Nerter home care Nerter indoor types of photos

We grow the decorative coral moss nerta at home correctly and we get a magnificent plant for landscaping the territory. The plant at home is excellent for reproduction. Planting and organizing his care will not be difficult even for a novice florist.

Florists are accustomed to growing plants at home, whose decorative value directly depends either on flowering or on the structure and color of the leaf plates. But, passing by the windows of flower shops, you can see nertera with picturesque fruits. Often, buying a plant during the breeding season after the berries fall off, it is thrown away, but this is not worth doing, since when creating comfortable conditions for an indoor flower, you can extend the life of the culture for several years. In this issue we will learn what the coral moss nerter flower is, why it is called that and what value it has in home floriculture. The photo in the article presents the most popular indoor types of culture. the main difficulties of growing can be found at the end of the page.

How to care for nerta at home

Nertera astrid home care Nertera granadensis astrid photo

Lighting

Lighting prefers dim, diffused, without direct sunlight, and is good for partial shade. In summer, it is preferable to take out into fresh air, protecting from the scorching sun, drafts, precipitation. From spring until fruit appears, it should be kept on the balcony or in the garden, shaded from the sun. In autumn and winter, lighting with lamps will not be superfluous - place light sources at a distance of 50-60 cm from the plant. With insufficient lighting, high air temperatures in winter, nertera loses its attractiveness.

Air temperature

Coral moss prefers coolness. In spring and summer, a temperature regime of 20-22 ° C is suitable, by autumn the temperature is gradually brought to 10-12 ° C, in winter - about 10 ° C with good lighting. Ventilate the room more often from November to March (dormant period). With the successful end of winter and the onset of + 6-7 ° C warmth, take the beauty outside to a place with good lighting without drafts as soon as possible, but be sure to bring it in at night, protecting it from frost. As soon as the berries are tied, the nerter can be brought back into the room.

Watering

Water sparingly during the growing season, about every two days, allowing the top layer of the substrate to dry out. In winter, keeping the temperature around 10 ° C, keep the soil moist, water with small portions of water. When the first spring leaves appear, water sparingly and slightly more often.

Air humidity

It is necessary to ensure a high level of humidity during the active growing season, constantly spray with settled or boiled water at room temperature. It is necessary to irrigate before the foliage appears, flowers and berries can be damaged by water. Humidity can be maintained with a humidifier. For the same purpose, a pot with a plant is placed in a pallet with wet pebbles or expanded clay, avoiding contact of the pot with water.

Top dressing

You need to feed it once a month during the period of active growth with complex fertilizers for decorative deciduous plants.

Growing difficulties

The absence of flowers (berries) and their fall during the development of a large amount of leaf mass - high air temperature; high content of nitrogen in the soil, as a result of excessive fertilization.

1. Decay of the base of the stems - excessive watering.
2. Drying of the tips of the leaves - insufficient watering or excessive lighting.
3. The acquisition of a brown hue by leaves is an excess of light and heat.
4. Shriveled berries are too warm conditions for winter keeping.

Most often, nertera is attacked by spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects and whiteflies.

Nertera transplant

How to transplant a photo nerter

• After successful wintering, coral moss can be transplanted into a larger pot, however, having time before flowering in spring.
• Take a wide and deep container.
• Mix turf, leafy soil, humus, peat and sand in equal proportions, getting a moisture-consuming, loose substrate.
• Be sure to lay drainage at the bottom, there is no need to compact and tamp the earth.
• The neretra bush can be carefully divided or planted by transshipment, filling the empty space from the sides.
• The root collar is not deepened, leaving it at the same level.

Main types

Unofficially, nerteru is referred to as "coral berry" or "coral moss". These names reflect the peculiarity of the bright decorative fruits of the flower, forming dense placers that stand out effectively against the greenery.

"Coral berry" or "coral moss"

For home breeding, the following types are most often used:

Nertera depressa (in Latin Nertera depressa)... It is a perennial, densely covered with miniature rounded leaves. The flowers are greenish-white or cream-colored. Orange fruits retain their juiciness until spring.

Nertera granada or granadenzis mix (N. granadensis)... Attracts with creeping graceful stems on which lanceolate leaves are located. The corolla of the flowers are yellowish-green. Decorative orange fruits delight with a rich tone throughout the fall and winter. A variety of granadenzis is nertera astrid or orange, characterized by a dense cap of bright peas that form a spectacular solar ball.

Growing nertera from seeds

Nertera seeds photo

• In January-February, sow nertera seeds in a wide container, filling it with a substrate in equal parts from leafy soil, peat, sand and lay drainage on the bottom.
• Place seeds less often on the surface of the soil, cover with a thin layer of earth.
• Spray the crops from a spray bottle, lightly compact with a board, cover with glass, put the container in a warm place, ensuring a temperature of 20-22 ° C.
• Seedlings emerge slowly, uneventfully: the former can germinate within a month, the latter in three.
• With the first shoots, place the pot on a light windowsill, avoiding direct sunlight, if there is little light, you need to artificially illuminate it.
• Water evenly when the soil surface dries up.
• The grown seedlings are dived into separate pots.

