreen shrub or tree that grows up to two to three meters. There are many varieties found in nature, growing in America, Australia, and Asian countries.
It is decorated with small bright green leaves located on the branches opposite each other. Small leaves on short cuttings become pointed at the ends. white flowers, Pink colour grow in groups in racemes or singly. There are types of myrtle with simple or double flowers, with different amounts petals. After flowering, fruits appear on the plant - berries of the drupe type.
Myrtle is valued among flower growers not only for the appearance and aroma of its flowers. Its main advantage is the presence of phytoncides and essential oils in leaves, flowers and fruits. They purify indoor air, which leads to a reduction in colds and increased efficiency and stress relief. Therefore, the myrtle tree can be found in office premises.
An infusion made from the leaves and flowers is used to cleanse the face. In some countries, myrtle leaves and fruits are used as a seasoning for dishes.
Types and varieties of myrtle with photos
The indoor plant has the shape of a small tree that does not grow larger than 60 cm, which allows it to be grown among others indoor flowers.
marsh myrtle
marsh myrtle is one of the resistant to low temperatures. It grows no higher than one meter and has the shape of a bush with straight branches. It differs in that it can withstand the snowy winters of Russia. The leaves fall off in the winter, and in the spring the plant blooms again. Found in sphagnum bogs, lives up to fifty years. It is distinguished by the presence of poison in the plant, so it should not be allowed to get into the food of animals.
Myrtle Variegant
Myrtle variegata characterized by bright, variegated leaves with amber-colored dots and stripes along the edges. Snow-white flowers with a beige tint and golden stamens have an exquisite aroma. In addition, the plant purifies the air, reducing the carbon dioxide content. To obtain beautiful leaf color, it is necessary to provide bright light for the plant. Grown in room conditions in loose soil, using fertilizers.
Myrtle Hymen (Bride's Happiness)
One of the varieties of common myrtle is called Hymen. Under natural conditions, the shrub grows up to 3-5 meters. Indoors its height does not exceed one meter. This variety is called “the bride’s happiness”; its flowering twig is used in wedding bouquets. Flowers and fruits have a strong aroma.
Myrtle macrofolia
Myrtle macrofolia is also a variety common myrtle. He has large leaves up to five centimeters long, grows up to four meters. Like other types of myrtle, it has a healing effect and kills bacteria. Used to treat gastrointestinal diseases and sinusitis.
Myrtle of Tarentina
Differs in dwarf size Tarentine myrtle. Its elongated leaves do not exceed one and a half centimeters. It is distinguished by abundant flowering, miniature flowers are collected in groups. It grows fast, but in an apartment it does not grow above one meter. Develops well if basic care requirements are met:
- regular watering;
- spraying;
- sufficient amount of sunlight.
Myrt Komunnis
Myrt Communis has the shape of a tree, which in its habitats is also called a dead tree. In its homeland it grows up to five meters, is distinguished by elongated leaves and abundant flowering.
Lemon myrtle
Lemon myrtle got its name from its lemon aroma. Habitat: Australian tropics. Used to obtain essential oil, make seasonings and spices.
Common myrtle
IN indoor floriculture most widespread common myrtle. In nature, it grows as a shrub up to four meters high. At home it grows in the form of a small tree. It differs from other species in having oval leaves and fragrant, small flowers. This type of plant is ideal for growing bonsai.
Keeping at home
A native of the subtropics prefers summer temperatures ranging from 22 to 24 degrees Celsius. In summer best place for myrtle there will be a balcony with shading on hot days. Although the flower loves bright sunlight, it is still advisable to protect it during hot hours with a light curtain or screen. To achieve flowering, it is advisable to place the pot with the plant on the south side. Although it will also grow on window sills located on the east or west side.
If it is not possible to take myrtle out to the balcony or garden, then it is better to place it near open window. It is one of the few plants that are not afraid of drafts, but love fresh air. Therefore, the room where the pot with the plant is located needs to be ventilated frequently.
For the winter, it is advisable to provide the plant with a cool temperature, but not lower than ten degrees. If it is not possible to take it to a cool room, then the watering and spraying schedule should be adjusted. In winter, it is recommended to water once a week. In an apartment, the pot is placed close to window glass, can be fenced off with additional glass or film to protect from the flow warm air. If possible, you can try to take the myrtle into the cellar. Some gardeners provide the plant with a cold winter in this way.
If the plant remains in the apartment, then during the short winter day it needs additional lighting with special phytolamps or fluorescent lamps.
