Hirita - growing and care at home, photos of species

Khirita is a flowering herb from the Gesneriaceae family. Under natural conditions, it occurs in the form of a perennial or annual low shrub. Indoors, low (up to 20 cm) perennial bushes are cultivated, periodically in need of rejuvenation.
It develops slowly. It begins to bloom in May and pleases with bell-shaped flowers until September. Hot and humid Colombia is considered the birthplace of the Khirita. In nature, the plant is common in India, Southeast Asia, on the rocky slopes of the Malay Peninsula.

Also see How to Raise Smitanta and Achimenes.

Description of room primrose

Primula (Primula) - predominantly a perennial herb of the Primroses family. The habitat is regions of North America, Asia and Europe with a temperate climate and moist soil.
Indoor primrose has an identical appearance with garden relatives. The height of the primrose does not exceed 25–30 cm. The stem of the herbaceous perennial is short, the roots are fibrous superficial. Elongated heart-shaped wrinkled leaves are attached to long petioles, which are collected in basal rosettes. The color of the leaves is of various shades of green: from pale green to rich grassy.

Indoor and some types of garden primrose have an identical appearance.

Primrose is characterized by bright and rich flowering. Flowers are single or collected in racemose and umbellate inflorescences. The mouth of the tube of the flower is yellow, but the petals themselves are white, cream, yellow, orange, pink, crimson, red, blue, dark blue, lilac and purple shades. Bicolor specimens and petals with contrasting stripes along the edges are much less common.

Description

Khirita is a perennial or annual (depending on the species) plant of the Gesneriaceae family, which has spread its habitat to the tropical territories of the South Asian region. Countries where it grows include South China, India, the Malay Peninsula, Sri Lanka, as well as the islands of Java, Borneo and Sumatra. Khirita prefers limestone and stony soils, mountain slopes.

As a rule, hirita has a spreading rosette of many leaves of an oblong oval or pointed shape. Sometimes there are also plants with two or more leaves. Most of these leaves are pubescent, but varieties with a smooth surface are often found. Several pedicels emerge from such a rosette, the top of which is crowned with pale purple flowers. In addition to this base color, the petals of the buds can be bluish, cornflower blue, and even pink and purple shades. In general, this plant resembles our violet.

Did you know? In Sri Lanka, the days off, in addition to Saturday and Sunday, are also days of full moons.

These flowers reproduce with the help of seeds ripening in special boxes, which are the peculiar fruits of this flower.

The main types and varieties of flowers

As stated in botanical reference books, there are about 390 species of primroses in nature.However, only a few of them can be grown in a closed environment. Consider the most popular types and varieties of primroses in indoor floriculture.

Primrose soft

The soft primrose growing in the wild reaches a height of 30 cm, indoor specimens grow up to 20 cm. The characteristic features of the species are elongated-oval leaves on long petioles and large inflorescences of 15–20 flowers. The leaves are colored light green. Flowers are purple, white, pink, red, and bright blue.

The most interesting representatives of this species are the Snow Queen, White Pearl, Mars, Juliet mixed and Enchantment varieties.

Primula reverse conical

Obkonika, or reverse conical primrose, is a low herbaceous plant. The maximum flower height is 20 cm. The leaves formed on long petioles are oblong and cut along the edges. Inflorescences are formed on long peduncles. One gets the impression that a bright hat is being worn on the emerald leaves. Initially, the color of the petals was lavender. As a result of breeding achievements, varieties with lilac, lilac and purple flowers were bred.

A vivid representative of the reverse conical primrose is the Twilly Touch Me variety.

Primula stemless

The hybrid form of stemless primrose, popular among flower growers, grows up to 20 cm. Bright green leaves have an elongated elliptical shape. A distinctive feature of the hybrid is single flowers on thin peduncles. The color of the petals is different: from snow-white to bright and unusual colors.

Popular varieties: Sphinx Apricot, Auricula Argus, Eclipse Violet with Rim, and Sphinx F1 neon Rose.

Main varieties

In nature, there are about 150 plant species. Among them are herbaceous annuals and perennials, miniature plants with 1-2 leaves. As an indoor flower, hirita is represented by a number of interesting hybrid varieties.

• Chinese Khirita (Chirita sinensis). Representative of gibbosaccus. The plant is miniature, no higher than 15 cm. The rosette is dense. Oval, with a pointed tip at the tip, the leaves sit on small petioles. The color of the leaves is green with silvery streaks. Downy with light pile. Flowers up to 4 cm lilac. It is also found under the name of silver hirita.
• Khirita Tamiana (Chirita tamiana). The rosettes are miniature, like saintpaulias. The leaves are rounded with a slight taper at the end. Typically dense pubescence. Peduncles are long relative to the flower. Up to 7 bell flowers bloom on each peduncle. The flowers are white, in the pharynx there are spots of a lilac shade.
• Khirita lavender (Chirita lavandulacea). An annual representative of the microchirites. Height up to half a meter, pubescent stem, straight. Elliptical leaves of dense structure are opposite. Flowers are small, lavender in color.
• Chirita linearifolia. Miniature plant with dense rosettes of hard and narrow leaves. Characterized by a gradual abscission of the lower leaves with the formation of a thick woody short stem. The stem is slightly branched. An adult plant resembles several small intergrown palms. Flowers are large, collected in several pieces on a long peduncle.

Important! Caring for hirita is practically no different from caring for Saintpaulias. If you have an uzambara violet (saintpaulia) at home, then you can put the plants nearby and care for them in the same way.

Planting and reproduction of indoor primrose

Growing indoor primrose begins with soil selection and breeding methods.

Soil selection and preparation

Indoor primrose grows well in shallow but wide flower pots. You can use plastic, clay and ceramic containers.

The soil should be light, moisture-permeable and slightly acidic. From the purchased options, a substrate for growing geraniums is suitable. When making your own soil mixture for room primrose, you need to mix sod, leafy and peat soil with sand or vermiculite in a ratio of 2: 2: 2: 1.

Before planting a flower, the soil is disinfected and calcined in the oven.

It is necessary to grow a herbaceous perennial in a light and slightly acidic substrate.

Seed propagation

When propagating by seeds, choose varieties that are suitable for indoor cultivation. Be sure to check the expiration date of the planting material.Expired and stale seeds give a low germination rate.

Sowing seeds is best in summer. After sowing, the flowerpots are covered with foil and moved to a place where the air temperature is kept at + 15 ... + 17 ° C. The first shoots can be expected in 2–2.5 weeks. When the sprouts get stronger and form 2-3 leaves, you can transplant the seedlings into separate containers.

Propagation by cuttings

When propagating by cuttings, select only healthy and physically hardy plants. A stalk is a leaf cut with a petiole. There must be a kidney on the handle.

The cut cutting is rooted at an acute angle into a wet sandy-peat mixture. From above, the cutting can be covered with a jar or any other glass container. After 2-3 days, remove the glass container. The result of a successfully performed procedure will be new leaves that have appeared over time.

Reproduction by dividing the bush

Reproduction by dividing the bush involves the separation of young rosettes from the parent plant. It is better to carry out the procedure during the transplant of a perennial. In order for a young bush to adapt and take root faster, it is better to transplant it with its native soil. Do not forget to remove damaged root scions. You also need to cut off roots with signs of rot and plaque of unknown origin.

With the correct division of the parent bush, young rosettes quickly adapt to the new growing environment.

Propagation of primrose by dividing the bush

Features of primulina

Florists are just beginning to get acquainted with such unusual beauties as primulines, and therefore they have not yet gained the deserved popularity. So, for example, spirulina could be found not so long ago, except in single collections. Today it is considered a little-known and very exotic plant, but many growers already know that such a cute "baby" has a very unpretentious disposition and can become an adornment of any collection. Such a name as "primulina" is known only to a small number of flower growers. However, those who have seen such flowers at exhibitions or in home collections will forever remember their unusual and very delicate beauty. There are many examples when a florist, having first met such a beauty, has already returned to his home with several copies.

Primulines (Primulina) - these are quite rare southeastern exotic plants that are grown at home. Their homeland is Asia. Even today, new species are being discovered that are found in the highlands of Malaysia, India, China, and Sri Lanka. But at the same time, the largest number of species of such plants come from Thailand and China. Primulines are directly related to the Gesneriev family. Such plants began to be grown at home no more than 20 years ago. Several years ago, changes were made to their classification, which was perceived as a revolution in botany. So, this genus was previously considered monoid, however, thanks to the research carried out, it expanded to more than 100 plant species, which were earlier called Chirita. This name is still often used by flower growers to this day, so this beauty is often called primulines-hirit, and sometimes just chirit. However, despite the confusion in the names, such cute flowers are quite easy to recognize, even considering the variety of their species.

