Coniferous houseplants are exquisite and beautiful evergreen pets that perform not only a decorative function, decorating the interior, but are also very he althy. They purify the air and synthesize oxygen. In addition, coniferous plants often have a pleasant aroma. But caring for them has its own characteristics. If all the requirements are met and the right conditions are provided, it will be possible to grow a he althy and beautiful bush or tree.
Types of coniferous houseplants
The main part of coniferous plant species prefers a humid and cool climate, so growing them at home is not so easy. But if you provide the right conditions for growth, you can grow a beautiful indoor tree yourself.
The following representatives of conifers are most often grown indoors:
- cypress;
- cryptomeria;
- domestic arborvitae;
- juniper;
- Italian pine, cedar and other representatives of pine.
Let's consider further the most common coniferous houseplants. The names and photos of many of them are familiar to everyone.
Cypress
This beautiful shrub with bright golden needles is especially popular with flower growers. The plant prefers diffused light, does not like sudden and frequent changes in growing conditions, so it is desirable to rotate and move it as little as possible.
In the warm season, it is recommended to take the cypress out into the open air and keep the plant there until the autumn cold, and then bring it back into the house. You need to put the pot away from heaters and batteries.
From spring to autumn, this coniferous home plant should be watered abundantly, moderately in winter. It is recommended to apply special fertilizers intended for coniferous plants.
Cryptomeria
A beautiful coniferous home plant, reaching a height of up to 1-2 m. The compact shape of the crown of a tree can be formed by yourself, but in general it already looks quite neat. Graceful thin twigs are strewn with bright light green needles, which acquire a yellowish tint in winter. Another characteristic feature is the presence of small cones with a diameter of up to 2.5-3 cm, which do not fall off for a long time. Staying ontree, they decorate it, giving it a special decorative effect.
This coniferous home plant is easy to care for, but there are some growing features. So, for example, it does not tolerate direct sunlight, requires frequent, but not plentiful watering. Cryptomeria is important to ensure good drainage.
Himalayan cedar
This coniferous house plant is also not very whimsical to care for. Nevertheless, it is undesirable to forget about it for a long time. The Himalayan cedar loves diffused bright sunlight. From spring until the first frost, it is advisable to take the plant outdoors.
Cedar needs regular watering and occasional spraying. The plant does not tolerate transplants very well, so you should immediately choose a capacious container for it and transplant it only when it is too large for the room.
Juniper
Another very popular and common coniferous house plant (photo attached to the article), which can be found very often in a private flower collection. He is quite photophilous, but at the same time does not like direct sunlight. The optimum temperature for keeping in summer is 12-15°С, in winter 7-10°С.
Juniper does not tolerate a sharp cold snap. At high temperatures, the needles may begin to turn yellow, wither and even crumble. Watering is carried out 2-3 times a week in summer, 3 times a month in winter. Feeding is carried out once a month.
Juniper is transplanted annually. At the bottom of the containerdrainage is desirable.
Thuja (folded or western)
Today there are quite a few varieties of arborvitae, but these two are the most frequent guests in home flower beds. The distinctive features of these plants are the shape of the crown, the saturation of the shade of the needles and softness.
There are many other attractive and beautiful representatives of evergreen conifers. The main thing is to make a choice and study the basic recommendations for growing and caring.
Let's take a look at how to care for domestic conifers.
Features of care
When growing most types of evergreen coniferous plants at home, almost all conditions are important - light, watering, fertilizing, air humidity, temperature, transplant rules. Only if all the requirements and rules for care are observed, pets will be he althy and strong.
Optimal lighting
When growing conifers at home, you need to remember that they do not like bright and direct light. Lighting should be diffused and moderate. Therefore, it is impossible to put the container on the windowsill on the south side; it is better to choose the north or west window. If this is not possible, a blackout film or blinds can be used. With constant exposure to sunlight, the needles will begin to turn yellow and fall off.
Irrigation
Conifers love moist soil. But at the same time, you should not fill them too much with water, as this can cause rotting of the root system. So navigatepreferably on the top layer of the earth and water it as it dries. In summer, in dry and hot weather, watering is carried out every 2 or 3 days. In winter, the number of waterings is reduced, but at the same time, it is still impossible to allow the soil to dry out.
Air temperature and humidity
Unlike most other houseplants, evergreen conifers prefer a lower and cooler air temperature in the room. And most often it is with this that most amateur flower growers have certain difficulties, since it is almost impossible to maintain such conditions. And it is very hot in summer, and in winter, when the batteries work at full capacity. A balcony or covered terrace, where the temperature is slightly lower than in the room itself, is not available to everyone.
The most optimal temperature for conifers is from 10 to 14 degrees, but plants can feel fine even at 16 degrees. However, at higher temperatures, the needles will dry out and wither. As for air humidity, the higher it is, the better for the plant. A high level is the key to active and he althy growth. Therefore, when the room is warm, it is recommended to spray the plant with water several times a week.
Fertilizer for conifers
Feeding evergreens is necessary no more than once a year. This is done after winter, when growth begins to activate. As fertilizers, you can use special liquid top dressing intended for coniferous plants. How to use them (dilute withwater or use neat) is indicated in the instructions.
Thus, caring for coniferous plants at home is not so easy, since creating favorable conditions for them at home is quite difficult. High humidity and low temperatures are not suitable for other indoor flowers and are not comfortable for living people. Therefore, the most optimal place where it is convenient to grow conifers are loggias or covered terraces. Here you can create a real mini coniferous forest.
Caring for conifers in winter
If during the period of active growth, representatives of coniferous evergreens can adapt to a decrease in humidity and an increase in air temperature, then in winter it is very important to try to create the most comfortable conditions for them. With the onset of cold weather, plants begin to prepare for wintering, and their owner should also do this. First of all, starting from mid-summer, do not use any top dressing. The growth of coniferous plants gradually slows down by the autumn-winter period. Next, reduce the number of waterings. In coniferous plants, it is quite enough to moisten the soil once every 10-14 days and observe the appropriate temperature conditions of the air. But if the room is warm or hot, watering should be carried out as the soil dries.
Also, in winter, do not prune shoots, even extra and dried branches. After pruning, the growth of young shoots begins to activate in plants, and in winter this is highly undesirable. During the period of winter passivity, it is better to leave it alone, and begin to carry out all the necessary actions withthe onset of spring.
Rules and features of transplantation
Before you start transplanting your pet, you need to remember that coniferous plants generally do not like to be disturbed. That is why transplantation should be done only when there is an objective reason for it. It is desirable that such stress for conifers be as rare as possible.
The most optimal period for the transplant procedure is considered to be early spring, but not later than April. In a cool period of time, the plant will be much easier to adapt to new soil and a larger container.
Soil for transplantation must be prepared with a special composition. It should be light and breathable.
It is best to use a mixture consisting of three components - coniferous soil, sand and leafy soil. You can make it yourself or buy it ready-made. It is imperative to lay a drainage layer at the bottom of the planting tank. And only after that, proceed to transplanting the plant, without completely clearing the roots of the old soil, that is, use the transshipment method. So there is a good chance that the root system will not be severely damaged.
Growing coniferous plants at home is quite difficult, but very interesting and exciting. And the result in the form of a sprawling and beautiful evergreen conifer will be a worthy reward for all the hard work, diligence and effort.
