We have already told on the pages of our Encyclopedia. Here we will talk about how to grow myrtle from cuttings to an adult tree.

Myrtle tolerates pruning and pinching well at any time of the year, with the difference that in an adult wintering plant that is at rest, without signs of growth, you can painlessly cut one branch onto a stalk, well, if you really need it - two, no more. And in a vegetative myrtle that continues to grow, you can safely drastically cut off the crown. The best time for cutting myrtle twigs for rooting is spring, the end of winter. If you cut branches from a "sleeping" myrtle, they must be immediately transferred to conditions suitable for vegetation: warm (20-25 ° C), air humidity not lower than 50% and light (if necessary, additional lighting) - several hours of direct sun in the morning or evening.

For rooting, you can use branches from 7 to 15 cm, the optimal length is measured not in centimeters, but in a piece of the stem - rooting occurs in the semi-lignified tip of the cutting. It is clear that a 5 cm twig still has a green stem, it will simply fade. At the cut cutting, you need to cut off the lower leaves and put on rooting in water or wet vermiculite.

As you can see, in the first variant, there is one handle in the cup, it is supported by the circle of a polyethylene foam cup cut to the diameter and cut to the center. It not only supports the cutting, but also prevents the water from evaporating too quickly. You can cut out such a circle from foam rubber.

In the second option, many cuttings are rooted in one jar. Not all of them will give roots.

What is the difference and how best to root? The fact is that if you got one single cutting, you must do as shown in the first photo. Moreover, the water must be very clean, boiled. Carefully observe the first two days - if the water remains clear, everything is fine, it just remains to wait until the roots appear. If the water turns cloudy, replace it with fresh water and add the secret ingredient to it. There is such a drug in the pharmacy Polyphepan (Polyphepan) - this is an adsorbent (black powder looks like dry earth), which will not allow water to deteriorate, prevent the development of bacteria, but does not interfere with the rooting of cuttings. It needs to be added half a teaspoon to half a glass of water.

Yuri Alexandrovich Markin shares his many years of experience (): If everything is in order with the water and the viability of the cutting, the roots form quite quickly - in the first week a callus forms (white bumps at the tip of the stem), and good roots grow 2-3 weeks. When they reach at least 5 cm, and more, it's time to transplant the cutting into the ground.

In the photo you see strong roots and the beginning of the growing season at the rooted cuttings of myrtle, but you need to plant it carefully in order to minimally injure the delicate root processes. Therefore, Yuri Alexandrovich ties the stalk to a peg. A peg stuck into the ground securely holds the cutting without deepening the root collar.

If the myrtle roots are strong, they immediately take root, and in conditions of high humidity they grow very quickly. Thickened plantings in a common container require good ventilation of the room and timely seating in separate pots. Perhaps it is more correct to immediately plant the myrtle cuttings in separate containers, depending on the desired shape of an adult plant. If you plan to grow a dense bush, you can plant 2-4 cuttings together, if the myrtle is planned to be grown as a bole or as a potensay, then each cutting is a separate pot. Another option is the fusion of trunks, it also involves planting several cuttings in one container, but it requires some skill and preparation.

Is it possible to prune myrtle roots when transplanting rooted cuttings?

Yes, you can, in the event that the root system is well developed, has many lateral roots of the upper part, then you can painlessly cut off the elongated roots. After cutting the roots, they should be sprinkled with a crushed activated charcoal tablet or ground cinnamon.

Pot dimensions for transplanting myrtle

How you choose the right pot for planting the cutting depends on its health, growth rate and appearance. Many tend to take pots with a large margin, but if the pot is large, after watering the earth will dry for a very long time, as a result, a salt effusion forms on the surface - a whitish or red coating of calcium and magnesium salts. The acidity of the soil in this case shifts to the alkaline side, in such an environment some nutrients are poorly absorbed and there is a high probability of root rotting. In a pot that is too small, especially when planting in pure peat, on the contrary, the root system of the plant can be very dry.

Here is an example, planting a rooted branch (stem thickness initially 2 mm), which has long grown, and the height has reached 75 cm from the ground.

Myrtle grew in a glass (200 g) for about two years. The thickness of the trunk at the root neck reached 6 mm. The earthen ball is almost completely mastered by the roots. If your cutting has only grown roots at the bottom, formed a "beard", or crawled out of the drainage hole, and top part pot roots have not been mastered, it makes sense when transplanting to cut off those roots that stick out of the holes of the pot, or those that have curled at the bottom in a spiral, displacing all the soil. After that, you need to transplant the young myrtle again into the old pot. It can be transplanted into a new one only when the roots fill the entire space of the pot.

Myrtle formation

The formation of a myrtle tree occurs constantly. Pruning the ends of the shoots can be carried out repeatedly in the spring summer season. You can grow a myrtle tree in a completely free style, shaggy bush. You can form a stem or another style. But first you need to imagine the image you want to strive for.

A myrtle tree blooming with pink buds (on the right in the photo, Pavel Karpenkov) is so beautiful not because of extreme unpretentiousness, but because it is grown in ideal conditions for it: it stands in an area where the illumination is close to sunny, the humidity is under 90% and the temperature is 24 °C It is watered every 2-3 days (does not dry out and is not flooded). Planted in soil with a mixture of akadama and sand and some soil for seedlings. Drainage is high - myrtles do not like waterlogged roots. Spray it every day.

Important: when wintering in cool and, especially cold conditions, spraying is not required, and watering is scarce.

With the help of a wire, you can pull the branches in the right direction, they are quite plastic even in adulthood. But old branches covered with brown bark can be bent gradually, smoothly, over several months.

