Eustoma or Lisianthus is a herbaceous annual or perennial plant. Belongs to the Gorechavkov family. The homeland of this plant is the south of the United States, as well as the territory of Mexico. The most popular lisianthus or eustoma received as a garden ornamental plant, but many growers successfully grow it on windowsills in indoor conditions.
This variety of garden flowers has only one species of its kind - Russell's eustoma or Russell's lisianthus. The plant has large beautiful flowers, the variety of shapes and colors of which is amazing.
Eustoma Russell or Lisianthus Russell - has the shape of a small bush. The branches are upright, the leaves are oval with a gray tint. The shape of the flower resembles a large bell. Flowers are both double and non-double. The color is varied (red, yellow, lilac, blue, white, pink). There is a combination of shades and the coloring of the edges in a different color.
Eustoma care at home
Location and lighting
Lisianthus is picky about having good lighting throughout the day. He will be grateful if direct sunlight falls on his leaves. In spring, when the air warms up well, as well as in summer, it is best to place eustoma on a balcony or loggia with open windows. The plant will delight its owner with abundant flowering even in winter, provided that it receives a sufficient amount of light from the installed phytolamps.
Temperature
In spring and summer, eustoma will feel comfortable at a temperature of 20-25 degrees. In order for lisianthus to be at rest in winter, it needs a temperature of about 12-15 degrees.
Air humidity
Eustoma feels good in dry air, so additional moisture is not required for the flower. From an excess of moisture on its leaves, the development of fungal diseases can begin.
Watering
In spring and summer, lisianthus blooms and is in the stage of active growth, therefore it is important to prevent the earthen coma from drying out. But too much watering is harmful to the plant. From an excess of moisture, the root system will begin to rot. With the onset of winter cold and a decrease in the temperature in the room, watering lisianthus is reduced.
Top dressing and fertilizers
During active growth, eustoma needs regular application of complex fertilizers to the soil. A universal mineral dressing for flowering indoor plants is suitable. The frequency of its introduction is 2 times a month.
Transfer
In most cases, growers grow lisianthus only as an annual. Transplanting is usually carried out only when growing seeds or propagating by cuttings. The substrate should be nutritious with a pH of 6.5-7.0, a good drainage layer of expanded clay is required - so that water does not stagnate at the bottom of the pot. It is better to take a container for planting (transplanting) eustoma wide, but not deep.
Pruning
Each faded stem is cut off, but not at the very root, but about 2 pairs of leaves are left. With proper care, such a stem will bloom again.
Reproduction of eustoma
There are two ways of reproduction of eustoma: using seeds and dividing the bush. Seeds must be planted in a container, covered with a thin layer of earth, moistened and covered with glass. Leave in this state at a temperature of about 23-25 degrees. The improvised greenhouse is periodically moistened and ventilated. The first shoots will appear in 10-15 days.
Seedlings must be kept in a bright place with a temperature of 20 degrees. After the plant develops a full pair of leaves, it can be transplanted into a separate pot (1-3 pieces each). In about a year, the first eustoma bloom can be observed. Plants obtained from seeds should overwinter in a cool place with ample light.
Diseases and pests
Lisianthus is affected by thrips, whitefly, tick, gray mold, fusarium or mycosis.