Poisonous properties

You cannot place nertera in an apartment where there are small children. Close access to potty and pets.

Such precautions are associated with the fact that juicy, attractive berries are poisonous and, when consumed, can cause poisoning. It is not recommended to touch the fruit with an unprotected hand.

The highly decorative nertera is available for home breeding. If it is difficult to ensure a low temperature regime in the autumn-winter season, then the flower is cultivated as an annual, growing new plants on their own from seeds, cuttings or by dividing a bush.

Types of nertera with photos and names

According to various sources, about 12 plant species are attributed to the genus nertera, consider some:

Nertera granadenzis or Granada Nertera granadensis

Nertera granadenzis mix home care

The plant pleases the eye with contrasting colors: small light green rounded leaves are crowned with a scattering of coral beads-berries. A magnificent sight!

Nertera balfouriana

Nertera balfouriana photo

Indoor views

Of the most famous indoor nertera species that are grown at home, it is customary to distinguish the following:

• 1) Nerteragranadensis - in nature, it is often found in tropical and subtropical zones of America and Mexico. The stems of the plant are thin, threadlike, tightly intertwined with each other and a carpet of soil is formed. On them are oval lanceolate small leaves, no more than 5-7 mm long of bright green, saturated shade. The surface of the plate is glossy. At the beginning of summer, flowering begins, at this moment small nondescript buds of a pale yellow color with greenish tints are formed. Toward the end of the season (early autumn), large fruits are formed, resembling small, about 1 cm in diameter, oranges. The appearance remains decorative for several months - until winter.
• 2) Nertera pressed differs from granadenzis in the shape of the leaves, so many growers unknowingly confuse these two species. The culture is a perennial shrub, its stems are tightly pressed to the soil surface. The ability to form new shoots from the axils allows the plant to quickly form a dense green carpet with glossy foliage. The leaf plate has a slightly elongated shape and a bright green color. Flowering begins in early July with sufficient lighting. By the end of the season, oval and spherical berries of red or orange color are formed on the bush. The fruits give the impression that they were blown out of glass (a translucent film with a rich color on the inside).
• 3) Blackberry nertera - a spectacular indoor crop with dense green foliage, long creeping shoots and unusual black, glossy fruits. The photo below shows an ornamental plant. It occurs naturally in the northern tropics of Africa.

Varieties

Now botanists lime about one and a half dozen varieties of nertera. In our country, the following varieties can most often be found on window sills:

• astrid;
• granadenzis mix.

The first variety of nertera has a small height. Its stems spread along the ground. It differs from other species in very abundant fruiting.

Granadenzis also bears very abundant fruit, but at the same time the berries stay on the plant throughout the fall, while they fall on astridas already in the middle of summer.

As previously noted, this plant is perennial. However, in most cases, it is customary for us to throw it away after shedding the fruit. Nevertheless, many growers leave the flower, and next season it also pleases them with bright colors.

general description

The name of the small (about 12 species) genus Nertera from the madder family means “low”, which characterizes the diminutiveness of the plant.

The natural range of nertera is located in the subtropical and tropical conditions of Australia and New Zealand. The plant is widespread in the southeastern part of Asia, South America.

The stems of the flower are thin, creeping; they very quickly occupy the surface of the soil, creating a dense cover.

Small leaves, not exceeding 6 mm in diameter, have a rounded, sometimes elongated shape. They are located on the opposite stems.

Genus Nertera from the madder family

Low-expressive miniature flowers with a funnel-shaped or tubular corolla are painted in a pale yellow or light greenish color.

Ripening round fruits, not exceeding 10 mm in size, have rich shades: red, orange, brown. Located on the leaves, they resemble a lingonberry or cranberry scatter.Fruiting occurs in the autumn-winter period, which allows you to decorate the interior, creating a festive mood.

It is believed that a spectacular nertera creates a favorable microclimate in the house. It helps to improve performance, reduce anxiety.

How to grow nertera at home

First of all, you should know a few nuances, this will allow you to easily grow a flower on your windowsill.

An important factor for nertera is the room temperature. She loves coolness. For this reason, it is necessary to provide the plant with the following conditions, depending on the season:

• in summer - 22 degrees Celsius above zero;
• in the fall - 12;
• in winter - 10.

The room where nertera grows must be regularly ventilated. With the onset of spring, she is taken out into the street immediately after the average temperature there rises to +7 degrees. You need to return the flower to the apartment after the first buds appear.

