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Akalifa species. Akalifa "fox tail" - a bright tropical in your home

Akalifa is a bright representative of the Euphorbia family. Under natural conditions, it is found in tropical moist forests of Southeast Asia, grows on the islands of the Pacific Ocean. There are approximately 250 species of this plant in the genus. Translated from the ancient Greek language, Akalifa means nettle. There is a deal of truth in it. The leaves of the plant are similar to burning grass. In the natural environment, akalifa is a lush shrub that, during flowering, is covered with beautiful hanging inflorescences, similar to a fox tail. For this feature, the people call the plant Foxtail.

Indoor, Foxtail began to grow since 1898. Akalifa has a compact size, in the conditions of home maintenance does not grow above 30-70 cm. Many flower growers grow it as an ampel plant in a hanging planter or basket.

In apartments, the most common Akalifa is bristly-hairy. Its characteristic feature is ovoid leaves with serrated edges. It should be remembered that the foxtail belongs to poisonous plants. It is not recommended to breed in a house with children and pets. In indoor floriculture, another species is grown - Akalifu Wilkis. The plant is loved for attractive decorative leaves with nondescript flowering. It does not have special care requirements for its owners, so even beginner growers can grow it.

Popular home-grown varieties

Quite a few species of acalifa have adapted to home conditions. There are breeding hybrids. The most popular among gardeners:

  • Akalifa Wilks (wilkesiana).   A bushy plant, reaching a height of 1 m. The shoots have a copper-red hue, covered with rare villi. The leaf length is about 20 cm, width - 15 cm. It blooms rather plainly, the length of the inflorescence is up to 8-10 cm. Bronze leaves are covered with copper or pink-red spots. Selection hybrids - mosaica (brown-red leaves, covered with yellow-red, terracotta and bronze wide strokes) and marginata (olive-brown leaves with a crimson border).
  • Akalifa bristly-haired (hispida).   Very bright green leaves and large (35–40 cm in length) inflorescences of scarlet or raspberry color. In the alba selection hybrid, they are snow-white. The first type of akalifa, which began to be widely grown at home.
  • Akalifa Indian (indica). Height - no more than 0.5 m, branching weak. The tops of the stems are very pubescent. The leaf length is 4–6 cm. Five veins are clearly distinguished at its base. Flowering is short - from mid-summer to early spring. Inflorescences "hide" in the axils of the leaves.
  • Southern Akalifa (australis), sometimes not quite correctly called "Australian."   The height of the bushy plant is 45-50 cm, ribbed shoots covered with sparse hard hairs intensively branch. The length of a very thin leaf is 4–5 cm. It does not bloom for long - July, August. Inflorescences are axillary.
  • Akalifa oak-leaved (chamaedrifolia), it is also Haitian (hispaniolae).Low creeping shrub. Heart-shaped leaves (3-4 cm long) are very delicate light green in color. The length of the inflorescences is 4–10 cm. At home, it is often grown by ampel method. If you take a sufficiently wide pot, it will cover the soil with a solid carpet.
  • Akalifa Godsef (godseffiana).   Breeding hybrid. Leaves in the form of a wide oval up to 20 cm long, densely pubescent. Greens, casting bronze, where direct sunlight falls on it, becomes copper-red or golden. Akalifa Godsefa variegated (heterophylla), grown under bright light of any origin, changes the color of the leaves to scarlet.
  • Akalifa California (californica).   It has an atypical place for growth. Leaves of salad color, with large cloves. Inflorescences are bright pink.

Akalifa home care

Akalifa prefers a warm and humid climate, for this you need to optimize the temperature all year round in the region from 18 to 25 degrees. Lighting for a plant is necessary bright, but not under bright rays, if directed rays can get into a sultry heat on a flower, then it is necessary to make an artificial shadow. Watering akalifa prefers regular, moderate in the warm season, and in winter, hydration is reduced. Water for irrigation needs soft and settled for a day and the water temperature is about 20. Akalif should be sprayed from the sprayer, since overdried air adversely affects the plant.

Soil for Akalifa needs nutritious and slightly acidic. You can buy ready-made soil or prepare it yourself by taking in equal parts turf soil, humus, peat and sand. Be sure to lay the drainage on the bottom. Fertilizer plants need the whole warm season. For this, mineral fertilizer is suitable. Top dressing should be done once every 21 days. Transplantation to the plant must be done as necessary in the spring. Akalifa does not require a complete transplant completely, since her root system is not large, but simply replace the topsoil. When transplanting and just once every few years, it is necessary to trim the plants, for the appearance of new stems, cutting stems in adults, by about 25 centimeters.

