Myrtle variegated care. Myrtle: beneficial properties and harm, use and cultivation at home

Myrtle is an evergreen plant 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 an 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 ) is an evergreen shrub that 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 a must 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 the summer, 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 the spring season, no 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 of sod land, peat and sand.

It will be useful 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. A 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 the main task during reproduction is 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 soil mixture (3-4 cm thick), moistened and covered with glass. The temperature regime is controlled in the region of 20 ° С.

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).

Myrtle is an evergreen plant known to mankind for many millennia. He was given special importance in ancient times and was considered a companion of the gods. The myrtle tree is a valuable source of essential oil. The name of this plant in other languages ​​sounds like this:

• German– Braut-Myrte, Gemeine Myrte, Korsischer Pfeffer;
• English- myrtle, Greek myrtle;
• French- myrte, vrai myrte.

Appearance

Myrtle is a low shrub (the maximum height of some subspecies is 5 meters). The leaves are dark green, rounded, pointed at the end. The inflorescences are white, round and fluffy. The fruits are blue-black berries with a diameter of about 1 cm.

Kinds

There are two types of myrtle tree:

• ordinary - differs in small foliage and beige or slightly reddish inflorescences;
• Saharan - is an endangered species, grows in the highlands of southern Algeria and the Republic of Chad.

Where does it grow?

The homeland of the myrtle ordinary is the Mediterranean. Today it is especially common in North Africa and the Middle East, as well as in Europe. In Russia, a small number of myrtle trees grow in the Crimea.

blank

Myrtle tree leaves are best suited for making spices at the age of 3 or 4 years. Collection is carried out from mid to late autumn. The collected foliage is dried in a dry, well-ventilated area. When the leaves are dry, they should be laid out in canvas bags and stored in a cool, dark place.

Characteristics

• dark green color;
• bitter-spicy taste;
• rich herbal, slightly bitter aroma.

Chemical composition

• essential oil
• camphor
• aldehydes
• proteins
• tannins
• resin
• polyphenols
• flavonoids
• saponins
• mirtilin
• pinene
• limonene
• cineole
• linalool
• terpineol
• myrtenol

Beneficial features

• is a natural antiseptic;
• tones;
• has a diuretic effect;
• has antifungal properties;
• relieves pain;
• helps to normalize the work of the digestive tract;
• strengthens the immune system;
• is a good expectorant;
• has an astringent effect;
• beneficial effect on the nervous system.

Harm

• It is believed that if you put a pot of myrtle tree in the bedroom, you will experience a severe headache in the morning.
• Taking infusions and decoctions based on myrtle at bedtime, especially in large quantities, can lead to sleep disturbances.

Contraindications

• pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• individual intolerance;
• elderly age.

Oil

The essential oil is obtained from the young shoots and foliage of the myrtle tree by steam distillation. Myrtle oil has a pleasant, complex aroma, so it is widely used in the manufacture of cosmetics and perfumes. It also has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect and is used to treat diseases of the respiratory and genitourinary systems. In addition, regular use of myrtle essential oil significantly improves the condition of the skin and hair structure.

Application

In cooking

• in Italy, a liqueur called "myrto" is made from the fruits of the myrtle tree;
• in France, jam is made from the berries of the world;
• dried fruits of myrtle are used in the production of certain types of sausages;
• myrtle leaves are added to pickles and marinades;
• grilled meat and fish, using the bark and branches of the myrtle tree, acquire a unique aroma;
• Myrtle gives bitterness to dishes, so it should be added to food in very small quantities.

Braised fish

Cut the carcass of any lean fish into pieces of the desired size. Cut 2 carrots into slices, 1 onion into large rings. Put the fish and vegetables in a thick-walled pot or in a cauldron, add a few leaves of the myrtle tree, salt and pepper to taste. Pour half a glass of water and simmer until tender.