Diseases and insect pests

In nertera, rotting of the base of the shoots can be observed. Excess watering causes this disease.

There are several varieties of pests on the plant.

Mealybug... By highlighting the finger, it promotes the development of fungal infections.

Aphid... Sucking out the juice, weaken the plant, leading to its drying out.

Spider mite... Due to the large number of pests, the leaves dry quickly, which causes the death of the flower.

Whitefly... The insect is dangerous, since the secretions of the larvae are a breeding ground for the development of fungal infections on the plant.

Shield... After the pests suck out the juice, the leaves of the nerte turn yellow. Then they curl up and fall off.

Insect pests

For processing, when the first signs of the appearance of harmful insects are detected, insecticides are used, focusing on instructions during the procedure.

Planting and caring for nerta (in short)

• Blossoming: April-May.
• Lighting: bright diffused light.
• Temperature: in spring and summer - about 20 ºC, and during autumn the temperature gradually decreases to 10-12 ºC.
• Watering: during the period of active growth - two days after the topsoil has dried. In winter, you must not allow the earthy coma to dry out completely.
• Air humidity: during the growing season, before flowering, regular spraying with water at room temperature is needed. It is better to keep the flower on a pallet with wet expanded clay.
• Top dressing: during the period of active growth - monthly with complex mineral fertilizer. In winter, feeding is not needed.
• Dormant period: from October to February.
• Transfer: after a dormant period as the pot is filled with roots.
• Substrate: sand, peat, humus, turf and leafy soil in equal parts. Good drainage is a must.
• Reproduction: seeds, dividing the rhizome.
• Pests: scale insects, mealybugs, whiteflies and spider mites.
• Illness: Sometimes problems arise due to improper care.
• Properties: nertera berries are poisonous!

Read more about growing nertera below.

Propagation by seeds and division

Florists rarely ask themselves how to propagate nertera at home. The fact is that it is acquired at the moment when it has a special decorative role, and as soon as the picturesqueness disappears, it is removed or thrown away. But, there are those who are engaged in breeding this precious home plant. In the open field, it easily takes root in very mild climates, for example, in the southern parts of Russia. In climatic zones with severe winters, when the temperature drops below 8 degrees, the plant dies. Perhaps our readers will also be interested in how to propagate nertera and get a beautiful potted plant at home. It is done in two ways - by seeds and by dividing the bush. The second option is necessary for crops that have been growing in the house for several years and have begun to grow.

First, let's prepare a fertile soil for growing nertera.A nutritious substrate based on peat is suitable for its reproduction. Some growers use flower formulations for potted crops. In order for the soil not to be heavy, you can use the following mixture: peat plus the same amount of river sand and greenhouse land. Shallow pots with wide walls, similar to bowls, are suitable as containers. A drainage layer of broken brick, sand or pebbles is laid in them, then a layer of substrate is laid without compaction.

Seed propagation

When propagating by seeds, which is recommended from the beginning of January to the end of February, the planting material is laid out on the surface of the substrate in small rare groups. Then we sprinkle them with a thin layer of soil, tamping the layer with a board. After that, the planting is sprayed with a small amount of water, covered with a transparent cap and sent to a well-lit place. In order for nertera seeds to sprout, an optimal temperature is required within the range of 20-22 degrees.

The first shoots appear very slowly and not together in about 4-5 weeks after sowing. Seedlings can germinate for a very long time, up to 3 months, so you need to be patient. As soon as the first signs of life appear, the seedlings should be placed in a well-lit place, for example, on a windowsill. It is important to avoid direct sunlight on young plants. It is possible to dive for nertera at the stage of appearance of 2-3 leaves. Until then, water it gently as needed and make sure that the seedlings receive their dose of bright, diffused light for most of the day. If there is not enough lighting, use phytolamps.

Reproduction by dividing the bush

Reproduction of nertera by dividing the bush and rhizome is necessary at 4-6 years of pot culture life. This is done in early summer, before flowering. The plant is removed from the container, carefully cleaned off with an earthen lump, then we divide the rhizome, sprinkling the cut points with activated or charcoal. We seat the strips in new places, cover the containers with them with transparent film or glass for a while until rooting.

The origin of the plant

Nertera is a flower of the madder family that first appeared in Australia, New Zealand and South America. This plant belongs to the perennial type. It is distinguished by bright green leaves that grow on creeping stems. Nertera is a short plant dotted with small round berries of yellow, orange or red color. There are 2 seeds inside the berries. Some varieties of the flower even resemble moss. This is not surprising, because this "handsome" is often called coral moss.

To decide to breed this plant at home, just look at the photo of the nertera. Home care is also not particularly difficult.