Please note that while the myrtle tree is gaining thickness of the trunk, it does not need to be planted in a bonsai pot, the pot space is needed for the plant to disperse the trunk.

From personal experience, Borya: My myrtle grows on the northwestern window, but it will not be possible to form a spherical crown without additional lighting. I use this technique: as the branches lengthen, I tilt the largest of them to the sides almost to a horizontal position, and fix them with wire. Then, along the entire length of the branch, new shoots begin to appear from sleeping buds (before that they were in the shade), and the entire branch turns out to be densely leafy.

The size of the pot should correspond to the size of the root system and increase as the earthen clod is braided. It all depends on how many roots the myrtle has. In my opinion, it is better to take a cramped dish than a spacious one, since in the second case, part of the earth may turn sour and become unusable even before the roots have time to penetrate into it.

I prefer to plant myrtles in a mixture of some peat soil with coarse sand, in a ratio of 1: 1. Of the purchased ones, in my opinion, you can use the Cactus mixture, as the most porous and suitable for most plants.

What needs to be done to give the myrtle the appearance of a tree from a cutting

From personal experience, Borya: You need to choose the largest, central, and, most importantly, the branch of the bush you like best and cut off all the rest. It is convenient to do this with small scissors for cutting nails. On it, you need to remove the leaves and side shoots from below to the height of the intended trunk. This will result in a smooth trunk, which will slowly thicken.

Since, when growing in a “bush”, the branches touch and, as it were, “support” each other a little, then, “left alone”, this branch may for some reason be bent (from accidental grazing, or as a result of tilting towards the light, for example ). Therefore, a support in the form of a peg stuck nearby is desirable for her.

As a result, the growth of shoots on the upper leafy part begins. Those shoots that do not appear on the "crown", but on the stem, must be removed (otherwise a bush will turn out again). When the stem reaches a thickness of about 0.5 cm, the support can be removed.

Bamboo skewers (3-4 mm thick and about 30 cm long) are very suitable for the role of sticks for props. The peg should be located, in relation to the plant, from the side of the room or on the side, so as not to obscure.

Myrtle - bonsai

Many people want to have a miniature myrtle tree in a bowl, but before the myrtle trunk gains thickness (from 1.5 cm or more), there is even no question of transplanting into bonsai trees. And all plant material with which work is being done on the formation is called potensay.

An example of such work from Yuri Alexandrovich Markin:

Bonsai style Sokan

And this is Potensai - the style of Sokan "Twin Trunks". 2-3-year-old plants grown from rooted cuttings are used. Rearranged from wintering to prepare for the spring growing season - pruning and shaping to suit bonsai styles. The skeleton and stems of the first potensai are shaped in the Sokan style with ligatures and stretch marks. The height of the workpiece in the final form - 28 cm:

Formation work continues. Myrtle has its own subtleties, says Yuri Alexandrovich - fragile wood and loose bark, although, when broken, it grows together remarkably.

Before all the manipulations, I take a long shower, so that soak fabrics. When bending vertical and rather plump branches at an angle of 90 °, I sort of knead the near-stem area between my fingers - I crush it like a joint on a finger.

Next, I begin to apply a ligature to the trunk and wind up the wire on the branch to be bent. Then, the branch, together with the wire wrapped in two turns, I begin to slowly bend. Under the branch, you can substitute a screwdriver and create an emphasis at the bend. After bending the branch by more than 90 °, I rewind the ligature with the branch fixed in the desired position.

Also, it is possible to perform a directed fracture, i.e. break a branch and wrap it around with raffia, and then apply a ligature (the main subtlety is not to break it completely when applying raffia and ligature, skill and a sensitive tactile sensation of the material are required).

You can apply another way to thick branches. Make a crescent cut under the branch, in the place of the intended bend, to the middle or 2/3 of the thickness of the branch. The cut is made in thin sections with adjustment (bending and refining the position of the branch in the final form), if not enough, then another thin fragment is removed from both sides (such as slices).

Further according to the scheme - winding with raffia and applying a ligature. If it is difficult to bend a copper wire in insulation with a cross section of 2.5 mm, then you can apply two wires of 1.5 mm each or several wires of an even smaller cross section folded together - an example is the photo above (lower left corner), the coil of wire in the photo with myrtle. This wire can be used for both ligatures and stretch marks.

Bonsai Ikadabuki style

Another example of work on the formation of myrtle bonsai in the Ikadabuki style from Gennady Boronin (). The author also modestly calls it only an attempt at formation: "2 years trying to become a bonsai." The height of the myrtle tree is 27-30 cm.

Photographs and materials used: Yu. A. Markin (YUM), Borya, Natali, barsuchok, Alexander, P. Karpenkov (beomaster), G. Boronin (Genn).

Myrtle - evergreen grown as a shrub and as a small tree. The myrtle tree is very popular as a gift for the bride, symbolizing a successful marriage. This plant is not so easy to care for, but it is worth it.

General information

Myrtle has long been valued for its medicinal properties- flowers and foliage contain essential oils, and if the leaves and fruits are dried, they can be used as spices (spices). For example, cloves are a product obtained from one of the types of myrtle.

In the season of colds, for prevention, essential oils are used, spreading their smell around the room or simply putting the plant on the windowsill, for example, in the children's room. The study also showed that myrtle can reduce allergic reactions in children.

Myrtle plants also include such valuable plants, according to their characteristics, as tea tree, eucalyptus and clove tree.

Species and varieties

(Myrtus communis) or it is also called " communis " (aka " indoor ”) is the most common type in home gardening. This species is characterized by a short, well-branched trunk, which is covered with exfoliating reddish-brown bark.