Prepare 1 kg of chicken fillet, cut into medium-sized cubes. Chop an onion, 2 carrots, a small zucchini, cauliflower, tomato and bell pepper. Take a deep pan or brazier and lay out the products in layers; onion, poultry, carrot, zucchini, pepper, tomato, cabbage. Lay out one leaf of myrtle tree on each layer. Add some water and simmer until done.

In medicine

Medicines prepared on the basis of myrtle are used for the treatment and prevention of the following diseases:

• herpetic infection;
• inflammation of the female reproductive system;
• pyelonephritis;
• cystitis;
• prostatitis;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• getting sick of the ENT organs;
• flu;
• asthma;
• bronchitis.

Folk recipes

• With a cold You can strengthen the immune system and cope with the disease faster if you chew a few leaves of the myrtle tree every time after eating.
• With purulent inflammation on the skin, Lotions with a decoction of myrtle will help. Pour 10 grams of dried leaves with a liter of cold water and boil for 10 minutes. Moisten a piece of sterile bandage in a decoction and apply to the affected area for several minutes. The procedure should be repeated 2 or times a day.
• With bronchitis, prepare a mixture of medicinal herbs: 10 grams of primrose roots, 15 grams of lemon balm, 20 grams of myrtle, 20 grams of eucalyptus. Pour 1 tbsp. mixture with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for 20 minutes. Take one glass 3 times a day.
• With kidney infection an infusion should be prepared from the dried leaves of the myrtle tree. To do this, pour 10 grams of leaves with a liter of hot water and leave for 10-15 minutes. Drink one glass 2 times a day.

In cosmetology

In cosmetology, mainly the essential oil of the myrtle tree is used. It is characterized by the following useful properties:

• nourishes and moisturizes the skin;
• evens skin color and gives it a healthy look;
• restores local immunity of the skin;
• relieves inflammation;
• is a good remedy for acne and acne;
• strengthens hair follicles;
• improves hair structure.

cultivation

A myrtle tree can also be a houseplant. Keeping it at home is not at all difficult, but there are several important points to consider:

• Fresh air is very important for the myrtle tree, so the most suitable place for it is on the windowsill (it is best to choose the west or east side), and in the summer - on the open balcony or in the garden.
• A few hours a day, the plant must be in direct sunlight.
• During the winter months, myrtle needs plenty of sunlight.
• It is necessary to move the pot with a myrtle tree to a new place gradually, moving it 10-20 cm every day.
• The most optimal temperature for myrtle is room temperature. Coolness is preferable to him than heat. In winter, if possible, you should put the plant in a cold place where the temperature does not exceed +8 degrees. Otherwise, the myrtle may shed its leaves.
• At any time of the year, the earth in a pot should be constantly wet. Watering requires warm, soft water.
• In the summer months, the plant should be sprayed every day, and in winter spraying is not required.
• In spring, summer and autumn, the myrtle tree should be fed weekly with the selected fertilizer.
• The desired shape of the myrtle tree can be given by cutting off the branches from different sides. If you want your myrtle to grow into a low bush, cut it off from the top, and if you prefer a miniature tree, then you need to cut off the side branches.

reproduction

Myrtle can be propagated by cuttings and seeds. Propagation by cuttings is preferable, as in this case the plant will bloom faster. The most favorable time for cuttings is winter and summer (the procedure should not be repeated more than twice a year). Cuttings are taken from the bottom or from the middle of the trunk. The maximum length of the cutting is 8 cm. The leaves are cut or shortened. Then the cuttings are rooted in a shallow container filled with sand and moss, and covered with a special cap. Periodically, young plants are watered and ventilated. The temperature in the room is maintained no higher than +20 degrees. A month later, the cuttings are planted in separate small pots.

Varieties

At home, you can grow several varieties of ordinary myrtle, including:

• Alhambra
• Flore Pleno
• Variegata
• La Clape
• Microfill
• Tarentina.