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Features of nertera

Nertera is a herbaceous perennial creeping plant that has opposite oval leaf plates, reaching about 5 mm in diameter. Single flowers can be four- or five-membered, their green corolla is tubular or funnel-shaped. These white flowers are inconspicuous and therefore do not represent any decorative value, they open in late spring or early summer. When the plant blooms, after a while, small red (up to 10 mm) berries are formed on it, it is thanks to them that nerter is sometimes called "coral moss".

As a rule, nertera are grown throughout one season. Bushes acquire before the formation of fruits on them, and when they fly around, they get rid of the plant. However, if this culture is properly looked after, then it will be able to delight the grower with its unusual appearance for more than one year.There is an assumption that the room nertera helps to increase the energy of the people living in the apartment. And in order to enhance this beneficial effect of nertera on a person, you just need to buy a few bushes.

Nerter plant - description

This culture is a herbaceous perennial, refers to creeping plants. The leaves are located opposite each other and have the shape of an oval. Leaf width reaches 5 mm. The flowers are collected in a funnel-shaped corolla. There can be both single flowers and five petals. The culture is not of decorative value because of the flowers, as they look unattractive.

The flowering period begins in May or June. Then, after the flowering period, the berries ripen period. The berries are red in color and small in size, about 1 cm in diameter. Thanks to these berries, this culture is so appreciated by flower growers and its second name is "coral moss". This plant is usually grown for only 1 season.

Experienced growers buy ready-made bushes before fruit is formed on them. After the fruits fall, the plant is removed from its windowsill. But if you follow some rules of care, then the flower can grow and amaze others for several years. In addition, there is a belief that the plant has a positive effect on the energy background of the room. It is very good to grow not one copy of this plant, but several.

Nertera - Nertera granadensis. All about planting and growing coral berries

NERTERA

Nertera Grenada, or coral berry, is one of the most original indoor exotic plants. This is a representative of a small, but very bright group of indoor berry crops, in which the most attractive are not leaves or flowering at all, but berries. You can endlessly admire the change in color of nertera berries (from white to the entire palette of orange tones and the final red). This baby conquers with elegance and extravagance.
NAME AND SYSTEMATICS OF NERTERA
A small and modest plant with not the simplest disposition, nertera is rapidly gaining popularity. From an almost unknown plant today, it has become one of the most fashionable. Its decorativeness, indeed, more than pays for the efforts that have to be spent on caring for the baby. After all, "coral berries" with their luxurious scattering of shiny fruits can captivate anyone. And to contemplate a small but bright plant in your interior is a real pleasure. Nertera granada, or Grenada, (Nertera granadensis) is a representative of indoor ground covers. These small plants are found naturally only in South America, where they are no longer known by their botanical name, but as "coral moss". Their name translates as "low" (from the Greek "nerteros"). The definition of the species as granadensis originated from its place of growth - Colombia, formerly known as New Granada.

► POGONATERUM ► XORA

Nertera belongs to the Rubiaceae family. The plant is short-lived and is considered seasonal, although nertera can be grown quite successfully as a perennial indoor crop. It is often the practice when the nertera is bought already fruiting and thrown away immediately after the loss of the berries. But if you create cool wintering conditions, the nerter will delight for 3-4 years, after which it is enough to divide it and enjoy new young bushes. In what quality (annual or perennial) to grow this plant, only its owners decide.
DESCRIPTION OF NERTERA

Plant height is limited to only 5-10 cm; nertera actually spreads to the sides like a pillow or creeping ground cover. Low bushes are formed by numerous, thin, flexible, densely intertwined shoots, individual branches are almost indistinguishable. Only at the edges of the pot, where the hanging shoots get more freedom and gently rush down, you can appreciate all their beauty. The length of the shoots of the plant is limited to only 20 cm.Leaflets are round and tiny, sitting opposite, no more than 5-7 mm in diameter. They are so numerous that the whole potted plant appears curly. A rich, fairly light and bright green color adds charm. Granadskaya nertera blooms for only a few weeks in mid or late spring. But the star-shaped small flowers with an almost snow-white color, although pretty enough, still remain almost invisible. The nertera prepared the main show for the end of summer, autumn and winter: an innumerable variety of berries ripen in place of flowers. Perfectly round, like beads, they are so densely clinging to the bush that sometimes most of the greenery is hidden under them. The diameter of the berries can reach 1 cm. The red-orange color of ripe nertera berries is unique. But while they acquire the final tones, the berries undergo a transformation from the lightest light green to white, cream and all imaginable shades of orange. On the plant, the berries ripen unevenly, and the nertera is practically constantly covered with a multicolored scattering of fruits. The bright shiny surface of the berries creates a special, luxurious effect that seems dazzling in artificial light.