The leaves are green, oval, shiny and have a pleasant aroma. The flowers are white (sometimes a faint pink shade is observed) with protruding stamens. Blooms in the summer season. The fruits are black berries with a reddish tinge.

This type of myrtle has developed many varieties:

• - a compact shrub with many fruits, smaller in size than the mother.

• Myrtle variety Alhambra - has white fruits-berries and dense foliage.

• (Variegata) stands out among others with variegated foliage.

• Myrtle "La Clape" - has purple berries.

• There is also a dwarf form among them - myrtle "Microphylla" .

This is a miniature copy of a tree, a very popular plant, of great value to flower growers, its leaves contain essential oils used in medicine and cosmetology. The price of such a tree is not small.

The shape of such a tree can be varied, the trunk twists and bends in the process of growth, and due to the periodic pruning of the processes, you can form the shape of the crown as you wish.

- it happens both in the form of a bush and in the form of a tree with brown exfoliating bark. The leaves are matte, dark green, white flowers that bloom in July or August. The fruits are dark red and edible.

(Myrtus chequen) - a tree with glossy leaves and slightly wrinkled edges.

(Myrtus ralfii) - This bush is distinguished by pink flowers and red edible berries. The leaves have a white or cream border.

Myrtle Boetica (Boetica)

A large-leaved species, the leaves are larger than those of other species (6-7 cm, while the standard is 1-2 cm), with a pointed end. This myrtle grows very slowly. The trunk has interesting feature- it twists, in the process of growth, interesting shapes are formed. The flowers are white and large, and the berries are oblong, black.

(Cassandra or marsh myrtle ) – evergreen shrub, which grows exclusively in swamps, from which it got its name. It reaches one meter in height. Young shoots and leaves contain poison, which is dangerous for animals (for goats and sheep).

If you crush the leaf of such a plant, you will feel a pronounced lemon aroma. In some countries, such leaves are used as a seasoning. Leaf sizes: length 10 cm, and width 1-4 cm. It blooms first with white flowers, and then darkens to a creamy and slightly yellow hue.

Myrtle care at home

Myrtle is a plant that needs to create a climate with high humidity, so spraying is required condition for healthy and lush growth. In no case do not forget about watering, but do not flood, the plant is very sensitive and can get sick. Water only with soft, settled water.

But myrtle is not afraid of drafts, so you can safely leave it on the windowsill, where a window is constantly open for ventilation. With the flow of air around the apartment, useful phytoncides will spread, destroying pathogenic microbes.

The temperature must be controlled within 18-24°C. IN summer time year, it is advisable to put the myrtle on the street or balcony and shade a little so that the rays of a particularly scorching sun do not fall.

pruning myrtle

As for pruning, myrtle tolerates it well, not to mention the fact that thanks to this, it is possible to give a different desired shape to the crown, creating various compositions. Pruning and transplanting is carried out in spring time year, but not more than once every two years.

Myrtle transplant

When transplanting, the transshipment method is used, while choosing a pot slightly larger than the previous one. The soil for myrtle is simple, with good drainage. The substrate is prepared from equal parts sod land, peat and sand.

It would be helpful to add some charcoal and organic compost. Any pruned varieties must be additionally fed; for this, any fertilizer for indoor plants (complex mineral), without chlorine in the composition, is suitable. young plant begins to bloom only in the fourth or fifth year after planting.

Myrtle care in winter

In winter, the myrtle has a dormant period, while watering is reduced (the soil is only slightly moistened, preventing drying out) and the plant is moved to a cooler (8-10 ° C), but bright place.

If this is not done, then leaf drop is observed. Although this is not a big danger, as new, young leaves will begin to appear in the spring.

Reproduction of myrtle cuttings

If main task when propagating is worth - the preservation of maternal (varietal) characteristics, then cuttings are considered the ideal method of reproduction.

Cuttings are cut from a healthy plant, they should not be very young, but in a semi-lignified form. For better rooting, the cut is treated with a special growth stimulator (for example, root) and stuck into the prepared soil at an angle (45-55 °). The substrate is constantly checked for moisture.

Myrtle from seeds at home

The seed method is less effective, but it is also used. At the beginning of spring, the prepared substrate (one part of peat and one part of sand) is poured into boxes (soil thickness 8-10 cm), sown with myrtle seeds, sprinkled with the same mixture of soil (3-4 cm thick), moistened and covered with glass. controlled temperature regime around 20°C.

Periodically, the glass is opened to ventilate and moisten the soil, if necessary. The glass can be turned over or wiped, getting rid of excess condensate.

After a couple of weeks, the first seedlings will begin to appear, when there are too many of them, thinning is carried out, and after at least three leaves appear on the seedlings, they are transplanted into separate pots with the same substrate composition. A month later, young plants are fed with low concentration nitrogen fertilizer.

Diseases and pests

If, on the contrary, constant excessive watering is observed, then in this case, root decay and damage by putrefactive bacteria and fungal infections are inevitable, and this is already serious. It is not easy to deal with such problems and most often the death of the plant is observed.

• If leaves fade, turn yellow, and the edges curl , then this indicates an excess of illumination.
• If the stems are too long and the leaves are too small - This is a clear sign of lack of lighting.
• Myrtle does not bloom – if you cut too often or cut too much at one time, and also if the room is poorly ventilated.
• Leaves wither and fall - if this happens in winter, it means that the air is too dry and the temperature is too high (for example, when heating devices are working in the room). The plant needs a cooler room and some moisture (just a little!). Also, leaves can wither when water stagnates in the pan or from sunburn(direct sunlight).

