Description of the indoor variety of eustoma, planting, growing and caring for the house in pots

Although indoor eustoma is a difficult flower to grow, this does not deter gardening enthusiasts. It is valued for its tenderness and grace; in popularity it ranks second after the rose. It is also called Texas bell, Japanese or Irish rose, lisianthus - bitter flower. Eustoma can often be found on the main pages of floriculture manuals. In order for the plant to bloom profusely, you need to know the rules for planting and caring for it.

Characteristic features of indoor eustoma

At home, the plant is represented by a low bush of compact size with highly branched stems. The leaf blades are quite dense and have an oval-lanceolate shape. On the outside there is a wax coating that helps protect against the scorching rays of the sun. Externally, the flowers are very similar to roses, the only difference is the presence of a funnel-shaped notch.

But already in a bloomed state they can be compared to poppies; the number can reach 35 pieces. There are specimens with pink, lilac, white or purple buds. There are also varieties that are plain or with contrasting edging around the edges.

It is noteworthy that in natural conditions eustoma lives only 2 years, and when grown in the garden - only one season. As an indoor plant, it can delight with its attractive appearance for up to 4-5 years.

Common types and varieties

There are over 60 varieties of flowers, but for home maintenance they choose Russell's eustoma, whose height does not exceed 45 centimeters. For planting in garden conditions, the most popular options are species with large flowers. If you plan to use flowers in the future to make bouquets, it is recommended to plant crops that are tall.

Among eustomas with an intensive growth rate, gardeners receive special attention:

• Aurora, distinguished by its early flowering period. The color of the buds can be white, blue, light blue or pink.
• Echo, which is almost 70 centimeters high. There are 11 varieties of it. The stems grow spreading and the buds are large.
• Heidi, characterized by stable and abundant flowering, its height is 90 centimeters. The variety has 15 varieties.
• Flamenco, which has established itself as tall and easy to care for, its height is 90-120 centimeters. The variety also has many shades.

For indoor The following varieties of eustoma are used for cultivation::

• Mermaid, characterized as a low plant with branched stems 12-15 centimeters long. Small flowers are painted white, pink, blue or purple.
• LittleBell is an eustoma only 15 centimeters high, it does not need pinching, its cups are formed in a simple funnel shape.
• Fidelity - eustoma grows to only 20 centimeters. This is a white flower with numerous buds arranged in a spiral.
• FloridaPink - eustoma with pink flowers of regular shape.

Conditions required for growth and flowering

To successfully grow eustoma in an apartment, it is necessary to create comfortable conditions for growth and development. Only an optimal microclimate, moisture- and breathable soil and proper care will allow you to achieve bright and lush flowering.

Optimal location and lighting

Indoor eustoma is distinguished by its increased light-loving nature. For the winter period, it is recommended to move the pot to a window sill with a southern orientation, and for the summer season - western or eastern. Direct exposure of the eustoma leaves to the sun's rays should not be allowed, otherwise there is a high risk of burns. Given this feature of the flower, in winter it will be necessary to use phytolamps for additional illumination (15 hours a day).

Temperature indicators

For tender eustoma, it is necessary to maintain the temperature in the range of +20-24 degrees. These are the conditions that the plant needs to lay new buds. If the temperature is within +27-30 degrees, then in the first year the ovaries will accumulate useful components, and they will bloom only the next year. When the budding phase ends, the eustoma needs a period of rest.

Air humidity

For eustoma in winter, keeping it in dry air conditions is especially harmful. The plant is also contraindicated from being near air conditioning or heating devices. For eustoma, it is preferable to stay at a room humidity level in the range of 40-60%. If the plant begins to wilt, the humidity in the room should be increased.

The critical parameters for indoor eustoma are considered to be a humidity level of 10-30%. These indicators can be increased by using trays of water placed near the pot.

How to plant a plant at home

Properly carried out planting work allows the eustoma to quickly take root and grow.

Suitable soil and drainage

You can also plant indoor eustoma in a mixture for violets. But you can prepare the soil substrate with your own hands, using peat and sand in equal proportions or peat and tree bark in the same proportions. The acidity level should be between 6.7-7.0.

When eustoma is grown in an acidic environment, it experiences stunted growth and the appearance of chlorosis on the leaf blades. Expanded clay pebbles are used as drainage.

Pot size

For planting eustoma, it is best to select a wide vessel with low sides.This is due to the location of the root system of the flower; it is located in the upper layers of the soil. To drain excess moisture, the pot must have drainage holes, otherwise the roots will begin to rot.

Step-by-step planting technique

Algorithm of actions regarding sowing work:

1. Fill the container or personal containers with light soil, level it and compact it a little.
2. Spread the seeds on the surface of the soil or in shallow grooves at a distance of 1-1.5 centimeters. Sprinkle with a layer of sand to prevent the development of blackleg. In this case, the crops should be slightly visible.
3. Moisten the crops with a spray bottle.
4. Create greenhouse conditions using a glass container or polyethylene.

Upon completion, place the container or flowerpot in a warm place for germination, where the air temperature is between 21-24 degrees.

Features of home care

Eustoma, as an indoor crop, needs regular moistening, fertilizing, pruning and protection from harmful insects and diseases.

Watering in winter and summer

In summer, eustoma should receive moisture often, but in moderate doses, and in winter, on the contrary, rarely. The next irrigation procedure should be carried out when the top layer of soil has dried by 2-3 centimeters. Only soft and settled liquid is used for these purposes; excess must be removed from the pan.

Do not allow water to get on the leaves and flowers of eustoma, otherwise there is a risk of contracting a fungal infection. You need to pour water at the root.

Fertilizing

To maintain the eustoma in a healthy state, it is necessary to apply nutritional compositions twice a month. Any universal fertilizer for flowering crops that are bred according to the manufacturer’s instructions is suitable for fertilizing.Procedures are required only during the active growing season; in winter they are stopped.

Formative pruning

After the flowering phase is completed, only three internodes and 2-3 pairs of leaves are left on the flower, the remaining branches are removed. The pruned plant is placed in a cool place.

Nuances of care after flowering

Faded eustoma needs pruning and cool air. The plant needs rest to recuperate and set buds for next year.

Diseases and pests: methods of combating them

Considering the fact that eustoma is distinguished by bitter juice, it is rarely attacked by parasitic individuals and diseases. But, if not properly cared for, it can suffer from mites, small aphids and whiteflies. To combat them, drugs such as Aktara, Confidor, Actellik, Fitoverma are suitable.

To treat plants from powdery mildew, fusarium, and root rot, it is recommended to use fungicidal preparations such as Fundazol and Ridomil Gold. As a preventative measure, it is good to spray 2-3 times with one of these products. If the flower died from a fungal disease, then it must be disposed of, and the container and tools must be disinfected with a solution of potassium permanganate and alcohol.

Organizing a period of rest

When the eustoma is in a state of rest, its life processes slow down. At this stage, pruning should be done, leaving up to three internodes. There is no need to irrigate the plant; the flower must be placed in a cool place, where the temperature is up to +15 degrees. After awakening, the eustoma is transplanted into a new pot and all care activities are resumed.

Reproduction of indoor eustoma

To get a new plant, you can use one of the methods: through seeds or rhizomes.

Rhizome

A plant grown in the garden is transplanted into a large container in the fall, the stems are cut off and transferred to a cool place (8-10 degrees), where it is periodically watered. When new shoots form in the spring, the flower is propagated by dividing the rhizome. The earthen lump is treated with a solution of potassium permanganate (soaked for 2 hours), excess soil is removed and divided into 2-3 parts. The sections are powdered with foundation or crushed coal and planted in the ground.

Seeds

Sowing is done in early December in containers filled with loose substrate. Then it is moistened, the seeds are laid out and sprayed again with a spray bottle. They are covered with a mini-greenhouse and placed in a room where the air temperature is +25 degrees. Periodically, the soil is moistened and ventilated. The first shoots will be visible after 2 weeks.

Eustoma is a luxurious house plant. Even a beginner can grow it, the main thing is to follow the recommendations regarding planting and care.