For the sake of pleasure, admiration and beauty, we all actively breed indoor flowers in our apartments and houses. Kaleria is a real exotic plant that appeared relatively recently. Its main advantage is bright, long and lush flowering. However, emerald green, pubescent leaves with serrated edges also look very attractive. Colombian beauty is able to decorate any interior, while requiring a minimum of care. We will tell you about the features of the plant, the rules for its cultivation and methods of reproduction.
Description of the genus Kaleria
Approximately twenty-eight species are included in the indicated genus, belonging to the Gesneriaceae family. A characteristic feature of the plants of this group is opposite, pubescent leaves of a rich, dark green color. The natural habitat covers the tropical regions of South America, mainly Colombia, where this flower reaches 60 cm in height. The main reason why the plant becamepopular in room culture - original flowers. Kaleria forms them almost throughout the year with short breaks. In shape, they resemble modified bells with an elongated rim, ending in five wide petals. The color is varied: from pale pink to rich brown, interspersed. In room conditions, as a rule, hybrids with a long flowering period are grown.
Kaleria types
If you want to grow a spectacular, unpretentious and rare plant, then let it be caleria. Caring for her is elementary simple, and flowering is magnificent. Before buying, be sure to specify which type you are purchasing, as some features of its cultivation may depend on this. Several hybrids are common in room culture, including the following:
- Kaleria Bogota is a plant that reaches 60 cm in height in nature. It has characteristic pubescent shoots and dark green leaves with reddish villi. Flowers solitary or paired, drooping. The corolla is red with spots and stripes, and the inside is colored yellow.
- Kaleria is pleasant - green shoots grow up to 60 cm, often have white, long villi. The leaves are rich green with a noticeable silvery or reddish venation. The arrangement of flowers is axillary, the shade is pink with purple spots, and inside is yellow.
- Foxglove Kaleria - the name is associated with the similarity of the appearance of flowers. White corolla (up to 3 cm), towards the topfading to light pink, pharynx green with purple splashes.
Lighting and air temperature
Since Kaleria (photo) grows in the lower tiers of tropical rainforests, there is no need for too much light.
Moreover, it must be protected from direct sunlight by placing the pot in an area with diffused lighting. Western or eastern windows are best suited for this. The plant is thermophilic, however, has a pronounced dormant period, so in the winter months it is necessary to provide it with an air temperature within 16-18 ° C, and the rest of the year during the year not lower than 23-25 ° C. In general, Kaleria is unpretentious and endures the conditions of city apartments. During the dormant period, the leaves usually do not shed, so the light level should remain the same.
Choice of pot and soil
Soil for indoor plants of various types is sold in all flower shops, so you can easily use ready-made substrate. It is unlikely that it will be possible to find a special option for caleria, however, you can safely take the soil intended for saintpaulia, gloxinia.
If possible, you can cook it yourself. To do this, experts recommend taking two parts of leafy soil and one each of peat soil and sand. Don't forget a good drainage layer. The transplant is carried out annually in the renewed soil, dividing into several parts too large rhizome.
The plant has a dense root, which is most oftenand multiply it. The choice of a pot depends on the size of this organ. It should not be too large, otherwise the plant will direct all its forces to the development of the root system. The best option is not deep, but a wide pot of about 15 cm in diameter. Material - ceramic or plastic. Earthenware is preferable because the moisture from it evaporates more slowly, and the roots do not overheat as much. If you plan to place flowers on the window, then a ceramic pot will add stability.
Water and air humidity
It's no secret that the humidity in the tropics reaches 90% and this affects the physiology of plants and animals.
It is impossible to ignore this factor when growing exotic species indoors. Kaleria needs high humidity. This can be achieved by using a pallet with wet sand or expanded clay. Experts do not recommend spraying the plant because of heavily pubescent leaves that can rot. Do not place flowers on the window, under which heating radiators are located - too dry air is detrimental to the plant. Watering should be plentiful. Keep the soil constantly moist, but without stagnant water and its contact with the leaf blade. Water the plants from the tray. The first signs indicating a lack of moisture will be yellowed and wrinkled leaves, as well as the appearance of spotting on them.
In the spring-summer period, watering indoor flowers should be combined with the introduction of complex mineral and organicfertilizers, and caleria is no exception in this matter. When choosing preparations for flowering species (azaleas, saintpaulias, etc.), strictly follow the instructions and follow the dosage indicated on the package.
Methods of reproduction
The absolute unpretentiousness of Kaleria is confirmed by the fact that three methods of its reproduction are available at room conditions. This is a fairly rare occurrence for exotic representatives of tropical flora. You can get a new copy from seeds, cuttings or by dividing the parent rhizome. The optimal time for sowing is January-February. The seeds of the plant are very small, so they are not embedded in the ground, but evenly distributed over a moistened surface and covered with glass. Put the dishes in a warm and bright place. Seedlings will appear in 2-2.5 weeks, and you can dive them only after the appearance of a pair of true leaves. A rare hybrid caleria can be obtained in this way.
Propagation by dividing the rhizome is much easier, and the success rate of the enterprise is higher. In the spring, separate the mother specimen with a previously disinfected sharp knife. Sprinkle the cut with charcoal and let dry slightly. The rhizome is planted in the prepared substrate to a depth of 1.5 cm and watered periodically.
Cuttings can be carried out throughout the year. To do this, cut off the top of the shoot with a sharp knife and root it in water or immediately in the ground. After a new pair of leaves grows on a young plant, the top should be pinched off - this stimulates the growth of side branches.
Diseases and pests
The main cause of the disease and the appearance of pests is the wrong care that the flowers receive. Kaleria is most often affected by aphids and spider mites (pictured). They literally suck out all the juices from dense leaves and buds, which, as a result, twist and deform. At low air temperature in the room and its high humidity, ideal conditions are created for the development of bacterial and fungal diseases, in particular, powdery mildew and various rot. For the prevention and treatment of the plant, carry out periodic treatments with fungicidal and insecticidal preparations.
Main growing problems
- The appearance of brown spots on the leaves is associated with the use of cold water for irrigation.
- Yellowing of the leaf blade is associated with exposure to direct sunlight, too dry or excessively humid air, excess fertilizer.
- If the buds and flowers fall, the caleria needs to be fed with mineral and organic fertilizers or the tuber is damaged.
- The appearance of a gray coating on the leaves and flowers indicates the development of rot or powdery mildew. Affected areas should be removed, quarantined and treated with a fungicide.
- Dropping leaves occurs as a result of exposure to dry air flower.
- The stretching of the plant, the paleness of the shoots and their bareness indicate a lack of light.