Such a plant has a very effective rosette of leaves. It is often compared to the leaf rosette of the uzambar violet, however, apart from the size and type of development, they no longer have anything in common. It should be noted that these flowers have practically no resemblance to violets, especially these plants differ in leaf plates. However, there are such types of primulins, which from a distance are somewhat reminiscent of a violet. This flower has leaves arranged symmetrically, which is unique. They are almost always arranged in perfect opposite pairs.So, each sheet plate necessarily has an "opposite". Outwardly, this symmetry makes the plant spectacular and very elegant, while the flower itself is mistaken by many for a small miracle. In most species, the rosettes do not have stems. And there are species in which a short stem is formed. Also, such plants differ in that they grow wide all the time, for example, there are species and varieties in which the leaf rosette is quite large (diameter is about 40 centimeters). There are species that create a kind of tiers, due to the fact that lateral plants grow in them. It is also worth remembering that an adult plant does not lose its spectacular appearance. Thus, its unique symmetry does not disappear anywhere. In different species, the size of the leaf rosettes can vary from very large to miniature (dwarf). The height of such plants, as a rule, does not exceed 20 centimeters, but most of the plants are much shorter.

Only in some species the leaves are outwardly distantly similar to the violet. They are located opposite and have short or medium petioles. Their surface can be glossy, slightly pubescent, as well as velvety (with thick hairs). The shape of the leaf plates directly depends on the type and variety and can be ovoid, rhombic, round, linear, spatulate or lingual. In a greater number of species, stripes and veins of light or silver color on the surface of the leaves. It is impossible to appreciate all the beauty of the leaves in the photographs. The fact is that light patterns seem to shine, and if you look at such a plant live, you get the impression that liquid silver is poured onto the leaves, which flows continuously. This effect is somewhat similar to that of precious orchids.

The graceful flowers of this plant can compete in their beauty with orchids, but their structure and shape are quite simple. Such flowers have a certain similarity with gloxinia, as well as with gentian. The five-petalled flowers are tubular in shape, while their tube is rather narrow. And they have a light pastel or whitish color. On the surface of the flower itself and the asymmetrical throat, there are stripes of lilac and dark purple colors. On fairly long peduncles, the height of which always exceeds the height of the leaf rosette, there are inflorescences in the shape of a brush. They are rather loose and consist of 3–7 flowers. In the inflorescences, the flowers, as well as the leaves, are arranged symmetrically and not very densely, which contributes to emphasizing the beauty and grace of this plant during flowering.

Flowers can be painted not only in specific lilac-white tones. Thanks to breeders, a large number of varieties were born, the flowers of which can be painted in pink, yellow, blue, white, blue, as well as lilac. The main color of the flower is distinguished by its tenderness, pastel and dullness. But the veins have a brighter and more saturated color shade.

For all its advantages described above, this plant also blooms for a very long time. So, the duration of flowering, it can compete with the phalaenopsis. So, flowering lasts almost constantly and is interrupted only during the dormant period, which is rather short. As a rule, the flowering of species primulines begins in the summer, and in order for it to continue in the winter, illumination will be required. Flowering in varietal plants lasts year-round with one break for a short dormant period in winter.

Primrose care at home

Compliance with elementary care rules is the key to long-term flowering of indoor primrose. Next, we will tell you how to care for room primrose.

Light and temperature conditions

Active sun rays are unsafe for primrose.The flower grows well and blooms profusely in diffused lighting. For this reason, it is better to place a pot with a herbaceous perennial on the west, southwest or southeast window.

The air temperature in the room where there is a flower pot with a plant should be in the range from +16 to +20 ° C. If the recommended temperature regime is violated, the brightness of the primrose colors is lost.



I want to tell you about a beautiful plant that is a relative of the violet. This is hirita, it is not yet so popular among amateur gardeners. Once I bought an interesting flower for the occasion, I began to look for information about it in various sources.

I just fell in love with these delicate flowers with a wide variety. Gradually, my home collection expanded, more and more interesting representatives of hirita varieties never cease to amaze me with their beauty. Moreover, caring for them does not require close attention.

Khirita (Chirita) - until recently united in the classification a whole genus of the Gesneriev family. But today about a hundred plants of this species have been identified by botanists as the genus Primulin. In this regard, the flower is now called hirita primulina, sometimes you can hear the name chirita, not hirita.

The area of ​​growth is the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, Southeast Asia. Hirita can grow beautifully among the rocks on the mountain slopes. And at home it is quickly mastered, undemanding to the conditions of detention.

Primulines are distinguished by a varied shape and color of leaves, you can find varieties with pubescent leaf plates, there are also glossy, patterned or monochrome. Hiritas with spotted leaves or decorated with golden veins look very impressive.

The varietal variety allows you to admire the most different forms of leaves, and the bush usually grows in height no more than 20 centimeters. The diameter of the bush often reaches 30 centimeters, while remaining compact due to shortened cuttings.

Flowers resembling small bells are represented by inflorescences of 3-7 flowers. Their color is very diverse, you can find the most unexpected options, including contrasting striped and monochromatic, with a bright color. But the main types are pastel shades.

Some types and varieties:

Vietnam is considered the birthplace of this flower. Tamiana leaves are round, pubescent. The flowers are in the form of elongated bells - most often white in color, but you can also find striped ones, with a purple or blue tint.

This type of primulina is a compact bush with wide glossy rounded leaves. The lush bloom of the lavender-rose bush of hirita oryensis looks very beautiful.

Dryad C. sinensis

This hirita received the same name - silver primulina. A short bush consists of a flat leaf rosette with short petioles. Its types are very diverse and very decorative, with beautiful, patterned leaves.

Differs in smooth, glossy leaves and yellow bell flowers.

The variegated leaves of this hirita, decorated with a silver stripe in the center and light thin veins along the edges, look very impressive. Flowers on high peduncles are pale blue, large in size.

Angustifolia

Differs in lush flowering. The flowers are white with a yellow core. The leaf plates are narrow, jagged, marbled green in color, collected in the form of a rosette.

Marble sheet

It has oval leaf plates, glossy, saturated green, decorated with light green spots. Flowers are delicate lavender, large in size.

Naine argente

The flowers of this hirita variety are light pink in color and are located on spiral stems. The leaf plates are shiny, decorated with decorative light veins.

Cynthia

A very effective variety of hirita. The leaf plates are thin and long, light beige in color, with a green frame around the edges.

The leaf plates are diamond-shaped with jagged edges, very beautifully painted with silvery stripes in an intricate pattern.

It blooms in large, light purple flowers with orange stripes.

It has very spectacular leaves, intricately painted with golden patterns with pink villi. Flowers - soft lavender color.

Growing hirita is not at all difficult, the plant does not impose any special requirements, even a not very responsible grower can be entrusted with caring for it.

Illumination and temperature conditions

Hirita likes diffused, not bright lighting, the pot is best placed on the west or east side of the house.

In winter, when the daylight hours are very short, the flower can be identified on the southern windowsill. But on hot summer days, you need to cover the tender leaves from the burning sun so as not to burn.

Lack of lighting negatively affects the appearance of the plant: growth slows down, the stems stretch, and the leaves wither.

Large temperature changes (from 6 to 30 degrees) will not harm hirita, but only for a short period. But a comfortable temperature in winter will be 15-20 degrees, and in summer - 22-25 degrees.

Primulina does not like drafts, especially in winter. Therefore, you do not need to put the pot next to the open window.

How to water properly

In no case should you overmoisten the soil in a pot of primrose. Moderation is the main condition for watering. Excessive moisture can quickly kill a delicate flower.

In the summer, watering should be regular, but not overflowing, you need to make sure that the ground is slightly damp.

In winter, the frequency of watering is reduced to once every two weeks.

For irrigation, use warm, settled water.

Do not allow moisture to enter the leaves and flowers, do not flood the outlet with water. It is best to use the drip irrigation method.

Air humidity does not affect the condition of the plant, but in winter, nearby heating devices can harm the leaves. Too hot summer temperatures also affect. It is better to place a bowl of water nearby, but spraying is strictly prohibited.

Fertilizer and transplant

During the active growing season, the bush is fed with a special liquid complex of fertilizers for flowering, but the concentration is reduced by half. Primulina doesn't need a lot of minerals.

Young primulins are transplanted every year, and for adult plants - every three years, as the root system grows.

When choosing a pot for transplanting, you need to make sure that it is only slightly larger than before. Otherwise, the flower will begin to grow roots and green mass.

