Ardisia

Ardisia (Ardisia) is a prominent representative of the Mirsinov family. This evergreen plant comes from the tropical and subtropical forests of Australia, Asia, America and the Pacific Islands. Ardisia owes its name to the Greek language. Literally it translates as "arrow". The plant got this name thanks to the flower crown, which is very much like an arrow in shape.

Description of the plant ardisia

Ardisia leaves are epilliptic in shape, leathery, shiny and smooth to the touch. On the stem, they are arranged in sequential order. The leaves of the plant have whole serrated or crenate edges. The flowers are very small in size, bisexual, collected in inflorescences in the shape of an umbrella or panicle. Most types of ardisia bloom with white flowers, but there are also pink, cream ones. Each flower has about 5 petals and an equal number of stamens. The ripe fruit is a single-seeded drupe-berry of bright red, white or yellow color. The fruit is born at the end of December, and ripens for several months in a row.

A characteristic feature of ardisia is the presence of peculiar bulges on the edge of the sheet. Inexperienced growers mistake such swelling for a disease. In fact, this is the habitat of nitrogen-fixing bacteria that lead a symbiotic lifestyle. They help the plant absorb nitrogen from the air. You cannot get rid of them, since without such bacteria the plant will simply die. The roots of the plant also have nitrogen-fixing bacteria living on them, therefore, when transplanting ardisia, you need to be as careful as possible so as not to damage the root system.

Ardisia care at home

Location and lighting

For optimal growth and development of ardisia, a well-lit room is needed. But the plant does not tolerate direct sunlight on the leaves. In winter and autumn, with the onset of a short daylight hours, Ardisia needs to be illuminated with the help of special phytolamps or fluorescent lamps.

Temperature

In spring and summer, the plant must be kept at a temperature of 20 to 22 degrees. If the air humidity is below average, then ardisia is able to withstand higher temperatures. The plant shows good growth in regularly ventilated areas. In winter, ardisia is at rest, so it must be kept at a temperature of 15 to 18 degrees.

Air humidity

Ardisia grows well at high humidity. For additional moisture, the leaves must be constantly sprayed with water at room temperature. When the first flowers appear on the plant, and then the fruits, the spraying is stopped and other methods are used to humidify the air.

Watering

In spring and summer, ardisia needs regular abundant watering. In winter and autumn, with the onset of a dormant period, the earthen lump cannot be strongly moistened, it should only be kept in a slightly damp place. For watering, it is better to use soft, settled water at room temperature.

Top dressing and fertilizers

Fertilizing ardisia is necessary at least twice a month, starting in March and ending in September. A universal fertilizer for ornamental deciduous plants is suitable. With the onset of the dormant period, it is not necessary to feed the ardisia.

Transfer

Ardisia needs to be transplanted only when the roots completely fill the pot. This procedure is usually carried out in the spring. There must be a good drainage layer at the bottom of the pot. The soil should be nutritious and loose, containing river sand.

Reproduction of ardisia

You can propagate ardisia at home both by cuttings and by seeds.

In January, the largest ripe fruits with a diameter of about 1 cm are selected for reproduction, the seed is taken out of them and planted in a pre-moistened substrate to a depth of 1 cm.If the seed is too hard, then it is slightly incised and kept in a solution with a stimulating drug. The top of the pot is covered with transparent film or glass to create a greenhouse effect. The improvised greenhouse is regularly moistened and ventilated. They contain it at a temperature of 18-20 degrees.

The sprouted sprouts are seated one at a time. Only after 2-3 years will they look like an adult plant.

For propagation of ardisia using the cuttings method, the tops of the shoots are used, which are rooted in separate small pots at a temperature of about 24-28 degrees in a well-lit place. The process of rooting cuttings is quite difficult and takes a long time.

Diseases and pests

Ardisia can be affected by such pests as aphids, scale insects, worms. She is also capable of contracting various fungal diseases. If there is not enough iron in the soil and applied fertilizers of Ardisia, then it will suffer from such a disease as chlorosis. In this case, it is important to adjust the fertilization process and include iron-containing preparations in it.

Growing problems

Among the possible difficulties that flower growers may encounter when growing ardisia, there are:

• Leaves lose their color - this comes from an overabundance of lighting.
• Leaves turn yellow - too dry air, poor lighting or insufficient amount of mineral fertilizers in the soil.
• The edges of the leaves turn brown - unregulated watering, dry air or lack of lighting.
• The leaves are covered with brown spots - excessive watering or humidity, infection with fungal diseases.
• The leaves have soft edges, curl - the day or night air temperature is too low.
• The edges and tips of the leaves dry out - the presence of drafts or too dry air.
• The appearance of dry light spots on the leaves - possible sunburn due to direct sunlight.

Subject to all the rules of cultivation, ardisia will certainly delight you with its beautiful flowering and bright fruits.

Ardisia - tips for plant care (video)