Succulents are very popular with flower growers, as these plants are distinguished by their unpretentious nature and attractiveness. A special place among such cultures is occupied by the so-called "tree of happiness", or the aichrizon flower. This attractive succulent is so easy to care for that even an inexperienced grower can grow it. The main thing is to follow the rules of caring for the plant.
Description of the indoor tree of happiness
The aichrizon flower, which is popularly called the "tree of happiness and love", belongs to the Crassulaceae family. In its natural environment, it can be found in rock crevices in the Canary and Azores, Morocco and Portugal. This small shrub reaches 30 cm in height and about 20–30 cm in diameter. Its fleshy stems are non-woody and branch heavily even without pinching.
A distinctive feature of Aichrizon is fleshy, dark green leaves covered with whitish fluff. Atleaves are heart-shaped, thanks to which the plant began to be called the tree of happiness and love. Depending on the variety, green leaves are blotched with white, gray, yellow and red.
With proper care, aichrizon blooms in late April - early May. At this time, the plant is densely covered with paniculate or thyroid inflorescences. Small star-shaped buds are painted in red, yellow or cream tones. The flowering period lasts up to six months.
Popular species
The genus Aichrizon includes 15 species of annual and perennial succulents. But the most popular among Russian flower growers are the following varieties:
- Aichrizon home. The shrub reaches 30 cm in height and 30 cm in diameter. It has small fleshy green leaves without inclusions. A distinctive feature of the species is a long flowering period that lasts from spring to autumn. The yellow colored buds exude a pleasant aroma.
- Aichrizon stonecrop. The plant reaches 40 cm in height. It has a dense crown and straight branches. The sticky leaves are green or yellow-green with red patches. The buds appear in mid-spring. The racemose inflorescences reach 3-7 cm in length and are painted in golden yellow tones.
- Aichrizon loose. Loose shrub reaches 40 cm in height and the same in diameter. It has diamond-shaped green leaves, pubescent with white short hairs. Blooms from early spring to autumn. At this time, the shrub is densely covered with large 30-centimeter brushes withgolden yellow buds.
Each of these varieties will adorn the collection of succulents. But for this, it will be necessary to provide culture with comfortable conditions.
How to care
"The Tree of Happiness" is an unpretentious flower, even an inexperienced grower can grow it. It is enough to provide the culture with comfortable conditions, and the plant will not only take root, but also go into rapid growth. To do this, you need to place the pot with the culture in a suitable place, regularly feed and fertilize the flower. You will learn more about the rules of cultivation later.
Lighting
The "tree of happiness" flower, the photo of which you will find in the material, loves bright but diffused light, so the windowsill of an east or west window will be an ideal place. It is not recommended to install a pot on the south side, otherwise the delicate foliage of the aichrizon will get burned. You should not grow a crop near the north window - the plant will suffer from a lack of light, and its growth and development will stop.
Temperature
"Tree of Happiness" is a heat-loving flower, from spring to autumn, keep the temperature in the room from +20 to +25 °C. But for the winter, the plant should be moved to a cool room with a temperature of + 8 … + 10 ° C, otherwise the shoots will stretch out, the foliage will fall off. If it is not possible to create such cold conditions, then at least keep the flower away from radiators and heaters.
Moisture and watering
FlowerThe "tree of happiness", like other succulents, does not tolerate waterlogging, so you need to water the plant with caution. In summer, moisten the soil if the soil dries well. At the same time, do not pour out a large dose of water at once, since the plant tolerates overflowing much worse than underfilling. In winter, reduce watering to a minimum.
When watering, be sure to remove fallen leaves from the pot. They create a breeding ground for microorganisms that lead to plant diseases.
Aichrizon tolerates dry air well, so there is no need to spray the foliage, but occasionally give the culture a warm shower from a spray bottle in the summer - this will benefit the plant.
Feeding
The "tree of happiness" flower responds gratefully to fertilizers. Feed once every two weeks in spring and summer. As fertilizer, use special formulations for succulents or cacti. If you did not find such drugs, then choose top dressing with a minimum nitrogen content, which has a very bad effect on the plant, so it is better to refuse fertilizers than to apply top dressing with nitrogen.
Cutting
The indoor flower "tree of happiness", the photo of which is given in the article, grows rapidly, and to give it the appearance of a beautiful and lush bush, carry out periodic pruning. To do this, pinch the tops of young shoots to activate the lateral buds from which new branches will appear. Trim the crop in the spring using very sharp sanitized scissors.
Growing an attractive tree of happiness at home is not so difficult. The main thing is to provide the culture with minimal care and create comfortable conditions for it. The flower will surely thank you with its fast growth and attractive appearance.
