Callistemon is an evergreen shrub or tree from the Myrtle family, common in parts of the Australian continent. Distinctive features of the plant are a lush crown with abundant flowering, narrow leathery leaves of a rich green hue, many shoots sticking out in different directions, spike-shaped inflorescences of red or pink flowers up to 12 centimeters long, resembling a fluffy brush for washing bottles and fruit capsules about 7 millimeters in diameter. Callistemon leaves contain a large amount of essential oils, the bright aroma of which can be felt when the leaf plate is damaged.
Callistemon species
About 40 different types of trees and shrubs grow in their natural environment. Some callistemon species are grown as houseplants. They perfectly adapted to indoor conditions and have established themselves as unpretentious, highly decorative and long-flowering crops. The most popular types are "Citrus", "Ivolistny", "Formosa", "Fine", "Bright red", "Pine", "Prutovidny", and among the varieties the most widespread are "Shining", "Lilac fog", Little John, Burgundy.
Home care for callistemon
Subject to certain specific conditions, the callistemon indoor flower will grow rapidly and fully develop, retaining all its decorative qualities.
Location and lighting
Almost all types of this culture are very fond of bright sunlight and perfectly tolerate the direct rays of the sun. A windowsill on the southeast or southwest side of the house would be an ideal growing spot for callistemons. When kept in partial shade conditions, you should not immediately rearrange the flower under the sun's rays, it is better to do this gradually, accustoming the plant to hot rays daily for several hours. Excessive lighting will not have a negative impact on the culture, but its lack can cause the lack of flowering.
Temperature
The splendor and abundance of callistemon flowering depends on the correct temperature regime at different times of the year. In the spring and summer months, the most favorable temperature for a flower is 20-22 degrees. With the arrival of autumn cold weather, it is reduced by several degrees, and in winter it is recommended to store the plant on an insulated balcony, loggia or in a greenhouse with a temperature of 12 to 16 degrees Celsius. Wintering in a cold room is mandatory for the beginning of the flowering period.
Watering
For watering callistemon, it is recommended to use only settled or purified water, without chlorine, with a temperature of about 20-22 degrees. Lack and excess of irrigation water leads to a loss of decorative effect and stunted growth. It is very important to find a middle ground and water the flowers in moderation, but regularly.The substrate in the flowerpot should not dry out and become waterlogged.
Air humidity
Periodic spraying and a warm shower are necessary for Callistemon as sanitary and preventive measures. They remove dust from plants, refresh them and prevent the appearance of various pests (for example, spider mites). For a room culture, the level of humidity in the room does not matter. The air can be humid or dry.
The soil
To plant indoor callistemon, you need good drainage, which is placed on the bottom of the flower container, and a suitable substrate. The drainage layer can consist of crushed clay shards or expanded clay. The primer can be purchased at a specialist store. The most suitable will be a growing medium for roses or a universal potting soil mixture for indoor crops. The main thing is that the soil is nutritious, loose, light and neutral in composition (or slightly acidic).
At home, you can prepare the substrate yourself. This will require four parts of sod land, two parts of peat, leaf land and one part of coarse sand.
Top dressing and fertilizers
Complex mineral fertilizers recommended for flowering indoor crops should be applied regularly every 2 weeks throughout the spring-summer season and in early autumn. In winter, additional feeding is not required for callistemon.
Transfer
In the first 3 years after planting, it is recommended to transplant the plants every year in the spring, and it is enough to transplant older crops once every 3 years. It is recommended to transfer the flower to a pot slightly larger in diameter than the previous one.
Pruning
Pruning of faded peduncles with fruits is carried out immediately after the end of flowering. Thin and curved shoots, which spoil the appearance of the bush, are also subject to removal. This regular procedure promotes thicker branching and more abundant flowering of callistemon in the next season. Young specimens can be pruned only after they reach a height of 50-60 centimeters.
Reproduction of callistemon
The seed method of reproduction of callistemon is considered the simplest and most common. Seeds are sown randomly over the surface of a wet substrate, covered with foil or glass and kept in a warm room with good lighting, maintaining greenhouse conditions.
Propagation by cuttings allows you to preserve the varietal characteristics of the plant. It is necessary to cut the apical cuttings about ten centimeters long so that 3-4 internodes remain on each of them. Before planting in the ground, it is recommended to treat the cut sites with a stimulating solution or drug (for example, heteroauxin). Rooting takes place in greenhouse conditions with high humidity and bottom heating. The main care for cuttings is regular moisture and airing.
Diseases and pests
Callistemon has a high resistance to diseases, but pests sometimes cause him problems. A spider mite is the most possible uninvited guest, when it appears on the plant, a cobweb appears and the leaf part begins to fade and dry. Control measures - warm showers or spraying with insecticidal preparations. The appeared scale insects are removed manually with a cotton swab before spraying flowers.
Growing difficulties
Callistemon needs fresh air, so it is recommended to take the plant out to the garden or balcony.
If the wintering was very warm, with temperatures over 15 degrees, then the callistemon may not bloom. You can not wait for flowering even if the plant does not have enough light.
