Grevillea (Grevillea) is an evergreen flowering creeping or upright shrub or tree belonging to the Protein family and is widespread on the Australian continent. The genus has about four hundred species and varieties, but only 5 of them can be found in other territories (for example, in New Caledonia and New Guinea). Plants differ in height, shape and color shades. For example, the shrub form of grevillea reaches a height of no more than 50-150 centimeters, and trees can step over the thirty-meter mark in growth.
The main features of the culture are cylindrical smooth gray stems, alternate bright green leaves and racemose inflorescences of small tubular flowers with long pistils. The most popular types are called "Banks", "Large", "Candelabra" and "Rosemary". Each of them has its own individual differences.
Home care for grevillea
The capricious Australian beauty can be grown as a houseplant as an unusual decoration and for its extraordinary appeal. True, a flourishing culture requires a lot of attention and patience. She prefers special climatic conditions that can only be achieved in greenhouses.
Location and lighting
Bright diffused lighting is required by Grevillea throughout the twelve months for at least 10-12 hours a day. In the period of short daylight hours and in cloudy weather, it can be used for supplementary illumination of fluorescent lamps or phytolamps.
Temperature
In the spring and summer months, Grevillea feels favorable in the temperature range of 19-25 degrees Celsius. And in autumn and winter, she needs cooler conditions of detention - from 6 to 12 degrees.
Watering
Abundant and regular watering of Grevillea is carried out for 7 months - from March to October, and in the rest of the period, the volume of irrigation water must be reduced. Overdrying the earthen coma negatively affects the development of the flower, therefore it is worth maintaining constant moderate humidity in the soil (without excess). Water for irrigation should be taken soft, after daily settling and with a temperature close to room temperature.
Air humidity
Grevillea is very fond of high air humidity, and in a room with dry air, yellowness will appear on its leaf plates, then the leaves will dry out and fall off. It is recommended to maintain the humidity using a household steam generator or regular and generous spraying.
The soil
A favorable soil for growing room grevillea will be a soil mixture of two parts of coniferous land, one part of peat and leaf land, half of the sand (coarse-grained), a small amount of crushed charcoal and brick chips. In terms of structure and composition, the soil should be slightly acidic, nutritious and light, with good air permeability.When planting in a flower pot, be sure to pour good drainage to the bottom, which will prevent water from stagnating in the root part.
Top dressing and fertilizers
The plant receives additional nutrition from regular fertilizing with complex mineral fertilizers every 2 weeks from March to October.
Transfer
In the first 3 years, it is recommended to transplant Grevillea every year in the spring, and then - once every 3 years. In adulthood, this procedure is no longer required for the plant. Instead, replace the old substrate in the upper layer.
Pruning
One of the individual characteristics of Grevillea is its rapid growth, which is why the tree begins to occupy a large space in the room. Timely formative pruning and pinching of the tips of the shoots will create a compact plant with a beautiful and well-groomed crown, and will also slightly inhibit growth.
Reproduction of grevillea
Seed propagation
The seed breeding method for grevillea begins at the end of February. The seeds are germinated in greenhouse conditions, with good lighting, the right temperature and humidity.
Propagation by cuttings
For grafting, you need to use semi-lignified cuttings, which are taken from the apical parts of the shoots. Each cutting should have at least 2-3 internodes. Slices must be treated with rooting stimulants, and then put the cuttings in wet sand and cover with foil.
Diseases and pests
Pests never bother this plant, and Grevillea can only get sick due to violations of the conditions of detention and with improper care. Dry air and high room temperature, excess or lack of moisture in the soil. Untimely feeding - all this will lead to a loss of decorativeness and the development of various diseases.
Grevillea species
Grevillea banksii - is a small tree no more than 5 meters high or a shrub that consists of pinnate leaves up to 20 centimeters long with a smooth gray-green surface on one side and a silvery pubescent on the other, and bright red flowers with long curved pistils in the apical inflorescences.
Grevillea robusta Is a tall tree, reaching fifteen meters in the wild. The culture has large leaf plates, from 15 to 20 centimeters in length, pubescent on one side, and with a smooth surface on the other, and horizontal axillary inflorescences of orange flowers with pistils directed upwards.
Grevillea candelabroides - Grevillea grows as a spreading, lush shrub about 3 meters in diameter and in height with feathery leaves and apical inflorescences of white flowers.
Grevillea rosmarinifolia - is a small shrub (about 1.5 meters) with deep green needle-shaped leaves, reminiscent of pine needles, and racemose inflorescences at the tops of red and white flowers.