Caring for myrtle at home
A native of the subtropics needs a lot of light and abundant watering. But at the same time, you should not allow water to stagnate in the pot, otherwise you will not be able to avoid rotting of the roots. IN winter period During dormancy, watering is reduced, especially if wintering occurs in cool conditions. For irrigation, settled water at room temperature is used. In summer, in addition to spraying, myrtle likes to take water treatments in the shower.
Top dressing
From spring to autumn, myrtle needs regular fertilizing with mineral fertilizers. The choice depends on how you want the plant to look. If you want to get a lush green tree, then you need to use nitrogen fertilizers. If you want to achieve abundant flowering, then pay attention to complex fertilizers for flowering plants with phosphorus additives. Must be used weekly throughout the summer. In winter, the number of feedings is reduced to one every month and a half.
Bloom
As already mentioned, for flowering myrtle should be located on a southern windowsill. If the watering and lighting regime is observed, but the plant does not bloom, it is necessary to look for flaws in its care.
We list the possible reasons:
- Too sudden change in lighting. If you need to move myrtle from a place with low light to bright light, then this should be done gradually.
- Lack of fresh air.
- Lack of moisture and spraying.
- If the crown was pruned in the spring, the growth of branches will increase. But the plant will not bloom this year. For the myrtle to bloom on next year, crown formation should be carried out in the summer, after flowering has ended, or in winter.
- For flowering, it is necessary to feed the plant with fertilizers, which contain much more phosphorus than nitrogen.
- If a plant is affected by pests or diseases, then one should hardly expect it to bloom, because all its energy goes into survival.
Pollination of flowers is necessary to obtain seeds. In the garden, this procedure can be carried out by insects, but indoors it is necessary to carry out pollination yourself - with a soft brush. Ripe seeds are dark blue in color. They can be used to grow new plants.
Planting and replanting myrtle
A myrtle houseplant is replanted in several cases:
- after the purchase;
- annual replanting for young plants;
- replanting adult plants after three to four years.
After purchasing a new plant, it is recommended to replant it in new soil. In this case, it is necessary to check the condition of the roots and trim them if necessary. The main thing is not to overdo it, so as not to harm the plant. Let's look at the step-by-step process of transplantation:
- To remove the root system from the pot without damage, it is recommended not to water the soil for several days.
- The next step is to grab the base of the plant and, turning the pot over, remove the root ball.
- You need to take a sharp wooden stick and carefully remove the soil between the roots, holding the plant with its roots down.
- The roots are treated with a stimulator such as “Kornevin” so that the plant takes root better.
- A new pot must be selected according to the following rule: it should be 2 times smaller in diameter than the crown of the tree. A layer of drainage (expanded clay) is poured onto the bottom of the pot. You can prepare soil for myrtle yourself or purchase it at flower shops.
- A small layer of soil mixture is poured over the drainage.
- The plant is carefully placed in the pot and covered with soil. It is necessary to ensure that the neck of the plant is not covered with dust.
- On last stage the earthen mixture is thoroughly watered, then the pot is transferred to a shaded place.
The earthen mixture is prepared from the following ingredients:
- peat soil (30%);
- turf land (30%);
- humus (20%);
- river sand (20%).
Before use, it is advisable to neutralize the earthen substrate from possible pests.
Crown formation
The formation of the myrtle crown is divided into two types: pinching and pruning. Pinching young shoots can be done at any time. This will increase the density of the crown, but the number of flowers on the tree will decrease.
Trimming the shoots allows you to give the plant the desired shape. If crown formation is not carried out, the crown will eventually acquire a pyramidal shape. When the top is cut off, the plant turns into a shrub. At all small plant it is necessary to give time to strengthen before engaging in crown formation by pruning.
Pruning can be done in the spring, but then you are unlikely to see flowering this year. It is better to prune shoots after flowering, in autumn or winter. Typically, branches are cut to 1/3 of their length.
Bonsai
Myrtle is well suited for growing bonsai. The bends of the trunk and branches are formed using thin rigid wire, guy wires, and the crown is formed by cutting and removing leaves from the bottom of the branches.
Ways to propagate myrtle at home
You can propagate myrtle classical ways: from cuttings or seeds.
How to grow myrtle from cuttings
This procedure is best done in winter or summer. You can use twigs obtained by trimming the crown. Cuttings are cut from the lower or middle branches so that their length is about 5-8 centimeters. The lower leaves should be removed, the oblique cut should be treated with a stimulator for root growth.