Table: how to create the correct climate microclimate

Factor Recommendations
Location A window sill of a window facing southeast or southwest or at some distance from the south window. It is not recommended to take out the flower outdoors, even in summer. Regular ventilation is required.
Lighting Need a bright, but diffused light. In the period of the highest solar activity (11: 00-14: 00), shade the plant. In winter, use special phyto- or conventional fluorescent lamps to extend the daylight hours to at least 10-12 hours. The brighter the leaves of Akalifa, the more light she needs. This also applies to variegated varieties that lose their color in the shade.
Temperature In the summer - 20–25ºС, in the winter - 17–20ºС. At temperatures above 35 ° C and below 15 ° C, the flower may die. Akalifa does not like sudden changes in temperature, like cold drafts. If in winter it is not possible to ensure the optimum temperature, watering should be more frequent than during the rest period.
Air humidity The minimum indicator is 65% (better than 70–80%). It is advisable to spray the flower every day (in the heat 2-3 times a day) and create a suspension of water droplets in the air around it. In summer, an additional container with water is placed next to it, wet pebbles or expanded clay is poured into the pallet, the soil in the pot is covered with wet moss, coconut fiber. Do not just pour water into the pan - this provokes the development of rot.

Table: How a flower responds to improper care

What does the plant look like What is the reason and how to solve the problem
The stems are stretched, the leaves become smaller and fade. The flower does not have enough light. You need to find the pot another place or use the lamp. Acalifa is taught to new conditions gradually.
The leaves turn yellow, the tips turn brown and dry. The soil in the pot often dries up very much. Set the correct watering.
Leaves lose their tone, grow numb, the surface becomes wrinkled. The plant is watered incorrectly. The described situation arises with both excess and moisture deficiency. Or it’s “to blame” for unsuitable for Akalifa, too heavy, poorly permeable water.
Brown “weeping” spots appear on the leaves, the base of the petioles and shoots turn black. The cause of developing rot is frequent heavy watering combined with low room temperature or cold drafts.
Leaves dry and fall off. If the process is not too intense and affects only the lower leaves, this is normal. Otherwise, the plant suffers from a deficiency of nutrients in the soil or low humidity.

Akalifa breeding

It can be propagated both by seeds and by cuttings taken from an adult plant.

The most suitable time for sowing acalifa seeds is the beginning - mid-spring. The technology itself is simple and no different from growing seedlings of flowers and vegetables. The mixture for sowing is suitable "Universal" or made up of sheet soil and sand in equal proportions. The optimum temperature for germination of acalifa seeds is not lower than +20 degrees.

To propagate akalifa by cuttings, it is necessary to cut strong semi-lignified apical cuttings and plant them in a light mixture of sand (or perlite) and peat. In principle, Akalif can be propagated by cuttings throughout the year. This is especially true of Wilkes akalifa, but in order to make it easier to provide the cuttings with sufficient temperature and illumination, it is better to do this in the spring. For more successful rooting, cuttings of the cuttings can be dipped in root powder. It is advisable to cover planted cuttings with a transparent cap (glass jar) or build a greenhouse above them from a plastic bag. The rooting process can take up to two months. When the young Akalifa begins to grow, periodically pinch the tops of the shoots to give the plant a bush.

Diseases and Pests

If brown spots appear on the leaves, then the disease is caused by leaf spotting. If the leaves fade, then the reason is the excessive moistening of the soil or its overdrying. It is important to adjust the watering. Another reason is an excessively heavy substrate. It is worth replacing. When the leaves lose their color, become pale, this indicates a lack of lighting. if akalifa has been in the shade for a long time, then it must be accustomed to more light gradually.

In winter, the plant needs backlighting with fluorescent lamps. The tips of the leaves became dry and brown - too low humidity in the room or insufficient watering. Dark spots appeared - drafts and hypothermia are the cause. Advice! The poisonousness of the plant is important to consider when there are small children and pets in the house. Among the pests for Akalifa, the danger is: aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, mealybugs. They are treated by the use of insecticides (spraying and watering), for example, Aktara.

Table: What pests does Akalifa suffer from?

