Soleirolia, or Helxine, is an ornamental groundcover houseplant that belongs to the Nettle family. Such a plant can be found on the banks of reservoirs, rocky slopes, and other shady places.
Soleirolia (Helksina) is a miniature perennial herb that has creeping shoots. The stems of the plant are very fragile and thin; they take root in the nodes. Shoots are covered with many small leaves, up to 5 millimeters, they have a round or irregular oval shape, and green in color. Salleirolia also has small white single flowers. There is a garden type of plant, its leaves are green with yellowness, there are varieties that have a silvery or golden hue.
Saline care at home
Location and lighting
Soleirolia is demanding on bright light throughout the year. It can develop smartly even under artificial lighting, without losing its decorative effect. In summer, it is better to shade salt from direct sunlight.
Temperature
In spring and summer, the optimum temperature for saline is from 18 to 25 degrees. In winter, the plant can be grown both in a cool room with a temperature of at least 8 degrees, and in a warm place with a temperature of about 20 degrees.
Air humidity
Soleirolia is quite demanding on high air humidity, therefore, it is necessary to carry out several sprays per day if the air temperature is 20 degrees or higher, while the water should be settled and warm. At low temperatures, spraying is performed less often - every 2-3 days. If the plant hibernates in a cool room, then spraying is not necessary.
Watering
In spring and summer, Soleirolia needs abundant watering with tempered, settled water. Watering must be carried out as the top layer of the soil dries out. The soil in the pot must be kept moist, but stagnation of the liquid in the pan is also unacceptable. In winter, if the plant is in a cool place, watering is reduced.
Top dressing and fertilizers
During the growing season, Soleirolia is fertilized once every 2-3 weeks with complex mineral fertilizers for decorative deciduous plants. If during the winter the Soleirolia is in a warm room, then the plant is fertilized only once a month.
The soil
The optimal composition of the soil for saline: sod land, mixed with sand or small pebbles, with a pH of 5-7. Soleirolia can be successfully grown hydroponically.
Transfer
Soleirolia needs an annual spring transplant. It is better to take a pot wide and not too high. It is important to take care of good drainage at the bottom of the pot.
Reproduction of solyrolia
Soleirolia can be propagated by dividing the bush during transplantation and by cuttings.
In the first method, a part of the plant is separated, and placed in a small container with soil, placed in the shade, and not watered for about two days, but only sprayed with water at room temperature.
In the second method, several cuttings are planted in one pot, and a sufficiently high temperature is maintained - under such conditions, saltyrolia easily takes root.
Growing difficulties
- The leaves begin to dry out and die off, the plant withers - too dry air and insufficient watering.
- The leaves become pale, the stems stretch out, the plant does not grow or grows too slowly - lack of nutrients in the soil, poor lighting.
- Leaves dry, become covered with silvery-brown spots - direct sunlight.
- The plant withers, the leaves turn yellow and fall off - excessive waterlogging.