The cuttings are planted in a mixture consisting of sand and sphagnum moss. If it is not possible to purchase moss, then coarse sand is mixed with leaf soil. Cover the container with cuttings with film and place them in a slightly shaded place. room temperature. Periodically, the film must be removed and the cuttings ventilated. Germination occurs within approximately a month. After the appearance of new leaves, which indicates successful rooting, you can plant the cuttings in separate pots. New plants begin to bloom in the third or fourth year.
Propagation by seeds
Growing myrtle from seeds at home requires more time to obtain a flowering plant, but those who like to experiment can give it a try.
Seeds are placed in a prepared moistened mixture of peat and sand at a shallow depth and sprinkled thin layer and cover with film or glass.
Myrtle seeds have sprouted
Important! It is necessary to ventilate the seedlings periodically.
After two weeks, sprouts appear.
After two leaves appear, the seedlings are transplanted into separate pots using the transfer method. Further transplantation carried out when the roots fill the pot. Plants from seeds begin to bloom at the age of five.
Care errors
When growing myrtle, various problems arise, often associated with improper maintenance of the plant.
- The leaves turn black. Usually associated with overwatering. It is necessary to reduce watering and loosen the soil. The soil can be replaced.
- Yellow leaves indicate a lack of moisture in the soil and air.
- Shedding leaves may mean poor water quality or a too hot place, drying out the soil.
- If myrtle leaves fall off after a change of environment, then this is an indicator of stress or insufficient watering.
- Myrtle leaves dry out and curl. This indicates violations in care, movement or insufficient watering. Sometimes myrtle sheds its leaves in winter when the air is extremely dry. Don’t despair, the plant may sprout new leaves in the spring.
- The leaves have become sticky. This is a sign of a scale insect attack. See the next section for treatment measures.
Pests
Myrtle becomes vulnerable to pests if conditions are violated. The table provides a list of the main pests and diseases and measures to combat them.
| Signs | Cause | Treatment |
| Dark spots on leaves, sticky coating. | Defeat by scale insects | Removing scale insects with a swab moistened with soapy water. Then treat with an insecticide. |
| Myrtle leaves dry and curl | Insecticide treatment. | |
| The appearance of a whitish web on the underside. | Spider mite | Washing with soap or tobacco solution, treating with insecticide. |
| White fluff-like coating on leaves and twigs. | Remove pests mechanically, then treat with Aktara according to the instructions. | |
| They form light spots on the upper side of the leaf and dark spots on the bottom. | Thrips | Treat with Actellik. |
| Myrtle dries out and develops poorly | Root rot | Inspect the root system, remove diseased roots. Replant into new soil. |
Although growing myrtle requires almost daily attention, especially in summer, the result will please you not only with its appearance, but also with the creation of a family-friendly atmosphere.
The content of the article:
Myrtle (Myrtus) is a plant belonging to the genus of evergreen woody specimens of the green world of the planet, which is included by botanists in the Myrtaceae family. In natural conditions, you can find the myrtle tree in the lands of the Mediterranean, the Azores Islands and the north of the African continent. Currently it is grown in the USA, Australia and Asia. In total, in this genus there are, according to various sources, from 40 to 100 varieties.
Myrtle gets its name due to its consonance with the word Greek"myrra" which means "balm" or "liquid incense". All this is due to the fact that the plant has long been familiar to humanity as an incense and a cult attribute, which was used in temple complexes of various faiths of the world.
Under natural growth conditions, a myrtle tree or shrub can reach a height of about three meters, but when cultivating myrtle in indoor conditions, its parameters rarely exceed a meter. The usual height of home myrtle with a rounded crown is 30–60 cm.
The leaf blades have a leathery and glossy surface and short petioles. Their color is dark green and their size is small. The arrangement on the branches is rarely alternate or opposite. The shape is elongated, there is a point at the top. If you crush the leaves in your hands, you can clearly hear the myrtle aroma due to the large amount of essential oil in them.
When flowering, small buds are formed, located singly on thin stalks or can be collected in a racemose inflorescence. The flowers are bisexual, the petals are white. They take a simple or terry form.
During the fruiting process, nuts or drupes with ovoid (elliptical) or round outlines ripen; they are comparable in size to peas. The color of the fruits is bluish-black or white. Each berry contains up to 15 seeds.
Interestingly, eucalyptus, tea and clove trees are also considered myrtle trees.