Pest External manifestations How to fight?
Aphid Insects settle on the plant in colonies, clinging to the tops of shoots, buds and the inside of the leaves. Plants are covered with small beige dots, clearly visible in the light.
  • Removal of the most severely affected parts of the plant;
  • spraying 2-3 times a day with a flower of infusion of any sharply smelling herbs, onions, garlic, needles, tobacco chips, hot pepper, orange peels, mustard powder;
  • watering the soil with a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate;
  • application of Inta-Vira, Calypso, Suzy, Actara, Confidor-Maxi, Spark-Bio, Kinmiksa.
Whitefly Insects, similar to a small moth, soar into the air, you only need to touch the flower slightly. On the back of the sheet are egg-laying and almost colorless spots of irregular shape.
  • Collecting visible individuals with a vacuum cleaner (in the early morning when they are least active);
  • continuous use of the fumigator for 7-10 days;
  • the use of adhesive tape for catching flies and homemade traps (bright cardboard, greased with glue, jam, honey);
  • the use of Actellik, Confidor, Fitoverm, Actara, Tanrek, Mospilan (2-3 times with an interval of 5-7 days).
Spider mite Petioles and shoots, braided by thin, almost imperceptible threads. The underside of the sheet is covered with whitish spots, on top it is discolored.
  • The room is abundantly watered in a plastic bag for 2-3 days;
  • watering with a decoction of cyclamen tubers, infusion of horsetail or celandine;
  • the use of acaricides - Antikleshch, Vermitek, Aktofit, Agravertin, Omayt, Apollo, Neoron (2-3 times with an interval of 7-12 days, changing drugs).
Mealybug Small dirty white clumps on the plant, similar to fluff or cotton wool. The substrate at the edges of the pot leaves, exposing a ring of whitish wax-like substance.
  • Destruction of visible traces of the pest with a cotton pad soaked in soap suds or a cotton swab moistened with alcohol;
  • rubbing the leaves with ethyl alcohol or any pharmacy alcohol tincture and a hot shower after 10-15 minutes;
  • application of Biotlin, Actara, Tanrek, Calypso, Confidant, Mospilan (3-4 times with an interval of 7-10 days).
Shield Red or yellow patches of tissue around dull brown oval outgrowths; almost black substrate.
  • Destruction of visible individuals (grease the shell with a cotton swab with alcohol, kerosene, vinegar, turpentine, machine oil, wait 2-3 hours);
  • treatment of flower and soil with Fufanon, Fosbetsid, Aktellik, Metaphos, Arrivo, Permetrin (every 10-15 days, at least 2-3 times) or any means of fleas (ampoule for 1.5-2 liters of water).

Price

Akalifa cost   depends on many factors: on the variety, on its size and condition. Akalifa prices start from 250 rubles. Reviews about Akalif are almost always only positive, this plant does not go unnoticed. With proper care, it surprises and delights the owners and everyone who has the opportunity to watch the “fox tail”.

Akalifa is bristly-haired - a plant with soft long inflorescences. In the natural environment it grows into a beautiful large shrub, in room conditions it grows a little smaller, but no less attractive.

Akalifa: seed cultivation

Under optimal conditions, Akalifa can bloom all year. Young plants are characterized by abundant flowering, with time it weakens. For this reason, Akalifa is often grown as a seasonal flowering plant.

Akalifa hairy can be grown from seeds. They are sown in the first half of spring in the soil, which consists of sand and turf land. So that the seeds germinate as quickly as possible, the soil temperature should be maintained at about 20 degrees, the best option would be to plant them in a special greenhouse with lower heating. When the Akalifa begins to germinate, it is transplanted into the soil, which consists of turf and leafy soil, as well as sand, taken in a ratio of 1: 1: 1,2

Akalifa breeding

A more effective way by which the propagation of Akalifa is carried out is by cuttings. Cuttings up to 10 cm long from the tops of the stems are best cut in the spring. Cutting them off near the base of the leaves and tearing off the lower ones, the tip of the handle is lowered into a special hormonal powder.

Three freshly cut plants are planted in one pot, the soil should consist of sand and peat. Having planted cuttings in it, the ground surface of the sergum is crushed, then watered.

A pot with planted cuttings of akalifa is placed in a warm place and covered with a transparent film with holes for ventilation. For planted cuttings, a constant temperature of about 18 degrees should be ensured. When the Akalifa takes root, each new plant is transplanted into a separate small pot.

Akalifa: the nature of growth and flowering

Akalifa bristly-haired throws beautiful inflorescences, which in appearance resemble a red tail. Collected from small flowers, they appear in the summer and reach almost half a meter in length until the end of autumn. Slightly lowered leaves of this plant are green in color, reach a width of 8 cm, in length - up to 20.

If the plant is not limited by anything, it will form a bush almost a meter high. But even if you limit the plant and prevent it from growing more than half of this length, it will still need a lot of space. In the case of proper care of Akalif, the bristly-haired can bloom for 9 consecutive months.

We must not forget that Akalifa is a poisonous plant!

Akalifa: features of care

Akalifa needs good lighting. This plant can even be put in a place that is illuminated by direct sunlight, but in the hottest summer hours received it will need to be protected from the bright sun. The soil with Akalifa should always be slightly moist, the leaves need periodic spraying.

In order for the plant to bloom, you need to make some efforts: to provide sufficient lighting and optimal air temperature. At the beginning of each spring, its stems should be pruned. The optimal soil for akalifa is clay.

In summer, the growth of acaliph is bristly-haired, needs abundant watering, but in no case should water be allowed to stagnate near its roots. In the cold season, watering should be moderate. Twice a month in the summer you need to make top dressing.