An evergreen shrub called myrtle is known to almost everyone. There are many legends about this plant; it is mentioned in the legend of Adam, who, after being expelled from Paradise, came to earth, taking with him a branch of this tree from the Garden of Eden. Ancient myths repeatedly mention the myrtle wreath of Aphrodite. For many peoples, myrtle was considered a symbol of peace, love, kindness and recognition, and personified moral purity and sublimity. Today, this flower is grown in any corner of the planet, if necessary, creating for it favorable conditions for development.

Motherland exotic plant considered the Mediterranean and the Middle East. In nature, myrtle reaches a height of three meters and adorns parks and gardens in warm regions. And in countries with a temperate climate, myrtle will not be able to develop on the street, so it is grown at home.

Description of myrtle and its features

Description

Myrtle is an evergreen tree-like shrub and belongs to the Myrtle family. Today there are more than 100 varieties of this plant. The leaves of each of them have their own shade and shape; fruits also differ in color.

grown at home common myrtle, which decorates the interior like an ornamental tree. Plant height varies between 30–50 cm; occasionally the tree reaches 1 meter.

Straight branching stems and the opposite arrangement of small oblong leaves on them form a rounded crown. IN flowering period the plant pleases with white, light pink or cream flowers, which are simple and double and are located on long pedicels. Blue-black berries with a pleasant smell appear closer to autumn. Myrtle can be propagated by cuttings or seeds that are in ripe fruits.

Peculiarities

The leaves of the shrub are known as a source of essential oils. The content of phytoncides in them contributes to air purification in room. They have a beneficial effect on the mood and performance of a person. Myrtle shrub is purchased even for the prevention of colds and to reduce allergic reactions.

Many girls and women are familiar with healing properties essential oil from myrtle, which helps in cleansing and maintaining skin health. It is added to the compositions of creams, gels and shampoos, mixed with other oils.

Myrtle berries are used as food, and also added to medicinal tinctures.

It should be remembered that the myrtle shrub can be dangerous. In sensitive people, it causes bouts of nausea and headaches due to its pleasant, but strong smell. Yes, and other people are advised to keep it in the kitchen or in the living room, but not in the bedroom.

Necessary conditions for growing myrtle of an ordinary house and caring for it

Myrtle ordinary does not require complex care, but, like any plant, it needs certain conditions for development.

flower prefers moderate temperature at + 21–25 degrees. It is better to grow a plant on the windowsill of an east, west or south window. Insolation will not harm the shrub; myrtle needs sunlight. But for indoor myrtle, the aggressive sun will be dangerous, from which it should be protected at least with a curtain. On the northern windowsill, the shrub slows down its development, flowering is not observed in this direction.

Myrtle is not afraid of drafts. A well-ventilated room will be favorable for him.

Indoor small-leaved shrub needs high humidity , which distinguishes his homeland with a subtropical climate. In warm seasons, the tree needs abundant watering, but with the obligatory drain from the pan excess moisture so that the root system does not rot. spray the leaves follows every day; we must not forget to carry out the procedure on especially hot days, otherwise the plant may dry out due to the overdried substrate. Water must be defended or filtered so that there is no lime in the soil, which can kill the plant.

From the beginning of spring to the end of summer, indoor myrtle is fed with complex fertilizers every two weeks. You can use mineral and organic supplements, but in moderation.

rest period

The tree blooms from summer to autumn. When cold weather sets in, the active vegetation of the shrub slows down. The degree of watering the plant is reduced (only once a week) so that at low temperatures the shrub does not become overcooled. Also stop feeding the plant. Optimum temperature V winter period for him it will be + 5-10 degrees. Glazed balcony without heating great place for winter myrtle.

indoors with more high temperature and a dry atmosphere, it is necessary to water the plant more often and spray its crown. If there is not enough moisture, this is expressed in wilting and dropping myrtle leaves. Recovery houseplant should improve care measures behind him, otherwise by the summer it will not bloom.

pruning myrtle

A beautiful and neat crown of a tree can be achieved by pruning the shoots. The shape of the crown can be any, it all depends on the wishes of the owner of the plant. Some create a whole composition, turning an ordinary shrub into an exotic and extraordinary tree.

Plant handles pruning well, which is performed every two years in the spring, it is better to form a tree when the active vegetation has not yet begun. In summer, only young shoots are pinched.

Pinching and pruning of shoots should occur with additional feeding without chlorine in the composition. It is not advised to get involved in frequent cutting of myrtle: pruning can aggravate the formation of flower buds.

Myrtle transplant

A tree-like shrub is characterized by a slow growth of the root system. An adult plant is transplanted in the spring of just once every 3-4 years into a larger container. Young myrtle is transplanted annually.

The tree is transplanted by transshipment so that the root system is not injured. To do this, you need to carefully transplant, along with the contents of the container, into another one that is more suitable in size and root it with the addition of fresh soil.

Reproduction of myrtle at home

Myrtle at home is propagated in two ways:

• cuttings;
• seeds.

Plant propagation by cuttings

Rooting pot is selected low and wide. soil mixture You can buy ready-made or make your own. To do this, take leafy soil and sand in a ratio of one to two. The temperature of the finished soil should be + 18–20 degrees.

Cuttings should be cut from side shoots 7–9 cm long. lower leaves are removed. For processing the cut, Kornevin or Heteroauxin is used. The cuttings are planted in the ground and covered with a bag or glass, which must be lifted from time to time so that the plants breathe.

Rooting takes place during two to three weeks. Then the cuttings are planted in different pots.

