Secrets of the successful cultivation of gusmaniya in the house

The native places of Guzmania are Central and South America. A flower begins its life on the bark of old trees. Essentially Guzmania - epiphyte. With active growth, the plant absorbs the necessary moisture directly from the air. At home, only two species of this epiphyte are grown - reed guzmania and rondo minor. It is these types of Guzmania that are less demanding of environmental conditions and are easier to take care of them at home.

Guzman transplant after purchase: pot and soil composition

This exotic flower has a very vulnerable root system. Therefore, the first thing after the acquisition of plants in the store you need to transplant. The soil for humming should be loose and well aerated. Not bad composition of turf land and sand with the addition of charcoal andfibrous peat.

Guzmania feels good in a soil mixture consisting of one part of sphagnum and three parts of the bark of coniferous trees (fern roots). You can also buy ready-made mixture for orchids or bromeliads.

Since the soil only partially fulfills the nutritional role for epiphyte, it is not necessary to plant it in a deep pot. And before you transplant guzmaniyu, it should be borne in mind that in a deep flowerpot to maintain the health of the root system is quite difficult. The best option for this epiphyte is a shallow pot with a diameter of 10-12 cm. Moreover, the drainage should fill about 2/3 of the tank. When transplanting it is important to carefully handle the root system - it is very delicate in Guzmania. Best to carry out transshipment.

We create ideal conditions for growing in the house

Caring for guzmaniya is carried out according to certain rules, by creating conditions as close as possible to the natural in the homeland of this plant.

Lighting

Illumination is very important for humming. The best option - sills of the western or eastern direction. On the south side, the plant will not feel comfortable, and the lack of light on the north side will adversely affect the flowering plants.

If the windows face only south, the flower needs shading. Moreover, the lack of light guzmaniya not suffer painfully, but in the shade bright flowers eventually turn pale and turn green, losing decorativeness.

There are no differences in lighting in winter and summer for guzmania - this plant does not have a clear rest period.

Temperature

Temperature plays an important role. The optimum temperature for the plant is + 23-25 ​​° C in summer and + 18-22 ° C in winter.

Peculiarities of home care

Experts say that it is easy to care for homemade flowers of gummania - the main thing is to follow the regime of watering and feeding of this exotic beauty.

Watering and humidity

About how to water this flower, you need to know first. And first of all you need to remember that this plant does not like excess moisture. As a rule, Guzmania is actively watered during dry periods or at high temperatures indoors. In the summer, the flower is watered every other day, and in winter, the Guzmania requires more rare watering - only once a week. Watering is performed in the rosette formed by the leaves, filling it at 2/3.

An increase in temperature in the summer quickly dries the air and can cause the ends of the flower to dry out. Therefore, we must bear in mind that for humming the optimum humidity is 60-80%. To increase the humidity in a hot period, you can sprinkle the plant 2-3 times a day or put it on a tray with wet sand or expanded clay, and in the winter, cover the batteries with a damp cloth or use a humidifier.

The main rule that must be followed in order not to suffer the question "how to save Guzman" the higher the temperature in the room, the higher the humidity should be. Moreover, it is not recommended to lower the temperature by “walking” a flower or arrange drafts - the plant does not like it. Although a light airing does not hurt him.

You can make a flower on the glazed balcony, only on the condition that it will not be exposed to direct sunlight. Otherwise, the plant can get burned. This is especially dangerous after spraying.

Water quality is also important: from the hard water on the leaves are stripes and bloom. For irrigation and spraying, it is advisable to use separated, thawed or rain water with a temperature of 2-3 ° C above room temperature.

Fertilization

According to flower growers, fertilizers do not have a fundamental importance for the huzmania, unlike watering and proper care. Indeed, in natural conditions, the plant receives nutrients in minimal quantities.

Potted flowers can be fed to prolong and stimulate flowering.Special fertilizers for bromeliads or universal feedings for flowering plants are used.

