Chlorophytum laxum is a small herbaceous plant that is grown as an indoor plant. It is very similar to crested chlorophytum. The main difference between these two species is that the foliage of the first does not twist. There are variegated varieties that have a decorative white stripe along the edges of the sheet. Chlorophytum laxum is a favorite indoor plant for beginner gardeners. He is very unpretentious, rarely gets sick and is almost not damaged by pests.
Useful properties of a flower
Keeping chlorophytum in the house is one of the best ways to purify the air of harmful impurities. This was confirmed by a NASA study conducted in 1989. Then scientists were looking for ways to maintain clean air at space stations. Until now, the plant is used by many flower growers due to its unique properties. Chlorophytum laxum and other representatives of this species are able to absorb formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, which is very important for residents of megacities.
If your home does not have such pollution, it is probably in the airthere is a mixture of exhaust gases that cars emit into the atmosphere. These compounds adversely affect the human and animal body, causing weakness, headache, dizziness and shortness of breath.
Chlorophytum laxum in the bedroom will help normalize sleep by moisturizing and purifying the air, as well as releasing negative ions. It is recommended to decorate your home with this flower for allergy sufferers and people with diseases of the respiratory system.
Chlorophytum care
The main enemies of this flower are domestic animals, especially cats, which often prefer to feast on juicy shoots, tearing them out from the base of the stem. For animals and people, the juice of the plant is not dangerous, it is even useful, as it contains vitamins and antioxidants, especially if it was properly cared for.
In some countries, young tender leaves are even harvested and eaten instead of regular greens. To do this, they are thoroughly washed and boiled in boiling s alted water for about ten minutes. Boiled leaves can be sautéed with chopped onions, carrots and garlic until all vegetables are soft. But it is advisable to protect them from eating, otherwise chlorophytum laxum, which is well cared for, will still lose its decorative appearance.
If this flower appeared in the house, it is important to choose in advance a place where cats and dogs will not reach it. For example, you can place your Chlorophytum Laxum in a hanging planter. In it, the plant will look beautiful, thanks to the falling decorative foliage.
Beginner growers are advised to purchase thisflower due to its ability to grow and reproduce quickly even in the most difficult conditions. Chlorophytum laxum will not cause you any problems even if you decide to start floriculture for the first time in your life. It will die if you do not water it for several weeks or leave it in the cold. Even with simple and regular care, chlorophytum will delight its owners with flowering and spectacular offspring.
How to choose lighting
Chlorophytum laxum, home care for which begins with choosing a place for it, is unpretentious. Species with variegated leaves will do best in a well-lit area, but the plant tolerates light shade as well.
The type of lighting affects the look of the foliage. The more sun, the more pronounced variety of patterns on them will be in striped varieties. Monochromatic leaves in good light will become brighter and acquire a rich green tint.
In a dark corner, the variegated chlorophytum will continue to grow, but the stripes on the leaves may disappear. These plants can be kept in the bathroom where the lighting can be a bit dim for other plants. For this reason, they are an excellent choice as a houseplant. Different species grow well under fluorescent lights.
The amount of light also affects the speed of flowering and reproduction. Plants kept in brighter light produce more flowers and offspring than those kept in dim light. Too much direct sunlight can cause burnsleaves.
If planting Chlorophytum outdoors, it's best to keep it out of the midday sun. No plant can do without light at all, but this flower can grow in almost any level of artificial or natural light.
Optimal conditions of containment
Chlorophytum laxum does not like sudden changes in temperature. The flower tolerates a wide range, but a sudden change in conditions can lead to disease. Simultaneous temperature contrasts should also be avoided. For example, you should not place the plant in a place where it will be both near the heater and near the open window with frosty air.
At a constant temperature of +21 to +32 degrees, your chlorophytum laxum will feel great. Reproduction of the plant will stop at +18 degrees. If the temperature accidentally drops to +1, the plant will survive, but may get sick. Chlorophytum will not survive frost. Extreme heat is sometimes allowed, but a constant increase in temperature to +32 degrees is also not recommended. Based on the descriptions, Chlorophytum Laxum will grow almost anywhere you want to place it.
Soil selection
As with most houseplants, choosing a quality soil for Chlorophytum will ensure its good growth and reproduction. These flowers are tolerant of a wide variety of soil types and textures, but it is best to use a standard potting mix or for gloxinias and violets.
You can try to create your ownown mix using universal potting soil and garden soil mixed with vermiculite, pine bark, coco, perlite and peat moss.
Limestone or dolomite flour are considered good additives to help raise the pH level. When growing chlorophytum laxum at home, it is worth considering that the plant prefers a fairly neutral soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. When choosing soil for a flower, it is advisable to take this feature into account.
Chlorophytums can grow in water or using hydroponics. This is a growing method that uses a special nutrient medium instead of soil. It is suitable for rooting cuttings and supporting plant growth. After this method of cultivation, the flower can be safely transplanted into the ground.
How to propagate chlorophytum in water
Under the conditions of keeping on the plants, arrows with buds are quickly formed, which, after pollination, turn into shoots with aerial roots. Therefore, the reproduction of chlorophytum usually does not cause problems.
You can root small sprouts by planting them in a plastic cup or bowl of filtered or distilled water. It is enough just to place them in a liquid so that it covers the roots without touching the leaves. Then the container with the shoots must be placed in a place with indirect lighting. The water should be changed daily to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
Once the seedlings have good roots, it's time to transfer them to a pot, hanging basket or container withappropriate growing soil.
Growing in water
Rooting plants in water can be a convenient way to propagate Chlorophytum without loss. But this is not the best option to keep these plants for a long time. They love a well-drained substrate. In addition, in the future, plants will need more nutrients than ordinary water can provide.
Although it is possible to purchase specially prepared fertilizer mixes for hydroponic gardening, they are not ideal for caring for these plants. Chlorophytums growing in water on a permanent basis will not bloom and will live a short life.
Rooting in the soil
Reproduction in the ground occurs naturally and is very simple. Chlorophytums themselves create many shoots with white, star-shaped flowers that become small plants hanging from the mother.
In the wild, these little babies come into contact with the soil, take root, and detach themselves from the main bush. In the photo, chlorophytum laxum can often be seen with hanging arrows, on which there are small white flowers.
This plant reproduces quickly if it grows in good conditions. Reproducing this natural process is easy. It is enough to cut off small plants from the ends of the shoots with sharp scissors and bury their roots in loose soil.
Care for young chlorophytums
Keep the sprout container at a constant ambient temperature and indirect light. They need to be watered as needed. You can also set pots of soil around the parent plant and direct the children to the prepared containers. When small chlorophytums take root, they should be separated from the main bush with sharp scissors or a knife.
Young plants are also watered as the topsoil dries up. They tolerate drought, but excessive moisture can lead to root rot. It is advisable to transplant annually, as the roots grow very quickly and fill the entire pot. Chlorophytum laxum can do without a transplant for several years, but then its growth will slow down.