► MINISININGIA
► GIPOESTES (HYPESTOS)
The only drawback of the Granada nertera is its toxicity. This is a very attractive plant, which should be placed with caution by those who have small children: the berries of the plant are so beautiful that they literally ask for a mouthful, and they can cause a lot of harm to health. And when transplanting and reproducing a plant, it is better to protect the skin of the hands. Such recommendations can often be found in materials for growing nertera. However, nertera's toxicity and health effects have been greatly exaggerated. In the conducted studies, it was found that 20 berries eaten by a small child did not have a negative effect on his health. CONDITIONS FOR GROWING NERTERA

The main difficulty in growing nertera is associated with a dormant period. To achieve flowering and fruiting from a plant, it must be kept cool throughout the winter at a temperature of 8 to 10 degrees Celsius, while providing regular access to fresh air. The resting phase should continue from October to February. The rest of the year, this small plant will feel great in any living space - both in normal room temperatures, and in a warmer or cooler environment (at least 15 degrees). The greatest decorative effect can be achieved if a stable air temperature of 20-22 degrees Celsius is ensured. The minimum permissible temperature for this ground cover is 6 degrees Celsius, but such a decrease can only be short-term. The nerter is also undemanding to lighting, as well as to the air temperature indicators in summer. Nerteru can be placed on a light windowsill or in the interior; it feels good in partial shade. The plant blooms poorly and bears fruit from strong shading, but direct sunlight is much more dangerous for nertera, when it hits it, it rapidly loses its decorative effect. During the rest period for nertera, it is necessary to ensure the brightest possible illumination. Extension of daylight hours with additional lighting is only welcome. The ground cover signals a lack of light by stretching, and by its behavior it is easy to judge the need to take additional measures.

► MAMMILLARIA
► ZIGOCACTUS
Coral berry is very fond of fresh air and frequent ventilation, which are especially important during the period from budding to the end of the dormant stage. Nerteru can be taken out into the fresh air in summer, placed in a garden or on an open balcony. But if you want to admire the berries, the plant will have to be protected from active draft, precipitation, bright sun. TRANSFER AND SOIL FOR NERTERA

Transplanting nertera can be carried out immediately after the plant has dropped its last fruits, or at the time that is classic for all indoor plants - at the end of February - beginning of March.If an urgent need arises, nertera can be transplanted until the buds appear. It is very important to choose a sandy, permeable substrate in which the risk of water stagnation and acidification will be minimal. The soil should allow the plant to freely "pull" water from the pallet. It is better to make the base of the substrate from sod soil with the addition of sand, leafy soil, peat and humus. Moisture capacity is the main criterion, therefore vermiculite and perlite can be added to the soil. The plant is transplanted carefully. At the bottom of the container, drainage from expanded clay or other materials must be laid. The substrate itself is not compressed or tamped, but is left light and loose. After transplanting into new containers, nerters must be kept in partial shade and cool until they begin to actively grow.
HOW TO CARE FOR NERTERA
In order to succeed in growing this indoor ground cover, it is enough to take care of one single parameter - maintaining uniform soil moisture and preventing the plant from getting wet. Nertera Grenada is most often watered by bottom irrigation, through a pallet. She is afraid of waterlogging, and abundant watering, and even mild drought. When watering nertera, it is better to constantly check how dry the soil in the pots is. Even in winter, in the cold, nertera are watered, but very carefully, avoiding drought and waterlogging. This ground cover can be watered with exceptionally soft water. Nertera is very afraid of lime deposits.

A small plant also makes rather specific requirements for fertilizers: nertera needs large quantities of phosphorus. But she does not tolerate excess nitrogen. For nertera, fertilizers are selected for flowering crops with a low nitrogen content or other types of fertilizers with a high phosphorus content. Fertilizers are rarely applied, once a month in spring and summer. From October to February, feeding is completely stopped. Nertera, like almost all South American plants, is very fond of high humidity. Curly bushes lose their decorative effect under the influence of heat, the operation of heating devices. Fortunately, for nertera Granadskaya during the period of greatest risk, such a simple method as spraying is also suitable. Daily treatments will maintain the beauty of the greenery. But there are several nuances in increasing the humidity of the air by this method: - spraying can only be carried out before the beginning of flowering, because the plant does not tolerate getting flowers and berries wet; - Nertera can only be sprayed with soft or filtered water.