In summer, the average temperature for the plant will be on average 21 degrees, in winter - at least 15. Do not put an acalifa near heating appliances, otherwise spider mites may appear on it.

Possible problems

Uneven watering, extra feeding and drafts can cause the leaves to turn yellow. In this case, the plant must be transferred to a warm well-lit place, monitor the moisture of the soil, which should be watered evenly.

The appearance of a thin cobweb, a change in the color of leaves, the appearance of brown spots on them are sure signs of damage by spider mites. Excessively dry air contributes to the appearance of such pests. To get rid of them, the plant needs to be periodically sprayed, to provide it with constant moisture.

What kind of plants do flower growers now not breed. They amaze with the color and shape of the leaves, as well as the beauty of the flowers. But one of the most amazing indoor plants is Akalifa. This pretty shrub is divided into two types. One has funny inflorescences similar to fox ponytails. And the other - with incredible leaves. Each species is good in its own way. Home-grown fox ponytails akaliphs fluff for six months in a row. And plants with decorative variegated foliage grow very quickly. So with the gardening of a spacious room Akalif with proper care can cope alone.

Akalifa: Foxtail and Copper Leaf

Akalifa, like most of our houseplants, hails from the tropics. In the South American, Asian and Australian rainforests, you can see the wild cousin of home Akalifa. This is a shrub with beautiful foliage and bright earrings-inflorescences and a height of about 2-3 meters.

Scientists have described over 400 plant species. But flower growers tamed only some of them. Among the most common in indoor floriculture are akalifs, bristly-haired and Wilks.   The first flower growers were nicknamed the foxtail and appreciated for their fluffy inflorescences. The second is bred for carved reddish foliage, so sometimes the name is Akalifa, copper-leaved.

At home, Akalifa rarely grows above one and a half meters. Both varieties have large serrated leaves. They are very similar to nettle foliage. Thanks to this, the name of the plant appeared - akalifa, in ancient Greek the word means nettle.

In the bristle-haired variety, the foliage is rich, but unremarkable - just green. And the inflorescences are original. Bright, long (up to half a meter) drooping spikelets of red-red or white color. They really look like ponytails of chanterelles, the same fluffy .   Tailed flowers bloom for a long time, almost six months.

Varieties of akalifa with colorful foliage flowers will not please. Inflorescences are small and inconspicuous. All the charm of these plants in the color of large (about 13 cm in length) leaves. They can be copper-red, green with a white border or red-orange-bronze.

Akalifa, according to Feng Shui masters, is a very harmonious plant. Her fluffy ponytails inflorescences combine female and male energies - yin and yang. This means that in the house where Akalifa grows, women will be more adventurous, and men will be gentle. Owners of a fluffy foxtail can equally well use a rational and intuitive approach to problem solving.

Florists who are attracted to the original Akalifa need to know that this flower is not the easiest to live together. Foxtail negatively refers to air-dry apartments. Due to the dry air, the evergreen by nature, Akalifa can lose its beautiful foliage. A tropical plant needs high humidity and bright lighting. But to arrange the tropics at home is not so difficult, it would be a desire.

When considering whether to get a foxtail or not, consider another point. Akalifa is not so “white and fluffy”, it is poisonous. The plant will not do any harm if you do not try to taste it. For breathing and skin poison is completely harmless. And if ingested, it can cause poisoning. Therefore, Akalifa is not recommended to be grown in houses where there are small children and pets. And when caring for the plant, be sure to observe safety measures: wear protective gloves, and then wash your hands well.

Some representatives of the genus Akalifa

Akalifa belongs to the Molochaev family. The genus is divided into two species groups. The first is distinguished by hanging bright inflorescences-tails and mediocre green leaves.   The most famous representatives of this group are akalifa hairy and oak-leaved.

  • Akalifa is bristly-haired - a powerful shrub originating from Polynesia. Wild plants grow about three meters. At home - no more than one and a half. Green leaves are large, slightly pubescent, margin with notches. Flowers with petals setae are collected in long (40-50 cm) drooping spikelets of red or burgundy color.
  • The bristly-haired Akalifa has a species of alba, it has white and fluffy inflorescences.
  • Akalifa is oak-leaved, it is also Haitian or ampelous, originally from South America. This is a plant with drooping sprawling shoots. The leaves are small (4 cm) of a light green color, sometimes with a lighter border. Inflorescences spikelets are not longer than 10 cm. They are pubescent, saturated red. Akalifa oak-leaved is grown in the form of a groundcover and ampelous plant.
  • Akalifa Viginsi, originally from the Galapagos Islands. Now this species is on the verge of extinction. Scientists believe that it is time to save this akalifa.
  • Southern Akalifa is an annual, with a thin stem and spikelet inflorescence, growing in Asia, America and Japan. The plant is very similar to nettle, does not represent decorative value. It is not cultivated, but destroyed like a weed.

