Alpinia

The first analogy that comes to mind under the name "Alpinia" is, of course, the Alps. But this flower never adorned European latitudes. Its name comes from the surname of the Italian botanist Prosper Alpini.

Alpinia came to us from China, so its other name is Chinese kalgan. This is a medicinal plant that is used to treat many ailments. In pharmacology, rhizomes and seeds of alpine are used, but for flower growers, its decorative properties are of the greatest value.

Alpine species

Medicinal alpinia is a large perennial plant that grows in a tropical climate. The leaves are large, located very close to the trunk. Inflorescences resemble spikelet.

Alpinia Sander in nature is found only on the Chinese island of Hainan. This is a much more elegant variety. It has very interesting leaves - large, slightly elongated, green with a pattern of white stripes. Very decorative variegated alpinia (Variegata Chinese Beauty) is a fairly tall plant (up to 2 meters high), on the leaves of which there is a striking marble or striped pattern. Among the varieties of the Kalgan Chinese suitable for the greenhouse are the purple mountaineering, the galanga and the wittat.

Alpinia zerumbet (Variegata Dwarf) is best suited for growing in a home. This species has a relatively small size (about 30 cm tall), but at the same time it has beautiful yellow-green foliage, typical of its larger counterparts, and from April to June it blooms with its former delicate flowers.

Features care mountaineering

Alpinia loves diffused light, it should be protected from direct sunlight. This is a very light-loving plant, it needs good illumination, even in winter. Does not tolerate low temperatures: in summer, the preferred temperature is 21-25 ° C, and in winter it is not lower than 15 ° C. The optimal capacity for growing alpini should be wide, but not too deep, and the soil should consist of peat, leafy soil, humus, and sand, taken in equal proportions.

Water the plant should be plentifully and constantly spray. In winter, watering may be less intense, but it is necessary to spray it. Like many Asian plants, Alpinia does not tolerate dry air. Dry tips of the sheets indicate a lack of moisture.

It is possible and even necessary to feed, for this purpose any organic and mineral fertilizers are used, the main thing is to make it moderate - not more often than once every two weeks. It is not recommended to fertilize the mountaineering in the cold season.

While the plant is young, it must be replanted once a year, then as needed. This is best done at the end of winter or early spring.

Alpine climbing in the spring, by dividing the bush. Before planting, cut the rhizome should be powdered with charcoal.

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