We have already talked about it on the pages of our Encyclopedia. Here we will discuss 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 in the dormant stage, without signs of growth, you can painlessly cut off one branch per cutting, and if you really need it, two, no more. And with a vegetating myrtle that continues to grow, you can safely cut off the crown radically. The best time to cut myrtle branches for rooting is spring, end of winter. If you cut branches from a “dormant” myrtle, they must be immediately transferred to conditions suitable for the growing season: warm (20-25°C), air humidity not lower than 50% and light (additional lighting if necessary) - 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 branch still has a green stem, it will simply wither. You need to tear off the lower leaves of the cut cuttings and place them in water or damp vermiculite for rooting.

As you can see, in the first option there is one stalk in the cup, it is supported by a circle cut to the diameter of a polyethylene foam cup and cut to the center. Not only does it support the cutting, but it also prevents the water from evaporating too quickly. You can cut 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 what is the best way to root? The fact is that if you got one single cutting, you should do as shown in the first photo. Moreover, the water must be very clean and boiled. Watch carefully the first two days - if the water remains clear, everything is fine, you just have to wait until the roots appear. If the water becomes cloudy, replace it with fresh water and add the secret ingredient to it. There is such a drug in the pharmacy as Polyphepan - this is an adsorbent (black powder similar to dry soil) that will not allow water to spoil, prevents the development of bacteria, but does not interfere with the rooting of cuttings. You need to add half a teaspoon to half a glass of water.

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

In the photo you can see strong roots and the beginning of the growing season of a rooted myrtle cutting, but it must be planted carefully to minimize damage to the delicate root processes. Therefore, Yuri Alexandrovich ties the stalk to a peg. A peg stuck into the ground reliably holds the cutting without deepening the root collar.

If the roots of myrtles are strong, they take root immediately, and in high humidity conditions they grow very quickly. Thickened plantings in a common container require good ventilation of the room and timely planting in separate pots. It is perhaps more correct to immediately plant myrtle cuttings in separate containers, depending on the desired shape of the adult plant. If you plan to grow a dense bush, you can plant 2-4 cuttings together; if you plan to grow myrtle in a trunk or as a potensai, then each cutting has a separate pot. The option of merging trunks is also possible; 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, it is possible, if the root system is well developed, has many lateral roots of the upper part, then you can painlessly trim the elongated roots. After cutting the roots, they need to be sprinkled with crushed activated carbon tablets or ground cinnamon.

Dimensions of a pot for replanting myrtle

How you choose the right pot for planting a cutting depends on its health, growth rate and appearance. Many people tend to take pots with a large supply, but if the pot is large, after watering the soil will dry out for a very long time, as a result, a salt effusion will form on the surface - a whitish or red coating of calcium and magnesium salts. In this case, the acidity of the soil 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 planted in clean peat, on the contrary, the root system of the plant can become very dry.

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

Myrtle grew in a glass (200 g) for about two years. The thickness of the trunk at the root collar reached 6 mm. The earthen lump is almost completely taken over by the roots. If the roots of your cutting have grown only in the lower part, formed a “beard”, or crawled out of the drainage holes, and upper part the pot has not been mastered by the roots, it makes sense when replanting to cut off those roots that stick out from the holes in the pot, or those that have curled in a spiral at the bottom, displacing all the soil. After this, you need to transplant the young myrtle back into the old pot. It can be replanted into a new one only when the roots fill the entire space of the pot.

Formation of myrtle

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

The myrtle tree blooming with pink buds (on the right in the photo, Pavel Karpenkov) is so beautiful not because it is extremely unpretentious, but because it is grown in ideal conditions for it: it stands in an area where the illumination is close to solar, humidity is under 90% and the temperature is 24 °C. Watered once every 2-3 days (does not dry out or flood). Planted in soil made from a mixture of akadama and sand and some soil for seedlings. Drainage is high - myrtles do not like waterlogged roots. Be sure to spray it every day.

Important: when wintering in cool and, even more so, cold conditions, spraying is not required, and watering is scanty.

Using wire, you can pull the branches in the desired direction; they are quite flexible even in mature age. But old branches covered with brown bark can be bent gradually, smoothly, over several months.

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

From personal experience, Borya: My myrtle grows on a north-west 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 secure them with wire. Then, along the entire length of the branch, new shoots begin to appear from the dormant buds (before that they were in the shade), and the entire branch becomes densely leafy.

