Iresine (Iresine) is a plant from the Amaranth family, which is short, curly herbaceous or shrub, half-shrub or tree. The place of their growth is the landscapes of North, Central and South America. It can often be found in Australia, in the Lesser and Greater Antilles.
Irezine is about 60 cm high. The leaves of the plant are round or elliptical. Irezine blooms with small flowers presented in the form of inflorescences.
Irezine is quite rare on the shelves of flower shops, so not every amateur gardener will be able to tell you how to properly care for her.
Caring for irezine at home
Location and lighting
The irezine prefers bright lighting. But don't get too carried away. If the windows of the room are on the sunny side, then it is important to protect the delicate leaves of the plant from direct scorching rays. This rule is especially relevant in the spring and summer. In winter, it is important to extend the daylight hours with artificial lighting up to about 15 hours.
Temperature
As for the temperature of the irezine content, it is worth noting that the plant feels great in a wide range from 16 to 25 degrees. Therefore, irezine can be grown safely at normal room temperature.
Air humidity
The irezine plant can safely tolerate dry air in an apartment. However, in winter, when heating devices are working, it is still better to spray the plant sometimes.
Watering
Water for irrigation should settle for several days. Irezine responds well to good watering in spring and summer. Once the topsoil is dry, you can water the plant again.
In winter, watering is slightly reduced, but it is important not to allow the substrate in the pot to completely dry out. If the room is cool during the cold season (about 15 degrees), then irrigation should be watered only occasionally.
The soil
A store bought plant is transplanted into a medium with a low or neutral pH. The mixture of planting material should be made up in a ratio of 4: 4: 2: 1: 1 (sod land, deciduous soil, humus, sand, peat, respectively).
Top dressing and fertilizers
Like any houseplant, irezine for normal growth and development requires regular application of mineral or organic fertilizers. The feeding frequency is once a week.
In winter, the plant develops and grows slowly, is dormant, so less fertilization is needed at this time of the year. The concentration is reduced by half, and the frequency of fertilization is reduced once a month.
Transfer
The irezine root system reaches its maximum after about 3 years, so it is better not to make more frequent transplants. In order to prevent decay of the root system, it is important to pour a generous drainage layer on the bottom of the pot.
Pruning
Irezine quickly grows new shoots, so the plant can easily be given the desired shape by pinching the growing branches. This procedure is absolutely harmless to irezine, and it can be carried out at any time of the year.
Reproduction of irezine
Iresine can be propagated in one of two ways - by seeds or cuttings. The second method is faster and more preferable. The tops of the cuttings are cut about 10 cm long. This is best done in February-March, when the plant wakes up from winter dormancy and prepares for active growth and development.
Further, the shoots are planted in sand at a temperature of about 20 degrees. Usually, the rooting of cuttings occurs in 9-10 days. Then, a future adult plant is formed from the cuttings. As they grow, they pinch and shape the future plant.
Difficulties in leaving
- Improper care of irezin can lead to leaf fall - in this case, you need to adjust the watering (it may be excessive or insufficient).
- If the shoots of the plant become too thin and elongated, this indicates a lack of lighting - move the plant to a more sunny room or install additional lamps for lighting.
- If the plant is not pinched in time, then the young shoots will shed their leaves.
Diseases and pests
Irezine is susceptible to pests such as spider mite, green aphid, whitefly, mealybug. In the fight against them, a warm shower for the shoots and the treatment of the plant with an insecticide help.
Popular types of irezine
There are many types of irezine, so we will consider the most popular ones.
Iresine lindenii
Plant about 45-50 cm tall, perennial, herbaceous, dark red stems. Leaves are up to 6 cm long, oval. The color of the leaves is dark crimson with bright streaks. The plant blooms with inconspicuous flowers, collected in small panicles (inflorescences). Colors and shades of leaves and veins on them can be in different combinations.
Iresine herbstii
Herbaceous plant, perennial, reaches a height of about 35-40 cm. Leaves are rounded with greenish-red veins.
