Alsobia: characteristics and care at home

Alsobia is a herb that is naturally found only in tropical climates (high temperature and high humidity). Despite this, this flower can also be bred at home. The main thing is to know how to do it correctly.

Alsobia (popularly the plant is often called "carnation-flowering episode") is a perennial. The flower is rather small, but very attractive in appearance. Mexico and Brazil are considered the homeland of the plant, while in Russia Alsobia is little known and unpopular. So much the better - by growing such a flower at home, you will become the owner of an original and unusual plant that will attract guests, as well as make an indelible impression on your household.

According to botanical characteristics, the plant is classified as a ground cover species. The leaves of the flower are colored green in various shades (it can be either light green or dark green). In their shape, they resemble irregular ovals, and the distinguishing feature is the texture. In addition, the leaves are slightly pubescent.

Alsobia is allowed to grow both in the traditional way in an ordinary pot and in a suspended state - in a pots. In the latter case, the flower can become an original decoration not only for interiors, but also for balconies or gazebos.

Depending on the peculiarities of the appearance, as well as the botanical characteristics, scientists distinguish several species and varieties of Alsobia.

A distinctive feature of this type of plant is shorter shoots. In addition, serrations can be found on the edges of the leaves, and fringes on the flowers.

In contrast to the variety described above, this plant has a stem that has a woody structure. Flowers also differ - being white in the base, they can have a beige or green tint.

This species is a hybrid plant. Due to the fact that many species of Alsobia are rather picky in care and die in a house or apartment, scientists have developed the Cyqnet variety, which is the best suited for self-cultivation by people. It is important to note that the flowers of this plant species are very large and reach 40 millimeters in size, which gives the "green pet" an additional decorative function.

This variety is also hybrid. Moreover, it is more popular among domestic florists and housewives who are fond of breeding and growing flowers. San Migel has larger flowers and leaves (even larger than the species described above). At the same time, the color of the flower is also slightly different - the snow-white tone is accompanied by a blue tint.

Botanists refer this type of Alsobia not to herbaceous plants, but to shrubs. The flowers are yellowish in color, and there is a thick fringe along their edge.

Alsobia, like any other type of ornamental plant, needs a whole complex of care measures.

First of all, it should be noted that there is no strict schedule for the regularity of watering.At the same time, it is important to take into account that the next watering procedure should only take place when the soil has dried out after the previous wetting procedure.

During the watering process, it is very important to ensure that the liquid does not get on the leaves and flowers. In this regard, all manipulations must be carried out from below, under the plant. The water you pour must be settled or filtered. Tap water is not allowed. In addition, it is important to take into account the fact that the water should be at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius).

The flower does not tolerate direct sunlight, so the lighting should be in diffused mode. At the same time, you cannot leave the flower in the shade. If you live in a geographic area where the daylight hours are quite short (this also applies to the cold season), then artificial lighting must be provided. This can be done using special lamps or LED strips. One way or another, the minimum daylight hours should be at least 12 hours. The optimal place for placing a pot with a plant is a windowsill (however, in this case, it is important that the windows face east or west).

Alsobia is a heat-loving plant that does not tolerate drafts. That is why special attention must be paid to the warming of the plant. The optimum temperature is considered to be 18-25 degrees Celsius. It is also important to avoid temperature surges and changes.

The plant, being tropical in nature, loves humid atmospheric air. If natural conditions do not provide a sufficient level of humidity, then it is necessary to increase it by artificial methods. So, flower growers often use a flower pallet filled with expanded clay. However, keep in mind that the bottom of the pot should not touch the water in any way.

In the introduction of fertilizers into the soil, the flower needs exclusively in the warm season (spring and summer). It is at this very moment that Alsobia is in the active phase of its growth and development. For feeding, experts advise using ready-made mixtures intended for plants capable of flowering (such additives can be bought at any flower shop or stall). Before fertilizing the soil, you need to carefully read the instructions. Only after that, having reduced the indicated dose by 2 times, you can start making additives. The recommended frequency of feeding is no more than 1 time in 2 weeks.

In order to form an aesthetically pleasing and compact plant, a technique such as pruning is used. It should be noted that only those stems and flowers that have grown too large should be pruned. You can also crop unwanted stepchildren.

After the correct pruning procedure, the plant strengthens, its leaves become larger and healthier, and the flowering processes are more intense.

In the event that Alsobia has grown too much, it must be transplanted. Under normal conditions, such a procedure is recommended to be carried out once every 2-3 years.

For transplanting, you should use a flower pot that is wide enough, but at the same time not too deep. It is also important to have special holes to remove excess moisture.

At the bottom of the selected container, it is necessary to pour a layer of any material suitable for drainage. (expanded clay is most often used). A small part of the soil is poured on top. Moreover, the soil should consist of peat, humus, coarse sand (preferably river), as well as leaf or garden soil.The recommended proportions are 1: 1: 1: 2.

After that, we place the plant in a pot, add the missing amount of earth and water the Alsobia. Next, we carry out all the care measures described above.

If you want Alsobia to actively grow and develop at home, you should adhere to some of the recommendations of experts.

It is imperative to maintain an appropriate level of humidity in the room. Otherwise, the risk of the appearance of a spider mite or scale insect increases, which will have a negative impact on the growth and development of the plant. Do not water the flower with cold water, otherwise spots and stains may appear on the surface of the leaves. Failure to comply with the water regime can lead to wilting of flowers or rotting of the root system. The effect of direct rays of the sun on a flower is categorically contraindicated. This can cause burns.

In case of timely and correct implementation of all care measures, as well as following the advice of specialists and botanical scientists, Alsobia will grow, develop and bloom for many years.

How to care for alsobia at home, see the video below.