► CRINUMES
► CLIVIA
When nertera flaunts with berries or blooms, it is more suitable for her to install a humidifier or put it on a pallet with wet moss and pebbles.
POSSIBLE DIFFICULTIES IN GROWING NERTERA
- aphids are often found on the plant, which quickly spreads at the slightest violation of comfortable conditions (nertera and spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs also threaten); - berries fall in the heat, dry air; - nertera does not bloom in the absence of a dormant period; - rot threatens nertera during waterlogging; - in direct sunlight or drought, the plant flaunts with dry tips of the branches. It is better to fight insects immediately with insecticides. But without correcting care and conditions to optimal, it will be difficult to cope with any problem. REPRODUCTION AND UPDATE OF NERTERA

One of the significant disadvantages of nertera is its fragility. In room culture, it quickly degenerates, loses its attractiveness, so the plant needs to be constantly rejuvenated. Fortunately, this is very simple to do: it is enough to regularly divide the turf and get rid of the parts that have lost their decorative effect. Splitting bushes is the simplest and most popular breeding method for nerthers. The procedure is carried out at the beginning of the active growth phase, in February-March, during transplantation. The sod is divided into 2-3 parts, trying to injure the roots as little as possible. Separation is carried out by hand or with a sharp knife.Small fragments of the plant bloom and bear fruit very poorly. As in the case of transplanting, the delenki need additional adaptation in partial shade and coolness.

► SANSEVIERIA ► ARAUKARIA

If you manage to get the seeds of the plant, then it is better to sow them together with the first annuals - in January or February, in a low large container. A standard substrate is used for sowing. Seeds are rarely laid out, lightly sprinkled with soil, pressed and sprayed. Germinate them under glass or film in your favorite nertera temperature from 20 to 22 degrees. Seedlings are very uneven and slow, germination can take several months. They grow up without diving, and when strong pillows are formed, they transfer the plant to individual pots.
SPECIES AND VARIETIES OF NERTERA
This plant cannot boast of variety. The Grenada nertera has no varieties or special decorative forms. And other species are not considered crops that can compete with it. Previously, Nertera depressa was singled out separately, but today this species has been officially united.

In the design of rooms, nertera is used as: - an accent or a single soloist; - elegant decoration of a table or table; - an alternative to live bouquets; - as an addition to accessories and utensils.

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Watering and feeding

Like any other plant, nertera needs water once the potted soil is dry. However, you should not overdo it, since with an excess of moisture, the roots of the plant will begin to rot and hurt. During the period of active growth of coral moss, it needs more frequent watering. It is also recommended to periodically spray the flower with warm boiled water.

During the dormant period, the plant, on the contrary, should not be watered too often. The fact is that during this period of time the metabolism of nertera slows down and practically falls asleep. It is best to ventilate the room as often as possible.

Caring for Astrid nertera at home, we must not forget about feeding. An unusual plant does not require special fertilizers that would need to be applied frequently. It is enough to use top dressing during the growing season, no more than 1 time per month.

On the difficulties of home growing

Perennial is grown mainly for its attractive and bright exotic fruits, but their abundance requires optimal air temperature conditions and regular watering.

The greatest difficulty in long-term cultivation of nertera is the need to find a room for the plant with a cool climate for wintering. An ordinary living room will not suit him, it is too hot for him.

If the temperature in the "wintering" room is kept in the region of +20 ... + 26 ° C, then the perennial will not be able to enter the dormant period, which will lead to a complete loss of decorativeness of the green "cap".

Important! The features of care include spraying the leaf surface with thawed or boiled (soft) water. It must be remembered that spraying can only be carried out during the period when the plant is not blooming.

Description of the flower

The stalks of nertera are similar to miniature vines - thin, rising to a height of no more than 2 cm, they spread along the surface of the earth, forming a miniature "rug". The leaves are small (no more than a centimeter), rounded, less often rounded-elongated, oppositely located on the stem. The flowers are small, indistinct, greenish-white, sometimes pale yellow. Fruits are small (pea-sized) berries of bright shades of orange, red and brown. The fruiting bush of nertera outwardly resembles dense scattering of cranberries or lingonberries. The plant bears fruit in winter and looks very optimistic and beautiful.

Important! Nertera berries are inedible because they are poisonous. Berries can also be dangerous for some pets.

Usually the plant is acquired for one season, at the end of fruiting it loses all its external attractiveness and therefore gets rid of it. However, when creating the conditions necessary for the plant, it can please caring owners for several years.

Nertera is considered a strong bioenergetic. She is able to increase the vitality of people. The strength of the energetic effect depends on the number of plants and their environment. The energy of the plant will increase if there are plants with bright flowers and lush foliage next to it.

1. Seven Secrets of Success:

Botanical name: Nertera.

Nerter flower - family... Madder.

Origin... China, Australia, Mexico and South America.

Description... Nertera is a perennial evergreen herb or shrub that forms dense rugs in nature. Stems are thin, lodging, intertwined, often take root upon contact with the ground, up to 10 cm long, leaves are green, small, oval, sessile, about 5 mm long. In late spring, small ones up to 5 mm appear. diameter, white, inconspicuous flowers that are not of particular interest and are often hidden by leaves. In late summer or early fall, the plants are densely covered with showy orange, yellow or bright red, rounded pea-sized berries.

Height... Adult plants usually do not exceed 8 cm in height, less often they reach 10-15 cm. The plant develops rapidly and covers the ground with a dense carpet.