Myrtle from seeds at home

The seed method of propagating myrtle is not as popular as cuttings. This is explained by the fact that when propagated by seeds, myrtle loses some generic characteristics. Seed germination is very slow. The first flowers should be expected only after 3-4 years.

The substrate is a mixture of peat and sand in the same ratio. The soil is poured into a pot and watered. Additionally, a fungicide can be applied. Seeds are distributed on the surface of the substrate and covered thin layer earth. Having made greenhouses using glass or a bag, the pot is placed in a room with a temperature +18–21 degrees. Airing is done regularly, while maintaining the required level of humidity.

Seeds germinate in 1-2 weeks. Dive sprouts into pots occurs when they have two leaves of sufficient size. The soil is made from turf or peat land with sand. Seedlings are transplanted by transshipment.

Fertilizing starts one month after transplant plants in separate containers.

The shrub can be propagated by seeds already in February with the organization of additional illumination, then by the summer with proper care the plant will develop well.

Why myrtle dries up

Usually, drying of indoor myrtle occurs if it is not properly cared for. The main reasons for this:

Myrtle diseases

In addition to drying, myrtle can get sick from other factors.

• Excess moisture. If water is not drained from the pan, the root system begins to rot, a fungus appears in it and bacteria begin to multiply. WITH rapid development disease causes the death of the plant. Therefore, it is necessary to remove excess moisture in time.
• insect pests. Aphids, scale insects and spider mites suck the juices from the plant and damage all its parts. Leaves curl or appear on them dark spots. It is necessary to frequently inspect the myrtle in order to notice the appearance of pests in time and treat the tree with an insecticide. If necessary, processing is done twice.

Proper care for myrtle at home contributes to its good development without the occurrence of diseases and abundant flowering in the summer.

On the windowsills of apartments and offices, you can often see a compact tree, pleasing with fragrant flowers. This is a myrtle grown since ancient times. The plant got its name from the fragrance of the flowers. "Myrtle" in Greek means "incense". In this article we will talk about caring for myrtle at home.

According to legend, myrtle grows in paradise gardens. Adam managed to carry the branch tree of paradise when he was exiled for his sins, as a memory of life in paradise. The branch took root in the warm and humid climate of the Mediterranean, spreading around the world. Greek legends claim that the goddess Aphrodite wore a wreath of myrtle twigs. For delicate fragrant flowers, the plant has become a symbol of love, fidelity. Until now, in some countries, flowers or a sprig of myrtle, which personifies fidelity in marriage, are added to the bridal bouquet.

Under natural conditions, the flower grows in Mediterranean countries with a subtropical climate. It is an evergreen shrub or tree growing up to two to three meters. In nature, there are many varieties growing in America, Australia, and Asian countries.

It is decorated with small bright green leaves, located on the branches opposite each other. Small leaves on short cuttings are pointed towards the ends. Flowers of white, pink color grow in groups in brushes or singly. There are types of myrtle with simple or double flowers, with different amount petals. After flowering, fruits appear on the plant - berries of the drupe species.

Myrtle among flower growers is valued not only for the appearance and aroma of flowers. Its main advantage is the presence of phytoncides and essential oils in leaves, flowers and fruits. They purify the air in the premises, which leads to a decrease in colds and an increase in efficiency, stress relief. Therefore, the myrtle tree can be found in office premises.

An infusion made from leaves and flowers is used to cleanse the face. In some countries, the leaves and fruits of myrtle are used as a seasoning for dishes.

Types and varieties of myrtle with a photo

The houseplant has the form of a small tree that does not grow more than 60 cm, which allows it to be grown among other indoor flowers.

swamp myrtle

swamp myrtle is one of the most resistant low temperatures. It grows no higher than one meter, has the shape of a shrub with straight branches. It differs in that it tolerates the snowy winters of Russia. The leaves fall for the winter, and in the spring the plant blooms again. Found in sphagnum bogs, lives up to fifty years. It is distinguished by the presence of poison in the plant, so it should not be allowed to get into the food of animals.

Myrtle Variegant

Myrtle variegated characterized by bright variegated leaves with amber-colored dots and stripes along the edges. White flowers with beige shade and golden stamens have an exquisite aroma. In addition, the plant cleans the air by reducing the content of carbon dioxide. To obtain beautiful leaf color, it is necessary to provide bright light for the plant. Grown in room conditions in loose soil, using top dressing.

Mirt Hymen (Happiness of the Bride)

One of the varieties of common myrtle is called Hymen. Under natural conditions, the shrub grows up to 3-5 meters. Indoors, its height does not exceed one meter. This variety is called "the happiness of the bride", its flowering twig is used in wedding bouquets. Flowers and fruits have a strong aroma.

Myrtle large-leaved

Myrtle large-leaved is also a type common myrtle. It has large leaves up to five centimeters long, grows up to four meters. Like other types of myrtle, it has a healing effect, kills bacteria. It is used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, sinusitis.

Myrtle Tarentina

Differs in dwarf sizes myrtle tarentina. Its elongated leaves do not exceed one and a half centimeters. Differs in abundant flowering, miniature flowers are collected in groups. Is different rapid growth, but in an apartment does not grow above one meter. It develops well subject to the basic requirements for care:

• regular watering;
• spraying;
• enough sunlight.

Mirt Komunnis

Mirt Communis It has the shape of a tree, which in its habitats is also called a dead tree. At home, it grows up to five meters, it is distinguished by elongated leaves and abundant flowering.

lemon myrtle

lemon myrtle got its name from the lemon flavor. The habitat is the Australian tropics. It is used to obtain essential oil, the manufacture of seasonings and spices.