• In ancient Greece, myrtle was considered a plant of the goddess of love and beauty - Aphrodite, who sometimes called herself Myrthea.
• According to ancient Greek myth, the myrtle tree grew from the body of the nymph Myrsina, who was killed by Athena out of envy.
• The Bible says that the dove sent by Noah during the flood in search of land returned to the ark, carrying a sprig of myrtle tree in its beak.
• In France, myrtle is a symbol of innocence and a wedding tree. According to tradition, a pot of myrtle tree should accompany the newlyweds throughout the celebration.

Myrtle is associated with the gentle southern sun and ancient Greek legends. The name of this shrub really has Greek roots and is derived from the word "incense". According to ancient myths, this fragrant tree is the embodiment of the nymph Mirsina, and the goddess Aphrodite herself wore a myrtle wreath.

In many cultural traditions, myrtle has become the personification of moral purity and sublimity. In biblical traditions, it is also mentioned as a noble plant. According to Arabic legend, Adam took a myrtle twig from the Garden of Eden.

During the Renaissance, fragrant myrtle became a symbol of love and fidelity. Until now, in some countries it is given to the bride on the wedding day as a sign of the wish for a successful marriage and family well-being.

Description

At home in the Mediterranean countries, this evergreen shrub from the myrtle family grows in a subtropical climate. Its small, shiny, elongated leaves and white or pinkish flowers contain essential oils that have numerous healing properties. Myrtle fruits are dark blue drupe berries or nuts.

Myrtle essential oils are used in folk medicine

Myrtle is very beautiful, so recently more and more people want to grow it at home as a houseplant. It is able to decorate any interior, fit into almost any style of the room.

In addition, the phytoncides contained in its essential oils purify the air from viruses and bacteria. They create a special microclimate in the room, helping to avoid colds, as well as increase efficiency and stress resistance. In addition, the medicinal properties of myrtle can reduce allergic reactions in children.

Due to its antibacterial effect, an infusion of leaves and flowers of myrtle has long been used as a cosmetic product that makes the skin clean and healthy. Essential oils are used in folk medicine, cosmetology, and cooking.

Dried leaves and fruits of the myrtle tree are added to food as a spice.. By the way, a spice common in our area, cloves, is also obtained from a plant of the myrtle family.

Varieties, types and photos of plants

There are many varieties and types of myrtle, which differ from each other in the color and shape of the leaves, the color of the fruit and the height of the tree. Among the most interesting and modern varieties are such as Flore Pleno with double flowers, Tarentina Variegata and Variegata with unusual variegated foliage, tiny Microfilla Tarentina, luxurious La Clape and La Clape Blanc, respectively, with purple and white berries.

Of course, despite all this diversity, the most famous and popular species remains the common myrtle, which will be discussed later.

Features of care

Place myrtle in well-lit windows

Caring for myrtle at home is quite simple, but it requires compliance with some rules.

We must not forget that myrtle comes from the subtropics, which means that it needs high humidity. Daily spraying will help to ensure it.

Water and spray the plant with soft settled water. Myrtle does not require special water softening, but the presence of lime in the soil can be detrimental to it.

It is desirable that the soil in its composition be as close as possible to that in which myrtle grows under natural conditions. The proportions of the substrate are approximately as follows: turf - 30%, peat soil - 30%, sand (river or sifted) - 20%, humus - 20%. You can also use ready-made soil mixtures or greenhouse soil.

Myrtle does not tolerate even a short-term drying of the soil, it begins to turn yellow and fade. If the soil is still dry, you need to immerse the flower pot in water. On the other hand, stagnation of water in the pan should not be allowed.

The green friend should be fed with complex fertilizers for flowering houseplants.

This graceful tree loves fresh air and is not afraid of drafts, which allows it to be placed even in constantly ventilated rooms, in particular, on the windowsill in the kitchen. Under these conditions, myrtle will release phytoncides even more actively, helping to improve the atmosphere in the room.