It is necessary to transplant the bush by transshipment from the old pot to a new one in order to less injure the root system and not break fragile leaves.

When transplanting, the root collar is left at ground level.

Drainage should not be neglected when growing potted primulines. For better protection from rot, it is necessary to sprinkle the near-trunk circle with perlite.

As a potting mix, you can use the land for growing Saintpaulia. You can also make a suitable composition yourself:

• garden land - 3 parts;
• peat - 1 part;
• perlite - 1 part.

You can also use a mixture of peat with perlite in equal proportions.

The main recommendations for the reproduction of Khirita:

• The temperature for successful rooting and the emergence of babies should be 20-26 ° C.
• The soil should be used only with a special substrate for Violets or very light, good moisture and air permeability.
• The substrate should be well and evenly moistened; leaf fragments are watered only through the bottom.
• The recommended daylight hours should be at least 12 hours. Therefore, Khirita, just like Violets, are best propagated in spring, when daylight hours increase.
• Use a greenhouse. The air must be always humid, this will allow the leaf to maintain its turgor until the roots appear.
• It is recommended to spill the substrate with a solution of Fitosporin + Zircon before planting the cutting.

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How to propagate primulina

When trying to breed hiritu with seeds, one must remember that the plant will not receive maternal properties. Therefore, they use plant propagation using cuttings or primulina leaves.

By placing the leaf in a moist substrate, cover the container to create a greenhouse effect. Watering is carried out from a fine spray. The rooting process takes about a month.

A year later, a young bush forms 4-5 leaves and blooms.

You can also just put the hirita leaf in a glass of water and wait for the roots to appear. If at the same time children are formed, then when planting they are left on the surface of the earth. The process of root formation in water takes about a month.

In some varieties of primulina, new rosettes are formed, which are easily detached during transplantation.

Reproduction by stepchildren.

Reproduction by stepchildren is a fairly popular and effective method. Stepsons let in some varieties of Hirit, most often they are left in order to give the bush a more voluminous and decorative look, but they can also be separated so that they do not crowd the mother plant. In this case, you will receive a new independent plant specimen. The stepchildren carefully cut, the places of the cuts are treated with activated carbon and rooted, like a leaf cutting.

Breeding difficulties

Sometimes you can see yellow leaves at the base of the bush. This is not a defect or disease, but a natural process. Problems are caused by improper care and excessive watering.

• In hot and dry weather, the plant can get sunburn, which manifests itself in the appearance of pale and dry spots on the leaf plates.
• Improper and excessive watering can lead to the appearance of fungal infections of the roots.
• Dry air leads to deformation of the leaves, their wilting, while the buds can disappear and dry out.

Of the pests that infect hiritu, the most famous are: spider mites, aphids. Sometimes you can see a whitefly on a bush if the rules of care are not followed. In these cases, the salvation is the timely use of chemicals.

Diseases and pests

If hirita is poorly cared for, pests can affect it, and diseases will make themselves felt. You can immediately find out about this by looking at the plant:

• hirita leaves turn yellow - if large leaves turn yellow - an irreversible physiological process; if yellowing is accompanied by stem decay - excess moisture (damaged leaves are removed, it is better to transplant the plant, water it on time);
• dry spots on the leaves of hirita - manifestation of sunburn (remove damaged leaves, shade the plant from the sun);
• hirita grows slowly - little light (rearrange to a brighter place);
• the stems are pulled out - lack of lighting (put in a well-lit place);
• curled leaves of hirita - dry indoor air (use humidifiers);
• the tips of the leaves dry - from low air humidity (put a flowerpot with a flower on a pallet with wet pebbles).

Sometimes hiritu is attacked by spider mites, aphids, whiteflies. Insecticides are used against them.

Content

• 1. Description
• 2. Growing
• 3. Diseases and pests
• 4. Reproduction
• 5. First steps after purchase
• 6. Secrets of success
• 7. Possible difficulties

Until recently, the Primulina genus (the Gesneriev family) was considered monotypic. That is, it consisted of a single species. However, based on the results of scientific research, the classification has been revised. As a result, most of the Khirita species were transferred to the Primulin genus, thereby increasing the number to 121.

Shrubs, annual weak-stemmed grasses, perennial stemless - the genus of Primulin is now very diverse. The leaf blades of its representatives are rounded, lanceolate or elliptical.Some plants have smooth glossy leaves, others are covered with fluff. The color is more often monotonous green, but variegated Primulins are also found.

Peduncles emerge from the leaf axils. Delicate flowers, similar to small gramophone, are collected in cluster inflorescences. There are white, yellow, blue, lilac, pink or bicolor. The pharynx is usually bright. In some species, the surfaces of the petals are decorated with lines or spots.

Growing Primulina does not cause much trouble, so the plant is very popular with flower growers. In addition to species flowers, through the efforts of breeders, many hybrid varieties have been bred.

Description and photos of popular varieties

The genus Hirita has many varieties and varieties.

Primulina

The neat rosette of primulina leaves is often compared to the rosette of Saintpaulia. The leaves themselves are arranged symmetrically, they can be glossy or slightly pubescent. The coloration is mostly of a solid green color, but there are also variegated specimens.

In most species, the rosette is formed without stems, although in some cases a short stem is still present. Primulina leaves grow in breadth throughout the life of the plant, and sometimes form peculiar tiers. Their size can vary from large to very small. Very often, a semblance of a silvery pattern can be seen on the surface of the leaves.

The flowers are in the form of a narrow tube and consist of five petals. They are collected in inflorescences and can be of almost any color, however, light shades still prevail. In some cases, there are darker stripes on the surface of the petals. It is noteworthy that primulina blooms almost all year round with short interruptions.

Tamiana

It is a plant with a small rosette. The diameter of the leaves is 10-15 cm, they are round-heart-shaped and resemble the leaves of the Uzumbara violet. They are fleshy in appearance, have a slight pubescence.

Peduncles are low, up to 15-20 cm. On each of them, several white flowers are formed with blue spots or two purple stripes closer to the neck. Flowering lasts all year and depends on lighting, there are no certain dormant periods.

Aiko

Hybrid variety. The rosette is medium in size, the leaves are elongated, pointed and shaped like an ellipse. Dark green, slightly pubescent, fleshy. The flowers are large enough, bright yellow in color with a wide bell. There may be bright orange markings on the neck, which look quite impressive.

Sinensis hisako

It is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful varieties. Leaves are variegated, heavily pubescent, with long light hairs. They are rather large in size, painted green and have a pattern in the form of silvery spots. The flowers are lavender-colored bells with a bright yellow throat.

Silver surfer

The pubescent leaves of the lanceolate form form a dense leaf rosette. Usually deep green with a pearlescent mesh pattern. Flowers in the form of lavender-colored bells with a darker mesh pattern and orange spots on the neck. Collected in inflorescences, on each peduncle of several flowers.

Chinese

A low perennial plant up to 15-20 cm high.

Leaves are oval, fleshy, forming a powerful basal rosette. They can be bright green or silver with green spots, covered with long blond hairs. The edge of the leaves is jagged. The peduncle is high, smooth, red. The flowers themselves are medium-sized, lavender-purple, collected in few-flowered inflorescences.

Lavender

Annual with a high, slightly pubescent stem. The leaves are oval, light green, with the lower ones being larger than the upper ones. Flowers are located in the leaf axils and at the tops of the shoots. The color is usually soft lavender. The fruits of the plant are elongated, in the form of a long box.

Growing

The root system of Primulina is small, so shallow containers are suitable for growing a plant.In addition, a good drainage layer is required. Young plants are transplanted annually, adults, as they grow, once every 2-3 years. Transfer can be replaced by transfer.

Propagated by Primulina seeds and cuttings. Seed propagation is possible only when growing species of plants. To do this, the seeds should be placed in a container with a moist substrate, without deepening. The dish must be covered with glass or plastic. At a temperature of + 24–26 ° C, seedlings appear in 2 weeks. Seedlings require additional lighting and gentle moisture. After the formation of leaves, a pick is made.

Good results are obtained from propagation by leaf cuttings. A stalk is cut off from a strong, but not old leaf separated from the outlet. They are planted in light soil and covered with polyethylene. In an improvised mini-greenhouse, seedlings appear in 1–1.5 months.

There is also a "horizontal" breeding method. The sheet from the seamy side is cut along the veins, laid on the soil mixture and covered with glass. At the same time, the container is placed in a warm and bright place. As the shoots appear, the glass is slightly opened. The resulting sockets are transplanted into separate pots.

Breeding recommendations for chirits

A new plant is obtained by planting seed or vegetatively (blackening).