Myrtle ordinary

In indoor floriculture, the most widespread common myrtle. In nature, it grows as a shrub up to four meters high. At home, it grows in the form of a small tree. It differs from other species in oval leaves and fragrant, small flowers. This type of plant is ideal for growing bonsai.

Content at home

A native of the subtropics prefers summer temperatures in the range of 22 to 24 degrees Celsius. In summer best place for myrtle there will be a balcony with shading on hot days. Although the flower loves bright sunlight, it is still desirable to protect it during hot hours with a light curtain or screen. To achieve flowering, it is advisable to place the pot with the plant on south side. Although it will grow on windowsills located on the east or west side.

If it is not possible to take the myrtle to the balcony or garden, then it is better to place it in the summer by an open window. It belongs to those few plants that are not afraid of drafts, but love fresh air. Therefore, the room where the pot with the plant stands should be ventilated often.

For the winter, it is desirable for the plant to provide a cool temperature, but not lower than ten degrees. If it is not possible to take it to a cool room, then the watering and spraying schedule should be adjusted. In winter, it is recommended to water once a week. In the conditions of an apartment, the pot is placed close to the window glass, it can be fenced off with additional glass or film to protect it from the flow of warm air. If possible, you can try to take the myrtle to the cellar. Some flower growers thus provide the plant with a cold wintering.

If the plant remains in the apartment, then during the short winter day it needs additional illumination with special fitolamps or fluorescent lamps.

Myrtle care at home

A native of the subtropics needs a lot of light and abundant watering. But at the same time, stagnation of water in the pot should not be allowed, otherwise rotting of the roots cannot be avoided. In the winter dormant period, watering is reduced, especially if wintering takes place in cool conditions. For irrigation, settled water at room temperature is used. In summer, besides spraying, myrtle likes to be taken water procedures in the shower.

top dressing

From spring to autumn, myrtle needs regular feeding. mineral fertilizers. The choice depends on how you want to see the plant. If you want to get a lush green tree, then you need to use nitrogen fertilizers. If you want to achieve abundant flowering, then pay attention to complex fertilizers for flowering plants with phosphorus additives. Apply weekly throughout the summer. In winter, the number of dressings is reduced to one and a half months.

Bloom

As already mentioned, for flowering myrtle should be located on the southern windowsill. If the regime of watering and lighting is observed, but the plant does not bloom, it is necessary to look for flaws in the care.

Here are the possible reasons:

• Too much light change. If you have to move the myrtle from a place with low light to bright light, then this should be done gradually.
• Lack of fresh air.
• Lack of moisture, spraying.
• If the crown was cut in the spring, then the growth of branches will increase. But the plant will not bloom this year. For the myrtle to bloom next year, crown formation should be carried out in summer, after flowering, or in winter.
• For flowering, it is necessary to feed the plant with fertilizers, which contain much more phosphorus than nitrogen.
• If a plant is struck by pests or diseases, then flowering should hardly be expected from it, because all its forces are spent on survival.

To obtain seeds, pollination of flowers is necessary. In the garden, this procedure can be carried out by insects, and indoors it is necessary to pollinate it yourself - with a soft brush. Ripe seeds are dark blue in color. They can be used to grow new plants.

Planting and transplanting myrtle

A transplant of a houseplant myrtle is performed in several cases:

• after the purchase;
• annual transplant for young plants;
• transplantation of adult plants in three to four years.

After acquiring a new plant, it is recommended to transplant into a new soil. In this case, it is necessary to check the condition of the roots and trim them if necessary. The main thing is not to overdo it, so as not to harm the plant. Consider a phased transplant:

• To remove the root system from the pot without damage, it is recommended not to water the soil for several days.
• The next step is to take up the base of the plant and, turning the pot over, remove the lump with the roots.
• You need to take a sharp wooden stick and carefully remove the earth between the roots, holding the plant with the roots down.
• The roots are treated with a Kornevin-type stimulant so that the plant takes root better.
• A new pot must be selected according to the following rule: it must be 2 times smaller in diameter than the crown of the tree. A layer of drainage (expanded clay) is poured at the bottom of the pot. Soil for myrtle can be prepared independently or purchased at flower shops.
• A small layer of soil mixture is poured over the drainage.
• The plant is carefully installed in a pot and covered with soil. It is necessary to control that the neck of the plant is not sprinkled.
• At the last stage, the earth mixture is carefully watered, then the pot is transferred to a shaded place.

The ground mixture is prepared from the following ingredients:

• peat land (30%);
• sod land (30%);
• humus (20%);
• river sand (20%).

Before use, it is desirable to neutralize the earthen substrate from possible pests.

crown formation

The formation of the crown of myrtle is divided into two types: pinching and pruning. Pinching young shoots can be done at any time. This will increase the density of the crown, but the number of flowers on the tree will decrease.

Trimming the shoots allows you to give the plant the desired shape. If you do not carry out the formation of the crown, then the crown will eventually acquire a pyramidal shape. When cutting off the top, the plant turns into a shrub. A very small plant must be given time to strengthen before shaping the crown by cutting.

Circumcision can be done in the spring, but then you are unlikely to wait for flowering this year. It is better to cut the shoots after flowering, in autumn or winter. Usually cut branches to 1/3 of the length.

Bonsai

Myrtle is well suited for growing bonsai. The bends of the trunk and branches are formed using thin rigid wire, stretch marks, and the crown is formed by cutting and removing leaves from the lower part of the branches.

Methods for propagating myrtle at home

Myrtle can be propagated in classical ways: from cuttings or seeds.