The best place for myrtle in the apartment is the most illuminated southern windows. It can grow in another part of the house, but bloom - only here.

There are some features of caring for this plant in winter and summer.

Care in the warm season

Prune myrtle in spring

From spring to autumn, myrtle requires a moderate temperature regime, i.e. in the room where it is located, it should be +22 - 24 ºC. It is better to put the plant in a well-lit place, while providing it with shade from the heat (for this you can use a curtain or screen).

If possible, with the onset of heat, the tree should be moved to fresh air, for example, to a balcony or veranda. When myrtle is in the apartment, the room should be periodically ventilated.

Water the myrtle should be regular, but not plentiful, feed - about once a week.

Pruning and transplanting myrtle are carried out in the spring. The plant is transplanted no more than once every two years.

Winter Care

Winter for myrtle is a dormant period

Winter for this southern inhabitant is a period of rest. Watering should be limited without overdrying the soil. It is enough to water your sleeping pet once a week. Spraying during this period is carried out only if the tree is left in a warm room. Myrtle continues to be fed once every 4-5 weeks.

The plant must be moved to a bright but cool place. Temperature regime - +8 - 10 ºC. If the myrtle begins to shed its leaves, then the room temperature is too high for it. However, even if the tree loses a significant part of the foliage in winter, you should not be upset. In the spring, the myrtle will regain strength and again become as magnificent as before.

Myrtle pruning

Myrtle responds well to pruning, so its crown can be given the desired shape. You can achieve results in just a couple of years. If possible, side shoots should be left, because. its trunk is not particularly durable. It should be borne in mind that excessive haircut and pinching will interfere with the formation of flower buds.

During the pruning period, be sure to feed your green pet with fertilizers for indoor plants that do not contain chlorine.

Myrtle can be propagated by cuttings and seeds

To preserve maternal characteristics, myrtle propagation is best done using cuttings. For this, it is necessary that the soil temperature is at least +25 ºC. It can be carried out in winter or in the middle of summer.

A cutting 7-9 cm long is cut from the side shoot of a healthy plant. A shorter cutting (5-7 cm) can also be used, but in this case it should be taken from the main, but not flowering, shoot. At the same time, the lower leaves are removed, and the cut is processed using Kornevin.

Then the cuttings are planted in sandy-peat soil and covered with a film or glass. The rooting process takes 2-3 weeks. After their expiration, the cuttings can be planted in separate pots.

Another way to propagate myrtle at home is with the help of seeds. True, this option has a significant drawback: varietal characteristics are unlikely to remain unchanged. In addition, the seeds germinate for a long time.

Sowing is carried out in early spring in a sandy-peat substrate, and sprinkled with soil on top. The container is covered with a film or glass sheet. For the success of the enterprise, it is necessary to provide diffused light in the room and a temperature of about +21 ºC. The first shoots will appear in 1-2 weeks. After the appearance of four leaves, young plants are seated in separate containers.

When growing myrtle from seeds, it is imperative to form a crown. To do this, pinch the sprout at a certain height.

It is better to transplant myrtle in winter

Myrtle grows slowly, so transplanting should not be done too often. However, a young plant needs to increase the volume of the pot every year. Mature trees can be transplanted once every 3-4 years.

The best time to transplant is winter when the myrtle is dormant.

To facilitate the extraction of the plant from the pot, it is not watered for several days, drying the earthen ball. Then carefully take out the tree, holding it by the trunk.

To improve survival, the roots can be treated with a stimulant. The substrate is partially poured into the prepared pot with expanded clay and drainage, the plant is installed, the remaining soil is poured out and the surface is leveled. Myrtle is abundantly watered until the water seeps into the pan, and transferred to a shady place.

Bloom

Myrtle blooms in early to mid-summer. The flowers may be single or double and may be borne either singly in the axils of the leaves or collected in racemes. Most of them bloom in the most illuminated upper part of the plant.