If the chirita is an annual, then it is quite possible to reproduce by planting seeds. The operation of planting seed is best carried out in February. The seeds are placed in a moist substrate and are not covered with soil, since germination occurs on the soil surface. The container with crops must be covered with a piece of glass or wrapped in plastic wrap - this will create conditions for a mini-greenhouse with high levels of moisture and heat. If the temperature is kept constantly within the range of 24-26 degrees, then the first entrances will appear already on the 12-14th day. If the temperatures are not so high, then the seedlings can hatch after only a month and their growth is not very friendly. It is necessary in the process of germination not to forget to regularly moisten the dried soil from a spray bottle and ventilate the seedlings.

When the seedlings are old enough, they need to provide them with a day length of about 12 hours and the lighting should be diffused, without direct UV fluxes that will burn young leaves. When the seedlings grow well, it is better to moisten the soil using a syringe or syringe so that moisture droplets do not fall on the delicate leaves of the hirita, otherwise they can rot.

When the seedlings develop cotyledonous leaves, it is recommended to carry out a neat pick in separate containers, but if the number of seedlings is not large, then transplantation can be carried out when each plant appears and develops the first true leaf blade. When diving, care must be taken, since the leaves are very fragile, but if there is a break or break, then you need to remove this leaf or part of it, and sprinkle the place of the break with activated or charcoal crushed into powder.

Perennial plants can be propagated both by seeds and new hiritu can be grown from a leaf cuttings. To do this, you must use a healthy and well-formed leaf, but not an old one. Cut with a blade and leave to dry. After that, the cut part is treated with a fungicide and planted completely in the substrate vertically or its top is cut off (this is to stop the growth of the leaf itself). From above, the cutting is covered with a cut plastic bottle or plastic bag. If several leaves are planted, then you need to make sure that all of them are sufficiently illuminated. After about a month and a half, the first shoots appear. When the young hirit are grown enough, they are transplanted into separate pots.

Reproduction is also carried out with a piece of a leaf plate.To do this, it is laid with its reverse side on a flat surface, and with the help of a blade, strips about 5 cm long are cut perpendicular to the midrib of the plate. Each of the particles should contain a piece of this vein (it will be a kind of petiole) and two wings. The midsections are planted in shallow grooves at the base of this vein, at an angle of 45 degrees. The distance between the parts is maintained at 3 cm, the earth around them can be slightly compacted with your fingers. It is recommended to treat the container with a fungicide against fungal diseases, wrap it in polyethylene and put it in a warm, bright place - at a temperature of at least 20 degrees. This mini-greenhouse is ventilated daily and the soil is moistened through the pallet. After one and a half to two months, the first shoots will appear. When propagating, the upper and lower parts of the leaf are not used.

Success secrets

Primulina loves diffused lighting, direct sunlight causes leaf burns. Flowers and leaves are drawn to the light, therefore, to form a symmetrical rosette, the container with the flower must be periodically rotated.

The plant prefers medium air temperatures - within + 20-26 ° C. Some species with a dormant period require winter cooling up to + 16 ° C.

Water the flower regularly during the period of active growth. Water for irrigation at room temperature must first settle. Watering should be done very carefully, avoiding stagnation and getting into either the axils of the leaves or the flowers. During the rest period, the watering procedure is limited.

Primulina loves moisture, but spraying is fraught with water droplets entering the center of the outlet. Therefore, you can only humidify the air around the plant or use trays.

To feed the flower, it is recommended to take complex mineral fertilizers. It is desirable to reduce the concentration by half.

Unconventional beauty of a rare beauty

The beauty of primulines is just beginning to be discovered, and there is no talk of a plant that deserves this popularity. Until recently, Spirulina could only be found in the list of promising, but almost unknown and rare species. And even if she is only mentioned in the list of new trends and exotics, today many people call her the most unpretentious, magnificent and incomparable room crumb. And although the name "primulina" is not yet known to everyone, those who have already discovered at least one of these plants or seen it at exhibitions will forever remain in the ranks of the devoted fans of these blooming fairies. There are hundreds of stories about how primulines fall in love at first sight and return home with a whole collection.

Primulines (Primulina) represent in room culture a group of rare southeastern exotic species found in nature only in Asia. Even today, all new species of these beauties continue to be discovered in the mountainous areas of China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and India, although most of the primulines came to us from China and Thailand. They belong to the Gesneriev family. Primulines were introduced into the culture only a little more than two decades ago, and the change in their classification a few years ago was perceived as a real revolution in botany. And it is not surprising: as a result of modern research, the monospecific genus Primulin has replenished with more than a hundred species, which were known to everyone as Chirita. The beloved name is used for primulins even today, often calling them hirit primulins and even chirit. But whatever you call these amazing crumbs, they are still special plants and easily recognizable, even despite their great variety.

The surprisingly beautiful rosette of primulina leaves is often compared to the uzambara violets, but such a comparison is only appropriate in terms of size and general type of development. In fact, primulina does not look like violets at all, in many species and varieties the leaves are radically different (although there are primulines that can be mistaken for saintpaulias from afar).This is a plant with a unique symmetrical arrangement of leaves, which are almost always ideally opposite in pairs, each leaf has its own "opposite". Thanks to this symmetry, the rosette looks amazingly elegant and solemn, and the plant itself is perceived as a small miracle. The rosettes in most plants are stemless, in some species the stem is formed, but it is shortened. Primulines constantly grow in breadth, in some varieties and types of rosettes can reach up to 40 cm in diameter. Some species release side plants, creating a kind of tier. But you should not be afraid that primulina will become sloppy or deformed with age: even large plants retain their symmetrical beauty, and a fairly large selection of primulins allows you to choose a plant to your liking - from large rosettes to miniature dwarf-sized crumbs. Primulines reach a height of only 20 cm, and many plants are limited to much more modest parameters.

Primulina leaves rarely resemble Saintpaulia. Opposite, on short or medium petioles, they can be either slightly pubescent and glossy, or densely hairy, velvety. Linear, ovoid, spatula, rhombic, tongue or round shape varies with cultivar and species. In most primulines, the foliage is decorated with silvery or light streaks and stripes. It is believed that the beauty of the patterns on the leaves of primulin cannot be conveyed by photography: the light stripes and the pillow shine, look alive like silver spilled over the leaves. These effects are somewhat reminiscent of precious orchids.

Primulina dryad "Hisako" (Primulina dryas ‘Hisako’).

The flowering of primulines in its grace will compete with orchids, although there is no question of the same complex forms and structure. The flowers of this plant are often compared with gentian or gloxinia. White or light pastel tubular flowers with a narrow tube, five-petal and asymmetrical pharynx, decorated with contrasting dark purple or purple stripes. Inflorescences on high peduncles, always towering above the leaves, racemose, loose, they bear from 3 to 7 flowers. Flowers in inflorescences are also arranged symmetrically and rarely, which only emphasizes the beauty of individual graceful "phonographs".

The color palette of primulina is not limited only to basic, specific white-lilac tones. Thanks to active selection and breeding of varieties, as well as the constant replenishment of the list of species, possible color variations include pink, white, yellow, blue, blue and lilac shades. The base color is almost always delicate, light and pastel. But the veins are brighter and more contrasting.

And the most amazing thing is that with all this grace of primulina, it can also boast of longevity, even with phalaenopsis. The plant blooms almost continuously, except for a fairly short dormant period. Species primulines usually bloom in the summer, in winter they continue to bloom only in the backlight. Varietals bloom almost all year round, with the exception of the winter dormant period.

Possible difficulties

The appearance of spots on sheet plates

Reasons: 1) watering with cold water, 2) moisture trapped in the center of the outlets, 3) waterlogging.

Yellowing of the lower leaves

Reasons: 1) tight capacity, 2) natural aging.

An increase in green mass to the detriment of flowers

Reasons: 1) surplus and / or incorrectly selected fertilizers.

Reasons: 1) high air temperatures, 2) too bright lighting.

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Khirita is an early name for the genus of perennial and annual herbaceous plants from the Gesneriev family. In 2011, botanists changed the classification of the genus, transferring more than 100 chirit species to the new genus Primulina (Primulina). The name of the flower now often sounds like hirita primulina, and in some countries - chirita.

Representatives of the genus grow in nature on the rocky limestone slopes of Sri Lanka, India, the Himalayas, Southeast Asia.

The delicate hirita flower at home has been cultivated not so long ago and has not yet gained such popularity as its close relatives - violets, coleria, achimenes or gloxinia.

The growing conditions of these plants in their natural environment are quite similar, however, caring for hirita is simpler, since an elegant beauty adapts much more easily to growing in the house and can forgive some mistakes in care.