How to grow myrtle from cuttings

This procedure is best done in winter or summer. You can use branches obtained by cutting the crown. The cuttings are cut from the lower or middle branches so that their length is about 5-8 centimeters. lower leaflets should be removed, the oblique cut is treated with a stimulant for root growth.

The cutting is planted in a mixture consisting of sand and sphagnum moss. If it is not possible to purchase moss, then coarse sand is mixed with leafy soil. The container with the cuttings is covered with a film, placed in a slightly shaded place at room temperature. Periodically, the film must be removed and the cuttings aired. Germination occurs within about a month. After the appearance of new leaves, which indicates successful rooting, you can plant the cuttings in separate pots. New plants begin to bloom in the third or fourth year.

Reproduction by seeds

Growing myrtle from seeds at home takes more time to get a flowering plant, but lovers of experimentation can try.

In the prepared moistened mixture of peat and sand, the seeds are laid out at a shallow depth, sprinkled with a thin layer and covered with a film or glass.

myrtle seeds sprouted

Important! Seedlings need to be ventilated periodically.

After two weeks, sprouts appear.

After the appearance of two leaves, seedlings are transplanted into individual pots transshipment method. Further transplantation is carried out when the roots fill the pot. Plants from seeds begin to bloom at the age of five.

care mistakes

When growing myrtle, various problems arise, often associated with improper maintenance of the plant.

• The leaves turn black. Usually associated with excessive watering. It is necessary to reduce watering and loosen the soil. You can replace the soil.
• Yellow leaves indicate a lack of moisture in the soil and air.
• Shedding of leaves can mean poor water quality or too hot a place, overdrying of the soil.
• If myrtle leaves fall off after a change of scenery, then this is an indicator of stress or insufficient watering.
• Myrtle leaves dry and curl. This indicates violations in the care, movement or insufficient watering. Sometimes myrtle sheds its leaves in winter when the air is dry. Do not despair, in the spring the plant may put up new leaves.
• The leaves have become sticky. This is a sign of damage to the shield. See next section for treatment options.

Pests

Myrtle becomes vulnerable to pests when conditions are violated. In the table we give a list of the main pests and diseases, measures to combat them.

signs	Cause	Treatment
Dark spots on the leaves, sticky coating.	Shield defeat	Removal of scale insects with a swab moistened soapy water. Then treat with insecticide.
On the myrtle leaves dry and curl		Insecticide treatment.
The appearance of a whitish web on the underside.	spider mite	Washing with soapy or tobacco solution, insecticide treatment.
White coating in the form of fluff on leaves and twigs.		Mechanically remove pests, then treat with Aktara according to the instructions.
They form light spots on the upper side of the sheet and dark spots on the underside.	thrips	Process with Actellik.
Myrtle dries up, develops poorly	root rot	Inspect the root system, remove diseased roots. Repot in new soil.

Although growing myrtle requires almost daily attention, especially in summer, the result will please you not only with the appearance, but also with the creation of a family-friendly atmosphere.

Myrtle wood is an excellent material for beginner bonsai creators. This plant perfectly tolerates pruning and pinching, can grow on the southern, western and eastern windows of city apartments. However, you can get a properly formed, healthy and beautiful tree only with proper care behind him.

Myrtle is a low (about 3 m) tree that grows in Africa and the Mediterranean countries. From several existing species for cultivation at home, ordinary myrtle is most suitable. It is a shrub up to 2 m tall, with dark green leaves and white or pink flowers. After flowering, edible black fruits are formed. In Sardinia and Corsica, these berries are used to make an aromatic liqueur.

Most common myrtle varieties are suitable for indoor growing. The only limitation is the difficulty of acquiring suitable planting material.

If possible, flower growers who want to shape the world of bonsai should pay attention to the following varieties:

1. Macrophylla is a dwarf slow-growing species that grows up to no more than 60 cm. The plant is covered with small leaves and single flowers.
2. Bioethics is a flexible, very slow growing plant. The stem of this species is easy to give a certain shape. It differs from other varieties in large and more delicate leaves.
3. Pumila - easily takes the form of a rounded shrub, lends itself well to curly pruning.

Bonsai formation step by step

The process of forming a bonsai tree is long, but uncomplicated and is great for shaping a plant of different styles:

1. Tökkan is a straight vertical line. The trunk is left straight, the crown tapers upward. The highlight of this style is superficial roots. The effect is achieved by raking the soil from the root processes, exposing them.
2. moyogi - curved vertical. Two or three bends are made from the base. The top is let up.
3. Syakan - imitates a strongly inclined tree. The trunk is bent once, all branches are directed in the direction of the bend, as if the tree was bent by a strong gust of wind.
4. Sokan - a tree is formed into two trunks, growing from two cuttings. Get a common crown by connecting the plants at the top.
5. Kengai - cascading style. The trunk is directed down, placing the pot on a shelf. This style imitates a tree growing on a mountain. Forming such a bonsai is difficult as the plant will try to grow upwards.
6. Yose-ue - style imitates a grove of trees of different heights and directions of branches. To create a composition, 5 plants are planted in one container.

Formative activities are carried out during the growing season. Crown pruning is carried out in the summer: this contributes to the development of kidneys next spring. A sharp pruning of the crown reaches a thickening of the tree trunk.

The direction of growth of the branches is changed by tying with wire:

1. The branch is pressed, giving it the desired position. To create a bend, a wooden stick is substituted under the branch.
2. The wire is first tied around the trunk, then the branch and fixed in this position. Fetters are kept for 2-3 years, until the branch is fixed in the desired direction of growth.
3. The desired shape of the crown is given by pruning. Young branches of the lower level are cut to the second internode. Upper - cut to the first internode.
4. Three times during the growing season, pinch the tops of the branches to limit upward growth and stimulate the formation of side shoots.

