Nemantanthus - tropical goldfish in our flowerpots

Nemantanthus, or hypocirrhosis, is a tropical plant that has appeared in our home flower gardens relatively recently. Therefore, not all plant growers know how to properly care for this handsome man so that he is always green and pleasing to the eye. Caring for a nematantus really requires some effort. But they more than pay off the result: a flowering species of a beautiful plant that leaves no one indifferent.

Plant description

The birthplace of Nematanthus is the Amazonian moist forests, where it grows freely in the form of small bushes with flexible stems. This plant belongs to the type of climbing vines, and therefore it seems to ask itself to be grown in a pot on the wall or in flowerpots on various openwork stands installed at a height. Dark green, sometimes with bluish veins, the nematanthus leaves are located opposite on the branches, have an ovoid or elliptical shape, size from 3 to 10 cm. The lower side of the leaves sometimes has a purple color and a slight pubescence.

Nematanthus flowers resemble aquarium fish in shape and size.

Thanks to the original, unusual shape of flowers, reminiscent of small copies of aquarium goldfish, nematanthus is able to become a wonderful decoration of a home flower garden. Each type of nematanthus has its own color nuance - its buds can be painted in various shades of red and yellow. The shape of the flowers is also very interesting: the petals of its corolla grow together like a pocket-shaped cavity with a tubular pharynx, and the corolla itself is sometimes colored purple. The lower part of the flowers may have a slight bloating, which gives them a resemblance to exotic fruits, berries and even goldfish. All this looks very elegant and decorative: against the background of the mass of dark juicy leaves stand out, like precious stones, bright flowers. During the flowering period, nematanthus is a true miracle that can cause a smile and cheer up.

Blooming nematanthus transforms everything around with its bright appearance

In their homeland, in the Amazon jungle, in Brazil, nematanthus blooms only in summer, and in the home flower garden with proper care, these plants bloom for a long time - from early spring to late autumn.

With nematanthus associated folk belief. They say that in the house where this plant blooms, there will certainly be happiness and prosperity. It is also believed that this flower freshens the air in the room.

Variety of species

Botanists in the genus of nematanthus are 28 species, about 7-8 of them grow in flower beds of amateur plant growers around the world.

• Nemantanthus Gregarius is perhaps the most spectacular, so it is most often cultivated by flower lovers. It is he who is known by his second name - "Goldfish". This species of nematanthus has thick dark green leaves and bright red-orange flowers that actually resemble aquarium fish. There are several varieties of Gregarius, the most famous is the Australian subspecies. It looks best in wall or hanging planters: with this type of cultivation, he does not need to cut the shoots, let his creepers fall beautifully. This is a sight for true lovers of exotic.
• The view of Vetstein is also very common. It gives a lot of vine-like shoots up to 90 cm long. The leaves of this plant are small, oval in shape. Their surface is glossy waxy, the color is saturated dark green. The flowers are tubular, yellow, orange-red, slightly swollen, up to 2.5 cm long. They magically look against the background of dark green foliage. Like other representatives of the genus, the nematantus of Vetstein blooms continuously from spring to mid-autumn.
• View of fritsch. It is less common than the previous two, but is still well known. Nematanthus Fritsch is a comparatively large beautiful view with rather large leaves having an easy edge on the underside. Nematanthus fritsa forms bushes up to 60 cm tall. Its flowers are gracefully curved, bright pink, shaped like a funnel.
• Small-bristled nematanthus is a small bush 20-25 cm high, producing straight ascending shoots that are quite branched. The leaves of this species of nematanthus are oval shiny small, single or collected in three. The flowers are tubular with spherical bloating, with a whisk, which has a small limb. The color of the buds is a bright yellow-orange, a classic for the genus nematanthus.
• Nematanthus ankle is a type of climbing shrub. Its leaves are light green and large, reaching a length of 7-10 cm. Pedicels are as long, with single red flowers, strongly swollen on the tube.
• View of the riverine. This is also a very elegant climbing plant. The leaves of riverine nematanthus are large, ellipsoid, about 10 cm long, their reverse side is purple. The flowers are lemon yellow, up to 5 cm long. The pharynx of the flower, unlike most nematanthus, is deployed, the tube outside is pubescent.
• Nematanthus Tropicana allocates among the remaining nematanthus with large flowers of a pitcher-like shape. In the lower part they are swollen, their color is yellow-orange, bright. Strips of red-brown and golden burgundy stand out noticeably on the buds. Bracts are red-orange. Inflorescences are incredibly beautiful. The underside of the dark green dense, glossy leaves of the Tropicana has a reddish hue. The shape of the leaves is oval, pointed. The shoots are erect, however, over time they wilt and branch. The species of Nematanthus Tropicana is very popular among plant growers, as it blooms profusely and effectively for a long time.
• The unique species of nematanthus Santa Teresa is considered rare, while it is impossible to confuse it with others because of its catchy large flowers. They reach 5 cm in length, have a white or cream color and are abundantly dotted with yellow dots and spots. The shape is tubular, pubescence is weak. The flowers emit a delicious aroma reminiscent of the smell of zest and olive oil. The yawning flowers of Santa Teresa nematanthus, unlike other species, are wide open to attract insects for pollination. Large (up to 7 cm) dark green elongated leaves of the nematanthus Santa Teresa on the inside have reddish veins and pubescence. Shoots can reach 70 cm, but in the process of growth they wilt and branch.
• Variegate (variegated) forms of nematanthus are worth mentioning especially. Such plant forms arise due to genetic mutations: some of the leaf cells do not produce chlorophyll, so the leaves acquire light green or white spots. Variegate nematanthus are extremely beautiful.