The size of the pot should correspond to the size of the root system and increase as the earthen ball becomes entwined. It all depends on how many myrtle roots there are. In my opinion, it is better to take a cramped container than a spacious one, since in the second case, part of the soil may 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 1:1 ratio. Of the purchased ones, in my opinion, you can use the “Cactus” mixture, as it is the most porous and suitable for most plants.

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

From personal experience, Borya: You need to choose the largest, central, and, most importantly, branch of the bush that appeals to you and cut off all the rest. This can be done conveniently using small nail scissors. On it you need to remove leaves and side shoots from below to the height of the intended trunk. This will result in an even trunk that will slowly grow thicker.

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

As a result, shoots begin to grow on the upper leafy part. Those shoots that appear not on the “crown”, but on the stem, must be removed (otherwise you will again end up with a bush). Once 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 supports. The peg should be located, in relation to the plant, on the side of the room or to the side so as not to shade it.

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 no talk of transplanting it into a bonsai plant. And all the plant material with which the formation work is carried out is called potensai.

An example of such work from Yuri Aleksandrovich Markin:

Bonsai style Sokan

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

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

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

Next, I begin to apply a ligature to the trunk and place the wire on the bent branch. Then, I begin to slowly bend the branch along with the wire wrapped in two turns. You can place a screwdriver under the branch and create a stop at the bend. After bending the branch by more than 90°, I rewind the ligature, fixing the branch in the desired position.

It is also possible to perform a directional bend, i.e. break the branch and wrap it 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 sense of the material are required).

You can apply another method to thick branches. Make a half-moon cut under the branch, at 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 clarifying the position of the branch in the final form); if not enough, then another thin fragment is removed from both sides (such as slices).

Next according to the scheme is wrapping with raffia and applying a ligature. If it is difficult to bend 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 folded wires of an even smaller cross-section - example - photo above (lower left corner), a coil of wire in the photo with myrtle. This wire can be used both for ligatures and for stretch marks.

Bonsai style Ikadabuki

Another example of work on the formation of myrtle bonsai in the Ikadabuki style from Gennady Boronin (). The author also modestly calls this only an attempt at formation: “he has been trying to become a bonsai for 2 years.” 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 that 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. For example, cloves are a product obtained from one of the myrtle species.

During the cold season, for prevention, they use essential oils, spreading their scent throughout the room or simply placing the plant on the windowsill, for example, in a children's room. Research has also shown that myrtle can reduce allergic reactions in children.

Myrtaceae also include plants that are valuable in their characteristics, such as tea tree, eucalyptus and clove tree.

Types 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 with a faint pink tint) with protruding stamens. Blooms in the summer season. The fruits are black berries with a reddish tint.

There are many varieties of this myrtle species:

• - a compact shrub that has many fruits, smaller in size than the mother’s.

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

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

• Myrtle "La Clape" – has purple berries.

• Among them there is also a dwarf form - myrtle "Microphylla" .

This is a miniature copy of a tree, a very popular plant, of great value among gardeners; 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 during the growth process, and thanks to periodic pruning of the shoots, the crown shape can be formed as desired.

- occurs both in the form of a bush and in the form of a tree with brown peeling bark. Leaves are matte, dark green, white flowers 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 edge.

Myrtle 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, and as it grows, interesting shapes are formed. The flowers are white and large, and the berries are oblong and black.

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

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

Myrtle care at home

Myrtle is a plant that needs to create a climate with high humidity, so spraying prerequisite for healthy and lush growth. Never forget about watering, but also do not overwater, 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 the window is always open for ventilation. With the air flow, beneficial phytoncides will spread throughout the apartment, destroying pathogenic microbes.

The temperature must be controlled within 18-24°C. IN summer time year, it is advisable to place the myrtle on the street or balcony and shade it a little so that the rays of the 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 the crown a different desired shape, creating various compositions. Pruning and replanting are carried out in spring time years, no more than once every two years.

Transplanting myrtle

When replanting, use the transshipment method, choosing a pot slightly larger than the previous one. Simple soil with good drainage is suitable for myrtle. The substrate is prepared from equal parts turf land, peat and sand.

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

Myrtle care in winter

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

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

Propagation of myrtle by cuttings

If main task When propagation is necessary - preservation of maternal (varietal) characteristics, then cuttings are considered the ideal method of propagation.

Cuttings are taken 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 peat and one part 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, as needed. The glass can be turned over or wiped to remove excess condensation.