Appearance

The stem of the plant can be compared to a miniature liana. But its length is insignificant and does not exceed 2 cm. The stems line the surface, forming a miniature rug. Small leaves are rounded, slightly elongated. The appearance of the flowers is not very expressive, with a predominance of a green-white shade of the color palette. Pea-sized fruits with bright orange, red or brown berries. When the nertera bush bears fruit, it can be compared to cranberries or lingonberries. The fruiting period falls on the winter, which inspires the owner with a certain optimism and pleases with its beauty.

Important! The fruits of the plant cannot be eaten, due to their toxicity, although the temptation to pick the berries and eat is present.

Most often, nertera is grown for only one season, because it is difficult in the conditions of our apartments to provide a proper rest period for this flower. And without a good winter sleep, nertera will no longer have its former attractiveness. It will simply become nondescript in appearance. But if you show proper care, attention and care in relation to it, then it will delight its owner for several years in a row.

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Priming

The plant requires light and loose soil. It should not retain moisture. A mixture of these ingredients is ideal:

• peat;
• sand;
• soil with decayed foliage or sod.

The container for the flower should have large holes for the outflow of water. At its very bottom, a layer of expanded clay should be poured.

Nertera needs fertilization. Top dressing is carried out from spring to autumn, monthly. Mineral formulations sold as liquids work well. They must be diluted one to one with water before use.

After wintering, the plant can be transplanted into another pot. It is advisable to do this in early spring, before flowering. Nertera roots do not require a deep container, for this reason it is better to choose a wide and flat flowerpot. After transplanting, the soil is not compacted.

Care problems

When growing an exotic plant, inexperienced growers often face problems. The main ones and ways to solve them are described below:

Nertera: plant species

Nertera Granadenzis. The homeland of this species is Mexico and America. The culture is characterized by thin, creeping stems. At the same time, the leaves are rounded and reach 5 mm in width. The length of the cutting is about 3 mm.

Nertera granadenzis: Photo of the variety

This plant begins to bloom around the beginning of summer, after which orange fruits ripen on it, which perform a decorative function all summer and almost all autumn. If the plant is in conditions suitable for it, the fruits are preserved throughout the winter period.

Nertera is pinned down. This plant is perennial and South America is considered its homeland. The stems are also creeping, on which small oval-shaped leaves are located opposite each other. The size of the leaves is 5 mm. The shade of the petals is light green here. This culture bears fruit all summer and early autumn.

Nertera pressed: Photo of the variety

Types and varieties

The genus includes various species, among which the following, most popular, representatives can be noted.

Pressed

The plant is native to South America. It was there that it was first discovered. The leaves of this representative are distinguished by a small rounded shape and a bright green color. During flowering, small white-green flowers bloom profusely, in the place of which orange berries form after flowering. With good care, the diameter of the bush can reach 40 cm.

Granada or Granadensis (Granadensis)

This type is equally popular. Nertera Grenada is found in Mexico. The diameter of the plant can reach 50 cm. The length of small leaves does not exceed 8 mm. Flowers with yellow-green hues. Subsequently, the appearance of bright orange berries can be observed on the plant.

Balfouriana

The habitat of Balfour nertera is New Zealand, where it is mainly located in wetlands. It differs from other representatives of the genus Balfura in larger berries with a pronounced rich orange color. The berries are similar in shape to a pear.

Ciliate (Ciliata)

Ciliated nertera flower

The ciliated nerta also grows in New Zealand. It differs from the previous type in a slightly smaller size. Its diameter rarely exceeds 25 cm. Fleshy orange or red fruits. The leaves are equipped with small cilia.

Cunninghamii

In comparison with other representatives of this genus, it has an insignificant size. Rarely when its diameter exceeds 20 cm. The color of the berries is distinguished by pronounced bright red tones.

Nertera Granadnzis

Nertera granadensis (Nertera granadensis) is distinguished by small (3-7 mm long) lanceolate leaves located on short petioles (2-4 mm). At the beginning of summer, small yellowish-greenish flowers are formed on the tops of the shoots.

Orange fruits remain on the plant all autumn, sometimes even winter.

Its variety - Nertera granadensis astrid - forms a particularly large number of berries.

How to care for nertera

Before caring for nertera, you need to provide the plant with the necessary growing conditions. To do this, choose a well-lit place with little sunlight in the morning or evening. In winter, the plant also needs good lighting, otherwise it will not grow and bear fruit well. In summer, they are kept at a temperature not higher than 20 ° C, in winter the optimum temperature is 10-12 ° C, but not lower than 7 ° C. In summer, the plant is taken out into the open air, but protected from direct sunlight and precipitation.