Photo Gallery: The Most Common Nematanthus Species

Creating the necessary conditions for the cultivation of nematanthus

Temperature

The "tropical sissy" nematanthus is very sensitive to the conditions of detention

During summer flowering, the temperature should be kept at 19-24 ^aboutC. But the nematanthus does not like intense heat: at 27 ^aboutWith he already begins to suffer - the tips of the leaves dry out. At night it is recommended to maintain the temperature 5 degrees lower than during the day.

Watering

In summer, nematanthus should be watered upon drying of the upper layer of the substrate with soft, previously settled water ambient temperature. It is important to remember that watering should be individual for each species: large-leaved plants need more water than small-leaved ones. In winter, nematanthus is watered moderately.

Illumination

Nematanthus requires bright, but diffuse lighting 12-14 hours a day. Therefore, pots with it are recommended to be placed on windows on the east or west side of the room. At the windows on the south side of the plant, it is necessary to shade in order to protect them from sunburn. In winter, nematanthus needs additional strong lighting.

Nematanthus is best placed on the east or west windows

Preplant and after planting care

The flowering appearance of nematanthus will provide not only the right temperature, lighting and irrigation conditions. Proper soil selection and timely top dressing will also affect the well-being of the plant.

Soil selection

Nematanthus prefer loose, light and breathable soil with a slightly acidic or neutral chemical reaction (pH 5.5-6). The soil should be composed of leafy soil, humus, peat and sand (2: 1: 1: 1), it is advisable to add some charcoal, pieces of sphagnum or pine bark.

Top dressing

In order for nematanthus to please you with its beautiful buds, you should feed it with fertilizers for flowering plants containing phosphorus and potassium. However, fertilizers should not be applied too often: top dressing should correspond to the natural cycles along which the plant develops. In the period from October to February, the nematanthus is at rest, so fertilizers should not be applied to the soil. But in the period from March to September, when young shoots are actively growing and intensive flowering begins, there is a need for feeding.

Nematanthus should be fertilized only during the period of active growth.

Nematanthus should be fertilized after 10-15 days, not more often, otherwise the leaves and flowers will fade. Fertilizer dosage - on the recommendation of the manufacturer.

Plant pruning

Nematanthus needs a formative pruning at least once a year at the end of the active flowering period, that is, in October. Pruning should be done as soon as leaf shedding is indicated.

The pruning method is very simple: the shoots of old bushes are shortened by half the length, the branches of young bushes are cut into one third.

Nemantanthus, like other types of domestic plants, must be trimmed correctly

Without annual pruning, the plants will lose their foliage density the very next year, the crown will lose its density, and the silhouette will be spectacular.

It is necessary to shorten the old branches of nematanthus so that they let out new shoots - only the brightest and largest flowers bloom on them at this plant. There are few flowers on last year’s old branches, they are small and ugly.

Signs of improper care

1. Lack of flowering, or it is negligible. Reasons: poor lighting, the air in the room is too cold or dry, lack of nutrition, the plant is not cut.
2. Brownish spots appear on the leaves. Reason: watering too cold water. Water temperature should be 20 ^aboutC or a little higher.
3. In summer, the plant discards leaves. Reason: drying of the roots - nematanthus requires compliance with the rules of irrigation. If the plant drops its leaves in winter, the reason for this is the low temperature in the room.
4. The tips of the leaves are dry. Reason: low humidity and excessively high temperature.
5. Flowers fall prematurely, change their natural color. This is due to the fact that during watering, drops of water fall on the flowers, this should be avoided.
6. The appearance of gray rot. Reason: excessive watering, it should be reduced.
7. The leaves fade. This may be due to an overdose of fertilizers, excessive lighting, excessively dry air. The neutralization of these factors puts the plant in order.

Pests and diseases of nematanthus

Unfortunately, nematanthus are susceptible to all kinds of diseases, and many pests want to enjoy their juicy greens. The best way to deal with all the misfortunes is to strictly follow the care requirements. But if the disease could not be avoided, decisive measures should be taken. When attacking aphids, scutes, spider mites, insecticides are used. If rot occurs due to waterlogging of the soil, it is recommended to limit watering. Against powdery mildew, fungicide treatment is used.

Table: causes and control of pests and diseases

Photo gallery: from whom and from which the plant should be protected

How to plant and transplant nematanthus

Those who want to have a nematanthus at home can either buy a flower that has already formed in the store or try to grow it from seeds or cuttings.