In 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 rotting of the roots and damage by putrefactive bacteria and fungal infections are inevitable, and this is already serious. Dealing with such problems is not easy and most often the death of the plant is observed.

• If the leaves become dull, turn yellow, and the edges curl , then this indicates an excess of lighting.
• If the stems become too elongated and the leaves become too small - This is a clear sign of lack of lighting.
• Myrtle doesn't bloom – if pruning is carried out too often or if too much is trimmed at one time, and also if the room is poorly ventilated.
• Leaves dry up and fall off – 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 operating in the room). The plant needs a cooler room and a little moisture (just a little!). Also, leaves can wither when water stagnates in the pan or from sunburn(direct sunlight).

The evergreen shrub called myrtle is known to almost everyone. There are many legends about this plant; it is mentioned in the legend about 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 more than once 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 every corner of the planet, if necessary creating for it favorable conditions for development.

Homeland exotic plant considered the Mediterranean and Middle East. In nature, myrtle reaches three meters in height and adorns parks and gardens in warm regions. And in countries with a temperate climate, myrtle cannot grow outside, so it is grown at home.

Description of myrtle and its features

Description

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

Grown at home common myrtle, which decorates the interior like a decorative 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 located on long stalks. Blue-black berries with a pleasant smell appear closer to autumn. Myrtle can be propagated by cuttings or seeds found 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 indoors. They have a beneficial effect on a person’s mood and performance. Myrtle bushes are even purchased to prevent colds and to reduce allergic reactions.

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

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

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

Necessary conditions for growing ordinary myrtle at home and caring for it

Common myrtle 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 the plant on the windowsill of an eastern, western or southern window. Insolation will not harm the bush; Myrtle needs sunlight. But for indoor myrtle, 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 frequently ventilated room will be favorable for him.

Indoor small-leaved shrub needs high humidity , which is distinguished by its homeland with a subtropical climate. In warm seasons, the tree needs abundant watering, but with mandatory draining from the pan excess moisture so that the root system does not rot. Spray the leaves should be 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. The water needs to be settled or filtered so that there is no lime in the soil, which can destroy the plant.

From the beginning of spring to the end of summer, fertilize indoor myrtle 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 bush slows down. The degree of watering of the plant is reduced (only once a week) so that at low temperatures the bush does not become hypothermic. Feeding the plant also stops. Optimal temperature V winter period for him it will be +5–10 degrees. Glazed balcony without heating will be great place for wintering myrtle.

Indoors with more high temperature and in 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 the myrtle wilting and dropping its leaves. For recovery indoor plant should improve care measures behind it, otherwise it will not bloom by summer.

Pruning myrtle

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

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

Pinching and pruning shoots should be done with additional fertilizing without chlorine in the composition. It is not recommended to get carried away with frequent pruning of myrtle: pruning can aggravate the formation of flower buds.

Transplanting myrtle

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

The tree is replanted using the transshipment method so that the root system is not injured. To do this, you need to carefully transplant it, 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 is propagated at home in two ways:

• cuttings;
• seeds.

Plant propagation by cuttings

A pot for rooting is selected low and wide. Soil mixture You can buy ready-made or prepare it yourself. To do this, take leaf 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 deleted. To process the cut, use “Kornevin” or “Heteroauxin”. The cuttings are planted in the ground and covered with a bag or glass, which must be lifted from time to time to allow the plants to breathe.

Rooting occurs within 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 occurs very slowly. 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, you can apply a fungicide. Seeds are distributed on the surface of the substrate and covered thin layer land. Having made greenhouses using glass or a bag, the pot is placed in a room with a temperature +18–21 degrees. Ventilation is carried out regularly, while maintaining the required level of humidity.

Seeds germinate in 1–2 weeks. Sprouts are planted in pots when they have two leaves of sufficient size. The soil is made from turf or peat soil with sand. Seedlings are transplanted using the transshipment method.

Fertilizer feeding begins one month after transplant plants in separate containers.

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

Why does myrtle dry out?

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

Myrtle diseases

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

• Excess moisture. If the water is not drained from the pan, the root system begins to rot, 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 a timely manner.
• Insect pests. Aphids, scale insects and spider mites suck the juices out of the plant and damage all its parts. Leaves curl or appear 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, the treatment is done twice.

Proper care of 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, delighting with fragrant flowers. This is myrtle, grown since ancient times. The plant got its name from the aroma of flowers. "Myrtle" translated from Greek means "incense." In this article we will talk about caring for myrtle at home.