In spring and summer, water is plentiful, in winter it is limited, but the soil should not dry out completely. During the growth period, high air humidity is required, the plant is regularly sprayed with soft boiled water at room temperature. This procedure is carried out only before flowering: water should not get on the flowers and berries. The pot with the plant is placed on a pallet with damp expanded clay or moss (the bottom of the pot should not touch the water) to increase the air humidity.

Air humidity

When caring for nerta at home, it is important to remember that this plant loves moisture very much. In order for the flower to be healthy, it must be sprayed daily with water at room temperature. However, it is recommended to do this only before the first berries appear. It is important to ensure that excess moisture does not get on the fruit.

If dry air prevails in the room, then you can increase its humidity yourself. To do this, you need to prepare a pallet, pour a little wet peat or expanded clay into it and install a flower pot in it.

Reproduction of nertera

Nerteru can be propagated by seeds, although they are difficult to germinate. In January or February, they are sown in a low bowl in a mixture of peat and sand right on the surface and only lightly sprinkled with soil. Then it is sprayed from a spray bottle, covered with glass and kept in a dark, warm place. When shoots appear, they are exposed in a slightly lit place. Watering continues by spraying.

The easiest way to propagate a plant is by division during transplantation. It is better to take a part of the rhizome along with a lump of earth and place it in a pot with soil, making a hole in it for planting a turf.

It is believed that nertera can be propagated by apical cuttings. Probably, this is possible, but it is unlikely that those who have seen tiny thin twigs will do it.

Reproduction

To propagate an exotic flower, you can use the seed method or division of the root system. For the first method, at the end of winter, you will need to put flower berries in pre-prepared containers with suitable soil and sprinkle them lightly with soil. A film is stretched over the sprouting box until the first shoots appear. After the first sprouts appear, the film should be removed.

You can also use the method of dividing the bush. Carefully fill the coral moss, to prevent injury to the root, take out the bush and divide it into a couple of bushes. We plant the plant in separate containers, into which the moist soil has been poured.

Video review

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The coral berry is easy to care for, it loves bright light with a little sun, and at the same time loves coolness. Some people plant the beaded plant outdoors in the spring, in a place protected from the sun, and leave it there until the berries are formed, and then bring it into the house. Nertera will decorate your home and make it cozy.

How long does nertera live?

The life span of this plant is rather short. Despite the fact that it is considered a perennial, they sell, and therefore buy it most often at the height of fruiting. And when it ends, the plant is most often thrown away, because they do not know how to preserve it and make it bloom and bear fruit again. This requires anti-aging division, which will be discussed below.

There is no Christian legend behind nertera, however, this plant is classified as a Christmas flower crop due to the fact that it retains its festive and decorative appearance in December, when the main decorative deciduous and spectacularly blooming and fruiting indoor crops are immersed in a state of dormancy. At the same time, coral moss fits perfectly into New Year's and Christmas interiors.

Alas, it is most likely due to the perception associated with seasonal holidays that this wonderful plant is very often thrown away after the end of festive events, like the equally famous flower called the "Christmas star".

Mr. Summer resident warns: poisonous nerte

Nertera berries do not have a toxic effect and after eating them it is impossible to die, but they provoke a deterioration in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

If there are small children in the home, it is recommended to place the plant at such a height where the child cannot reach it.

The plant can be used to decorate patios and patios. The flower is advised to be placed in a room or part of the yard where there is good lighting and in winter the temperature does not drop below + 10 ° C.

Botanical description

The genus of plants Nertera belongs to the Madder family, has many varieties, in Latin the name of the flower sounds like Nertera granadensis. Translated from Greek, the word "nertera" means "short" or "low". Perennial plant, ground cover. Natural habitat - mountain slopes of South America, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile and Peru. In the climatic conditions of Russia, the plant is grown as an ornamental one.

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Bush

Nertera is a low-growing perennial with a herbaceous stem and long, thin shoots from 10 to 25 cm in length, which depends on the type of nertera. Shoots are densely covered with small, rounded, light green leaves. They are oval in the plant, the diameter of the leaf blade is 0.5 cm.

In the period from April to June, the plant blooms, and inconspicuous and not very noticeable star-shaped flowers appear on it. Nertera flowers are not collected in groups, they are located one by one. They look like a small white star, with a tubular or funnel-shaped greenish corolla.

Nertera flowers are of no decorative value. By the middle of summer, the shoots reach their maximum length and are luxuriantly covered with small leaves. This ornamental plant is ideal for growing in wide, shallow pots.

Did you know? When plants become ill, their response to illness is similar to human symptoms: the temperature of the stems rises, and oxygen uptake (respiration) becomes more rapid.

Berries

Under favorable climatic conditions, the plant grows so many berries that from a distance it looks like a pot of orange beads. Bright berries remain on the shoots until winter. It is they that make up the special decorativeness of this low herbaceous perennial, they are pink, orange, white or light yellow. Their diameter reaches one centimeter. The berries of this plant are inedible.