Cyanotis (Cyanotis) is a herb, a perennial from the Kommelinov family. Translated from Greek, it means "blue ear", as it has an unusual flower shape and corresponding color shades. The countries of Asia and Africa with a hot tropical climate are considered the homeland of this flower.
The stems of this plant are creeping, the flowers are small in size, the leaves are medium in size, completely hiding the stems. Cyanotis blooms in all shades of blue, purple and reddish. The fruits are presented in the form of a box.
Home care for cyanotis
Location and lighting
Lighting for cyanotis needs bright, but diffuse. In the period of short daylight hours, especially in winter, it is recommended to use additional artificial lighting.
Temperature
In summer and spring, the average temperature favorable for cyanotis is 20-22 degrees Celsius. During colder months, cyanotis can grow at room temperature or slightly below 18 degrees, but not less than 12-13 degrees.
Air humidity
Air humidity is not very important for cyanotis, so you don't have to worry about the level of air humidity. The plant does not need additional moisture.
Watering
The amount and frequency of watering cyanotis differ depending on the season. From March to September, it is recommended to water cyanotis regularly, but in moderation, so that the soil is always slightly damp between waterings. In the remaining months, watering is allowed only after the soil has completely dried out.
Top dressing and fertilizers
It is necessary to feed cyanotis 2 times a month, but only in the spring-summer period. It is recommended to use special fertilizers as top dressing, which are intended for decorative deciduous plants.
Transfer
Cyanotis transplant is carried out in 2-3 years. The soil mixture should consist of the following components: sand, humus, sod and leafy soil, peat. Drainage must be poured as the first layer.
Reproduction of cyanotis
Seed propagation
Sowing seeds will require a damp potting mix and glass to cover the container. Before sprouts appear, the container should be in a dark room, and after sprouting, in a well-lit room.
Propagation by cuttings
Cyanotis is usually propagated by cuttings in spring. Cuttings will root well in peat-sandy soil under a glass jar or under a film in a warm room with diffused lighting.
Diseases and pests
Scabbard, spider mites and aphids are the main pests of cyanotis.
Cyanotis species
Cyanotis somali (Cyanotis somaliensis) - has pubescent stems, lanceolate leaves of bright green color (pubescent in the lower part and smooth on top), small purple or blue flowers.
Cyanotis kewensis (Cyanotis kewensis) - has creeping stems, almost completely covered with dense foliage, small leaves (up to two centimeters long and four centimeters wide), flowers with shades of red and purple.
Cyanotis nodiflora - has erect stems with little branching, dark green leaves pointed at the ends with a slight shade of purple in their lower part, inflorescences of small flowers of blue or pink shades.
