The boemeria plant (Boehmeria) is a representative of herbaceous perennials, a shrub. Also among the representatives there are small trees belonging to the nettle family. In natural conditions, the plant can be seen in both hemispheres of the globe in tropical and subtropical regions. It is appreciated for the high decorativeness of its leaves. They are wide, bluish in color with jagged edges. It blooms in the form of small green flowers, collected in panicle inflorescences, resembling nettle inflorescences.
Bemeria care at home
Location and lighting
Bemeria grows well and develops in bright light. Light shade can be tolerated for several hours a day. Summer scorching sun should not fall on the leaves to avoid burns. Therefore, it is best to shade the plant in summer.
Temperature
In winter, the ambient temperature should not be higher than 16-18 degrees, and in summer - no more than 20-25 degrees.
Air humidity
The plant does not tolerate dry air and grows well only at high humidity. For this purpose, the leaves are constantly sprayed with warm, settled water.
Watering
In summer, watering should be regular, abundant. The earth lump should not dry out completely, but it is important to avoid stagnation of moisture in the soil. In winter, watering is reduced, but not stopped at all.
The soil
The optimal composition of the soil for growing bemeria should consist of turf, humus, peat soil and sand in a ratio of 1: 2: 1: 1. It is important to fill the bottom of the pot with a good drainage layer.
Top dressing and fertilizers
In spring and summer, the plant needs regular fertilization. The frequency of feeding is once a month. The fertilizer is ideal for ornamental deciduous plants.
Transfer
Bemeria needs to be transplanted only when the root system is completely encircled by the earthen lump. The transplant is carried out by the transshipment method.
Reproduction of bomeria
Bemeria can be propagated both by dividing an adult bush into parts with an independent root system, and using cuttings-shoots. Cuttings are usually rooted in the spring, planted in a mixture of peat and sand. Rooting takes about 3-4 weeks.
Diseases and pests
The plant can be affected by pests such as aphids and spider mites. In case of pest infestation, spraying with soapy water helps. Due to excessive soil moisture, the leaves often lose their decorative effect, the edges turn black, dry and fall off.
Types and varieties of bemeria with photos and names
Large-leaved Bemeria (Boehmeria macrophylla)
It is an evergreen shrub. It can also grow in the form of a small tree, rarely reaching a height of 4-5 m. With age, the stems turn from green to brown. The leaves are large, oval, rough to the touch, dark green with veins. It blooms in the form of spikelets. Flowers are pale, inconspicuous.
Silver boemeria (Boehmeria argentea)
It belongs to evergreen shrubs, sometimes it is found in the form of trees. The leaves are large, oval in shape with a silvery bloom. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, collected in inflorescences growing from the leaf sinuses.
Bemeria cylindrical (Boehmeria Cylindrica)
The species belongs to perennials. Herbaceous plant, reaching a height of about 0.9 m. Leaves are opposite, oval in shape with pointed tips.
Bemeria biloba (Boehmeria Biloba)
It is an evergreen representative of shrubs. Reaches a height of 1-2 m. Stems are green-brown in color. The leaves are oval, large, rough to the touch, of bright green color, reaching about 20 cm in length. The edges are jagged.
White Bemeria (Boehmeria Nivea)
It is a perennial representative of herbaceous plants. Stems are numerous, pubescent, erect. The leaves are heart-shaped, small in size, covered with white soft villi. Above, the leaf has a dark green tint, the lower part is densely pubescent with a silvery tint. The flowers are greenish, collected in panicles-inflorescences. The ripe fruit has an oblong shape.
