There are many types of indoor plants that have taken root perfectly in modern urban conditions. Their benefits are assessed in different ways. Everyone knows the healing properties of aloe, kalanchoe, geranium, etc., which are indispensable tools in the fight against many diseases. However, the leader in beneficial effects is considered to be chlorophytum - a "vacuum cleaner plant", which purifies indoor air from various formaldehydes and phenols emitted by furniture elements. Chlorophytum is rightfully considered a true friend and indispensable helper of every person.
Chlorophytum homeland
Chlorophytum is a herbaceous plant that recently belonged to the Liliaceae family. At the moment, researchers cannot come to a consensus about its belonging: some argue that the genus belongs to the Agave family, others - Asparagus.
Chlorophytum is native to the humid subtropical forests of South Africa and the tropical forests of South America. However, the plant has taken root in the wild in Western Australia and Europe.
A bit of history
The first mention of a houseplant dates back to 1794. ATEuropean countries, chlorophytum appeared in the second half of the 19th century. Due to its properties and unpretentiousness in care, the plant has gained wide popularity among flower growers. Today, chlorophytum can be found in every corner of our planet. The plant is used in the design of residential and office premises, educational institutions, as well as for landscaping adjoining areas.
Types of ornamental plant
Indoor chlorophytum has many types. The most popular and decorative are only three:
- Crested - its appearance resembles a lush bunch of long soft leaves with white stripes. The plant shoots an arrow with many small white flowers. Further, the flowers of chlorophytum turn into processes. If you do not plan to further propagate the plant, it is better to cut off the resulting branches, as they weaken the flower.
- Curly - has some similarities with crested. The difference lies in the curly shape of the leaves that hang from all sides of the pot.
- Orange chlorophytum (winged, marmalade) - very different from its "relatives". Dark green leaves at the base and at the tip have a pointed shape. Reproduction occurs with the help of seeds.
Useful properties
Many consider the plant (Chlorophytum) to be a house weed. However, not everyone knows how useful it is for residential premises. Scientists have proven that the substance secreted by chlorophytum destroys about 80% of harmful substances per day.microorganisms, including mold fungi.
One mature plant covers an area of 6 m2. A few chlorophytums can replace even an expensive air purifier and significantly improve the quality of oxygen.
Useful properties of the plant are still not fully understood. It is reliably known that the flower (indoor chlorophytum) effectively purifies the air of ammonia, carbon monoxide, acetone, benzene, nitrogen and formaldehyde, while releasing phytoncides useful for the body.
Along with the bactericidal effect, the ability to humidify the air in a residential area is invaluable. Since the birthplace of chlorophytum is subtropical South America and Africa, it grows mainly near water bodies. Due to this, the plant absorbs water well. If chlorophytum is abundantly and regularly watered, moisture will enter the air along with phytoncides. The flower is especially useful for people with all kinds of pulmonary diseases. Surprisingly, the moisturizing and cleansing properties of chlorophytum will increase several times if you add a few tablets of activated charcoal to the plant pot.
Very useful "green doctor" for people who live in industrial areas and close to busy roads, where the air is heavily polluted. Flower (indoor chlorophytum) significantly reduces the incidence of respiratory diseases and allergic reactions.
It is also known that the plant effectively neutralizes radiation from the TV, microwave oven, computer and other household appliances. In addition, the flower absorbstoxins that release synthetic materials in great excess. Chlorophytum at home ideally takes root in children's rooms, offices and kitchen areas, as the leaves of the plant absorb nitric oxide, which appears as a result of the gas stove.
A feature of the indoor flower is that the greater the degree of air pollution, the faster and better the chlorophytum grows. The clean air emitted at the same time is a guarantee of human he alth and longevity.
Chlorophytum cultivation
Chlorophytum belongs to the category of the most unpretentious plants, but certain rules must be followed for its successful cultivation.
The most acceptable temperature for keeping a flower is moderate. In the cold season, it should be at least 18 degrees. Chlorophytum tolerates sudden changes in temperature calmly, but this affects its appearance. It is better to protect it from drafts and choose a location away from windows with large gaps.
Chlorophytum flowers love light, but do not tolerate direct sunlight well. The ideal location for the pot is the west or east side. If you choose the northern window, this will certainly affect the decorative qualities of the plant. You can place chlorophytum on the south side of the apartment, while taking care of moderate dimming.
Chlorophytum at home: care
In the period from spring to autumn, the plant must be watered abundantly. The substrate mustbe always wet. With the onset of winter, the frequency of watering should be reduced to a moderate level.
Chlorophytum, whose leaves love moisture, gratefully welcomes spraying, which must be carried out in the summer. In winter, spraying should only be done if the plant is very close to heating appliances.
From March to August, the flower needs to be fed with special fertilizers for decorative foliage plants. It is necessary to perform the procedure once every few weeks.
Plant transplant
Young plants need to be transplanted every year, adult specimens of chlorophytum - once every 2-3 years. The ideal period for this procedure is February and March. It is better to prepare a mixture for transplanting yourself in the following proportions: 1 part of leafy soil, sand and humus to 2 parts of soddy soil.
If chlorophytum is not transplanted in time, there will not be enough space for the growth of massive and rapidly growing roots. Therefore, for planting, it is better to choose large spacious pots and take care of good drainage.
Reproduction
Reproduction occurs by rooting daughter rosettes or by dividing the rhizome with part of the rosette of leaves during transplantation. The thickened parts of the roots and other cuts should be sprinkled with crushed charcoal or sulfur in order to avoid decay. You can plant daughter outlets immediately in prepared pots or soil, the same as for adult chlorophytums. Cover and spray the shootsrequired.
Growing problems
Despite the unpretentiousness and high decorative qualities, there may be some problems when growing chlorophytum.
- Insufficient watering, sudden changes in temperature and improper feeding can lead to discoloration of the tips of the leaves (they will turn brown).
- Lack of sunlight and a cramped pot are the reasons for the loss of bright leaf color.
- If the temperature is too high and the lighting is insufficient, the leaves become pale and soft, which can lead to their fall.
- In winter, when the temperature is quite low, do not over-water the plant, as this contributes to the appearance of brown spots on the leaves.
Pests
Chlorophytum can be affected by various pests, including scale insects and spider mites.
Scutes have the form of plaques or bulges. Reach 2-3 mm in diameter. They have a reddish, and sometimes translucent brownish color. The pest is located on the surface of the leaves, along the main vein on the upper side. The scale insect feeds on the sap of the plant, which leads to leaf fall. To get rid of the pest, the flower is wiped with a soapy sponge or an alcohol solution, after which it is watered with a systemic insecticide.
Since the birthplace of chlorophytum is a subtropical climate, the plant loves moisture. Excessively dry air is the cause of the appearance of spider mites. Heis a small arachnid pest, no larger than 1 mm in size. It is almost impossible to see it with the naked eye. First of all, you should look for a tick on the back of the leaves, where you can see traces of the pest molting, similar to small crumbs or dandruff. To combat the tick, the plant is wiped with soapy water or rinsed in the shower. In case of severe damage, chlorophytum is sprayed with an insecticide. For prevention, the plant should be regularly moistened with plain water.
Conclusion
Chlorophytum, the photo of which you see in the article, is a very beautiful plant that fits well into any interior. The plant has long arcuate leaves with longitudinal white stripes (sometimes without them). Recently, plants with wide lanceolate leaves have gained great popularity.
In the interior, the flower is used as an ampelous plant, which is hung on the wall or placed on original stands. Chlorophytum, whose photo surprises with its diversity, looks good on a table or windowsill, where it takes root well.