The second group of akalif is decorative leaf plants.   They do not have such beautiful flowers (reddish and rare inflorescences, no more than 8 cm long), but the leaves are of an amazing color combining broz and copper shades.

  • Akalifa Wilks - one and a half meter bush, grows in nature on the Pacific islands. Among the cultural forms there are miniature ones. The leaves of this species resemble an egg in shape, and semi-precious stones in color. Color ranges from bronze green to copper red. There are plants with spotty leaves.
  • Grade akalifa Wilkes - Mosaic. The plant has wider leaves. Fancy color combines orange, red and green.
  • Akalifa Wilks - a variety of Ceylon with bronze-copper with green leaves.
  • Akalif Godsef is considered to be a hybrid. In the wild, it can be seen on the islands of New Guinea. Long and narrow leaves are bronze in color, in bright light become red-copper. There are plants with foliage decorated with a white or pink border.

Photos of flower species: bristly hairy, Wilkes, southern, ampelous and others

  Akalifa South
  Akalifa is bristly-haired
  Akalifa Godsef, a variety with a white border
  Akalif Godsef
  Akalifa Godsef, a grade with a pink edge
  Akalifa Viginsi
  Akalifa oak-leaved
  Grade Akalifa Wilkes - Mosaic
  Hairy acalifa alba
  Akalifa Wilkes
  Akalifa Wilkes - Ceylon

Tropical Plant Conditions

Akalifa is a native of the tropics. And as a tropical plant respects the warmth and abundance of light, only without the hot sun. Only with sufficient lighting, the bright foliage of akalifa will show all its beauty. But the most important thing for this flower is moisture. Akalifa is ready to live "breathing the mists." If the air is dry, it will not bloom fluffy and get rid of the leaves.

Table: Rules for breeding at home

Season Lighting Humidity Temperature
SpringBright, scattered. The best location for Akalifa is the western, eastern windows. The southern direction is also suitable, but will have to be protected from the midday sun.Increased, from 70% or more.
Spray leaves and stems, as well as air around the plant as often as possible.
Put the pot in a pan with wet pebbles, moisten the air in other ways.
The plant loves warmth. Slightly above moderate, 20–25.
SummerBright, without direct sun.
AutumnHigh. Do not place the plant near heating appliances. Humidify the air in all available ways.
WinterIntense, artificial lighting may be required. With a deficit of light, variegated forms lose their color.Does not tolerate cold. Optimum 18 0. The temperature should not fall below 15 degrees.

How to help a houseplant breathe

Maintaining a high level of humidity requires some effort. Especially in autumn and winter. Heating makes the home climate desert-dry.

This tropical plants can not tolerate. Help them breathe, try to create a semblance of the tropics in your home.   By the way, moist air is also good for human health.

  • Place the Akalifa where the air is the wettest initially. For example, it is always wet in the kitchen or bathroom. Akalifa will feel great in these rooms, of course, if the bathroom has a window.
  • Spray the plant from the smallest sprayer. Use only warm water. In winter, do the procedure in the morning so that the leaves dry out by the evening. In summer, do not spray at noon to avoid burns.
  • Place the acalifa next to the same water-loving plants. Water procedures will be easier to carry out, and humidity will last longer.
  • Place a pot of acalifa on a pan with gravel or expanded clay. Constantly moisten the pebbles.
  • Keep the Akalifa in a double pot. Place the container with the plant in a waterproof flower pot filled with chopped moss or peat. Keep them always wet. Excess moisture from the second pot during evaporation will provide air humidity around the Akalifa.

Video: Akalifa in the subtropics

How to transplant a fox tail

Young Akalifs need a transplant every year, in the spring. Adults about once every 3-4 years. Sometimes, when the plant is too large, it is not transplanted at all, but only renew the top layer of soil in the pot.

Akalife soil needs a light, porous. It should conduct moisture and air well. Here are sample formulations:

  • one part of turf, leafy land, peat and sand;
  • humus, sand, turf land and peat - all in equal parts;
  • 4 turf, 1 part leaf and 2 parts greenhouse earth and sand in a ratio of 4: 1: 2: 0.5;
  • equally peat, sheet land and sand;
  • ready soil for begonias or roses.

The pot of akalifa will rather roomy. It grows rapidly, and the root system grows almost as quickly. If you are growing acalifa ampelous, get a hanging planter. And do not forget to make drainage holes. The love of akalifa does not tolerate stagnation of water at the roots. How to transplant the fox tail?

