Aphelandra - refined simplicity

The name of this tropical plant consists of two Greek words: "aphelis" - simple and "Andros" - courageous. We can say that this is the essence of Alefandra, because she is quite unpretentious and resistant to adverse conditions. However, this is a very beautiful plant - its decorative effect is determined by striped leaves and flowers, collected in a spectacular inflorescence.

The most widespread is the hybrid variety Apheland "Fritz Prinsler".

Growing secrets

In fact, there are no special secrets. If you want to grow this wonderful plant on your windowsill, it’s enough to follow some recommendations.

1. Reproduction Alefandr carried cuttings, which can be cut at almost any time of the year. The optimum cutting length is from 10 to 15 cm. It is rooted in the peat substrate.
2. A pot with a depth of 10-15 cm is suitable for growing a young plant. Earthen mixture: leaf, humus, peat ground and sand (1: 1: 1: 1/4).
3. The preferred temperature in summer is around 20-24 ° С, in winter - around 16 ° С.
4. The more light, the better Alefandras grow. A small shading is advisable only in summer, in the period of the brightest sun.
5. It requires abundant watering, but it should avoid contact with water on the leaves. In winter, less moisture is required than in summer.
6. Alefandra can be fed once every two weeks with slurry or any mineral fertilizer. In winter, this is not required.
7. During the growing season, the plant needs fresh air (the room should be well ventilated) and abundant watering.
8. For the formation of a neat bush every spring should be done pruning.
9. Every 2 years, Alefandra must be replanted.

How to understand what is required by your Alefandra?

The lack or excess of minerals in the soil can be judged by the appearance of the plant.

Poor flowering indicates an excess of nitrogen, and its deficiency is indicated by leaf brightening and slow growth. Sluggish and thin and faded shoots indicate a lack of potassium, the plant also reacts to its lack by premature wilting of the leaves.

Alefandra is subject to verticillary wilting, in which the lower leaves first dry and the entire plant dries out. This is a fungal disease, infection of which occurs through the soil. To save the flower in this case, unfortunately, will not succeed.

Pest Control and Disease

• With inadequate care, Aphelandra can be attacked by cherries and false defenses.
• Soft or spherical lozhitelovki settled on all ground parts of afelandra. Females and larvae cause the greatest damage to the plant: they suck the sap from the stem, which leads to discoloration, deformation and premature dropping of the leaves.
• When these pests appear, the plant should be cleaned with a soft cloth moistened with soap and then treated with karbofos or atellic.
• The greenhouse bug infects the stems and leaves of afelandra. The plant should be cleaned from pests, washed with water and treated with a roent or actor.

See also: How to care for afelandra at home?

It should be remembered that pests attack weakened plants, so the best prevention of their appearance are good conditions.

Especially for womeninahomeoffice.com - Olga