Hemigraphis flower

The special beauty of some flowers makes them stand out from many others. Unusual Gemigraphis leaves make this flower unique and special. The plant belongs to the Acanthus family and is able to decorate any interior of the house. Exotic beauty attracts and leaves no one indifferent. After all, its leaves are admired for their color and delicious shape. But the flowers are inferior to the leaves in beauty and shape. They are small in size and spike-shaped and do not attract attention.
Hemigraphis (hemigraphis) from the ancient Greek language, the name of the flower is translated half-painted. This is the name of Don because of the unusual patterns on the leaves of the beautiful flower. The leaves look unusual and attractive not only because of the pattern, but also because of the rich green color and red veins on them. In addition, their color changes depending on the lighting and time of day. They turn purple in color and take on a slight tint of silver when exposed to bright light. They groan silver when it gets dark. The leaves, like little hearts, can decorate an orange basket or cover the surface of the earth like a carpet.

Gemigraphis: flower description

Plant Gemigraphis: photo

Originally Gemigraphis from the Australian continent and Asian countries. It was brought to Europe from the island of Java. It acts as an exotic indoor plant.

The tropical climate will be ideal for good flower development. Indeed, under natural conditions, it grows in humid and hot forests. For this reason, the plant behaves quite capriciously when it is started to grow at home.

At the moment, there are about 60 species in nature. Especially stand out sinuate and alternate. In the people, the alternating Hemigraphis species was given the name "red ivy". This is due to the lilac color of the leaves and the red veins on them. During flowering on the alternating Hemigraphis, cute white flowers appear. Hemigraphis alternating attracts gardeners all over the world and they strive to decorate their homes and adjoining plots with this plant.

The notched Hemigraphis species is grown everywhere in the states as rooting is quick and easy. Their narrow, serrated leaves make them look spectacular in any garden. They can decorate ampel baskets, are great as a creeping and creeping plant. If you create optimal conditions for the plant and properly care for it, then it can live for many years. It is extremely difficult to create favorable conditions for this species by growing at home, since it needs a lot of moisture and high temperatures. However, if you try, you can decorate your apartment or house with it.

Growing in the wild, the flower reaches 60 centimeters. Grown at home, its growth will not exceed 15 centimeters.

Gemigraphis: home care

Gemigraphis: photo of a plant

Delicate Gemigraphis requires special attention. It can become a wonderful home decoration, subject to certain conditions. The most important requirement is to provide the plant with warmth. In the summer, at +25 degrees, the plant will be quite comfortable; in the winter, it is necessary to control so that the thermometer does not drop too much. If it drops to -15 degrees, then this will lead to death. It is also important to ensure that the temperature does not change sharply in one direction or another. Drafts can also kill the plant.

If you provide good bright lighting, the leaves will be saturated colors.But a large amount of direct sunlight has a bad effect on the health of the hemigraphis. With the diffused rays of the sun, the plant will feel good and decorate the house for a long time. A window located in the East would be a great place. You cannot put the plant in the shade, there it will demonstrate pale and inconspicuous leaves, because of which decorativeness will be lost.

Important periodically ventilate the room where Gemigraphis grows, opening the window.

It is necessary to monitor the temperature in the room, the thermometer should not rise or fall sharply. At temperatures above +25, the plant will grow and develop worse. Even the smallest difference can lead to death. It is necessary to create conditions where the temperature will be kept at +23, and in winter not lower than +18 degrees.

Hemiagraphis loves moist soils, so this is just as important as temperature. Water every 48 hours and use plenty of liquid. As soon as the soil dries up, it must be moistened. But excessive moisture and water stagnation have a detrimental effect on the flower. During the winter cold, the flower falls asleep and does not need a lot of moisture, once every 7 days will be enough. For watering, you must use soft, settled and warm water.

In addition to watering activities, do not forget about spraying. Humidity in the air has a good effect on the health of the plant. Due to inappropriate indoor conditions, the life of the plant is shorter than that of those planted in the garden. The maximum term is about 3 years. A terrarium would be the best option for growing this species.

You can try to achieve 60% humidity in your home using water vapor. You cannot do without using a humidifier. If the flower grows in the vicinity of branchy plants, then this will help preserve the optimal moisture content. In winter, it is extremely difficult to maintain high humidity due to operating heating systems. Therefore, at the bottom of the pot, you need to put expanded clay, which will retain moisture.

Growing Gemigraphis cannot do without fertilization. In the spring and summer period, the plant has active growth and development, therefore, at this moment, additional feeding is needed. You can buy them in a specialized store. They are applied every 7 days along with water, while those fertilizers that are intended for ornamental deciduous plants are applied in larger quantities than indicated in the instructions. Approximately 2 times.

In order for the leaves of the Gemigraphis plant to grow densely, the bud shoots must be cut off. To form a beautiful bush, you can resort to drastic measures and cut the stem in early spring.

Gemigraphis: transplantation and reproduction

Plant Gemigraphis: photo

It is necessary to transplant Gemigraphis annually. During transplantation, it is mono to divide the bush and thus not only give more space to the plant, but also propagate it. The vase should not be deep, but the width should be decent. The plant loves nutritious and loose soil, you can make it yourself or buy ready-made in a specialized store. It should consist of peat, humus, river sand, turf, leafy earth. All these ingredients should be mixed in equal amounts. It is also worth adding expanded clay and sand there, this will increase the drainage of the soil. While the plant is rooting, the thermometer should be at around +26 degrees.

• For reproduction during transplantation, you need to take a stem on which there is a root. You can also use cuttings and plant them in the ground.
• Since the stem contains the rudiments of the roots, a new flower will appear in a short period of time. The main thing is to plant it so that the root rudiment is in the ground.
• Reproduction is carried out in late spring or early summer, at other times it is better to refrain from this procedure.
• The transplant can take place at least how many times, the main thing is during the warm period.
• After planting the cuttings, the container must be covered with a film to create a greenhouse effect and retain moisture.
• If the new shoots are pinched, the plant will branch well and will have a large number of leaves, which will create a greater density.

Pests of Gemigraphis and the fight against them

Gemigraphis: video about caring for a plant at home

The worst enemies can be considered spider mite and shield... If the plant is hit by a spider mite, then the leaves and stems will be covered with a white bloom. The cobweb is on the inside of the sheet. If not taken care of, they will dry out and fall off. As a preventive measure, it is necessary to maintain an optimal moisture level. Insecticidal preparations will help to cope with the tick, as well as the treatment of the plant with soapy water.

The scabbard has a destructive effect on the entire plant. You can determine its appearance by dry brown leaves. You can cope with it with the help of insecticidal drugs. Carry out processing in accordance with the instructions in the instructions and until they disappear completely.

Inexperienced gardeners are often concerned about the slow growth of Gemigraphis. But this type of flower does not grow quickly, so there is no need to worry.

If everything is done correctly and in accordance with the recommendations, then you can grow a beautiful lush unique Gemigraphis that can decorate your house or apartment and delight day after day for several years.