The types of culture are characterized by leaves located in a basal rosette in pairs on low petioles. Plants are mostly stemless or with shortened shoots.

Hirita dryad

The leaves of some primulines are pubescent, others are velvety or glossy, monochromatic or patterned. The color varies depending on the species or variety.

The most impressive are primulines with foliage decorated with spots, contrasting stripes and veins of beige, golden or silver shades, which make them look like the precious Makodes Petola orchid.

The leaf shape is very diverse: from rounded to rhombic. The height of eastern exotics for the most part does not exceed 15-20 cm. Leaf rosettes grow in breadth as they grow, eventually reaching more than 30 cm in diameter, while maintaining a compact and symmetrical appearance.

Hirita flowers are similar in structure to gloxinia flowers, but not so large. Five-petal, tubular gramophones are collected in loose inflorescences of 3-7 flowers. Variations in the color of varietal forms include a variety of shades of the palette with contrasting stripes, but the basic types are characterized by pastel tones and bright veins.

Difficulties in growing hirita and ways to solve them

The plant is distinguished by good resistance to diseases, all problems arise from violations of the conditions of care:

• if the primulina rots, it means that the soil has been flooded;
• light brown spots appeared on the leaf plates, this is a consequence of watering with too cold water, the temperature should be at least 20 degrees;
• the plant grows only on one side, it lacks light;
• light spots on the leaves are a consequence of sunburn.

Of the harmful insects that can infect hirita, spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs, whiteflies and thrips are isolated:

1. In case of damage by a scabbard on the leaves, brown dots (pest eggs) are clearly visible on the back side and all leaves begin to become covered with a sticky bloom. If you do not take any action, then this plaque will provoke the development of a sooty fungus.
2. Mealybugs are identified by the formations in the form of miniature cotton wool lumps that appear in the internodes or on the back of the leaf, as well as the sticky formations that cover the stems and leaf plates.
3. The spider mite begins to pierce the leaf from the back with its proboscis and sucks out the vital juices from the plant, after which the deciduous mass turns yellow and dries out. The entire surface of the leaves that have not yet fallen is covered from the back side with a thin cobweb.
4. Because of the thrips, the leaves turn yellow, and the growth of the bush stops, punctures on the leaf blade and whitish dots from the eggs of the pest are visible.
5. When a whitefly appears on the back of the leaf plates, whitish dots (insect eggs) appear and then whole clouds of small white midges.

To prevent damage, it is necessary to regularly inspect the plant and if harmful insects were found, then treatment is immediately carried out with a soap, oil or alcohol solution of the hirita bush. You can apply the product to a cotton swab and remove pests and their plaque manually, but if these drugs do not help, then it is better to spray the flower with a systemic insecticide.

If the leaves began to cover with whitish damp spots, then the plant is affected by gray rot. In this case, it is required to remove the affected parts and treat the remaining bush with a fungicide.

Some indoor species and varieties with photos

Chirita tamiana originally from Vietnam. Graceful bushes of the plant are similar to Saintpaulias with rounded pubescent leaves. The flowers are predominantly white, sometimes with stripes of blue or purple.

Chirita tamiana

Primulina Eliensis (Primulina liboensis), a compact plant with broad, rounded leaves and very attractive purple lavender flowers with a yellow throat.

Primulina liboensis

Khirita Chinese or Dryad (C. Sinensis), which is also called the silver primuline. A small plant forms a flattened leaf rosette. The species is very popular in floriculture, as it is represented by numerous spectacular, decorative leafy varieties with a patterned pattern.

Primuline varieties

Hirita "Aiko" with golden flowers and green, glossy foliage.

Dryad "Aiko"

Variety "Destiny", variegated, dark green foliage is decorated with a wide central stripe of light silver shade and contrasting veins along the edges of the leaf plate. The flowers are large, blue in color.

Variety "Destiny"

Angustifolia is an abundantly flowering cultivar with narrow, serrated, silvery-green leaves forming a large rosette.

"Angustifolia"

"Marble leaf" is a sort of cabbage primulina. Shiny, dark green, rounded leaves with a contrasting longitudinal light green-beige spot. The flowers are lavender-pink, large.

"Marble sheet"

"Naine Argente". Flower stems have a curious spiral pattern. Dark green, glossy leaves are covered with a silvery pattern, the bloom is pale pink.

"Naine Argente"

Cynthia is an impressive variety with almost entirely creamy leaves.

Variety "Loki" - silvery-green leaves with reddish veins at the base.

"Lola". The flowers of this variety are very large, lilac in color with orange-yellow or purple stripes. The leaves are serrated, rhomboid, with a contrasting silvery-bronze mesh pattern on a dark green background.

"Lola"

"Patina" is a spectacular variety with a golden pattern on the foliage and a bronze-colored effect due to pink hairs. Lavender bloom.

"Patina"

"Diana Marie", a silver and marble pattern of veins covers the emerald, jagged leaves. Blue flowers with dark stripes, with a snow-white and yellow throat.

Views

Among the wide variety of wild varieties of hirita (more than 200 species), four species are most often grown at home, the features of which we will try to understand.

• Hirita Chinese, or, as it is also called, silver, differs from its congeners by the variegation of leaves, which combine rich green and light silver colors in their color. Also, the leaves of this plant are collected in a rosette and have more than 10 large fleshy oval petals. This is a stunted species, its height does not exceed 15 centimeters. There is a light fluff on the leaves and stems, and the peduncle of a deep red hue is crowned with delicate purple flowers, collected in inflorescences of several pieces. This hirita pleases with its flowering all summer long.
• Khirita lavender differs significantly from the previous species, first of all, in its dimensions. In height, this representative of the flora exceeds the mark of 40 centimeters. Its tall stems are occasionally covered with large fleshy light green ovoid leaves. The lower leaves are larger than the upper ones, and a characteristic feature of this species is their opposite, that is, the location on opposite sides of the stem. Like a bell, the flowers of this type of hirita are located at the top and have a corresponding shape. Their color is usually two-tone and combines dark purple and pale purple or white shades. The lavender species also blooms with the arrival of summer and stops pleasing the eye closer to October, when instead of pleasant-looking flowers, a long box (about 5 centimeters) with ripe seeds appears.
• Khirita microbanana is an annual representative of the Gesneriaceae family. It is not very high (about 20-25 centimeters). Its trunk is covered with large spreading leaves with distinct characteristic veins of reddish tones. At the base of the leaf, small (up to 3 centimeters) orange-golden flowers grow. Flowering occurs during the summer months when daylight hours get longer.
• Hirita thiamine is very similar to violet, especially the leaves, which are small dark green spoon-shaped petals. They are collected in a rather voluminous rosette at the base of the plant, from which long (more than 20 centimeters) pedicels grow. Their tops are crowned with 3-5 large white bells with characteristic blue or purple markings near the neck. This type of hirita blooms at different times of the year, and has no pronounced periods of rest.

Features of hirita care

At home, the plant is so undemanding that even a novice florist can cope with the cultivation of an oriental beauty.

Lighting and temperature

Primulines prefer medium light levels, so the sills of windows facing east or west would be ideal exposure.

From October to April, with a lack of sunlight, small exotics feel great on the south side of the window, but in summer they should be protected from direct sunlight that causes foliage to burn. With prolonged light deficiency, flowering is poor or absent, the plant grows slowly, the cuttings are stretched, and the leaves become smaller.

The undoubted advantage of chirita is the ability to grow it only with phyto-lamps and even ordinary lamps with the effect of daylight. The duration of such lighting is 8-12 hours.

Chirita is resistant to large, but short-term changes in temperature, often withstanding fluctuations from 6 ̊C to 28 ̊C. But the optimal temperature regime is considered to be the range of 15-20 зимойС in winter and 22-25 С in summer, which is quite consistent with the usual seasonal temperature in the house.

The plant is sensitive to cold drafts, especially in winter, but loves fresh air.

Watering and moisture

Moderate soil moisture is the most important condition for proper watering. Primulina can tolerate drought, but overflow and dampness inevitably lead to the death of the plant. Water the flower a little after the top layer of the substrate dries.

Regular, moderate watering during the active growing season stimulates long flowering, but in the winter dormant period, irrigation is reduced to once every 10-14 days.

Variegated variety "Cynthia"

Water only with warm and soft water, avoiding contact with leaves, flowers and the base of the rosette. Bottom or drip irrigation is preferable.

The culture is undemanding to air humidity and feels great in the house. Near heating devices and in extreme heat, the tips of the leaves can dry out, in this case it is useful to put a container with water and expanded clay next to the pot. Spraying the ground part is strongly discouraged.

