Nertera

Nertera is a plant of the Madder family, which is considered one of the largest in plant taxonomy and is distinguished by a variety of forms related to it. However, the genus (Nertera) itself is not large and includes no more than 12 species.

Most plant species of the genus are found in both the tropics and subtropics of the southern hemisphere, southeastern Asia and Australia. In greenhouses and indoor conditions, Granada nertera is cultivated.

The plant's generic name is of Greek origin. "Nerteros" means "small" or "low" and reflects the main feature of the appearance - diminutiveness. Nerteru is often called "coral moss" or "coral berry". These unofficial names reflect another feature of it: the presence of a large number of brightly colored fruits in the form of berries. They, like a scattering of beads, look very impressive against the background of dense clumps of green foliage.

Description of the flower

The stalks of nertera are similar to miniature vines - thin, rising to a height of no more than 2 cm, they spread along the surface of the earth, forming a miniature "rug". The leaves are small (no more than a centimeter), rounded, less often rounded-elongated, oppositely located on the stem. The flowers are small, indistinct, greenish-white, sometimes pale yellow. Fruits are small (pea-sized) berries of bright shades of orange, red and brown. The fruiting bush of nertera outwardly resembles dense scattering of cranberries or lingonberries. The plant bears fruit in winter and looks very optimistic and beautiful.

Important! Nertera berries are inedible because they are poisonous. Berries can also be dangerous for some pets.

Usually, the plant is acquired for one season, at the end of fruiting it loses all its external attractiveness and therefore gets rid of it. However, when creating the conditions necessary for the plant, it can please caring owners for several years.

Nertera is considered a strong bioenergetic. She is able to increase the vitality of people. The strength of the energetic effect depends on the number of plants and their environment. The energy of the plant will increase if there are plants with bright flowers and lush foliage next to it.

Caring for nerte at home

Location and lighting

Nertera does not tolerate direct sunlight. For her, placement in partial shade is preferable. However, in autumn and winter, with general low illumination, it needs additional illumination. It is placed no closer than half a meter from the plant. Otherwise, the stems stretch out, losing their decorative effect.

Temperature

For the summer period, the optimal temperature is about 20-22 degrees. In winter - no higher than 10 degrees. Nertera can withstand temperatures as low as 6 degrees. Before the fruits appear, the plant can be taken out to loggias and balconies: she loves fresh air.

Air humidity

Nertera is a "fan" of high air humidity.During the day, it should be sprayed with soft (boiled) lukewarm water several times. Spraying is stopped when flowers appear. For additional moistening, expanded clay or pebbles are placed in the pan of the pot and water is poured. The bottom of the pot should be above its level.

Watering

Nertera needs abundant watering in spring and summer. In winter, watering should be reduced. It is better to water the flower "from below" by immersing the pot in a container filled with water or pouring water into a tray. The main criterion for the successful development of a plant is the moist state of the earthen coma.

The soil

Nertera grows well in loose soil that retains moisture well. An earthen mixture is prepared from identical parts of leafy and sod land, humus, peat and sand.

Top dressing and fertilizers

The plant is fertilized with complex mineral fertilizers, applying them once a month during the entire period of its growth.

Transfer

Transplanting is usually carried out in the spring, after a successful wintering, before flowering begins. When replanting, avoid any compaction of the soil in the pot.

Reproduction of nertera flower

Nertera is propagated at home by seeds and dividing rhizomes.

Seed propagation

Sowing is carried out at the end of January, February, placing the seeds in wide containers filled with earth. One of the prerequisites for sowing is a rare arrangement of seeds. The seeds are sprinkled with earth, slightly compacting the soil with a plank and sprinkled with a spray bottle. The container is covered with a transparent airtight material and placed in a warm place.

The seeds are characterized by uneven, long-term germination. The first shoots will appear in a month, and sometimes even later: in 2-3 months.

After waiting for the appearance of most shoots, the box is rearranged in a bright and warm place, shading from the sun's rays. In case of insufficient illumination, a backlight is used. Seedlings are regularly watered, focusing on the state of the topsoil.

Reproduction by dividing rhizomes

Nertera reproduces well and easily by dividing the rhizome, which is carried out at the beginning of summer. To do this, the plant is removed from the pot, and the root is freed from the ground. Further, the root ball is divided into several parts, not trying to separate very small fragments. In this case, young plants will bear little fruit. A good drainage layer is placed on the bottom of the new container and fresh potting soil is poured. Place pots with cuttings in a cool place until they take root and resume growth.

Growing difficulties

• The absence of flowers (berries) and their fall during the development of a large amount of leaf mass - high air temperature; high content of nitrogen in the soil, as a result of excessive fertilization.
• Decay of the base of the stems - excessive watering.
• Drying of the tips of the leaves - insufficient watering or excessive lighting.
• The acquisition of a brown hue by leaves is an excess of light and heat.
• Shriveled berries are too warm conditions for winter keeping.

Most often nertera is attackedspider mite, mealybug, scabbards and whiteflies.

Types and varieties of nertera

Nertera pressed

Perennial with creeping or creeping stems, densely covered with small rounded leaves. Small flowers are colored white with a greenish tinge. Fruits are bright orange pea-berries that remain on the stems throughout the winter.

Nertera Granadskaya

Differs in graceful creeping shoots bearing lanceolate petiole leaves. Its flowers are yellowish-green. And the fruits - long-term (autumn, autumn and winter) preservation.