  1. Prepare and disinfect the pot, soil and drainage (expanded clay, small gravel, gravel, crushed brick or polystyrene).
  2. Fill the pot with a drainage layer, about 2-3 cm high.
  3. Wear protective gloves (Akalifa juice is poisonous).
  4. Carefully remove the plant from the old tank, keeping the earthen lump.
  5. Inspect the roots, if you find damage, remove these segments.
  6. Put the earthen lump in the center of the new pot. Gently fill in new soil, gently shaking the pot and tamping the ground. So the soil will fill the entire volume without leaving voids.
  7. Water the plant, put in a permanent place, spray. A transplant is stressful, and humid air helps the Akalife adapt.

Tropical habits

The best care for a houseplant is to create conditions close to natural. Akalifa, born in the tropics, has adapted to the characteristics of this climate. She remembers that tropical rain pours, and then moisture begins to evaporate actively. Therefore, the Akalifa, who moved to our latitudes, is so demanding on moisture and watering.

Water and nutrition for Akalifa

Without a plentiful watering hole, Akalifa will not be able to grow rich greens and fluff her fox ponytails. As soon as the plant wakes up after a winter sleep, increase the volume and frequency of watering. The earth in the pot should be constantly moist, just do not make a mud bath out of it. Lack of moisture is bad for akalifa, but an overabundance can cause illness, especially if the air is cool. For watering you need soft and lukewarm water. The gentle daughter of the tropics can not stand the cooling of an earthen coma. And an important addition: Akalifa loves to loosen the soil after irrigation.

The closer to winter, the less often and more modestly water the Akalifa. Winter watering should be such that the soil does not dry out.   The plant has stopped growing, and can take the necessary moisture from the air. It is in winter that you pay special attention to moisturizing the atmosphere around the flower.

During the period of growth and flowering (from March to October), the Akalifa will be grateful if it is fed. A fertilized plant will dress with beautiful foliage and acquire bright inflorescences. Add top dressing every two weeks, it is better to alternate mineral and organic fertilizers. Suitable complexes (for example, Agricola) for flowering plants, if your pet belongs to the foxtail species, or top dressing for decorative leaves, if you have a motley specimen.

Akalifa is good for foliar top dressing. When spraying the plant, add biostimulants to the water, for example, Epin, Zircon or Silk.

In winter, when the fox ponytails have already bloomed and the new foliage does not grow, there is no need to feed the akalifa.

Blooms willingly

Akalifa, which is properly looked after, blooms for a long time, at least six months. The older the plant, the longer the inflorescences-tails grow. In adult specimens, they can grow up to half a meter. Each inflorescence lives two weeks or longer.

Florists almost do not complain that the Akalifa refuses to bloom.   On the contrary, they call it “unbridled bloom” and write that sometimes it is so actively fluffed that it forgets to grow greenery.

Fading, red-red tails acquire a brownish tint. This means it is time to remove the inflorescence. Cut the brown tails without pity, so you save the strength of the plant to form new flowers.

Akalifa Formation

The recommendations are simple: in young plants, pinch the top of the shoots to develop lateral buds. And adult akalifas are cut annually. Pruning is done before seasonal growth begins, in February. Experienced flower growers recommend not sparing the Akalif, but cutting the stems, leaving 20-30 cm from the ground. Such a haircut is both a hygienic and anti-aging procedure. That's just Akalifa does not always understand its importance and begins to mope. To raise the mood and tone of the plant, spray it and cover with a film. Such a mini-greenhouse will help Akalifa get used to the new form and give an impetus to development.

When leaving Akalif, do not forget about safety measures: put on gloves and wash after hands.

Time relax

From late autumn to March, Akalifa is resting. Watering is reduced, and feeding is canceled. But you can’t do without careful leaving. While the Akalifa is resting, you have to work hard.

According to the owners of the plant, this period is the most difficult for the flower. The dry air of the apartments literally kills him. Although with proper care even this time can be experienced without loss. How to make the home climate more humid, read the chapter "How to help Akalifa breathe?".

Table: Care Errors

Manifestation Cause What to do
Akalifa leaves wilt, hang.1. The earthen lump is overdried or waterlogged.
2. Excessively heavy soil
1. Observe the watering regime. The soil should not dry out, but should not be a swamp.
2. Replace the entire soil with a lighter or at least a top coat.
Leaves discolor, become pale.Deficit of light.Provide bright lighting. In winter or early spring, artificial lighting is required.
The tips of the leaves dry, turn brown.Dry air, not enough watering.Humidify the air in all ways, adjust the watering.
Dark spots on the leaves.Hypothermia of an earthen coma or exposure to drafts.Water the plant only with lukewarm water. Protect from temperature changes.

Plant pests

  • spider mite,
  • whitefly

With a slight defeat of the pests, it is enough to remove it manually, and then treat the flower with a soap solution. But if there are a lot of insects, you have to use chemicals.

Table: Acalife threat pests

What does it look like? What kind of pest? How to fight? Prevention
The leaf is covered with yellowish spots, sometimes with a strong defeat, a white web is noticeable.Spider mite - an insect almost invisible to the eye, sucks the juice from the leaves.To destroy, you can use the infusion of tobacco.
If the lesion is severe, spray with a systemic insecticide (Fitoverm, Aktara), prepare the solution according to the instructions.
The spider mite does not tolerate high humidity. Spray the plant more often, moisten the air.
Leaves turn yellow and die. On the underside of the leaf, greenish larvae cover, they feed on the sap of the plant.Whitefly is a tiny white insect that multiplies rapidly. Damage the plant larvae.Fighting whiteflies is not easy. Once every three days, spray the plant with preparations containing permethrin, Admiral or Kinmix insecticides.
The pest dies only after repeated processing.
Inspect the plant regularly. At the first sign of damage, take measures to prevent the propagation of pests.
Young leaves and shoots are twisted, deformed and die.Aphids are small insects living in colonies.Remove insects with your hands. Treat the plant with a specialized aphid remedy.
Spray with preparations containing permethrin.

How to propagate

Two methods are suitable for propagating akalifa: seed and cuttings.

Seeds

Akalifa seeds are sown in early spring. The soil mixture for sowing should be light: from sheet soil and sand in equal parts.

  1. Soak the seeds for a day in a growth stimulator (Epin or Zircon).
  2. Pour the soil into the container (best of all, a heated greenhouse), moisten it.
  3. Close the seeds into the ground by sprinkling them lightly.
  4. Cover the container or greenhouse with a transparent lid, turn on the heating.
  5. Put the crops in a warm place, the soil should maintain a temperature of 20-22 degrees. Bottom heating accelerates seed germination.
  6. Humidify and ventilate the crops.
  7. When two real leaves appear on the sprouts, transplant the seedlings into separate pots with soil, as for adult Akalif.

Cuttings

Cuttings of flowering varieties of Akalifa are cut in early spring. Variegated plants all year round. Root cuttings can be in the sand, sand-peat mixture or just in water.

  1. Cut the shoots about 10 cm that are already lignified using a sharp knife or blade.
  2. Remove the lower leaves. Next, put the cuttings in an opaque container with water (its level should be no higher than 5 cm) or place in wet sand (mixture with peat), poured into a greenhouse.
  3. Cover the cuttings in a container with a package, in a greenhouse with a lid, place in a bright place without direct sun.
  4. Keep the temperature at least 22–25 degrees.
  5. Spray the cuttings and ventilate.
  6. After the roots of the cuttings appear, plant the acalifa in a nutrient substrate (for the compounds, see the transplant chapter). You can plant each stalk separately, or you can plant several in one pot so that the plant is more magnificent.
  7. Take care of the growing Akalifs as adults. But accustom yourself to intensive lighting gradually.
  8. When the seedlings are one and a half months old, pinch off the upper buds.

Akalifa is an amazing plant with wonderful fluffy inflorescences or with incredibly beautifully colored foliage. Caring for him is not so simple, it is not for the lazy. And to those who are willing to spend a little time and effort, Akalifa will fully repay. Bioenergy claims that Akalifa successfully fights pessimism and despondency. It accumulates the energy of joy. This plant is warming. In addition, the leaves of Akalifa cleanse the environment from laziness and negative emotions. If you want to relate to turmoil more easily, to become easier on the rise, try to get akalifa. Her fox ponytails will always cheer you up.

I am a philologist by education. My hobbies are reading, traveling, gardening and pets. Therefore, a lot of what I write about is not a theory at all, but a practice that I personally studied.

Akalifa - refers to perennial evergreens, belongs to the family of euphorbiaceae. A distinctive feature of this plant are flowers. They look like long fluffy spikelets hanging down, their length is from 5 to 50 cm. In nature, akalifa grows up to 3 meters in height. Tropical and subtropical regions of Asia are considered her homeland, and she is also found in America. Akalifa grows in the form of perennial grass, and trees that are rare.

  . People call the fox tail for fluffy and long raspberry inflorescences. The branches of the bush extend 3 m in height. Drooping inflorescences can reach 0.5 m in length. The leaves are large, serrated, pointed at the end, have pronounced red veins. Their surface is matte, they are painted in a dark green tone. This type of akalifa is grown in cold regions only in indoor or greenhouse conditions. The plant does not tolerate cold and dies even with light frosts.

  • Akalifa Vilkez. A plant of this species grows in the form of a perennial shrub, the branches of which can stretch up to 3 m in height. Stems erect, slightly pubescent, strong. The leaves are large, in adulthood, their size reaches 20 cm in length and 13 cm in width. The shape is oval, they are pointed at the ends, have denticles at the edges. Their color is beautiful and of decorative value. The surface of the leaves has a bronze-green hue, covered with copper and red spots. Blooms in small inflorescences up to 10 cm in length.
  • Akalifa is southern. This species refers to annuals. The stems of this plant are ribbed, extend up to 0.5 m in height, branch and have light pubescence along the entire length with hard hairs. The leaves are small, oval, with a pointed end and ribbed edges. Painted green, matte. Spike inflorescences are located on a small peduncle, painted in light pink tones. Flowering begins in July and continues until the end of August.
  • Akalifa is Indian. It is a small shrub up to 50 cm tall. The stems are small, strong, weakly branching. The leaves are small, oval, serrated at the edges with a pointed end, 5 veins pronounced at the base. Spike inflorescences are small up to 7 cm in length. Flowering begins in July and can last until mid-autumn.
  • Akalifa Haitian. This species has creeping stems. The leaves are small, oval, serrated at the edges. On the branches are arranged alternately. Spike inflorescences grow up to 10 cm in length, drooping, fluffy, painted in a bright crimson tone. This species is used as a groundcover.
  • Akalifa is a tropical plant, so it is recommended to grow it in well-lit rooms. In winter, the plant can be exposed to the sun. In the summer, the flower is shaded, when planting, choose a place where direct sunlight will minimally fall on the leaves of akalifa.

    The soil should be slightly acidic and well fertilized. In empty soils, the plant will be small and weakly flowering and will quickly die without. A good layer of drainage is poured into the pots, peat, sand and turf ground are mixed.

    For perennial species growing in rooms and greenhouses, it is recommended to maintain the temperature regime:

    • In winter, the temperature should not drop below 17 degrees.
    • The optimum ambient temperature should be between 22-25 degrees.

    Plants:

    • Watering should be treated especially carefully. The soil should be constantly moist, but you can not overfill the plant. Therefore, the irrigation process is carried out as the soil dries.
    • In winter, it is reduced.
    • Also, during the operation of heating units, it is recommended to regularly spray the flower from the spray bottle with room temperature water.
    • You can also temporarily put the pot on a pallet with wet sand or moss.

    Every year in the spring and summer, when the plant is in the phase of active growth, it is recommended to apply mineral and organic fertilizers. Spend feeding 1 time in 2 weeks.

    Transplant adult plants as needed.

    You can also leave the bush in the old tub, changing only the top of the soil. To do this, it is loosened and carefully removed in parts so as not to damage the root system. Fertilizers are applied to the remainder, and the rest is filled up with prepared substrate. Young plants are transplanted annually up to 5 years of age. In this case, each time the diameter of the pot increases and the soil is completely replaced.

    Akalifa can be propagated with the help of cuttings and. When propagating by seeds, it is first necessary to prepare the soil. To do this, mix the sheet soil and sand in equal parts. Such a composition will allow young shoots to easily break through.

    Seeds are sown in the early spring.

    The container is covered with film or glass and transferred to a room where the ambient temperature is in the range of 20-23 degrees. After a while, when the seeds hatch and get stronger, they can be dived into separate containers.

    Reproduction using cuttings:

    •   spend in spring for flowering species. Varieties with decorative leaves and plain flowers can be propagated all year.
    • Healthy, strong, lignified branches are selected from which cuttings from the upper shoots are cut.
    • For rooting, a substrate is prepared by mixing peat and sand in equal parts.
    • Cuttings are buried in the soil at a small distance from each other.
    • Covered with a greenhouse.
    • The capacity is transferred to a room where the temperature is maintained within 23-25 \u200b\u200bdegrees.

    The cuttings must be looked after. They are regularly sprayed with water at room temperature and ventilated. When new leaves begin to form on the branches, this is an indicator of successful rooting. After a while, young plants can be transplanted into separate pots. Many gardeners recommend planting 2-3 cuttings in one container, then a young bush in the first year will be lush. Young plants are treated the same way as adults. After 6 weeks, it is necessary to pinch the tops to stimulate branching and strengthen the root system.

    Akalifa can be attacked by the same pests as other plants. These are aphids, spider mites and whiteflies. When the first signs appear, flower growers recommend resorting primarily to alternative methods of treatment. To do this, soapy water is treated the whole plant several times in a period of 1 week. If necessary, resort to special medications.

    Akalifa is resistant to disease, the main signs of the disease appear with improper care.

    So, if the leaves begin to fade, this is an indicator of excessive or, on the contrary, too meager watering. Also, wilting can occur if the flower grows in heavy soil.

    If the color of leaves turns pale on decorative-leafy varieties, this indicates a lack of light. If the edges of the leaves dry, you need to moisten the plant more intensively with a spray gun.

    More information can be found in the video.

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