Among the representatives of the flora, there are many curious specimens that can boast an amazing and bright appearance.
The beautiful flower of akalif causes associations with a fox tail because of the unique and interesting in shape inflorescences. Let's learn all the features of growing this unusual and beautiful plant at home.
What is this plant and how does it look?
Akalifa is a perennial flowering plant, which received the popular name "Fox tail".
But this name fully applies only to A. bristled (rough). Its elongated crimson-colored inflorescences are somewhat similar to the furry tails of foxes.
This variety is most popular for home growing.
Another popular home look is Akalif Wilkesa or Wilks. There are several varieties of them. The flowers of these plants are not very impressive, but the leaves are just incredible. They delight the eye with orange or red strokes on a green-bronze background.
Akalifa acts as a representative of the well-known family of Euphorbia.. Despite this, in natural conditions the shrub can be found in hot tropical countries: in Australia, Polynesia, Latin America. Like the plant and the southeastern part of Asia.
More information about the types of indoor foxtail can be found here.
A photo
Below you can see how the plant looks like:
Growth features
The plant never sheds leaves and does not change their shade - it is an evergreen representative of the flora. For normal growth akalife needs cultivation on the western and eastern windows, because the plant loves the light, but not the aggressive rays of the sun.
The flower grows quickly, so you will need trimming and trimming for forming and updating.
Home care
Temperature conditions
As already stated the plant is very fond of heat, negatively related to drafts. If you plan to settle it in the summer on a balcony or veranda, then you need protection from wind. It can ruin a flower. Acceptable temperature for summer is 20-25 degrees Celsius. In winter, enough of 18.
Attention! Ideal temperature conditions are indoor temperatures.
Akalife needs a lot of light, but shading from the sun's rays. With a lack of lighting, the plant is drawn out, the leaf color dims.
Watering
Akalifa loves moisture. In summer, at a temperature of more than +20 degrees, you should water the flower plentifully and often. In winter, watering should be reduced, but it should not be allowed to dry out of the soil in a pot.
Since the plant has a tropical origin, it will require a high level of humidity. If the summer is hot, then akalifa should be sprayed more often with separated water. or put the pot in a tray with wet stones or peat.
When choosing a substrate for planting, you need to remember that the plant requires acidic and highly nourishing soil. These conditions are satisfied by a mixture of turf, sand, peat and humus in a 1: 1 ratio. The pot is needed wide, because root system grows fast.
Pruning
If the plant is an adult, then sooner or later the moment will come when it will grow a lot, you will need pruning.
If the akalifa is already very old, but there is no desire to grow a new plant, then it is important to cut the plant to a hemp of 20 centimeters. This is a cruel but necessary measure.
Absolutely all parts of the plant are poisonous., because in the process of transplanting, cutting should be careful to wear gloves.
Then stump should be covered with plastic, sending a glass cap. Such measures help the plant to give new shoots and survive the pruning operation. After trimming, the stubs need to be sprayed with water more often, periodically removing the structure for ventilation.
Excellent results of adaptation are given by spraying with an aqueous solution of zircon in the proportion of 2 drops per 1 liter of water.
Breeding
In order to multiply the flower does not need special skills. This is done by seed or cutting.. For seeds suitable mixture of sheet soil and sand 1: 1. Sow them in the spring. A constant temperature of +20 degrees is required.
Cuttings are selected from tree shoots from the tops. Rooting occurs at any time of the year. Before planting, the sprig should be dipped into a growth stimulator, then inserted into the soil and covered with a film. Pinch in 2 months for bushiness.
Top dressing and fertilizers
During intensive growth in the period March-September, the plant requires fertilizing with the addition of mineral fertilizers. They are made twice a month. In the role of fertilizing fit organic fertilizer, too.
Used compositions for ornamental and flowering plants. Similar are available at the marks "Flower happiness", "Pokon", and also "Fasco".
Diseases and pests
- If the leaves appear moist spots of brown, the cause is the disease leaf spot.
If the leaves wither, the reason is that the soil is too wet or too dry. It is important to adjust the watering. Another reason is excessively heavy substrate. It is worth replacing.- When the leaves lose color, become pale, this indicates a lack of lighting. if a calamity has been shaded for a long time, then it should be gradually taught to more light. In winter, the plant needs illumination with fluorescent lamps.
- The tips of the leaves have become dry and brown - too low humidity in the room or insufficient watering.
- Dark spots have appeared - the cause is drafts and hypothermia.
If the leaves wither, the reason is that the soil is too wet or too dry. It is important to adjust the watering. Another reason is excessively heavy substrate. It is worth replacing.Tip! The poisonousness of the plant is important to consider when there are young children and pets in the house.
Among the pests for akalifa danger: aphid, spider mite, whitefly, mealybug. They are treated by the use of insecticides (spraying and watering), for example, Aktar.
Conclusion
There are many varieties of this plant, because to find one that will appeal easy. And the correct approach to the process of caring for a flower will help to get a magnificently blossoming alkalife all year round.
It is enough to follow simple tips and monitor the health of the plant, in time getting rid of pests.
