Adeniums

Adenium - a beautiful flower of the family of succulents, whose birthplace is Africa. In many languages, its name translates as "desert rose". If you look closely, the flowers of adenium and the truth resemble roses. In nature, they reach a huge size, and when grown at home they do not differ in size. This plant is poisonous, so when deciding to grow it at home, make sure that animals and young children do not come into contact with it.

Adeniums: home care

Despite the fact that the homeland of the plant is a hot Africa, it grows well on home window sills. But this will have to create favorable conditions and follow simple guidelines for care.

• Adenium loves light and heat, is not afraid of direct sunlight. A suitable place for its growth is the southern windows of the room with good lighting and sufficient heat. As the flower grows, it must be turned towards the light by different sides. This will avoid the formation of the crown on one side only. In summer, the plant needs fresh air, so take it out to the balcony.
• Due to the fact that adenium is a thermophilic flower, provide it with the optimum air temperature (at least 25 degrees, and preferably 30). Due to cooling and diminishing daylight hours, the plant goes into hibernation, slowing its growth. During the "hibernation" leaves of adenim become yellow, lethargic and gradually fall off. Because of this, flowering can be deposited indefinitely. In winter, make sure that the temperature is within 15 degrees.
• The soil for growing "roses of the desert" should be moderately acidic, quite loose and well pass air. The optimal composition is an equal part of sod, coarse sand and leafy ground. Many growers are advised to add a little charcoal to the substrate. For old plants, the soil varies somewhat - sod land is mixed with crushed brick in the ratio of 3: 1.
• For beautiful flowering adeniums need suitable drainage, consisting of pebbles, charcoal, peat and foam. It is recommended to plant the flower in a moist soil, but before the formation of the first leaves it is not recommended to water it. True, it is desirable to spray the flower as often as possible. When leaves appear, you can switch to regular watering for succulents. Provide it as the ground dries. In hot months, you can water adeniums almost every day, without waiting for the soil to dry. Keep the water from stagnating. In winter, watering is reduced to a minimum.
• Adeniums can do without spraying, but such moisturizing will give them pleasure. But during this procedure, make sure that the water does not fall on the flowers, otherwise, this may lead to a loss of their brightness.
• As for fertilizers, the flower likes an equal ratio of potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen. Potassium helps to strengthen the plant, helping to endure cold. Nitrogen - nourishes and enriches the Adeniums in the fall, spring and summer. Phosphorus provides beautiful flowering.
• Young adeniums are transplanted every year in spring time (March - May). Adult flowers transplanted once 3 years. Pot for transplant, choose a wide enough, but not deep. It is better to give preference to light plastic pots - they are less heated under the direct rays of the sun.
• Adeniums occasionally infect spider mites and cherries. More often pests inhabit the top of the flower - leaves, buds and young shoots. When pests are detected, changes in the shape of the leaves or flowers, the plant is treated with their special means. But it is better to prevent the appearance of diseases - every season treat adeniums with pesticides.

Adeniums: growing from seed

Before planting the seeds, they are placed in warm water for several hours (about 4). The prepared kernels are applied to a moistened substrate, prepared from an equal amount of charcoal, perlite and sand. For seed germination, provide the plant with comfortable conditions - a sufficient amount of light and not less than 23 degrees Celsius. In order for the seeds to germinate faster, you can further heat them using an electric heating pad, a battery or a shoe dryer.

At first, the seedlings provide a temperature of 23 degrees and diffused illumination (a special lamp will do). Wall the plant from the direct sun, trying to pritenyat it. Also watch for drafts and temperature conditions (it should not fall below 17 degrees). When the first 4 leaves appear, spread the seedlings into separate containers. The first year you will have to transplant adeniums as they grow (2 - 3 times a year). A plant grown from seeds begins to bloom after 2 years.

Adeniums: photo

Adenium - a beautiful plant originally from Africa. In total there are about 7 of its types. At home, as a rule, they grow adenium thick, characterized by slow growth and a powerful developed stem. Adenium blooms in spring, and its bright flowers intertwine with each other in a fanciful way. With proper care, you can admire this beautiful flower all year round.