Albizia (Albizia) - tropical trees and shrubs of the legume or mimosa family with pink inflorescences in the form of a ball or spike. The plant was brought to Europe by the botanist from Florence Philip Albizzi. In nature, some species of albits can reach 20 meters in height and higher, shrub albits are much lower - usually no more than 6 meters. Wild albition can be found in almost all hot countries with tropical and subtropical climates, but Asia is considered its homeland.
The genus of albicia has more than 30 species, the most common are tuft-flowered and silk.
Popular types of albicia
Silk albition
It is also called Lankaran or silk acacia for its fluffy flowers. The maximum height of the tree can be about 15 m, the trunk is straight, the crown resembles an openwork. The leaves are two-colored - green above, whitish below, up to 20 cm long. In the heat and after sunset, the leaves curl up and droop. In late autumn, silk albition sheds foliage. It blooms in summer with yellow-white flowers in the form of panicles. The fruit is a greenish or brown bean with oval flat seeds. A very beautiful and spectacular plant, widespread in the south of Russia and in the Crimea.
Bunch-flowered albition
A less common species no more than 6 m in height, native to Western Australia. Two orders of double-feathery leaves - 8-10 of the first and 20-40 of the second, pubescent from below. Yellow flowers form cylindrical spikes up to 5 cm long, bloom in spring.
Care and cultivation of albicia
Location and lighting
Albizia prefers well-lit places with diffused light. It does not tolerate direct rays of the sun, but it will not be able to grow in the shade, including in winter. If the plant "lives" in indoor conditions, then it must be protected from direct sunlight, shaded if possible from the midday heat and often moved to fresh air, for example, on a balcony.
Temperature
The temperature regime for albicia is optimal in the range of 20-25 degrees in summer, and 8-10 degrees in winter. It is important that in winter the temperature does not drop below 5 degrees, the albicia will not penetrate this cold.
Watering
It is advisable to water the plant with soft, settled water abundantly enough in spring and summer, gradually reducing watering by winter. Stagnant water in the pot can cause root rot and the plant will die.
Air humidity
Albizia well tolerates both humid air and air of medium humidity, therefore, it does not need to be additionally humidified or sprayed.
Top dressing and fertilizers
Fertilization of albits begins after the first year of life in spring and summer with complex fertilizers for the care of acacias. They should be introduced into the soil no more than 2 times a month.
Albizia can be transplanted annually, after a flowering period, into soil from light earth with peat and sand. The bottom of the pot is laid out with expanded clay drainage with a layer of about 2 cm.
Transfer
For the first 3 years of life, large tubs or buckets are suitable as pots.Further, it is advisable to transplant the albition into an even larger box and do the transplant once every few years.
Reproduction of albicia
Albitsia can reproduce by cuttings, seeds and root layers. The seeds are pre-soaked in warm water for swelling, then planted in peat soil to a depth of 0.5 cm and watered, trying to further keep the soil moist. After a few months, the seeds sprout.
Cuttings for propagation are cut in late spring, last year, with several buds. For better root formation, they are treated with special stimulants, for example, root or heteroauxin, and rooted in loose soil at a temperature of about 15 degrees. Cuttings take root completely after 3 months.
Diseases and pests
Diseases and pests attack albition infrequently, but insufficient care can provoke an attack spider mite, which you can get rid of with the help of special tools. Sometimes whiteflies, which live more often in greenhouses, attack. And in this case, only an insecticidal preparation will help.
Possible difficulties in growing albicia
Also, improper care can lead to certain difficulties:
- Dry soil in the pot will cause the buds to shed.
- A dry or too wet substrate will cause the leaves to wilt.
- In insufficient light, the leaves change their color, become faded.
- Lack of moisture will dry out the tips of the foliage.
- In cold weather or drafts, dark spots will appear on the leaves.
If you take care of a tree or shrub of albicia, adhering to all the rules, then it will live long enough - both 50 and 100 years.
