Guernia (Huernia) is a flowering succulent plant belonging to the Lastovnev family and is found naturally in rocky areas with arid climates in the Arabian Peninsula and in African countries.
The plant consists of thick, juicy, multifaceted (from 4 to 10 faces, depending on the variety) stems with a smooth glossy surface and tapered teeth on the edges. The plant blooms with single flowers in the form of a starfish, a deep bowl, a bell or few-flowered inflorescences. The flowering period can last 2-3 weeks or 2-3 months and usually falls in the summer months or September. One of the hallmarks of guernia is the strong, unpleasant smell of its flowers.
Among the numerous species and varieties, the most common guernia are "Kenyan", "Hairy", "Hanging", "Large-fruited", "Striped" and "Prickly".
Guernia care at home
Guernia can be attributed to unpretentious plants, which even a beginner florist can take care of. The requirements of an indoor flower are the most common and, if they are observed, the full development of an exotic plant will not take much time and effort.
Location and lighting
When growing guernias on a windowsill, it is recommended to choose an east or west side with direct morning and afternoon sunlight. The plant loves bright sunlight, but at noon it can damage the flower, so it needs to be shaded slightly. In case of insufficient lighting, the shoots of the plant will stretch and lose their decorative effect. In this regard, it is necessary to use phytolamps during the period of short daylight hours and to maintain with their help the natural light that is familiar for a flower in terms of duration.
Florists should consider one feature of the Guernia. She doesn't like changing her habitual location. The angle of illumination must be constant. Any rotation or transfer of a flowerpot with a flower can affect its appearance. Changing the level of illumination contributes to the fall of flowers and unopened buds.
Temperature
During warmer months (May to late September), guernia can be placed on a balcony or garden. The favorable temperature during this period is from 23 to 27 degrees Celsius. In winter, the plant is recommended to be kept in cool conditions with a temperature of 5 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Watering
Watering the guernia flower in the spring and summer months is necessary in moderation and only after the soil has dried about half the height of the pot. Excessive soil moisture is very dangerous for guernia, which leads to waterlogging and acidification of the soil. The consequences of such watering are root or stem rot, and in the future, the death of the entire plant in a very short time. In the winter period of dormancy, the plant does not need watering.
Air humidity
Dry indoor air is common for indoor plants.It does not require any additional moisture in the form of spraying or other water procedures.
The soil
Guernia requirements for the composition and condition of the soil are looseness, moisture permeability, air permeability, slightly alkaline environment with a pH level of about 8.5. You can purchase a special soil mix designed for succulents, but with the additional addition of a small amount of fine gravel. When preparing the mixture yourself, it is imperative to mix all the recommended components in the same proportions: coarse river sand, leafy earth, fine gravel and clay-sod soil.
Given that the guernia root system grows strongly, it is important to pour a drainage layer on the bottom of the pot when planting.
Top dressing and fertilizers
It is necessary to apply fertilizers regularly once a month, except for the dormant period of the plant. It is recommended to use special food for cacti or succulents.
Transfer
Experienced flower growers advise replanting the guernia flower every year in spring into a new container with a pot diameter 1-2 cm larger than the previous one. When transplanting, you can get rid of the old, which has lost its attractiveness, stem and plant new cuttings.
Reproduction of guernia
Cutting is the most common breeding method for Guernia. Stem cuttings on the mother plant must be carefully removed, left to dry for forty-eight hours, and then planted. A layer of expanded clay or small pebbles is placed at the bottom of the flower pot, then a substrate for succulents and young plants are planted. With proper care and suitable conditions, it will be possible to admire the blooming guernia already in the first year of life.
Seed propagation is more troublesome and time-consuming and is not used as often as the previous one. Sowing seeds is done in early spring (around early March). The planting box must be filled with a soil mixture of peat and sand in equal proportions and sowed. After slightly moistening the soil surface, the container is covered with plastic wrap or glass and left in a warm, bright room until the seedlings appear. Greenhouse conditions are needed until the young plants are completely strong, after which they are transplanted from separate pots.
Diseases and pests
The main pest of guernia is the mealybug. You can get rid of it with the help of "Aktara" or "Intavir".
The main diseases are root and stem rot. It is impossible to cure a diseased houseplant. Preventive measures - periodic drying of the soil in a flower container and full compliance with watering rules. Do not allow overflow of irrigation water.
