Akalifa is a flowering plant that is called "Fox's tail" in everyday life. However, this name can be fully attributed to only one of the varieties of the plant, namely the bristly-haired akalif. Only its elongated crimson inflorescences are a bit like a fox's tail. This type of flower is the most common among florists.
Another plant species commonly found on windowsills is Akalif Wilkes or Wilkeza. Although the flowers of this plant species are not as attractive as those of the previous variety, the leaves are excellent in color. There are all the advantages for growing akalifa at home. She grows quickly and does not require special attention to herself. At first glance, various types of akalifa are the same in care.
Temperature regime
The plant is thermophilic and has an extremely negative attitude towards drafts. If you plan to take out a flower in the summer on a balcony or on an open veranda, then you should protect it from blowing through. A draft can kill a plant. The acceptable air temperature in summer for akalifa is 20-25 degrees. In winter, a satisfactory temperature is not lower than +18 degrees. The ideal temperature conditions for a flower are indoor temperatures.
Necessary lighting
A lot of light and shade from the sun is exactly what the flower needs. In insufficient light, the plant will stretch out, and the leaves will fade. This will ruin the appearance of the Akalifa.
Watering mode
Akalifa is a moisture-loving plant. In summer, when the air temperature exceeds 20 degrees, it is recommended to water the plant a lot and often. In winter, watering should be reduced somewhat. But you must not allow the soil to dry out in the pot.
Does not like plants and dry air. In a hot period of time, the flower must be sprayed. In order for the air around the plant to always remain moist, the akalifa pot is placed on a pallet and pebbles or expanded clay are poured onto it. By moisturizing the litter tray, you humidify the air around the plant.
Plant feeding
From spring to autumn, mineral fertilizers are applied to the plant pot, the concentration of which is 0.1-0.2%. The subcortex is done every 15 days. In winter, feeding is usually stopped.
Transfer
If the plant is young, then it is transplanted annually. In the future, the transplant is done once every 3-4 years. But based on practice, a fast-growing plant over such a long period of time grows strongly and becomes not beautiful, therefore it will need to be transplanted, pruned and updated. It often makes sense to grow another plant, younger than replanting an old one that has lost its charm.
The plant is transplanted in the spring. There is one condition for the soil. It should be light, water and air permeable. Planting soil can be purchased at the store, or you can make it yourself. To do this, it is necessary to mix one part of the sod land, leaf land, humus, peat and sand.
Pruning
If your plant is an adult, then a moment in time will come when it grows strongly and will need to be pruned. If your old plant is dear to you, or you do not want to grow a new one, then you need to cut the plant to a hemp state, about 20 centimeters in height.Although this measure will seem somewhat cruel, it must be done just like that.
Next, you can put plastic wrap on the stump and place it under a glass cover. Such measures will help the plant to sprout and survive the ruthless operation. The pruned plant must be frequently sprayed and ventilated, periodically removing the structure from the bag and jar. Good results for plant adaptation are obtained by spraying it with an aqueous solution of zircon at the rate of 2 drops of the drug per 1 liter of water.
Reproduction
In order to propagate a flower, you do not need any special skills. Akalifa can be propagated by either cuttings or seeds. For seeds, you can apply a mixture of sand and leafy earth, in a 1: 1 ratio. Seeds are sown in spring. For their successful germination, it is necessary to provide a temperature regime in the region of 20 degrees. To speed up the germination of seeds, you can build a small greenhouse above the container and provide it with bottom heating.
Reproduction of Akalifa by cuttings is an even simpler process. For rooting, a soil of sand and peat mixed in equal proportions is suitable. For cuttings, woody shoots are selected from the top of the plant. It is believed that cuttings can be rooted all year round. But in the "Fox tail", cuttings take root better in spring. Before planting, the material is dipped in a root stimulator and covered with a film on top. After 2 months, the plant is pinched for greater bushiness.
Akalifa belongs to poisonous plants. Care should be taken when in contact with it, and gloves should be worn. Plant communication with children and pets should be limited.