Caring for hirita at home also includes the timely removal of faded flowers and old, yellowed leaves.

Top dressing and transplanting

From spring to autumn, once every 2-3 weeks, they are fed with a liquid balanced fertilizer, but the dosage is halved, since chirita does not need a large amount of nutrients.

Young specimens are transplanted annually, adult primulins can be transplanted once every 2-3 years, when the plant has already filled the entire space or the soil is depleted.

Variety "Loki"

Choose a shallow pot, only one size larger, since in large containers the chirits build up the root system and actively form a leaf mass. In addition, the risk of waterlogging is higher in larger pots.

The transplant is carried out by the transshipment method so as not to damage the fragile roots. The leaves also break easily. The root collar should remain at ground level when planting.Older specimens with a bare, lignified base can be planted deeper, along the lower leaves.

Transplanting an old primuline

A drainage layer at the bottom of the pot is a prerequisite for successful primulina cultivation. It is recommended to sprinkle a small layer of perlite around the rosette to prevent rotting.

For transplanting, ready-made soil for Saintpaulias would be ideal. The soil mixture can be prepared by yourself by mixing the universal soil with peat and perlite in a ratio of 3: 1: 1. Or peat with perlite, taken in equal proportions.

Reproduction

Chirit, which is propagated by seeds obtained from home-cultivated chirit, do not inherit the characteristics of the mother plants, so it is better to use the vegetative method of propagation using a leaf or its fragment.

This process is completely analogous to the reproduction of violets. It is better to spend it in March-April.

Rooting successfully takes place in a mixture of vermiculite (sand) and peat (3: 1) or simply in vermiculite. The leaf cut is pre-buried in a powder that stimulates root growth and placed in a soil mixture.

Reproduction of primulina leaf

The ground is watered with a spray and covered with a transparent bag or plastic bottle to maintain moisture. Rooting usually takes several weeks.

Flowering can be expected as early as next year, when a young plant will form 4-5 leaves. You can put the leaves in water, which quickly form roots, and only then plant their pots. The water should be at room temperature and always fresh.

If, when rooting in the water, small leafy children appear at the bottom of the leaf, then when planting they should remain above the soil surface. A developed root system in water is formed in about 5 weeks.

Hirita roots formed in water

Some representatives of the genus eventually form daughter rosettes, which, after separation and planting in a pot, easily take root.

Reproduction

Both annual and perennial varieties of chirit can be bred at home. Below are the four main breeding options for this tropical plant.

Seeds

One of the most popular ways to reproduce hirit is seeds:

• After the seeds ripen in a box, they are collected and planted in the ground when winter comes. At the same time, it is important not to bury the seeds in the ground, but to leave them on the surface, since it is precisely such a planting that hiritis germinate.
• From above, the container can be covered with a glass sheet or a piece of film in order to create a greenhouse effect with high humidity.
• Periodically, at the moment when you notice that the top layer of the earth has become dry, the soil should be watered.
• The maximum acceptable temperature for the germination of hirita shoots is from +25 to +27 degrees.
• On the 13th or 15th day, the seeds will germinate. From this point on, watering is recommended to be carried out using tools such as a syringe or syringe so that the water does not touch the leaves of the plant and does not lead to putrefactive processes.
• The dive should be started when the first true leaf appears on the shoots (two cotyledons initially grow).

Important! During the picking process, you should be very careful with the fragile hirita sprouts. If you accidentally break off one of the leaves, then it should be removed, and the damaged area should be sprinkled with crushed charcoal (activated) charcoal.

After successfully completing the planting of chirit, adhere to the rules of care and maintenance described above and you will be able to grow a healthy and beautiful plant.

Cuttings

The method of growing by cuttings is in many ways similar to the leaf one, only here a cut, dried and greased with a fungicide of a hirita cutting, which does not have mechanical damage, and is relatively young (not older than 1 year), are planted in the ground. Such a cutting needs to be watered, make sure that the earth does not dry out too much.You can also create a greenhouse for him using film or polyethylene, set a 12-hour light mode (you can combine natural daylight and artificial light). Under proper conditions, such a cutting will sprout about the fifth week of cultivation.

After strengthening new plants, they can be safely moved into separate containers.

It is also possible to carry out a similar operation with water. In water, the cutting will take root within a few weeks, after which the plant must be planted in a prepared container.

Important! It is best to graft hiritu in March-April, in which case you can get a flowering plant by next winter.

Leafy cuttings

Can be propagated by hiritu and leafy cuttings. For this purpose, choose a symmetrical, healthy leaf without visible damage. It is separated from the socket with a blade, the cut is dried and smeared with a fungicide. Next, the leaf is placed in a small container vertically in its entirety or by cutting off the upper part (to prevent the growth of the leaf itself). On top of the container, put on a plastic bag, film or put a piece of glass and put it in a warm place with an average temperature of about + 26 ... + 28 degrees. With good lighting (12 hours a day) and watering, such a cutting will rise in 1-1.5 months. When the sprouts grow up, they can be planted in separate pots.

Interestingly, even a piece of a leaf can be an excellent material for breeding new plants. For this purpose, a healthy and undamaged sheet is placed with its underside on a flat, hard surface. Using the blade, cut into strips approximately 5 centimeters long. In this case, a cut is laid perpendicular to the central vein, so that in each part there is a segment of the middle vein, which will play the role of a cutting, as well as two leaf wings on the sides.

Important! When propagating hirita by this method, the lower and upper parts of the sheet are not used.

The resulting material is planted in the ground in shallow potholes at an angle of 45 degrees and at a distance of 3-4 cm from each other. Next, the earth around the landing site is slightly compacted with your fingers. Having treated the container with a fungicide, you will take preventive measures against the appearance and development of putrefactive diseases.

After that, the container is placed in a warm place and covered with a greenhouse material (film, polyethylene or glass). Air every day, moisten the soil in the container using a tray with water and substrate. After 6-9 weeks, you will notice seedlings.

Stepchildren

Another popular way to reproduce hirita at home is to use stepchildren ("babies"). When germinating on the stepson's mother trunk, allow the first four leaves to form. Following this, you can carefully detach the baby from the main bush and plant it in a separate container.

Hirita: description

Hirita: photo

In nature, violets hirita grow on slopes and cliffs with limestone soil in Southeast Asia. Typically, indoor plants are divided into two categories: decorative deciduous and decorative flowering. Hirita is amazing in that she can be attributed to both categories, since her leaves and flowers are beautiful.

This genus is divided, in turn, into three classes: hirit, gibbosakkus and microchirit. Of all the three classes, gibbosaccus are the most common indoor plants. The leaves of these plants can be both monochromatic and stunningly variegated, they are smooth and pubescent. Hirita flowers are very similar to bells, towering above the leaves on a peduncle. The color of the flowers is striking in its variety: they are white, yellow, pink, and can also be painted in different shades of lilac. Outwardly, the hirita bush resembles a violet - the same compact rosette of leaves and flowers rising above the foliage.

Video review



Khirita is a refined and delicate flower that belongs to the Gesneriev family.The homeland of this undersized flower, the species of which can be both annuals and perennials, is the tropical regions of Asia. The plant loves limestone soils and prefers to settle on mountain slopes and steep cliffs.

Hirita has many varieties, differing from each other by the presence of a stem or rosette, the number and shape of leaves. Leaves range from oval to lanceolate, mostly pubescent, but there are also smooth-leaved plants. The most characteristic feature of all hiritis is the tubular and slightly elongated shape of the flowers. Most often, the flowers are lilac-blue, but they can have yellow or white swells and a contrasting pharynx. Peduncles emerge from the leaf sinuses and are capable of producing not one, but three or four buds. The fruits formed after flowering are boxes filled with small seeds.

Growing problems

Almost all problems in indoor floriculture are associated with violations of the requirements for the process of caring for plants: they are the reason for the yellowing of the leaves, the lack of flowering and the development of diseases. Next, we will consider the possible difficulties in growing hirita and how to solve them.

Why does not it bloom

There are many reasons for disturbing the flowering of primulina, but first of all it is worth making sure that the following factors are absent:

• dry air;
• heat;
• freezing of the root system (especially in thermophilic varieties);
• excessive amount of salts in the soil.

In addition, the lack of flowering of hirita is often associated with a limited amount of nutrients in the soil, so it is worth revising the fertilizing plan. Also, do not forget about the optimal flowering time, because its absence may well be explained by the wrong time of the year (primroses appear only with the arrival of spring and steady heat).
After making sure that all the conditions are met, simply take the pot with the plant to a warm, well-lit place with diffused light and leave there for further observation.