In order not to overfeed the flower, fertilizers are diluted with water in a ratio of 4-5 times less than recommended in the instructions. This solution is watered or sprayed once a month.

Bloom guzman

Experts who know all about the ghzmaniya, call this period the most important in the life of the plant. The flower blooms at the age of 3-4 years. This epiphyte blooms for several months (in March - September) and during this period it is striking in its beauty. At this time it is necessary to especially carefully maintain comfortable conditions.

Many who are eagerly awaiting this miracle are interested in the question: "why does not guzmania bloom." Experts call a number of reasons:

• lack of light;
• aggressive exposure to sunlight;
• lack of fertilizer and other nutrients;
• dry air.

Possible difficulties, diseases and pests: ways to deal with them

By and large, epiphytes bravely endure adverse conditions, but you should know what pests and diseases can be guzmanii and how to treat them.

1. The main enemies of the epiphytes are the scout, the spider mite, gray rot and mealybug. They inhabit the leaves of the plant and harm them. For treatment, guzmania leaves are rubbed with soapy water. If this method does not help, you should apply insecticides that spray the plant and pour the solution into the outlet.

2. If the stem rots, the roots may rot. In this case, watering should be reduced.
3. Gray spots on the leaves indicate that the fungus attacked the flower. You can get rid of it with a solution of fungicide.
4. If a guzmania dries out, the first thing to do is to find out if the pests have attacked it and to check the conditions: have you overdoing it with watering or have you been over-exposed to the sun.
5. If the epiphyte is not growing, perhaps it lacks nutrients. This may apply to both adult flowers, and "kids." The second reason is uncomfortable conditions. Although in some cases it may indicate that the plant is ready for flowering and reproduction.

By the way, many people start to get involved in bromelium dilution just after the first failed experience.

Breeding guzmaniya at home

This epiphyte can multiply both by the seminal method and by division.

Kids (lateral processes)

The habitual breeding method for hunting is division. During flowering, the plant begins to form the root system, which after some time grows into a separate flower - "baby".

As soon as the appendix grows up to 15 cm, it can be transplanted. After all, the mother plant already dries and dies. As a rule, Guzmania gives birth to only one “baby”, although in some cases the flower continues to live after flowering and gives more shoots. At first, many perceive the period of rebirth with some apprehension, because they do not know what to do when Guzmania has blossomed. Experienced growers recommend this action plan:

1. Cut off the spike and drying leaves.
2. Carefully prune the young shoots with a sharp knife.
3. Powder the cut with crushed coal.
4. To land the "kids" in a small container and cover with a transparent (preferably glass) cap.
5. Place young sprouts in a bright and warm (with a temperature of about + 28 ° C) place, trying to avoid direct sunlight.
6. After the appearance of new leaves, which indicate that the gusmania has taken root and the transplantation of children has been successful, the flower is taught to fresh air.
7. The rooted plant is transplanted to a permanent place after the final rooting.

For cultivation Guzman take the soil mixture, consisting of peat, turf (leaf) land or wet sphagnum moss.

Seeds

After flowering, a peculiar fruit-box is formed, in which the seeds of the gummania ripen. In order to grow epiphytes from seeds, they must first be disinfected. For this, a weak solution of potassium permanganate is suitable. After processing, the seed material is planted in the soil comfortable for gusmania (it is not necessary to sprinkle with earth, since the seeds germinate in the light). Seedlings covered with a transparent material (film, glass) and placed in a warm, bright place.

After three weeks, the first shoots will appear. After 2-2.5 months, they can dive into separate small (about 7 cm in diameter) capacity. After another six months, the flowers are transplanted to a permanent place.

Outwardly, Guzmania suggests that it is too whimsical. However, in reality, compliance with all the rules and requirements for the content, knowledge of how to propagate and deposit guzmaniyu, will create a real island of exotic. In addition, this plant will not only decorate the interior, but also activates your energy.