- Lighting. When cultivating, bright but diffuse lighting is necessary. A suitable location with east and west facing windows.
- Content temperature. For myrtle, in the spring-summer months, they maintain 18–20 degrees, and with the arrival of autumn, heat indicators are reduced to 10 degrees, optimally about 5 units. If myrtle overwinters at temperatures above 10 degrees, it may begin to shed its leaves. Also needed frequent ventilation rooms.
- Air humidity when growing a myrtle tree, it should be increased, so it is recommended to frequently spray the leaves with soft water. If in winter the temperature exceeds 15 degrees, then daily irrigation of the leaf crown will also be needed, and not just as in the spring-summer period at elevated temperatures.
- Watering. In the spring-summer period, soil moistening should be frequent and abundant, as soon as the top layer of the substrate in the pot dries out. With the arrival of autumn and throughout the winter, watering is reduced. It is important to prevent both the substrate from flooding and its drying, since in the first case the root system will begin to rot, and in the second, the myrtle will shed its leaves. If it so happens that the soil in the flowerpot is too dry, then it is recommended to place the pot in a basin of water until the soil and roots are saturated with moisture. Only soft and warm water is used for irrigation. It is recommended to allow the water to settle for several days before watering.
- Myrtle fertilizers must be carried out in the spring-autumn period; complex preparations for indoor plants are used. The frequency of feeding is weekly.
- Replanting and soil selection. When myrtle is still young, the pot and soil in it are changed annually, but for adult specimens such an operation is recommended only once every 2-3 years. When replanting, it is important to plant the myrtle at the same depth without covering the base of the stem. A drainage layer must be laid at the bottom of the new container.
- When replanting, you can use several options for soil mixtures. The first is peat, turf and clay soil, humus soil, coarse sand in a ratio of 2:2:2:2:1. In the second case, all these components are taken in equal parts, and in the third, greenhouse soil is used.
- Rest period for a myrtle tree or bush depends on its location in the premises. If the side of the pot with myrtle is placed on the northern side, then it will winter for up to three months, but in the southern location this time will be halved.
- Trimming myrtle. In order for the plant to branch and its crown not to thicken, it is necessary to carry out scheduled pruning. If you cut off the top shoots, the myrtle will take the form of a bush, and when the side shoots are shortened, it will grow like a tree. If pruning is not done at all, the myrtle plant will become pyramidal in shape. Often, side shoots should not be shortened, since the myrtle trunk does not have sufficient strength and thickness, and if you often pinch the shoots, the number of flowers formed will decrease. After several years, with proper care, you can get lush bushes, since the growth rate of the home world is quite high.
Steps to propagate myrtle yourself
To get a new myrtle tree or bush, you need to sow seed or take cuttings.
When sowing myrtle seeds in spring, a substrate of vermiculite and peat or peat-sand soil is used. It is placed in a bowl, watered and treated with a fungicide to disinfect it. Then seed material is distributed over the substrate and sprinkled with the same soil. The container should be covered after planting. plastic bag or put under glass; use a transparent plastic lid. In this case, you will need to remember to ventilate the crops every day and, if necessary, moisten the substrate. The temperature during germination is maintained around 19 degrees.
After 1–2 weeks, you can see the seedlings, and when they grow up and a pair of true leaf plates form on them, you need to pick (transplant) into separate pots. In this case, the substrate should consist of river sand, turf and humus soil and peat (equal parts). After transshipment, the seedlings do not show their growth, as they are adapting to new conditions, but a little later their development will resume. After the root system has completely mastered the substrate offered to it, another transplant is carried out (using the transshipment method in order to injure the myrtle roots less). Then care proceeds as for adult specimens.
You can cut blanks for cuttings both in June and in January. Cuttings are cut from semi-lignified shoots. The length of the blanks should not go beyond 5–8 cm. Almost half of the leaves are removed, and the remaining ones are halved - this will help the moisture not evaporate so much. It is recommended to treat cutting sections with a root formation stimulator for better rooting. The cuttings are planted in pots or boxes filled with a soil mixture of river sand and leaf soil. Containers with cuttings should be covered with a plastic bag or a cut plastic bottle - this will create the conditions of a mini-greenhouse. Then they are placed in partial shade, ventilated daily and, if the soil is dry, moistened. The temperature during rooting is maintained within 18–20 degrees.
Rooting occurs in 3–4 weeks. After this, you can plant in separate pots (with a diameter of 7 cm), filled with a substrate of humus soil, peat, turf soil and coarse sand (equal parts). In order for young myrtles to begin to actively branch and bloom, pinching and abundant watering are performed. When the root system completely fills the entire pot, the myrtle tree is transferred, without destroying the earthen lump, into a slightly larger container. When grown indoors, such a plant will bloom in 3–4 years.
Difficulties, diseases and pests when caring for myrtle flowers at home
If heat levels increase and humidity is low, the myrtle plant may be susceptible to damage from whiteflies, mealybugs, thrips, scale insects and spider mites. If these pests or their metabolic products are noticed (cobwebs, sticky sugary substance (honeydew), whitish lumps), it is recommended to immediately carry out treatment insecticidal preparations, followed by repetition a week later, until the complete destruction of harmful insects and their manifestations.
If the myrtle foliage begins to turn yellow, curl, deform, dry out and fall off, then this is possible:
- at low levels of lighting, the size of the leaf blades becomes smaller and the color fades;
- In low light, the stems become very elongated;
- when there is an excess of light, the foliage loses its gloss and shine, becomes yellow and curls;
- if the temperature is too high, leaf shedding may begin.
Despite all its advantages, myrtle is poisonous plant, since leaf plates in sensitive people can cause not only headaches, but also nausea.
According to studies, myrtle helps destroy pathogenic microbes and bacteria, and also kills diphtheria and tuberculosis bacillus. Due to the aromas of essential oil emitted, the plant helps purify the air and can destroy staphylococcus and streptococcus. If you inhale with essential oil or just stay near the myrtle tree for a long time, it helps with colds, acute respiratory infections and flu.
Myrtle has been known to people for a long time; ritual incense was made with its help; wreaths made from myrtle branches were considered a symbol of glory and good deeds. Also, if roses were woven into such a wreath, then it served wedding decoration. Such wreaths and bouquets were used at the weddings of royalty of the English court. This tradition was introduced by Queen Victoria (1819–1901), who herself grew a myrtle tree from a cutting taken from her daughter's wreath when she married the Emperor of Germany. Later, at the next wedding of a person of English royal blood, a twig from the myrtle tree was always present in the wreath.
Even in antiquity, myrtle was known as a symbol of the goddess Venus and her three handmaidens, known to the world under the name of Grace. When the Renaissance began, the myrtle branch symbolized eternal love and marital fidelity.
From the ancient Greeks, the cult of the myrtle tree passed on to the inhabitants of the Roman Empire, and there are also quite a few mentions of myrtle in the Bible itself. If you follow the religion of the Jews, then myrtle is one of the 4 plants that must be taken on one of the Tanakhic holidays - the Feast of Tabernacles. And according to Arab beliefs, it turns out that myrtle trees decorated the gardens of Eden, and when the time came and Adam and Eve were expelled from paradise, the first man took a myrtle branch with him so that it would be a memorable sign of those blissful times.
Myrtle essential oil is used not only for colds, but also folk medicine With the help of tinctures on mature myrtle leaves, diseases such as diabetes mellitus, pneumonia, as well as manifestations of chronic bronchitis are alleviated.
Myrtle is capable of stimulating human performance and raising the level of all vital processes in the body; it is also used under increased stress. And since side effects(except for allergic ones) myrtle does not have, it is prescribed to children from the age of one.
Myrtle leaves are also used in the wine and vodka industry, for example, the aromatic liqueur Mirto is infused on the leaves.
Myrtle species
Common myrtle (Myrtus communis) is the most common species. The plant has the life form of an evergreen shrub. The stem is short, branched, its surface is covered with peeling bark scales, colored red-brown. The leaf blades are small, oval-lanceolate, with a pointed tip, exuding a pleasant aroma. Their surface is leathery and glossy, the color is dark green. When flowering, buds with five petals are formed, with a white color, but there is a cream or reddish tint; when opened, the flower reaches 2 cm in diameter. The stamens are decoratively visible from the corolla. The flowering process occurs in June-August. The ripening fruit looks like a dark green, red-black or dark blue berry.
The most popular varietal forms are cultivars:
- "Tarentina", characterized by the compact shape of the bush, the resulting fruits and berries are smaller in size than those of the base form, but their number greatly exceeds the original specimen of myrtle;
- "Tarentina variegate", which has a creamy white pattern on the surface of its green foliage.
Myrtus chequen is a tree decorated with glossy shiny leaves with a wrinkled edge. This variety is the most resistant of all.
Ralph's myrtle (Myrtus ralfii) has a bush-like form of life, its crown is decorated with pinkish flowers, which are later replaced by edible red-colored fruits. There is a variegated (variegated) variety, which has a white-cream border on the leaves.
Bog myrtle (Myrtus calyculata) is an evergreen shrub whose branches do not exceed a meter in height. The crown of the plant is spreading, the stems are straight. The entire surface of the branches is covered with very small scales. The leaf blades are not large; they can vary in length by about 1–4 cm. The petiole of the leaf is shortened. The color of the resulting flowers is snow-white; racemes are collected from the buds.
This variety tolerates Russian winters quite well. Sometimes you can see dry, bare myrtle branches peeking out from under the snow cover. If you cut them and put them in a vase with water, they will soon turn green. With the arrival of spring, the myrtle plant is reborn and the growing season lasts until the onset of cold weather. Most of all, this species loves to settle in wetlands, especially sphagnum bogs, which became the reason for the species name. In common parlance this plant is named Cassandra. The lifespan reaches half a century. It is important to consider that swamp myrtle contains a large amount of poison in its leaves and branches, so feeding it to livestock is prohibited.
For more information about myrtle, watch the video below:
The genus belongs to the myrtle family myrtle (lat. Myrtus), which has 20-40 plant species. In nature, this plant grows on almost all continents - in West Africa, in the state of Florida in the USA, in North America and off the Mediterranean coast in Europe.
Representatives of the genus are low evergreen shrubs or trees. The leaves on the branches grow opposite, leathery to the touch, whole. Flowers grow from leaf axils, are collected in short racemes, grow either singly or in clusters.
This is a fairly popular plant in indoor floriculture, which is used in medicine and perfumery - the essential oil is obtained from the leaves and shoots of the plant. If you follow all the care recommendations, the plant will grow well and for a long time in indoor conditions. The plant has phytoncidal properties.
Planting and caring for myrtle (in brief)
- Bloom: from early to mid summer.
- Lighting: bright diffused light.
- Temperature: in spring and summer – 18-20 ºC, in winter – no higher than 10 ºC, but better around 5 ºC.
- Watering: from spring to autumn - abundant, as soon as the top layer of the substrate in the pot dries. During a cool winter, you only need to ensure that the earthen lump does not dry out completely.
- Air humidity: During the growing season, myrtle should be regularly sprayed with warm water. This is not required in winter.
- Feeding: from spring to autumn - every week comprehensive mineral fertilizer. In winter, fertilizing is not needed.
- Rest period: in winter. When placed on the north side, the dormant period lasts up to three months; on the south side it is half as long.
- Trimming: the bush is formed annually at the beginning of active growth.
- Transfer: young plants need to be replanted annually, and adults - once every 2-3 years.
- Substrate: 2 parts humus, clay, turf soil and peat and one part sand. Or: humus, turf, peat soil and sand in equal parts.
- Reproduction: seeds and cuttings.
- Pests: whiteflies, mealybugs, scale insects, thrips and spider mites.
- Diseases: Myrtle can suffer from low air humidity and improper watering.
- Properties: is medicinal plant, successfully competing with antibiotics.
Read more about growing myrtle below.
Myrtle – photo
Caring for myrtle at home
Lighting
Because myrtle needs a lot of bright diffused light; placement on windows on the east and west sides is considered optimal. On northern windows, the myrtle flower at home may bloom sparingly, but on southern windows in the summer, the plant will have to be protected from direct rays. In summer, you can expose myrtle to fresh air, providing shading from midday sun rays. The plant must be gradually accustomed to a large amount of light.
Temperature
In summer and spring, the temperature should be 18-20 °C, because... indoor myrtle needs cool air. In winter, the temperature should not exceed 10 °C, and optimally should be around 5 °C. If the plant overwinters at temperatures above 10 °C, there is a risk of the plant shedding its leaves. The room must be ventilated regularly.
Watering myrtle
You need to water the myrtle with soft water, and before watering you need to let it settle for 24 hours. In the spring-autumn period, water abundantly, immediately after the top layer of soil dries. In winter, watering is reduced, but at any time of the year you should not let the earthen ball dry out, nor should you allow it to become waterlogged. If the soil is dry, the pot with the plant must be immersed in a container of water.
Spraying myrtle
During the spring-autumn period indoor flower myrtle should be regularly sprayed with settled soft water, because the plant needs high air humidity. If the plant overwinters at low temperatures, then there is no need to spray.
Feeding myrtle
Spring, summer and autumn home plant myrtle needs fertilizing with fertilizers for indoor plants. The plant needs to be fed every week at this time.
Myrtle dormant period
If the plant overwinters on the north side, the dormant period lasts up to three months. When wintering on the south side, this period is halved.
Pruning myrtle
The plant can and even needs to be pruned. When pruning the upper shoots, the plant will take the shape of a bush; When trimming the side trees, the tree, if not trimmed at all, will have a pyramidal shape. It is better not to prune side shoots frequently, because... The trunk of the plant is not very strong, and frequent pinching reduces the abundance of flowering. In a couple of years you can grow beautiful lush bushes, because... The myrtle flower grows quite quickly in indoor conditions.
Transplanting myrtle
Young specimens require annual replanting, and older ones every two to three years. When replanting a plant, the base of the trunk is not covered with substrate. Several soil mixtures are suitable for growing a houseplant myrtle: first - two parts each of peat, clay, humus, turf soil and one part sand; second - humus, turf, peat soil and sand are mixed in equal parts; the third mixture is ordinary greenhouse soil. Be sure to have drainage so that water does not stagnate in the pot.
Myrtle from seeds
Myrtle seeds are sown on top of the substrate, after which the same substrate is poured in a thin layer on top of the seeds. The soil mixture is made up of vermiculite and peat, or peat and sand. Before planting seeds, the soil is watered and treated with a fungicide. After planting the seeds, cover the container plastic film or glass, periodically water, ventilate and keep the temperature around 19 °C. The seedlings should sprout in one to two weeks, and after they have a pair of true leaves, they are planted in individual pots with a mixture of equal parts of sand, turf, peat and humus soil. Seedlings may not grow for some time after transshipment, after which development young plant will resume. The next transfer is done after the roots have completely filled the pot, after which I care for the seedlings as if they were adults. At the age of five, home myrtle begins to bloom.
Propagation of myrtle by cuttings
Cuttings can be propagated both in July and January. For propagation, semi-lignified cuttings from 5 to 8 cm long are taken, a good half of the leaves are cut off, and the remaining ones are shortened to reduce moisture evaporation. It would not be superfluous to treat the cut site with a root formation stimulator. The cuttings are planted in bowls or boxes with a mixture of coarse sand and leaf soil. The container with the cuttings is covered with film or glass, placed in the shade, watered and ventilated, and the temperature is kept at 18 to 20 °C. Within 3-4 weeks, the petioles take root, after which they are planted in individual pots 7 cm in diameter with a mixture of equal parts of sand, turf, peat and humus soil. To stimulate flowering, the plant is watered abundantly and pinched. When the myrtle roots fill the entire pot, transfer it to a slightly larger pot. Myrtle blooms at home, grown from cuttings, after 3-4 years.
Myrtle toxicity
Myrtle leaves may cause headaches and nausea in sensitive people.
Healing properties of myrtle
Myrtle kills germs and bacteria, including diphtheria and tuberculosis bacillus. The plant purifies the air, kills staphylococcus and streptococcus. Helps with acute respiratory infections and flu.
Diseases and pests of myrtle
Myrtle leaves turn yellow, fall off and curl. When there is insufficient light, new leaves grow small and pale, and the stems become elongated. With excessive light, the leaves turn yellow, lose their shine and curl. At high temperatures and lack of light, myrtle can shed its leaves.
Myrtle leaves are falling. When the soil dries out, the myrtle sheds its leaves - you need to shorten the shoots by half, spray and water the plant more abundantly. Young leaves will begin to appear in a couple of weeks.
Pests of myrtle. Keeping myrtle at high temperatures contributes to damage
Myrtle is a very ancient symbol. Back in the days of the Roman tribunes, it was customary to wear wreaths made from this plant on the head. Nowadays, English brides have a tradition of investing in bridal bouquet a small flowering sprig of myrtle.
The aroma of the plant is very pleasant; it contains large quantities of essential oils, which are highly valued in the production of perfumes and in treatment folk remedies . Growing myrtle at home is not only interesting, but also very useful.
Myrtle propagation
The main method of reproduction is cuttings It makes it possible to save varietal trait mother plant. In addition, myrtle is grown from seeds.
Branches with lateral non-flowering shoots. Optimal size the cutting is ten centimeters. The leaves should be cut off at the bottom, and the resulting cut should be treated with a special preparation that stimulates the formation of roots.
Prepared cuttings are planted in moist soil. Ideally this mixture quartz sand and high peat. An important condition is to maintain the soil temperature; it should not be below 25 degrees Celsius. The top of the shoots is covered with glass or plastic film. Rooting occurs within a month. Then they need to be planted in separate containers.
Propagating myrtle using seeds, there is a possibility of loss of varietal characteristics of the plant. Planting material placed on top of a damp substrate and sprinkled with a small layer of soil on top. Its composition is the same as for cuttings, only optional You can use vermiculite instead of sand. After sowing, the container must be covered with polyethylene or glass. Optimal temperature germination of seeds from 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. After fourteen days, shoots will begin to appear. Seedlings should be planted in separate containers after the first pair of leaves appears.
It should be noted that the process diving myrtle is poorly tolerated. For some time, its growth stops, so it is very important to provide young seedlings good care. Flowering myrtle grown from seeds will start in 5 years, after the first seeds hatch.
Transplanting a tree
Myrtle is a slow-growing plant, so it is not often replanted. For young plants this is done annually, for more mature ones, no more than once every three years. In this case, each time you should choose a larger pot. The best container is one in which, after watering the plant in the morning, the soil remains moist until the evening. The most suitable time for this procedure is winter. Just then the myrtle begins a period of rest.
Before replanting the myrtle, watering completely stops until the earthen clod dries out. This is necessary so that you can remove the plant from the pot without difficulty.
Holding the tree with one hand, turn the pot over with the other. Practiced by experienced flower growers processing myrtle roots with a stimulant, then he gets along well.
A layer of drainage is placed on the bottom of the selected container, then a layer of expanded clay and only then the prepared soil mixture. The tree is placed in a pot and sprinkled with soil. After this, you need to water the plant well and place it in a place where there is no light.
The soil mixture should contain:
- Three parts of turf land;
- Three parts peat;
- Two parts of good leaf humus;
- Two parts of sand.
Cannot be deposited manure humus into the soil mixture. The substrate must be slightly acidic.
Plant pruning
A very important element of myrtle care is its pruning. The procedure is not at all complicated, but you cannot do without it, because the tree looks much more attractive if its crown is well-groomed and carefully formed.
Plant pruning is also used to stimulate the growth of lateral branches. By performing such manipulations with young shoots, over time an original form of myrtle with a very aesthetic appearance can be created.
We should not forget that some leaves that negatively affect the appearance of the tree are carefully pinched off.
Features of flowering
Myrtle blooms in July, so pruning not recommended in spring. It is best to produce it after the tree has flowered. During this period, the plant must be carefully looked after: watered in a timely manner and in sufficient quantities, and ensure constant access to fresh air. Depending on the variety, myrtle flowers can be found singly in leaf axils or collected in voluminous clusters. Basically they are all white, consisting of six or four petals.
Feeding and fertilizer
The myrtle tree loves feeding and needs it. In summer, fertilizer should be applied every week or once every fourteen days. Special mixtures for indoor flowers, which can be purchased at any specialty store, are ideal for these purposes. Phosphorus-containing fertilizers good effect on myrtle flowering. It will be frequent and long lasting. Fertilizers containing nitrogen help maintain the small size of the tree.
Rules for watering an evergreen tree
Myrtle is watered abundantly in the summer. You also need to make sure that the earthen ball is not too waterlogged. Needed daily spray leaves with a spray bottle. When is it worth hot weather, then this can be done much more often, up to several times a day.
At home, myrtle should be created high humidity. To do this, you can place containers of water around the plant, or place the flowerpot on moistened expanded clay.
With the onset of winter, the tree does not need a lot of moisture. Watering at this time is carried out once every seven days and spraying no more than twice. How often you need to water or spray your myrtle depends on how warm, light and dry the room is. You need to use soft, well-settled water.
Diseases and pests, how to deal with them
The appearance of myrtle can lose its beauty due to improper care. If the plant is located under straight lines sun rays, its leaves will soon fade and curl in the shape of a pipe. In low light the leaves will become pale, the stems will begin to stretch. You can correct the situation by moving the pot to a cooler and brighter place.
Myrtle is an evergreen tree, so the loss of leaves in winter signals that the plant is too hot or does not have enough light.
This reaction should also be expected if watering is too intense, so it should be reduced.
Most common pests
Young plants are not affected by pests. They mainly appear on adults in winter, when the room temperature is too high.