According to legend, myrtle grows in gardens of paradise. Adam managed to carry away the twig tree of paradise, when he was expelled for his sins, as a memory of life in paradise. The twig took root in the warm and humid climate of the Mediterranean, spreading throughout the world. Greek legends claim that the goddess Aphrodite wore a wreath of myrtle branches. For its delicate fragrant flowers, the plant has become a symbol of love and fidelity. Until now, in some countries, flowers or a sprig of myrtle are added to the bride’s bouquet, symbolizing fidelity in marriage.

Under natural conditions, the flower grows in Mediterranean countries with a subtropical climate. It is an evergreen shrub or tree that grows up to two to three meters. There are many varieties found in nature, 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 become pointed at the ends. White and pink flowers grow in groups in racemes or singly. There are types of myrtle with simple or double flowers, with different amounts petals. After flowering, fruits appear on the plant - berries of the drupe type.

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

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

Types and varieties of myrtle with photos

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

marsh myrtle

marsh myrtle is one of the most resistant to low temperatures. It grows no higher than one meter and has the shape of a bush with straight branches. It differs in that it can withstand the snowy winters of Russia. The leaves fall off in 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 variegata characterized by bright, variegated leaves with amber-colored dots and stripes along the edges. Snow-white flowers with beige shade and golden stamens have an exquisite aroma. In addition, the plant purifies the air, reducing the carbon dioxide content. To obtain beautiful leaf color, it is necessary to provide bright light for the plant. Grown in room conditions in loose soil, using fertilizers.

Myrtle Hymenaeum (Bride's Happiness)

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 bride’s happiness”; its flowering twig is used in wedding bouquets. Flowers and fruits have a strong aroma.

Myrtle macrofolia

Myrtle macrofolia is also a variety common myrtle. It has large leaves up to five centimeters long and grows up to four meters. Like other types of myrtle, it has a healing effect and kills bacteria. Used to treat gastrointestinal diseases and sinusitis.

Myrtle of Tarentina

Differs in dwarf size Tarentine myrtle. Its elongated leaves do not exceed one and a half centimeters. It is characterized by abundant flowering, miniature flowers are collected in groups. Different rapid growth, but in an apartment it does not grow above one meter. Develops well if basic care requirements are met:

• regular watering;
• spraying;
• sufficient amount of sunlight.

Myrt Komunnis

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

Lemon myrtle

Lemon myrtle got its name from its lemon aroma. Habitat: Australian tropics. Used to obtain essential oil, make seasonings and spices.

Common myrtle

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 having oval leaves and fragrant, small flowers. This type of plant is ideal for growing bonsai.

Keeping at home

A native of the subtropics prefers summer temperatures ranging from 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 things sunlight, it is still advisable 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 also grow on window sills located on the east or west side.

If it is not possible to take myrtle out to the balcony or garden, then it is better to place it near an open window in the summer. It is one of the few plants that are not afraid of drafts, but love fresh air. Therefore, the room where the pot with the plant is located needs to be ventilated frequently.

For the winter, it is advisable to provide the plant with 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 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 into the cellar. Some gardeners provide the plant with a cold winter in this way.

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

Caring for myrtle at home

A native of the subtropics needs a lot of light and abundant watering. But at the same time, you should not allow water to stagnate in the pot, otherwise you will not be able to avoid rotting of the roots. During the winter dormant period, watering is reduced, especially if wintering occurs in cool conditions. For irrigation, settled water at room temperature is used. In summer, in addition to spraying, myrtle likes to take water procedures in the shower.

Top dressing

From spring to autumn, myrtle needs regular feeding. mineral fertilizers. The choice depends on how you want the plant to look. 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. Must be used weekly throughout the summer. In winter, the number of feedings is reduced to one every month and a half.

Bloom

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

We list the possible reasons:

• Too sudden change in lighting. If you need to move myrtle from a place with low light to bright light, then this should be done gradually.
• Lack of fresh air.
• Lack of moisture and spraying.
• If the crown was pruned in the spring, the growth of branches will increase. But the plant will not bloom this year. For the myrtle to bloom on next year, crown formation should be carried out in the summer, after flowering has ended, 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 affected by pests or diseases, then one should hardly expect it to bloom, because all its energy goes into survival.

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

Planting and replanting myrtle

A myrtle houseplant is replanted in several cases:

• after purchase;
• annual replanting for young plants;
• replanting adult plants after three to four years.