True, in order to wait for flowering, several rules should be followed. First, do not prune the plant in the spring. It will be better to postpone it completely until the end of flowering.

Secondly, it is necessary to ensure a regular supply of fresh air and proper care. If the room is not ventilated, myrtle is unlikely to bloom.

Watch a video about how the myrtle plant blooms

Diseases

With poor soil drainage, myrtle can develop root rot. Problems can also arise as a result of improper plant care, in particular, insufficient watering or poor lighting.

Insects can also harm a myrtle tree: aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, thrips, scale insects. For this reason, the plant should be inspected periodically, especially if any undesirable signs appear. If pests are found, myrtle should be treated with a special agent in accordance with the instructions.

Memo to the grower

Myrtle leaves contain poisonous substances that, if exposed for a long time, can cause nausea and headaches in the most sensitive people.

If the myrtle leaves turn yellow or wither, most likely, any rules for caring for the plant are not followed.. Drying out of the soil or, conversely, stagnation of water in the pan, excessively bright lighting or high temperature in the room in winter - all this can cause such problems. When the first signs of wilting appear, the myrtle should be moved to a place protected from the scorching sun, monitor watering and spray more often.

Thus, subject to simple rules of care, myrtle will always delight you with its beauty.

Watch a video on how to grow myrtle at home and why it is customary to give it to a bride.

(Myrtus communis) even from one tree give a wide variety of forms. There are many cultivars that differ in size, shape and color of the leaf, density of growth, color of berries, there are even varieties with double flowers:

Alhambra (Alhambra) is characterized by white fruits and dense foliage;

Flora Pleno (Flore Pleno) - double flowers;

Variegata - variety with variegated leaves;

La Clape - characterized by very vigorous growth and large purple berries;

La Clape Blanc - similar to the previous variety, but the berries are white;

Leucocarpa - also a form with white berries;

Mycrophylla - dwarf small-leaved form;

Tarentina (Tarentina) - characterized by small leaves (1-1.5 cm), dense growth, abundant flowering, very popular in Italy;

Tarentina Granada (Tarentina Granada) - with white berries;

Tarentina Variegata (Tarentina Variegata) - with white-variegated leaves.

There is another very interesting variety of myrtle Boetica (Boetica), sometimes the name Baetica is found. This is a slow growing variety with large (6-7 cm) elongated and pointed leaves. The leaves are arranged in whorls, the trunk is a beautiful color with a hint of cinnamon and tends to curl. In the process of growth, intricate twisted figures are formed. Flowers large, white. Berries are black, oblong.

Our flower market mainly receives small-leaved myrtle, among amateur flower growers there are large-leaved myrtle, variegated varieties, and rarely Boethica myrtle.

Growing myrtle indoors

About the biological features and beneficial properties of myrtle - on the encyclopedia page Myrtle.

Myrtle can be kept indoors. It is very good if he finds a place in the children's room, this will drastically reduce the frequency of colds in a child. Myrtle, according to some reports, also has anti-allergic properties (see How to improve the air in rooms), which is also important for the health of modern children.

Myrtle can and should be placed next to the opening window. This is just the plant that can easily endure any drafts, including cold ones. But from the frosty air flow, when it is -20 ° C outside, the myrtle must be protected, otherwise it may partially frostbite. Standing in a draft, myrtle, when the branches move, releases phytoncides into the room - substances that kill microbes.

Myrtle prefers windows with south, east or west orientation. The north window may be affected by a lack of light. He needs bright sun, even without shading at noon. Only with a sunny exposure can you wait for it to bloom. For the formation of berries, pollination by insects or artificially is necessary.

In winter, when kept in a warm room, myrtle needs frequent spraying of leaves and uniform watering. It is desirable that there are no central heating batteries nearby. But to create optimal conditions for myrtle, like plants from the subtropics, it is advisable to place it winter(or year-round) on a non-freezing glazed balcony with a temperature +5...+10 о С, possibly lowering to 0 o C. In general, it tolerates temperature fluctuations from 0 to +40 o C.