Diseases and pests

Most often, when growing hirita, flower growers have to deal with gray mold, mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites and thrips, which will help to get rid of special fungicidal and insecticidal preparations. The former include such compositions as Fundazol, Fitosporin-M, Gamair, copper sulfate and Bordeaux liquid.

Among the effective insecticides deserve due attention "Aktellik", "Aktara", "Fitoverm", "Gaupsin". The dosage and method of application of each of them is always indicated on the package, and if the norms for hirita are not indicated, then you can focus on the values ​​for indoor violets.

In general, primulina is a beautiful plant that even a novice gardener can cope with growing. Having created all the necessary conditions for the growth and development of the flower, you will only have to monitor its condition and admire the beautiful flowering.

Frequent illnesses

The plant is rarely affected by pests, much more often it is necessary to deal with rotting of the roots and the appearance of spots on the leaves. In the first, excessive watering is to blame, in the second - sunburn or, conversely, frostbite.

Despite the fact that hiritu cannot be called a demanding plant, it is very important to take into account the nuances and recommendations when caring for it. If all the instructions are followed, the process of growing a flower will only bring pleasure.

On our site you will find photos, descriptions and secrets of growing numerous types of flowering plants. Among them are magnificent amaryllis, healthy marigolds, fragrant wisteria, unusual clivia, luxurious streptocarpus, gentle primrose, fabulous ruella, capricious lachenalia and original albuca.

Botanical description

According to the botanical description, herbaceous shrubs and semi-shrubs belong to the Khirita genus of the Gesneriev family. Many of them are perennial, but in the wild, the plant can develop as a year old.

There are more than 150 species in the genus.Every year there are even more of them, thanks to the active work of breeders. In the wild, most species are found in Sri Lanka, China, as well as India. The plant has spread widely throughout Asia.

Hirita has thin but very strong stems. In some varieties, they may be absent or simply not visible from under the powerful foliage cap. The shoots are soft, fleshy and juicy to the touch. Khirita's leaves can be very large.

They either sit tightly on the stems or are collected in a powerful rosette from 5 to 30 cm in height. The plate is very beautiful and elongated.

Almost all varieties have a clear silver pattern. Some species have pubescent green leaves, while others are glabrous and smooth.

During the flowering period, namely in the warm season, the perennial hirita throws out thin flowering stems from the axils of the leaf plates. They form graceful bell-shaped flowers of pink, white, yellow or lilac shades. The flowering is so abundant that the buds are collected in a dense inflorescence that resembles a cap.

The entire genus can be divided into three groups of plants. In the nature of Asia, mainly chirits and microchrites grow.

In home floriculture, the most popular section is gibboosaccus.

The group is represented by miniature plants with a rosette of leaf plates from 5 to 25 cm. Representatives of gibbosaccus are very similar to violets, therefore, these perennials are often called chirit violets. But, despite the external similarity, Chirita has nothing to do with such plants.

Briefly about diseases

Since Hirita itself is resistant to pests, her main problem is disease. These include a variety of types of rot, but they are treated in the same way:

1. The affected parts are removed, the cut sites are treated with coal.
2. The plant is transplanted into another, dry soil.

Fungicide is almost powerless if the soil is moldy. And, if the inflorescences began to rot, then the plant will almost certainly die.

Hirita is a very beautiful plant, which until recently was exotic and it was very difficult to get it. Now, it can be bought in almost any store, and with proper care it will delight you with its beautiful flowers.

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Primuline varieties

The most popular in comparison with species forms are various varieties and varieties that have appeared thanks to breeders. These plants differ from each other in color, shape of leaf plates, size. Thanks to this, you can collect a whole collection of these beautiful plants, which will differ from each other, but still remain the same beautiful. When buying primulines, it should be noted that the variety is indicated as a species name, instead of the usual name of the plant, and next to it is the variety. So, for example, the primulina of the Aiko variety is called simply Aiko (without quotes), while the Latin name uses the abbreviated form Primulina Aiko, instead of the accepted one - Primulina tamiana cv. Aiko. Because of this, it is not so easy to distinguish varietal and specific plants, because the variety name is entered in the catalogs as species.

The best varieties are presented below.

Atsuko

Atsuko - rounded satin leaves with a serrated edge are painted in emerald color. They are perfectly symmetrical and create an exemplary leaf rosette. They also have very showy, large lilac-blue bell-shaped flowers. Their neck is painted white, and yellowish stripes are located on the surface.

Aiko

Aiko - velvet leaf plates have an elongated oval shape, and they make up a very compact rosette. Long peduncles bear flowers of a rich yellow color with a peach tint, while there are reddish specks at the neck.

Junko

Junko - similar to the previous variety.It has a more compact size, and its leaf plates are somewhat wider.

Kazu

Kazu - the velvet leaves of such a compact plant have a lanceolate shape. It has rather large flowers with a lavender color and a prominent lower lip.

Kitaguni

Kitaguni - flowers are painted in yellowish cream color. Medium-sized leaf plates have a silvery-green color.

Hisako

Hisako - such a spectacular plant has variegated foliage. Large wide teeth are located along the edge of the leaf plates, and there are silvery veins on their surface. The flowers are lavender colored and have a lemon neck.

Mineko

Mineko - oval-shaped leaves have an almost smooth surface and rich color. The bell-shaped flowers have a rich lilac color and a white neck, the petals are rather large and elongated. Yellowish-orange specks and stripes are scattered over the surface of the flower.

Vertigo

Vertigo - this unusual variety has deep blue flowers and a whitish neck. The variegated leaf plates have a serrated edge, and in the center there is a diverging herringbone of veins, painted in light green color.

Destiny

Destiny - this variety has variegated foliage. Wide leaf plates have a lanceolate-oval shape and a serrated edge. On the surface in the central part there are stripes of a silvery color. There is also a spectacular pattern in a light color shade, as well as an unusual almost black border. On the surface there is still a pubescence of a burgundy color, but it can only be seen up close.

Sweet Dreams

Sweet Dreams - large shiny leaves are olive-colored. Flowers of a light color shade pale-milky.

Betty

Betty - shiny leaf plates have a dark border and a prominent vein running in the center. A thin silvery pattern is located on the entire surface. The flowers are light blue.

Souvenir

Souvenir - a small plant has narrow oval leaves, in the center there is a strip of rich light green-silver color. The flowers are pale lilac.

Marble Leaf

Marble Leaf - oval-heart-shaped leaves have a serrated edge, as well as a luminous strip of silver color, passing along the central vein. Lilac-pink flowers have a light yellow neck.

Jade Moon

Jade Moon Is a miniature variety. Its small diamond-shaped leaves are part of a perfectly symmetrical rosette. Large flowers are lavender in color. The rosette diameter of an adult specimen does not exceed 15 centimeters.

Moonlight

Moonlight - this variety is considered the most watercolor. On the surface of its oval-elongated leaves, which have a rich color, there is a light marble pattern. Long peduncles bear unusual flowers. Along the edge, the rim is painted in a dark purple color, turning into an almost white base. The neck is white, and there are specks of orange color on the surface.

Piccolo

Piccolo - this compact variety is more popular. In the center of its spectacular dark-colored leaf plates, there is a luminous strip of olive-green color. The flowers are lilac in color, and there are orange specks in their light throat.

Diane Marie

Diane Marie - this compact variety is variegated. Dark emerald oval leaves have large teeth along the edge, and on the surface they have a marble silvery-whitish pattern.Quite large flowers are painted in lilac color, and on the surface they have stripes of yellow, as well as dark purple.

Huba

Huba - rather large ovoid leaf plates have oval edges. They are painted in dark green and are decorated with a large network of patterns of a silvery color, while in the central part the pattern is almost invisible, and closer to the sides it becomes brighter.

Lola

Lola - diamond-shaped leaves, having a steel shade, are decorated along the edge with large teeth. They are assembled into a socket with perfect symmetry. Bell-shaped flowers are painted in a dark lilac color, and rich stripes of purple and orange are located on their surface.

Nimbus

Nimbus - on the surface of the oval leaves of this compact plant, there are strips of pearlescent color. Very cute flowers are outwardly similar to gramophones and are painted lilac-white.

Rachel

Rachel - this plant is miniature. Small leaves are almost lanceolate, and in the central part there is a white stripe. Lilac flowers are decorated with stripes and a spot that has an orange or yellow color.

Patina

Patina - leaf plates have a lingual-oval shape. A speck of pearlescent color is clearly visible on their surface, and the effect of a bronze patina is also noticeable (due to the pubescence of the pink color). On the surface of the lavender flowers are orange stripes.

Erika

Erika - the variety is watercolor. The leaflets are elongated with a wrinkled surface. There is a venous pattern on the light lilac flower petals.

