Geogenanthus

Geogenanthus: description

Geogenantus Wavy: photo of a houseplant

Geogenanthus is an evergreen herb belonging to the Kommelin family. In its natural environment, it grows in the tropical regions of South America, is ubiquitous in Peru and Brazil. The genus Geogenanthus includes only 4 plant species.

Geogenanthus characteristics

Florists appreciate Geogenanthus for their spectacular rounded or heart-shaped leaves. Their glossy wrinkled surface is painted in a deep dark green and is covered with lighter stripes along the entire length. The reverse side of the leaf plate is purple in color. The presence of a short edge is characteristic.

The houseplant Geogenanthus wavy has a branched root system, although the roots do not grow very long. The numerous stems of the plant, as a rule, do not branch, they can reach a height of 75 cm. They are characterized by a succulent structure of tissues and the presence of short brown hairs. The arrangement of the flower stalks of the geogenanthus is unusual: they are attached to the stem in its lower, root part, which gives the impression that they grow directly from the soil.

The flowering period of geogenanthus wavy falls on the summer months, during this period small and rather plain flowers are formed on the stems, which open for only a day and have no aroma. They consist, as a rule, of 3 sepals of a greenish-brown shade and the same number of petals, painted in pink and purple tones and covered with a fringe of tiny hairs.

Indoor plant Geogenanthus wavy: care

Geogenantus Wavy: photo of a houseplant

Growing wavy geogenanthus at home, accustomed to the conditions of the tropical belt of South America, is not the easiest thing. This southern plant needs to maintain a fairly high temperature and degree of humidity in the room where it is located. Compliance with certain recommendations will allow you to grow geogenanthus without problems in room conditions.

Temperature regime

Indoor plant geogenanthus wavy does not tolerate temperature fluctuations: the column of the room thermometer should not fall below 18 degrees. For the same reason, you should avoid placing pots with this plant on the windowsill close to the glass in the cold season, as well as near central heating batteries and appliances for heating the room.

Lighting mode

Indoor plant geogenanthus wavy refers to light-loving crops, which, meanwhile, prefer not to be exposed to direct sunlight on hot summer days. With the arrival of the cold season, it is necessary to ensure that the southern plant fully receives the light it needs. For this reason, it is recommended to acquire an artificial illumination system that will allow the geogenanthus to successfully overwinter.

Soil composition

For growing geogenanthus, a nutritious and well-moistened soil is suitable. At the same time, it is important to take care of the drainage layer, which will protect the plant's root system from excess moisture. This plant responds well to the presence of organic matter in the soil. The substrate for growing geogenanthus can be prepared independently: for this, leaf humus, coarse sand and perlite should be mixed in equal proportions.

Top dressing

Since geogenanthus is an evergreen plant, it does not go into hibernation - during this period its growth hardly slows down, but there is no need for feeding. You should start applying fertilizers no earlier than April and stop using them in October. This half of the year is characterized by more intensive growth of geogenanthus, therefore it is recommended to feed it with liquid nutrient complexes every 14 days.

Air humidity level

A resident of the tropical zone, geogenanthus needs regular spraying. Excessive wetting of the leaves should be avoided, as the accumulation of moisture in the folds of the leaf plates can cause fungal infections.

The degree of soil moisture

The soil in the container for growing geogenanthus must be constantly kept moist for a whole year. In winter, the frequency and volume of watering can be reduced.

Indoor plant geogenanthus wavy: transplantation and reproduction

Geogenantus Wavy: photo of a houseplant

Geogenanthus should be transplanted as it grows, when the root system of the plant becomes cramped in a pot or container. Spring is considered the best time for transplanting.

A common way of reproduction of geogenanthus is cuttings. Cuttings are stems from 5 to 10 cm in length, from which a pair of lower leaves has been removed. The base of the cutting should be treated with a powder root growth stimulant and placed in a container with a nutrient substrate consisting of a mixture of moistened peat with sand. Containers with future seedlings should be covered with a glass or plastic cap, or polyethylene and placed in a warm and sufficiently lit place. Geogenanthus cuttings form a new root system for a rather long time, this process takes 3-5 weeks. During this time, the greenhouse should be ventilated, gradually increasing the duration of the air procedures. Cuttings need moderate watering, since excess moisture is much more dangerous for them than drought.

Another way of reproduction of geogenanthus is to divide an adult plant into independent parts, which can be carried out in the process of transplanting a bush.

Diseases

The main cause of diseases of the indoor plant of the wavy geogenanthus is the violation of recommendations regarding the care of this plant. Insufficient air humidification leads to the appearance of yellowness on the leaf plates. They turn brown over time and may dry out completely. Rotting of the lower part of the stem and root system of the geogenanthus signals an excessive concentration of moisture in the soil.

The nuances of growing a houseplant geogenanthus

Geogenantus Wavy: photo of a houseplant

Due to the rather high growth rates, Geogenanthus quickly outgrows pots and other containers and loses its attractive compact appearance. For this reason, it is recommended to replace the wavy geogenanthus houseplant with a new one every one and a half years.