After purchasing a new plant, it is recommended to replant it in 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. Let's look at the step-by-step process of transplantation:

• 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 grab the base of the plant and, turning the pot over, remove the root ball.
• You need to take a sharp wooden stick and carefully remove the soil between the roots, holding the plant with its roots down.
• The roots are treated with a stimulator such as “Kornevin” so that the plant takes root better.
• A new pot must be selected according to the following rule: it should be 2 times smaller in diameter than the crown of the tree. A layer of drainage (expanded clay) is poured onto the bottom of the pot. You can prepare soil for myrtle yourself or purchase it at flower shops.
• A small layer of soil mixture is poured over the drainage.
• The plant is carefully placed in the pot and covered with soil. It is necessary to ensure that the neck of the plant is not covered with dust.
• At the last stage, the earthen mixture is thoroughly watered, then the pot is transferred to a shaded place.

The earthen mixture is prepared from the following ingredients:

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

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

Crown formation

The formation of the myrtle crown 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 the crown is not formed, the crown will eventually acquire a pyramidal shape. When the top is cut off, the plant turns into a shrub. A very small plant must be given time to strengthen before forming a crown by pruning.

Pruning can be done in the spring, but then you are unlikely to see flowering this year. It is better to prune shoots after flowering, in autumn or winter. Typically, branches are cut to 1/3 of their length.

Bonsai

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

Ways to propagate myrtle at home

Myrtle can be propagated using classic methods: from cuttings or seeds.

How to grow myrtle from cuttings

This procedure is best done in winter or summer. You can use twigs obtained by trimming the crown. Cuttings are cut from the lower or middle branches so that their length is about 5-8 centimeters. Lower leaves should be removed, the oblique cut is treated with a stimulator for root growth.

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

Propagation by seeds

Growing myrtle from seeds at home requires more time to obtain a flowering plant, but those who like to experiment can give it a try.

Seeds are placed in a prepared moistened mixture of peat and sand at a shallow depth, sprinkled with a thin layer and covered with film or glass.

Myrtle seeds have sprouted

Important! It is necessary to ventilate the seedlings periodically.

After two weeks, sprouts appear.

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

Care errors

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

• The leaves turn black. Usually associated with overwatering. It is necessary to reduce watering and loosen the soil. The soil can be replaced.
• Yellow leaves indicate a lack of moisture in the soil and air.
• Shedding leaves may mean poor water quality or too hot a place, drying out the soil.
• If myrtle leaves fall off after a change of environment, then this is an indicator of stress or insufficient watering.
• Myrtle leaves dry out and curl. This indicates disturbances in care, movement or insufficient watering. Sometimes myrtle sheds its leaves in winter when the air is extremely dry. Don't despair, the plant may sprout new leaves in the spring.
• The leaves have become sticky. This is a sign of a scale insect attack. See the next section for treatment measures.

Pests

Myrtle becomes vulnerable to pests if conditions are violated. The table provides a list of the main pests and diseases and measures to combat them.

Signs	Cause	Treatment
Dark spots on leaves, sticky coating.	Defeat by scale insects	Removing scale insects with a swab moistened soap solution. Then treat with an insecticide.
Myrtle leaves dry and curl		Insecticide treatment.
The appearance of a whitish web on the underside.	Spider mite	Washing with soap or tobacco solution, treating with insecticide.
White fluff-like coating on leaves and twigs.		Remove pests mechanically, then treat with Aktara according to the instructions.
They form light spots on the upper side of the leaf and dark spots on the bottom.	Thrips	Treat with Actellik.
Myrtle dries out and develops poorly	Root rot	Inspect the root system, remove diseased roots. Replant into new soil.

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

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

Myrtle is a low (about 3 m) tree that grows in Africa and the Mediterranean countries. From several existing species Common myrtle is most suitable for cultivation at home. It is a shrub maximum 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 varieties of common myrtle are suitable for indoor growing. The only limitation is the difficulty of acquiring suitable planting material.