Watering uniform, without drying the earthy coma, even from above. Excess water must be drained from the pan without fail, otherwise rotting of the roots is possible.

Priming prefers slightly acidic, does not tolerate excess lime in the soil, although it does not require special water softening for irrigation. It is desirable to add soddy soil and sand to purchased peat land, humus can be used, but only leafy, not manure. On hot days, spraying is desirable, sometimes you can wash in the shower.

Transfer myrtle is produced as needed, young plants every year in the spring, adult large specimens - once every few years. The main criterion for choosing the size of the pot is such a volume that when watering the plant in the morning, the soil does not dry out by evening. If the pot size is not able to keep the substrate moist throughout the day, it means it's time to repot. Optimal time for transplantation: spring-summer.

Myrtle needs formation. It is advisable to constantly pinch the plant as it grows, then a dense compact crown will form.

reproduction

Myrtle is easily propagated by cuttings, this is the only way to maintain cultivars. It also reproduces well by seeds, but with seed propagation, the preservation of varietal characteristics is not guaranteed.

Pest control

Myrtle is susceptible to damage by scale insects, whiteflies, mealybugs, thrips, aphids, and spider mites.

To combat aphids, 1-2 treatments with Actara are enough. To get rid of a tick, you need to often spray the plant on hot days, prevent the substrate from drying out, and provide enough light.

About the history of culture and useful properties - on the page .

The myrtle tree is one of the most attractive and interesting indoor plants. Pleasant aroma, beautiful flowering, ease of shaping, high decorativeness - myrtle has these advantages. Care at home is organized according to certain rules. You will learn about them from this article.

The myrtle family is well known among flower growers. In total there are about 10 varieties of myrtle. The homeland of the plant is the Mediterranean. Grows in subtropical climates. Under natural conditions, it is a shrub or tree up to 3 meters high. When grown in an apartment, it reaches 60 cm.

The leaves are small, shiny, leathery, oval, dark green. If you rub them in your hand, they exude a pleasant spicy aroma. The main part of essential oils is concentrated in small veins. The flowers are small, on long stalks, with five petals and many stamens. Color - white or pale pink. Fruits - round small berries of intense blue color.

Interesting information! Myrtle leaves contain phytoncides. They improve and disinfect the air in the apartment. The leaves and dried fruits are used as a spice. The most famous myrtle seasoning is cloves.

The subtleties of growing

Complete care for myrtle at home is organized in accordance with a number of rules. Myrtle is considered a capricious plant, often refusing to bloom or dropping leaves. Creating optimal conditions for growth and flowering helps to avoid this.

1. Lighting and location. Easily tolerates direct sunlight, but prefers diffused light. In the heat they shade it. Blooms only when there is sufficient light. The optimal location is the window sills of windows facing west or east. In summer, the flower is moved to fresh air. In winter, they provide full coverage.
2. Temperature. In the summer season they are kept at 18-20 ° C. In winter, the plant needs coolness. Myrtle is moved to a glazed balcony or loggia with a temperature of at least 6-8 ° C. After a good rest, the myrtle blooms luxuriantly and for a long time. When wintering in a room, the flower is well watered and systematically sprayed. This helps to avoid leaf fall, but does not guarantee flowering.
3. Humidity. Grows best in high humidity. On spraying with warm, well-settled water, it reacts with the friendly release of new shoots. The need for moisture increases during the period of intensive growth. At this time, the procedure is carried out daily. In addition, humidifiers and trays filled with water are used.
4. Watering. Water the plant often - as soon as the topsoil begins to dry out. In winter, the need for water is less, but it is impossible to allow the soil to dry completely. Stable soil moisture is maintained all year round. Do not allow stagnation of water at the bottom of the pot.
5. The soil. Soil for myrtle choose nutritious, not heavy, moderate acidity. A mixture of peat, humus and turf with the addition of sand or perlite is best suited.
6. Top dressing. During the period of active growth, feeding is frequent - every week. For abundant flowering, fertilizers with a high phosphorus content are chosen. Complex preparations for decorative deciduous crops are regularly used.
7. Transfer. Until the age of four, the bushes are transplanted annually. Mature trees - once every 3-4 years. The best time is spring, before flowering. When transplanting, do not allow deepening of the root collar. A thick layer of drainage is provided at the bottom of the landing tank. The size of the pot is determined by the diameter of the crown - it should be half the size. Myrtle will not bloom in a large pot.
8. Cutting and shaping. Myrtle is an indoor flower that is very easy to shape. It tolerates a haircut easily, quickly starts up young shoots. Myrtle pruning is carried out in early spring before the start of active growth. The cropping method depends on the desired result. Throughout the summer, the crown of the plant is adjusted by pinching too long young shoots.

