Asystasia (Asystasia) is a flowering houseplant that belongs to the Acanthus family, numbering about 20-70 species. In the wild, the flower can be found in South Africa or in the warm tropical regions of Asia. Only two types are suitable for cultivation.
Description of the plant azistasia
In our climate, azistasia is able to fully grow and develop exclusively as a houseplant. The flower looks like an evergreen shrub. Shoots are straight, reaching almost a meter in height. The leaf blades have serrated edges and petioles near the base. At the crown, the leaves are smaller and more pointed. Every year, the plant loses some of its shoots, but new stems are born from the buds that are attached to the stems. In adult perennial shrubs, there is a semi-lignified trunk, which eventually turns into a real tree trunk. The attractive appearance of azistasia is given by small axillary inflorescences, resembling bells in shape. They are formed from open, bent petals, painted in white, purple or purple tones. The shell of the petals is excised with contrasting veins. The length of the inflorescence is from 12 to 20 cm.
Home care for azistasia
Location and lighting
Until now, breeders have managed to collect little information about the origin and preferences of this flower. However, as practice shows, azistasia does not tolerate low temperatures and drafts poorly, therefore it is only suitable for growing at home. Along with many tropical exotics, it needs bright diffused lighting. Moderate amounts of sunlight will also not harm the bush.
Temperature
The most favorable temperature for growing azistasia is 20-25 degrees in summer and 12-18 degrees in winter. It is important to place pots away from drafts as sudden changes in temperature and cold can lead to loss of foliage. The plant goes dormant, usually in September. This period lasts several months.
Watering
When azistasia begins to bloom actively, the bushes need to be watered much more often. It is not recommended to overdry the topsoil in a container with a flower. After the onset of the dormant period, watering must be reduced. Water is taken at a settled and room temperature. Compositions of mineral fertilizers intended for indoor ornamental plants are used as top dressing. Top dressing is carried out in the spring to enhance the growing season, and is repeated monthly until the end of the season.
The soil
The following soil substrate is ideal for a plant, in which two parts of sod, two parts of leafy soil and one part of sand are combined. The bottom of the container is covered with a thick drainage layer.
Transfer
Adult specimens are transplanted if the root system becomes cramped in the pot. It is better to initially choose a wide and deep container for planting.The new pot should be a few centimeters wider than the old one. It is recommended to transplant azistasia using the transshipment method.
Pruning and pinching
The bushes need to be pruned and pinched regularly to give them an attractive shape and a compact silhouette. When trimming the growing shoots, it is important not to damage the flower buds. The tops are pinched for greater bushiness. Without these simple actions, the plant loses its attractiveness and looks unkempt.
Reproduction of azistasia
Azistasia is propagated using apical stem cuttings. Often they use cuttings of the stems left after cutting. Cuttings are immersed in water or moistened soil by mixing peat, sand and sphagnum. Root formation is fast enough. To accelerate the germination of root shoots, the cuttings are stored in a warm place without additional shelter, then transplanted into a separate pot filled with a fertile substrate.
Diseases and pests
Azistasia is rarely affected by diseases and pests, however, with high soil moisture, spider mites begin to grow, which feed on cell sap and deplete the stems. The formation of white dots on the surface of leaf blades and cobwebs is considered to be signs of the appearance of ticks. Pests reproduce very quickly. Getting rid of them takes a lot of effort. As a preventive measure, it is necessary to inspect the bushes daily and maintain air humidity. The leaves are periodically washed or wiped with a damp cloth. If traces of these sucking arachnids become noticeable on the bushes, the vegetative parts should be treated immediately with chemicals, for example, Aktellik, Fitoverm or Aktara.
Stagnation of water in the root system provokes the development of rot. Due to mistakes or oversight of the owner, the plant may die. The problem is solved as follows. The flower is removed from the pot, the rotten roots are cut off, and the remaining healthy roots are treated with a fungicidal solution. The bushes are transplanted into new soil and the frequency of watering is adjusted.
Types and varieties of azistasia
Due to the fact that azistasia has only recently gained fame in our climatic latitudes, many gardeners often wonder what is the difference between the species, varieties or forms of this ground cover. Among the cultivated species, only two species of these flowering dwarf shrubs are distinguished.
Azistasia is beautiful - is called an evergreen South African plant, characterized by oblong and petiolar leaves. The edges of the leaf blades are serrated, the surface is excised with purple, white or pink veins. This species also includes reticular azistasia, which has a unique mesh on the leaves and a peculiar type of venation.
Azistasia Ganges - mostly grows in Asia or South Africa. The color of the flowers is predominantly white or cream, occasionally there are forms of indoor plants with bright purple inflorescences. The petals have dark streaks that contrast with the main color. This species is attributed to small-flowered and variegated azistasia, which has variegated vegetation. The edges of the green leaves are edged with a white border, and there is also a white stripe in the middle of the plate.