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

1. Macrophylla is a dwarf, slow-growing species, growing to no more than 60 cm. The plant is covered with small leaves and single flowers.
2. Bioethics is a flexible, very slowly growing plant. The stem of this species can easily be given a certain shape. It differs from other varieties in its 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 excellent for forming plants of different styles:

1. Tekkan - straight vertical. The trunk is left straight, the crown tapers upward. The highlight of this style is shallow roots. The effect is achieved by raking the soil away from the root shoots, exposing them.
2. moyogi – curved vertical. Make two or three bends from the base. The top are allowed to rise.
3. Syakan – imitates a strongly inclined tree. The trunk is bent once, all branches are directed towards the bend, as if the tree was bent by a strong gust of wind.
4. Sokan - a tree is formed into two trunks, grown from two cuttings. A common crown is obtained by connecting the plants at the top.
5. Kengai - cascading style. The barrel is directed downwards, placing the pot on the shelf. This style imitates a tree growing on a mountain. It is difficult to form such a bonsai because the plant will try to grow upward.
6. Yose-ue - the 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 summer: this promotes bud development next spring. By sharply pruning the crown, thickening of the tree trunk is achieved.

The direction of growth of branches is changed by ligating with wire:

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

Important! The beautiful shape of the crown is maintained by regular sanitary and thinning pruning. Remove branches that are damaged and slightly dry, as well as those that are growing 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 similar conditions:

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

Planting and transplanting

Myrtle can be purchased at finished form or grow it yourself from seeds or cuttings. The purchased plant must be transplanted into another container and the soil replaced. But this needs to be done 7-10 days after purchase, when the tree adapts to new conditions.

Myrtle is a slow growing tree and can be kept 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 replanted once every 3-4 years.

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

• turf soil – 2 hours;
• peat – 1 hour;
• coarse river sand – 1 hour;
• humus – 1 hour.

A drainage layer one-third of the pot’s height is placed at the bottom of the planting container. The world is being replanted using the transshipment method. If the roots are healthy, do not shake off the old soil. When transplanting, the root collar is placed above the surface.

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

Top dressing

The plant is fertilized from the beginning of spring to the beginning of autumn once every 14 days. The composition of fertilizers depends on growing methods:

• to obtain evergreen miniature bonsai, nitrogen mixtures are used;
• to grow flowering plant, use complex fertilizing with phosphorus and potassium;
• During the dormant period, fertilizing 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 novice gardeners 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. In the middle or lower part of the tree’s crown, select a semi-lignified branch at least eight cm long.
2. To speed up the germination of roots, half the leaves are removed from the cut cuttings, 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 solution of a growth stimulator (Kornevin, Heteroauxin) for 10-12 hours.
4. The cuttings are 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 placed in a bright place with a temperature of 18-20 degrees.
6. After 25-30 days, roots will appear on the cuttings. The future tree is transplanted into a container with a diameter of 7-8 cm.

Rules of care

Bonsai care consists of creating optimal conditions for the plant:

1. Watering is abundant in spring and summer, very rare in winter, especially when keeping the plant cool. During the growing season, a new portion of water is added to the soil after the top layer has dried by 2-3 cm.
2. Spraying to maintain humidity. Use settled water at room temperature.
3. Fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizers.
4. Regular sanitary and formative pruning.

Important! Myrtle does not like frequent changes of environment, so the growing location must be determined in advance.

Pest Control

Myrtle is at risk of attack by insects if care rules are violated. When kept indoors with insufficient level moisture and improper watering, the following pests settle on the leaves:

1. Scale - brownish spots fill the underside of the leaves. The shell of adult insects is resistant to treatment with insecticides, so they are removed mechanically. The leaves are wiped with a cotton pad soaked in an alcohol solution.
2. Aphids - settle on young leaves and shoots. Insects can be destroyed using the drugs Actara, Actellik, Intavir.
3. Spider mite. Characteristic sign insect - cobwebs on leaves. The plant is washed with soapy water and treated with an insecticide.
4. Mealyworm. Infection with this pest is indicated by white coating, similar to pieces of cotton wool at the bases of leaves. To rid the plant of the pest, the leaves are washed with soapy water and then with clean water.
5. Thrips - form whitish spots on the upper side of the leaf and brownish underneath. The plant is treated with Actellik and 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 carry out an unscheduled transplant and ration watering.
2. Yellow leaves - overdrying of soil and air. It is necessary to normalize watering and spray foliage.
3. Shedding of leaves - watering with water and lime, keeping it hot, drying out the soil.
4. Leaves curl - improper care, movement or insufficient watering.

For your information! Sometimes myrtle sheds its leaves due to excessive dry air or a sudden change in environment. But in the spring, after proper wintering, the plant can sprout new leaves.

Growing a bonsai from myrtle is not easy: you will have to carefully select the location, regularly water and feed the plant, and correctly form the trunk and crown. But as a reward for his efforts, the florist will receive a real work of art that can become an interior decoration and the envy of guests.

To learn how to grow and care for myrtle, watch the video: