The flower of hypocirrhoid (nematanthus) is popular due to its attractive appearance. Its juicy, fleshy greens as if covered with wax. Among the dense vegetation, bright lights of single colors peek out. From a distance, they resemble small citrus fruits. Such an attractive plant has long been familiar to true connoisseurs. Today, hypocirrhythmia continues to spread throughout the world from the tropical forests of Latin America.
Botanical characteristics
Not too numerous kind of hypocirits belongs to the Gesneriev family. Representatives of this genus are very similar to nematanthus, and some are even transferred by botanists from one section to another. For this reason, flower growers often identify the concepts of hypocirrhoid and nematanthus.
The plant has a grassy or shrubby shape. Epiphytes are also found in the genus, that is, species that live on other plants. The root system of hypocirrha is thin, superficial, very branched. Ground shoots are fleshy, have a creeping character. Soft stems grow in height by only 10-15 cm, and in length are able to reach 60 cm.
Fleshy leaves are attached to the stem with a very short petiole. They have an obovate, oval or rhomboid shape with a pointed edge. The upper side of the sheet is glossy, sometimes slightly pubescent. Bottom and at the base of the leaves are visible lilac stains. Each leaf has a length of 2-4 cm.
In summer, a flowering period begins for hypocirrhythmia. Single leaf flowers are formed in the axils of the leaves. They have a tubular shape and a more swollen lower edge. For such a feature, the flower of hypocytes is called a "fish" or "humpback flower." Petals are painted in rich colors. There are yellow, orange and red buds. The length of the shiny flower of hypocirr is 2-3 cm. After the flowers fade, small boxes with small seeds appear.
Types of Hypocytes
Let us dwell on the most popular types of hypocytes suitable for indoor cultivation:
- Hypocytosis monetary. Ampelic variety with flowing, flexible stems. Shoots are covered with small round leaves with a rare whitish pubescence. The corolla of the flower is formed by glossy petals. The base of the bud is painted in red tones, the edges of the flowers are covered with yellow-orange stains. The average size of the stems is 15 cm. This variety gets rid of foliage at the end of flowering and needs rest.
Coin hypocyte - Hypocytosis naked (glabra). It differs from the previous species in more elongated leaves. The surface of the leaves is shiny, smooth. The underside of the leaves is much lighter. Erect, slightly drooping stems can grow up to 60 cm in length. The shoot is fleshy, dark green. In summer, 2-3 orange flowers are formed in the axils of the leaves.
Hypocytosis naked (glabra) - Hypocirrhosis of the tropican. It has glossy dark green leaves of a rhombic shape, which are located on erect stems. Abundant flowering lasts all summer. Petals are painted in yellow-terracotta stripes.
Tropicana Hypocirrhosis - Hypocirth Gregarius (yellow and red) has a small oval foliage with a pointed edge and a glossy surface. The stems are creeping, so the plant is suitable for ampelous growing. Miniature tubular flowers of red or yellow shades are formed in the axils of the leaves.
Hypocirth Gregarius - Hypocirrhythmia columney Today it is isolated in an independent genus and deserves attention. This representative is famous for her bright appearance. Semi-standing branches are covered with large dark green foliage with a pointed edge. Large scarlet flowers rise above the bush.
Hypocirrhythmia columney - Hypocytosis variegated. The plant is characterized by a two-tone color of small leaves. There are varieties with a lighter core of the leaf, a strip along the central vein or a white border along the edge of the leaf plate.
Hypocytosis variegated
Although some of these varieties have already been assigned to other sections of the botanical classification, habitually, flower growers continue to classify them as the genus hypocytes.
Breeding methods
Reproduction of hypocytes is conveniently carried out in a vegetative way. It is enough to cut off the upper part of the stem in spring or early summer with 3-4 internodes. The cuttings are placed in water until the roots appear, or immediately planted in moist sandy peat soil. The shoot needs to be deepened to the nearest leaves and covered with a film or a jar. The greenhouse is kept in a room with a temperature of about + 22 ° C.
The rooted shoot is carefully transplanted into a separate container. You can immediately pinch the top to form a lush bush.
Hypocyte can be propagated by seeds bought in a store or collected independently. For planting, use a light peat substrate. Seeds are sown in shallow grooves and lightly sprinkled with earth. The soil is sprayed with water and covered with a film. Shoots appear after 2-3 weeks. During this period, the greenhouse is left in a bright and warm room.
When the seedlings reach a height of 2-3 cm, they thin out and begin to accustom to fresh air. A transplant to a permanent place is carried out a month after seed germination.
Care Rules
Hypocyte needs very light soil. It should not retain fluid, but it is necessary to provide sufficient aeration of the roots. You can use ready-made substrates for epiphytic plants or prepare the mixture yourself. The composition of the soil mixture should include sheet land, crushed bark, peat, coarse river sand and charcoal. Landing is made in flat and wide pots with a volumetric layer of drainage.
Hypocyte grows in tropical rainforests, so it needs to create conditions that are close to natural. To ensure high humidity, you should place hypocirrhoid next to fountains or water containers. It is possible to spray the plant, but not too often.
Hypocyte is regularly watered, it does not tolerate complete drying of the soil, but water should not be retained at the roots. In winter, watering is reduced, but irrigation cannot be completely stopped. In the warm season, hypocircus is fed twice a month. It is convenient to use universal dressing for flowering.
For an adult plant, the recommended air temperature is within + 22 ... + 26 ° C. In winter, you can bring the pot into a cooler room (about + 16 ° C). Sudden cooling or drafts can lead to illness and dropping of leaves.
When the roots begin to lift the soil or peek out of the drainage holes, the hypocyte is transplanted. The transplant is planned for spring and is carried out very carefully. Excessive stress will lead to illness and dropping foliage.
When flowering is completed, hypocyte should be cut off. Leave no more than half the length of the stems. This will ensure the emergence of new shoots and flowers, because buds are formed only on the stems of the first year of life. If the hypocyte does not bloom, this may be due to missed pruning.
Possible problems
With excess moisture in the soil or fluid stagnation on the leaves, brown or gray spots may appear. They indicate a fungal disease. The affected parts are removed, and the plant is transferred to a lighter and drier room.
If the hypocyte discards foliage, this indicates hypothermia and excessive watering. From a long stay in the bright sun, the leaves begin to turn yellow and fade. To correct the situation, shading will help.
Sometimes a whitefly, scutellum or spider mite attack a hypocirrhoid. You can get rid of them with the help of effective insecticides (karbofos, acaricide).