New York

New York - wide saturated color leaf plates are drooping and have streaks of a light color shade. Loose inflorescences consist of flowers of a watercolor pinkish-white color. On the outer surface of the tube there is a hump of crimson color.

Periwinkle

Periwinkle - saturated color, shiny leaves have a pointed shape. The flowers are large enough lavender in color.

Primuline types

Species primulines are more popular among flower growers due to their original appearance. Below is a description of the most popular varieties of this culture.

Primulina yungfuensis (Primulina yungfuensis) - a miniature bush with rounded, fleshy, dark green leaves, on which a light pattern with a silvery sheen is applied, reminiscent of a branch. There is slight pubescence on the surface of the leaf blades. The lower part of the leaves is pink or burgundy. The plant develops rapidly and forms stepchildren.

Primulina Tamiana (Primulina Tamiana). A compact bush consisting of a lush rosette of leaves. The leaf plates are oval, dark green, fleshy, covered with white hair. Outwardly, they resemble violet leaves. On peduncles 20 cm high, racemose inflorescences are formed, consisting of 5 - 7 flowers with five white petals, on which there are purple strokes.

Primulina tobacco (Primulina tabacum) - a bush with wide, rounded, bright green leaves, collected in a dense rosette. The leaf plates are smooth, leathery, with a bumpy surface, wavy-toothed along the edge. The flowers are lilac, tubular, with five rounded petals, collected in a racemose inflorescence of 7 pieces.

Double primulina (Primulina gemella). This species is a dense bush consisting of a dense rosette of symmetrically arranged leaves. The leaf plates are oval-elongated, fleecy, bright green, with light green veins. The plant produces daughter rosettes and becomes multi-tiered. An inflorescence is formed on the peduncle, consisting of 1 - 2 white flowers.

Chinese primulina or dryad (Primulina dryas). The plant consists of a dense rosette of opposite leaves.The leaf plates are elongated-oval, serrated along the edge, up to 10 cm long, silvery-green, with a beautiful pattern. The surface of the leaves is covered with white hair. Peduncles are long, with racemose inflorescences, consisting of blue flowers.

Primulina linearifolia (Primulina linearifolia). The leaves are lanceolate, dark green, with white pubescence on the surface. The flowers are pale pink, formed in large quantities on the bush.

Longgang primulina (Primulina longgangensis). The species has narrow lanceolate leaf plates of an intense green hue. The flowers are lilac, with a yellow stripe near the throat.

Small-spotted primulina (Primulina minutimaculata). One of the most unusual outwardly types of primulines. It has lingual leaf plates of a dark green color with a shiny, velvety surface. The leaves have short light streaks.

Primulina spadiciformis (Primulina spadiciformis). This species has rather wide leaves, which distinguishes it from other varieties. The leaf plates are smooth, shiny, light green. The flowers consist of five rounded lilac petals. The bush reaches a height of no more than 15 cm.

Hirita: transfer

Hirita: photo

When transplanting a hirita flower, you can use special soil for Saintpaulias as a substrate, or mix peat and leafy soil with coarse sand. Never forget about the expanded clay layer, which protects the roots of your plant from stagnant water.

Young hirita flowers should be planted in a small flower pot; as they grow in the spring, the plants are transplanted into a larger pot. The container should not be particularly deep, it is better to give preference to wide flower pots resembling a bowl.

The life expectancy of the violet hirita is short, so there is no need to abuse transplants and expose the plant to stress once again.

Humidity.

Khirita grows better in high humidity conditions. However, it should not be sprayed. To increase the humidity, you can pour a little water into the pan, put pebbles (pebbles, for example) in it so that the water level is below their upper edges and put a pot. In this way, the fumes will increase the moisture around the plant, while the water will not be absorbed by the substrate, since contact with the pot is excluded.

Chirita stardust

Watering.

Watering is similar to that of Saintpaulia. Khirita roots rot when the substrate is waterlogged, but the lack of watering is also not favorable. If the plant is kept cool in winter, then watering should be greatly reduced. Cold, wet, long-drying substrate has a very negative effect on health. If hiritu is kept warm, then it should be watered in the same way as in summer.

Chirita ‘Nimbus’

Propagation by seeds and leaves

Seed propagation is more suitable for annuals. Take fresh planting material.

Some growers, mainly breeders, collect seeds from their plantings. To do this, you need to wait until the plant sets the fruit, and it ripens.

When propagating by seeds of a perennial, remember that the generative method does not preserve maternal qualities - the result will be unpredictable. Annuals bloom in the year of planting. Perennial crops bloom in 1-2 years.

The planting material is carefully spread over the surface of the nutritious peat substrate. This is best done in mid-February, otherwise the culture will not have time to set buds.

The seeds do not need to be covered. Cover the container with plantings with a transparent cap and place in a warm, well-lit place, but not in the sun.

The optimum temperature for the emergence of the first shoots is 22-26 degrees Celsius. The substrate must be moistened as needed. If all conditions are met, the first shoots will appear in about 2-3 weeks.

After the seeds hatch, provide additional lighting for them with phytolamps. Plants can be dived after the appearance of the first leaves. But this is only necessary if there are a lot of seedlings.If the number of emerging plants is small, then it is best, after they have grown a little, immediately transplanted to a permanent place.

The easiest way to reproduce hirita, especially perennial varieties, is with leaves.

Some growers in this way manage to preserve their favorite annual crops. The leaf plate should not be too old and even more sore. Cut the sheet carefully, trying not to injure.

Dry the cut for 5-8 hours and treat with a fungicide. It so happens that the leaf itself begins to grow, taking away almost all the forces for reproduction. To prevent this, you can cut off the top horizontally.

The leaf is rooted in a nutritious peat substrate under a transparent cover. If there are a lot of leaf cuttings, then the plant needs to be highlighted and constantly rotated relative to the light source. If everything is done correctly, then the first shoots will appear in a month and a half.

A genus of plants such as Chirita is directly related to the Gesneriaceae family. This plant comes from Southeast Asia. In natural conditions, it can be found on the slopes of the limestone cliffs of India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, as well as China.

Back in 1822, this plant was discovered by the English botanist David Don. However, they began to study it only from the middle of the 20th century. Also, since that time, breeding work has been carried out aimed at breeding new varieties. In flower shops, hirita began to be sold not so long ago, so it is not yet very popular in indoor floriculture.

This genus unites more than 140 species of various plants, among which there are both herbaceous plants and shrubs. They can be both perennial and annual. These plants have very beautiful bell-shaped flowers. The color of the flowers can be different, for example: lilac, blue, white, yellow or pink.

This genus is divided into 3 sections, namely: microhirita, hirita and gibbossaccus. At home, compact hirita of the gibbosaccus section are most often grown. Their leaves are collected in an outlet almost the same as that of violets.

The leaves are both smooth and pubescent, and they are painted green or have a variegated color. The flowers are similar to those of streptocarpus. The sockets can be from 5 to 30 centimeters.

It is necessary to care for the Khirit in almost the same way as for the rather well-known Saintpaulias (Uzambara violets).

What conditions need to be created at home

Creating suitable conditions for the growth and development of any of the described varieties is an important step towards obtaining lush and abundant flowering. When choosing a place, it is important to take into account several basic indicators, be sure to pay attention to the level of illumination of the room, the values ​​of temperature and humidity.

Did you know? Khirita's second name is primulina, which is sometimes translated as "brought by water."

Seat selection

Primulines love bright lighting, but cannot stand exposure to direct sunlight., therefore, when choosing the location of the pot, it is worth giving preference to areas near the western or eastern windows, periodically turning the plants towards the light source. This will help to form a symmetrical rosette and increase the overall decorative effect.

In the cold season, when the length of daylight hours is reduced, hiritu can be artificially illuminated. With good lighting for 12 hours and maintaining a temperature of at least + 18 ° C, flowering in winter will be no less abundant than in summer. Failure to comply with these requirements will lead to a state of dormancy of the flower.

Temperature and humidity

The optimal temperature range for primulina is considered to be + 18… + 24 ° C, although in winter + 15 ° C is often sufficient. It is not necessary to specially reduce the temperature in the room - hirita can bloom all winter without slowing down its development.

A moderate humidity in the room will also work well for the described plant.In a hot period, it can be increased with the help of wet expanded clay, peat or pebbles scattered on a pallet. Spraying the leaves is undesirable, since excessive moisture threatens the plant with fungal diseases.

Important! In winter, primulina will not die even at zero temperatures, so you should not remove it from the windowsill. To protect the root system from freezing, it is enough to put warm material under the pot.