Seed cultivation

For the propagation of nematanthus by seeds, it is first necessary to prepare the substrate - before sowing, it must be leveled and moistened. Nematanthus seeds are very small, dusty; from a dried seed box they must be poured onto a sheet of paper and evenly scattered over the surface of the prepared substrate, and then covered with glass. When the seeds come up, the glass must be moved to the side so that a gap forms between the edge of the container and the glass.

Nematanthus seeds should be placed under glass

The grown seedlings dive - they are transplanted 5-6 pieces in a pot. Plants will bloom in a year.

Propagation by cuttings

With this method of propagation, the substrate is thoroughly loosened before planting. The mother plant is cut into cuttings 8-10 centimeters long (they can be harvested throughout the year). Leaves are torn from the bottom of the stem and planted in a prepared substrate (sphagnum, preferably fresh, may act as such).

Propagation of nematanthus by cuttings is considered a more traditional way.

The donor plant should be placed in a shaded place, and after a while it will give new shoots.

Transfer

The practice of cultivating nematanthus has shown that this plant needs a transplant.But it should be carried out no more often than every 2-3 years, since nematanthus develops at a fairly moderate rate. A transplant is performed in the spring, as soon as the first sign of growth of a young shoot appears.

Nematanthus has a small root, so it needs a compact pot, and the new one should not exceed the previous one by more than 2-3 cm in diameter. In oversized flowerpots, nematanthus often infect diseases or pests. In addition, in large pots, this tropical sissy grows poorly and blooms. As for the soil, it should be moist, soft and breathable.

Nematanthus transplant step-by-step process

1. Prepare a container and soil for a plant transplant. About a third of the pot where you plan to place the nematanthus, take it under drainage (expanded clay, brick chips, vermiculite). Its presence ensures that the plant will not suffer from waterlogging. Compose a new substrate from sheet soil, peat, humus and sand (2: 1: 1: 1).
2. Carefully remove the topsoil in the old pot, being careful not to damage the delicate roots.
3. Remove the plant from the old flowerpot without destroying the lump of earth with the rhizome.
4. Carefully place the lump with the root on the drainage layer in the new pot.
5. Add pre-prepared new substrate. It is not necessary to compact the earth. With natural sludge, you can add a little earth, but still not compact.

Reviews about Nematanthus

Nemanthus is also called hypocirrha, I have red with yellow pre-flowers, the shape of the flower reminds me of a fish. It does not tolerate dry air, it needs a bright place. I water abundantly in the summer, and in the winter lightly. If put in partial shade, then flowers become smaller, become ugly. Dry air makes luxurious shoots almost bald. Leaves fall or curl. I arrange a rest period in September, rarely water and put in partial shade. In this state, I keep it for 2 months, then put it in a bright place and start watering. It blooms after this procedure from December to June. After flowering, I always prune, and root the cuttings. If you do not trim, it will lose its decorative effect. I do not spray, just pour extra water into the pan. Yes, I forgot, you can’t feed with fertilizer with the presence of lime, calcium does not tolerate, it begins to bend.

Irishka

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I bought it two or three years ago, and it bloomed in the fall and continued in the winter. True, she hangs under a lamp. And every year it blooms with me not in the summer, but in the cool season. In the early spring I do pruning. It turns out a lot of cuttings, and therefore distribute. I root in light soil under the package. I water the earth once, and then only spraying on a leaf. I root 7-8 cuttings in a pot, root very easily and almost completely. When rooting, I do not use Kornevin or any other drugs.

Petrovna

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Nemantanthus is a beautiful plant for home and office. Advantages: a very unusual and interesting plant. There are no shortcomings. Nematanthus (flower "Goldfish"), no doubt, is considered a very unusual and effective indoor plant. The unusual shape of the flower, resembling a yellow or orange exotic fish, attracts attention and surprises everyone without exception. Beautiful dark green smooth and shiny leaves also look very impressive. For more successful cultivation, nematanthus requires bright, but devoid of direct sunlight. You can grow it in the shade, but then the internodes of the plant will stretch and flowering will be more scarce. Nematanthus is a very hygrophilous plant, so from early spring to late autumn it should be watered quite abundantly. If there is not enough moisture for the plant, the leaves begin to fall off, which adversely affects its decorativeness. In winter, the "Golden Fish" begins a period of rest, and therefore watering must be reduced to moderate. Nematanthus flowers appear only on young shoots, so the stems that have already bloomed need to be pruned so that the plant will bloom profusely in the future. Nematanthus propagates without problems by cuttings throughout the entire growing season. The plant branches well on its own, but if you want it to look more magnificent, you can plant several cuttings in one wide pot.

osincevat

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Video: what a grown nematantus looks like

Beautiful, compact, original - the nematantus has many advantages. And those who have already settled it, they say that he also has an amazing property - to cheer up anyone who casts his eyes on him. And although this plant can not be called unpretentious, both a professional and an amateur will perfectly cope with the care of nematanthus. So he definitely deserves to be the center of your home flower garden.