Important! A beautiful crown shape is maintained by regular sanitary and thinning pruning. Remove branches that are damaged and slightly dried out, as well as that grow in the wrong direction.

How to grow myrtle at home?

Under natural conditions, myrtle grows in the subtropics with a warm, humid climate, so for its comfortable well-being, it is necessary to create close conditions:

1. plentiful, bright lighting. The plant is able to tolerate exposure to direct sunlight, but in hot periods it needs to be shaded. Myrtle is placed on the southern, western or eastern windows.
2. Moderate temperature. Optimal conditions cultivation - 18-23 degrees of heat in summer, 6-8 - in winter. Keeping in a cold room during the dormant period will ensure flowering in the next season.
3. Humidity should be above 60%. The foliage of the tree is regularly sprayed. Open containers with water or artificial fountains are installed in the room to increase humidity.

Landing and transplant

Myrtle can be purchased at ready-made or grow your own from seeds or cuttings. The purchased plant must be transplanted into another container with soil replacement. But this must be done 7-10 days after the purchase, when the tree adapts to the new conditions.

Myrtle is a slow growing tree and can be in the same pot for more than one year. Regular change of container with a slight increase in diameter is necessary in the first 3 years. Then the plant is transplanted once every 3-4 years.

Transplantation is carried out in the spring, before the plant comes out of dormancy. The landing tank is filled with a loose mixture consisting of the following components:

• soddy soil - 2 hours;
• peat - 1 hour;
• coarse river sand - 1 hour;
• humus - 1 hour

A drainage layer a third of the pot high is laid at the bottom of the planting tank. The world is transplanted by transshipment. If the roots are healthy, do not shake off the old soil from them. The root neck during transplantation is placed above the surface.

Carefully! Myrtle does not tolerate soils with high acidity and an excess of lime.

top dressing

The plant is fertilized from the beginning of spring to the beginning of autumn 1 time in 14 days. The composition of fertilizers depends on the cultivation methods:

• to obtain an evergreen miniature bonsai, nitrogen mixtures are used;
• to grow flowering plant, apply complex top dressing with phosphorus and potassium;
• during the dormant period, feeding is not carried out.

reproduction

You can grow a new specimen of myrtle from seeds or cuttings cut from an adult tree. Seed propagation is a rather complicated procedure, so it is better for beginner flower growers to use the cutting method.

The procedure for rooting cuttings is carried out in last week February or July. The procedure is as follows:

1. On the middle or lower part of the crown of the tree, a semi-lignified branch with a length of at least eight cm is selected.
2. To speed up the germination of the roots, half of the leaves are removed from the cut cutting, the rest are shortened by half.
3. The lower part of the cutting is cut at an angle of 45 degrees and placed in a growth stimulant solution (Kornevin, Heteroauxin) for 10-12 hours.
4. The cutting is planted in a mixture of crushed sphagnum moss and coarse river sand.
5. The container is covered with a transparent cap to create greenhouse conditions and set in a bright place with a temperature of 18-20 degrees.
6. After 25-30 days, roots will appear on the handle. The future tree is transplanted into a container with a diameter of 7-8 cm.

Care rules

Bonsai care consists of creating optimal conditions for the plant:

1. Watering - plentiful in spring and summer, in winter - very rare, especially when keeping the plant cool. A new portion of water during the growing season is added to the soil after the top layer has dried by 2-3 cm.
2. Spraying to maintain moisture. Water is used separated, at room temperature.
3. Top dressing with nitrogen fertilizers.
4. Regular sanitary and shaping pruning.

Important! Myrtle does not like frequent changes of scenery, so the place of cultivation must be determined in advance.

Pest control

Myrtle is threatened with an attack by insects if the rules of care are violated. When kept in a room with insufficient level moisture and improper watering, the following pests settle on the leaves:

1. Shchitovka - brownish spots fill the underside of the leaves. The shell of adult insects is resistant to insecticide treatment, so they are disposed of mechanically. The leaves are wiped with a cotton pad dipped in an alcohol solution.
2. Aphid - settles on young leaves and shoots. You can destroy insects with drugs Aktara, Aktellik, Inta vir.
3. Spider mite. characteristic feature insect - cobwebs on leaves. The plant is washed with soapy water and treated with an insecticide.
4. Mealy worm. Infection with this pest is indicated by white coating, similar to pieces of cotton wool at the base of the leaves. To rid the plant of the pest, the leaves are washed with soapy water, then with clean water.
5. Thrips - form whitish spots on the upper side of the leaf and brownish below. The plant is treated with Actellik, Alatar.

Possible problems

Care errors lead to some problems. The plant reacts by changing its appearance:

1. Blackening of foliage - waterlogging of the soil. It is necessary to make an unscheduled transplant and ration watering.
2. Yellow leaves - overdrying of soil and air. It is necessary to normalize watering, to carry out spraying of foliage.
3. Shedding of leaves - watering with water with lime, hot content, overdrying of the soil.
4. Leaves curl - improper care, movement or insufficient watering.

For your information! Sometimes myrtle sheds leaves due to excessive dryness of the air or with a sudden change of scenery. But in the spring, after proper wintering, the plant can start up new leaves.

It is not easy to grow bonsai from myrtle: you will have to carefully select a place, regularly water and feed the plant, and properly shape the crown trunk. But as a reward for the labors, the florist will receive a real work of art that can become an interior decoration and the envy of guests.

For information on how to grow and care for myrtle, see the video: