Philodendron
Philodendron - one of the most popular houseplants. It has very much in common with the genus Monstera. This family came from the rain forests of Central and South America, belongs to the family Araceae and includes data on various types of 300-350. At home philodendron is part of life epiphytic vines (translated philodendron means "like a tree"), and partly - terrestrial plants. In a culture bred many species and varieties of philodendron, most of which can only grow in greenhouses, but there are varieties that are suitable for indoor growing.
Plant care
Location. These plants prefer a spacious well-lit place, but the light to be scattered as direct sunlight can cause burns on the leaves. Some species grow well in partial shade and (like climbing philodendron, philodendron flushing). The plant is not recommended to make the fresh air, as if she suffers from drafts.
Temperature. Philodendron - heat-loving plant, the optimum temperature in the spring and summer about 20-25 °C, and can tolerate higher temperatures in high humidity conditions. Winter possibly be slightly lower temperature, but it should not fall below 15-16 °C, thus reducing and watering.
Irrigation. This plantlets loves moisture. In the summer they are watered abundantly, as the drying of the upper layer of the substrate, water at room temperature, not containing limestone. Once the water is absorbed and earthen breast completely zvolozhytsya with tray excess water is drained. At low temperatures in winter the plants watered sparingly and with caution. For most types of soil waterlogging is fatal, but drying earthen coma unacceptable.
Humidity. Philodendron vidzyvayutsya favorably to high humidity. They often need to spray soft water pooled in the spring and summer and in autumn and winter when the plant is in a heated room. You must also maintain a moist resistance (capacity of moss or synthetic material) - this will increase the humidity around the plant. Occasionally leaves should be cleaned with a damp cloth to remove dust. When cool wintering humidity should be lower.
Feeding. In the period of rapid growth and development (March-September) every two weeks philodendron fueled by complex mineral fertilizers. You can not just feed the transplanted plant. In winter, if the plant is kept in a cool place, you should not feed. If kept in a warm room, a small portion of feed 1 per month. If you want to limit the growth of plants, avoid excess nitrogen.
Transplantation. Young plants are transplanted annually in the spring, then in 2-3 years, the pot slightly larger than the previous one. If the plant is large enough to change the top 5-7,5 cm layer of substrate, replacing it on fresh. In climbing species after transplantation pinch elongated branches, the formation of new shoots.
The best substrate for philodendron considered soil mixture of turf, humus earth, peat and sand (2:1:1:0.5). Humus earth can replace leaf. Or use the prepared soil mixture for decorative foliage plants. At the bottom of the pot set good drainage to earthen clod not perevolozhuvalas.
For curly types of resistance need to install the best fit for this handset with moss or synthetic material that you want to keep moist.
It grows well in hydroponics.
Reproduction. Philodendron propagated apical shoots, stem fragments (each segment must necessarily have 1-2 or more nodes), air layering, pieces of rhizomes and seeds.
Apical cuttings vkorinyuyut usually in moist sand at a temperature of 22-26 °C. To create a constant humidity that is necessary for rooting, cuttings should cover the jars or plastic wrap, every 2 days to air. Once the cuttings will root them seated in the 10-centimeter pots. The parent plant will continue to pursue growth by giving lateral shoots. The old plant is extensive, rejuvenated.
In reproduction trunk segments in the prepared box with a light substrate (sand and peat in equal parts) are cut pieces woody stem so that "eye" (bud) was over, lightly sprinkled with sand, well moistened soil and covered with glass or plastic wrap. Two or three times a week should be ventilated to avoid rotting stems. Once the roots will appear and buds start to grow, they can plant out in pots.
Pests. With good care philodendron rarely damaged by pests. Its main enemies - Quadraspidiotus perniciosus, thrips and spider mites. They settled on both sides of leaves, sucking the juice plant, causing her great harm. The leaves are deformed, turn yellow and die. You must first isolate a sick plant from the others. Remove the plant from the premises, mechanically remove parasites using soaked in soapy water swab several times to wash the plant with a strong jet of warm water. With strong infection process the leaves and trunk special preparations, such as karbofos or aktelikom (15-30 drops to 1 liter of water), if necessary, repeat the procedure after 8-10 days.