Houseplant Aukuba (Japanese, Himalayan): planting and care

Aukuba hails from the subtropical forests of Central Asia. It came to Europe at the end of the 17th century and quickly gained popularity among the local population. The original color of the leaves and the ease of reproduction allowed the evergreen tree to become a regular guest in greenhouses and among indoor plants.

Genus description

The golden tree of aukuba includes two kinds - Himalayan aukuba and Japanese aukuba. These are evergreen shrubs, woody stem, leaves dense, glossy, green. Aucubus flowers of white-brown color, collected in a bunch, small and inconspicuous.

Berries of orange and red flowers. Same-sex plant, male and female flowers are on different specimens.

Kinds

Let us consider their description in more detail:

1. Himalayan Aukuba grows up to 4 m in height.Leaves are dense, leathery, oblong, pointed tip, dark green color. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, but the berries - juicy bright red color.
2. Japanese aukuba grows up to 2.5 m in height. The leaves are dense, oblong shape. The width of the leaves is 6 cm, in length they can grow up to 20 cm. The berries are orange. Flowers red or purple hue. There are many varieties of Japanese aucuba - with monochrome leaves and spotted leaves. Scientists have developed the following varieties of Japanese aucuba:

• Varieagata - leaves of pale green color with lots of yellow spots of different sizes;
• Picturata - green leaves with yellow specks, the core of the leaves has a rich yellow tint;
• Gold dust - almost yellow leaves with small green specks.

In this article we will describe in detail about Japanese aucuba, care in the home, species, we will show a photo of the plant.

Terms for auccubes

This plant can be called unpretentious. Let's find out what aukcube needs for full development.

Temperature and humidity

Suitable ambient temperature is 21 ° C. In winter, you need to ensure coolness, the temperature is reduced to 8-14 ° C. The heat in the room can speed up the aging process and the leaves will start to fall off.

Dry air can significantly slow down the growth of a plant. In winter, dry air must be humidified. Spraying is carried out 2 times a day. In the summer, sprayed once a week. Use distilled water at room temperature.

Lighting

Loves penumbra or diffused light. But does not tolerate direct sunlight. Requirements for lighting depend on the type of plant - varieties with spotty leaves in the shade lose color, but the leaves of monochromatic varieties will feel great in low light.

In the warm season it is possible to make a flower in the open air, but it must be protected from direct sunlight and wind.

Soil mixture

The ground for the aucuba must be "breathable." You can prepare the following soil mixture: sand, peat, earth and humus are mixed in equal proportions.Soil mixture can be disinfected - add a couple of drops of potassium permanganate or heat in the oven for 20 minutes.

Do not forget about the drainage - pebbles, both expanded clay and polystyrene will cope equally well.

How to plant aukkubu

Aukuba is a plant propagated by seeds and cuttings.

Seeds

Seed propagation does not impart a varietal maternal quality to new shoots. By choosing this method of reproduction, you need to sow fresh seeds in a wet soil mixture. Do not wait for a quick crop shoot. Be sure to spray and moisten the soil.

Cuttings

Eavesdropping of aucuba will allow transfer of maternal varietal qualities Having chosen this breeding method, you should cut off a plant branch at the beginning of spring or autumn (there should be at least 3 leaves on it).

Cut the twig is placed in a pot with sand or soil mixture for growing roots. To create optimal conditions, cover with plastic and water regularly. It is important to periodically spray and open polyethylene so that the plant is saturated with oxygen.

Home care

Having bought an aukubu, you should not worry that care at home will be difficult and troublesome.

Watering

It is necessary to water a flower moderately. In the summer, once a week, in the winter, watering should be reduced to 1 time in 2 weeks. For irrigation, as for spraying, use separated water at room temperature. Excessive watering leads to rotting of the root system.

Fertilizer

For feeding use complex mineral fertilizers. Feeding period is from March to September, fertilized once every 2 weeks. Top dressing can be alternated with watering.

Transfer

The time for transplanting is spring. Young specimens can be transplanted once a year, adults - once in 3 years or in case of growth of the root system. This should be done carefully - the roots of aucuba are very brittle. As an alternative to a full transplant - replacing the top layer of soil mixture in a pot.

Diseases, pests, care mistakes

If suddenly the leaves turn black in aukuba - there is no reason to be afraid, we will tell you what to do. Blackened leaves speak of disease rot. You can get rid of it by correcting watering, removing the affected areas and treating with fungicide.

For lovers to enjoy the flower include:

• whitefly,
• scythe,
• spider mite,
• mealybug.

You can save the plant from them with the help of an insecticide. For example, Actellic. As a gentle option for the destruction of pests - a soap solution.

It is necessary to wipe the affected areas with a soft cloth or a cotton swab. One of the main mistakes in the care - this is excessive watering, non-compliance with temperature regimes, dry air. Japanese Akuba is an interesting evergreen, caring for it at home is simple, and a photo of a variety of colors will help you decide on the variety of this plant.