Important! The lack of flowering may indicate insufficient lighting, a large pot, stuffiness in the room. Correct the situation by daily airing the room, lowering the temperature during the dormant period, transplanting into a smaller pot.

Reproduction methods

Reproduction of myrtle is not difficult even for beginner gardeners. Young plants are obtained by cuttings and sowing seeds.

cuttings

Cuttings are cut twice a year - in the middle of winter or summer. Select semi-lignified branches from the middle or lower part of the crown. The optimal length of the cutting is from 5 to 8 cm. Half of the leaves are removed from the cutting, the remaining ones are cut off by half. The lower cut is dipped in a growth stimulator. A mixture of heteroauxin with 0.25% ascorbic acid gives a good effect. The container is filled with a light substrate of sphagnum and sand. The cuttings are placed in it at a slight angle and covered with a film. A greenhouse with cuttings is placed in a cool, shaded place.

At the rooting stage, the temperature is maintained at 16-20 ° C. The greenhouse is periodically ventilated, the humidity level is monitored, if necessary, the soil is watered and the cuttings are sprayed. They take root quickly - no longer than a month. Seedlings are transplanted into pots with a diameter of 7 cm (an ordinary plastic cup will do). When the roots are completely entwined with a clod of earth, they are transferred to a larger pot. The first flowering is not earlier than 3 years later.

seeds

Myrtle from seeds grows more slowly. When using seed collected from the mother plant, the characteristics of the variety may differ. The substrate for germination is a mixture of peat with vermiculite. Before sowing, it is watered with a weak solution of the fungicide.

Myrtle seeds are scattered over the surface, covered with a very thin layer of the substrate. The landing container is covered with glass. They maintain the temperature at the level of 18-20 ° C, monitor the soil moisture - it cannot be either overdried or overmoistened. Every day, the glass is removed for a short while, ventilating the greenhouse. When favorable conditions are created, seedlings appear in 1-2 weeks. Dive into separate pots in phase 2 of true sheets. Flowering - not earlier than 5 years of life.

Important! Young seedlings grow very slowly. To accelerate growth, provide quality care and regular top dressing.

Diseases, problems and pests

Young myrtle rarely gets sick. Mature and old bushes are less resistant to pests and negative factors.

• Aphids and shield. Attack the plant with insufficient moisture. Conditions are corrected and treated with anticoccidial agents.
• Spider mite. Appears when there is insufficient soil moisture. Myrtle is treated with insecticides.
• Fungi and putrefactive bacteria. Their appearance provokes constant waterlogging of the soil. The plant is transplanted, removing the affected parts.
• Yellow, dull leaves with curled edges. A sign of excessive lighting.
• Chopping leaves, stretching stems. The reason is poor lighting.
• Falling leaves. Increased temperature and dry air in winter or stagnation of water in the root system.

Growing myrtle at home is not easy, but exciting. Having mastered the formation, you can give your myrtle any shape.