Pachistakhis - planting and care at home, photo varieties, reproduction and diseases

Pachystachis yellow is a favorite type of not so large kind of ornamental shrubs, in which foliage and flowering are equally beautiful. Pachystachis can be found in the list of crops with the brightest color palette, with the most striking bracts, or among the best crops for modern interiors. For all its original and striking appearance, pachistachis manages to remain a rather unpretentious plant and requires stable, but by no means difficult, care. This plant gratefully responds to attention to itself and pleasantly surprises with age, although it requires control.

Pachystachis yellow (Pachystachys lutea).

Description

Despite the fact that pachistachis has been well known in floriculture since the 19th century, today it is not often found in homes. The plant belongs to the Acanthus family and comprises approximately 12 species. However, only three species are common in cultural floriculture. All of them are perennial shrubs and are widely used for decorative landscaping in countries with warm climates (where the air temperature does not drop below +10 degrees).

In translation, the name "pakhistakhis" means "thick ear" or "thick thorn". So the plant is called because of the original shape of the exotic inflorescence.

The plant is native to the rainforests of Central and South America, the eastern part of Australia and the subtropics of the eastern part of India.

Pachistachis is an evergreen plant that grows to a height of one meter. Shoots are erect, leaves are opposite. The leaf plate is oval, pointed from above, dark green in color, up to 12 cm long, slightly wrinkled.

Inflorescences are of the greatest value: bright yellow bracts, forming an inflorescence in the form of an ear up to 10 cm in length. The flowering period of one inflorescence is up to 12 days. One adult plant can form up to 20 inflorescences in one flowering period.

Pakhistakhis is a rare guest in indoor floriculture, many growers are simply afraid to grow it, explaining their fear by the difficult nature of the flower and the difficulties in leaving. In fact, the process of growing pachistachis is quite simple, the main thing is to know the main secrets of success.

In indoor floriculture, Yellow Pachystachis is most popular, however, you can also find a plant with red flowers. For those who want to grow a real yellow miracle, it is important to pinch the shoots in a timely manner and follow the recommendations of specialists.

Description of the plant

Pachistachis

The pachystachis flower belongs to the tropical species. This is a representative of the Akantov family. It is more often grown in flower beds, as in an apartment it can cause difficulties in terms of care. The culture is popularly referred to as "Lollipop", "Old Candelabrum", "Yellow Candle" and "Golden Shrimp". The scientific name "Pachystachys" is translated from Greek as "thick ear".

Interesting!

What is considered a pachistachis flower - a thickened ear, is in fact just its bracts.

Bush culture grows. The stems can be very large if not cut, the leaves are slightly elongated and green in color. The bract is the most prominent part of the plant. It is something that resembles a thick spikelet. Flowers emerge from the bracts. They have an elongated spongy shape.The color is usually pale cream.

Home care

The pachystachis flower is very demanding to care for and needs special attention. A flower needs warmth, light and moist air. In addition, the shrub needs periodic pruning to help maintain the ornamental crown.

The plant needs a spacious pot with a volume of at least 2.5 liters.

If you plant 2-4 plants in one pot and grow them in a one to three year culture, you should choose a low pot with a wide diameter. With this cultivation, the general appearance of the plant is more bushy, it has more yellow inflorescences. A single plant with perennial cultivation turns out to be taller, resembles a tree or shrub with bare trunks below. It is grown in regular large pots.

Irrigation mode and air humidity

The plant needs abundant watering from spring to autumn. In winter, watering is reduced, making sure that the earth in the flowerpot has time to dry out a little. In spring and summer, the plant needs to be watered abundantly, as soon as the surface of the soil dries out. In the autumn-winter season, the soil should be moistened less often - 2-3 days after the top layer has completely dried. For watering pachistachis, it is recommended to use soft (thawed, rainfall, settled) water at room temperature.

Pachystachis is equally sensitive to both over-watering and overdrying of an earthen coma.

You need to spray the flower throughout the year using soft, settled water. If the air in the room is too dry, you can spray pachistachis twice a day. Pallets with wet expanded clay, gravel or moss also help.

Lighting requirements

Bright diffused light is considered the most comfortable for the plant, therefore, it is preferable to choose eastern and western windows for pachistachis.

In winter, you can use an additional light source.

On the south window, the plant will be comfortable only if you hide it from the direct sun behind a thin tulle curtain. In the spring-summer period, the tropical dwarf shrub successfully develops at + 20 ... + 23 ° C, closer to winter, it is advisable to lower the temperature of the content to + 16 ... + 19 ° C. Make sure that the thermometer does not drop below +12 ° C - the flower, of course, will not die from hypothermia, but the foliage will surely drop and will recover for a long time after the stress suffered.

Move the plant pot away from hot radiators when the heating season arrives, as dryness and heat are destructive for a native of the humid tropics. The room where the pachistachis grows must be regularly ventilated, but at the same time the green pet must be reliably protected from drafts.

Temperature regime

The optimum temperature for a plant in spring and summer is +20 degrees; at a higher temperature, the air humidity should be increased. In autumn and winter, the plant feels great at temperatures from +16 to +19 degrees. Temperatures below +14 degrees are considered dangerous.

Avoid sudden temperature changes and drafts.

Fertilization and feeding

During the period of active growth, pachistachis needs fertilizing once every ten days with complex fertilizers. In this case, it is important not to overdo it with the concentration of feeding.

During the growing season, the plant is fed every 2-3 weeks, alternating complex mineral fertilizers (Flower Happiness, Agricola, Good Power) with organic matter (infusion of humus or a solution of rotted mullein). In order to avoid scalding the root system, nutrient compositions are applied after abundant watering.

In the summer heat, the leaves of the plant are often recommended (1-2 times a day) to be sprayed with boiled or filtered water through a fine spray bottle. In this case, it is advisable to fill the tray under the pot with wet pebbles or pieces of wet sphagnum moss.

Pachistachis transplant

Young plants need an annual transplant, the optimal time for this is the end of February or the beginning of March. Before proceeding with the transplant, it is necessary to cut off the pachystachis.

It is best to transplant the bush into an earthen mixture from:

• Sod land - two parts;
• Peat land - one part;
• Leafy land - one piece;
• Humus and sand - one part at a time.

In specialized stores, you can buy ready-made earthen mixture for decorative flowering plants.

It is necessary to provide for high-quality drainage, and add vermiculite or crushed pine bark as a baking powder to the soil so that water does not stagnate in the flowerpot and in the pan after watering. In addition, the pine bark slightly oxidizes the soil, which is necessary for pachistachis, since it does not tolerate alkaline soils.

Conditions for successful growing at home

The first thing you should pay attention to before buying pachistachis is the possibility of organizing suitable conditions for its active growth and development. The main assessment criteria in this case are the lighting level, temperature indicators and air humidity. It is also worth familiarizing yourself with the requirements for watering, fertilizing and pruning in advance.

Lighting

Pachistachis is a light-loving plant, but for lush flowering, the sunlight falling on it must be diffused so that burns do not remain on the delicate flower petals. The ideal place to place a pot in the summer would be a window sill in the east or west of the house, located away from drafts.

We recommend that you learn more about the correct planting of indoor flowers.

In addition, in the warm season, the flower can be taken outside, but always protected from direct sunlight at lunchtime. With the arrival of cold weather and a decrease in solar activity, the container with the plant can be moved to the south side of the room.

Temperature

The optimal temperature values ​​for the well-being of pachystachis will be within the range of + 17 ... + 22 ° C in summer and + 15 ... + 17 ° C in winter, which will provide the flower with a natural state of winter dormancy. With the beginning of the heating season, it is better to place the plant pot away from radiators and other heat sources.

Air humidity

Indoor humidity is an important criterion for well-being for any indoor flower, and pachystachis is no exception. This plant belongs to the moisture-loving species, so it needs spraying almost all year round. To maintain a high level of humidity (at least 70%), it is useful to substitute a pallet with moistened sphagnum moss or expanded clay under the pot.

Important! The bottom of the planting tank with the drainage holes in it should not touch the wet surface, otherwise the possibility of rotting of the root system cannot be ruled out. You can put a saucer on a tray and place a pot with a plant on it.

After the appearance of flowers, spraying is stopped, and when watering, they make sure that moisture does not get on the inflorescences.

Reproduction

For propagation of plants, cuttings are used after spring pruning. To do this, cut off the processes with two internodes. Rooting of cuttings occurs at high humidity and a temperature of at least +20 degrees. The cuttings are placed in clean water and the container is covered with glass or polyethylene.

It is important to ventilate young shoots every day for half an hour. After a few weeks, roots appear on the cuttings, which means that they can be planted in the ground.

For the shoots, small pots are chosen, the diameter of which does not exceed 12 cm. A few months later, when the young pachistachis takes root in the new conditions, gets stronger, it can be transplanted to a permanent place using the transshipment method. Florists recommend planting several cuttings in one container in order to grow a lush bush.

Pachistachis can be propagated at any time, except for the dormant period, that is, from early spring to autumn. You will need live cuttings. And here's how you can get them:

• take the tops remaining after the spring pruning - only those on which there are three or four knots are useful;
• after flowering, cut off the top of the stem - together with the bracts (after planting, it will dry out and fall off) 10-15 cm long.

When the cuttings are prepared, follow the five-step instructions.

1. Immerse the cuttings in water (or you can immediately in a mixture of peat and sand).
2. Make a greenhouse: Cover the container with a bag or glass jar.
3. Open the greenhouse for half an hour daily, ventilate and spray.
4. After three weeks, the plant will take root and you can plant the cuttings in pots.

When at least two pairs of leaves appear, you can put pachystachis on the windowsill. To create a greenhouse, it is convenient to use a cut plastic bottle: pour soil into the lower part (pierce holes in the bottom), and put the upper part on the lower part, like a cap.

Reproduction of pachistachis

Pachistachis propagates mainly by cuttings. Healthy cuttings with two to three internodes are cut from the mother plant. They are placed in ordinary settled water to root. When the roots reach 1-2 cm, the seedlings can be transplanted into the ground. You can also immediately plant the cuttings in moist, loose soil under a film - the roots will appear in a week or two. Moreover, you can plant several cuttings in one pot at once - for better bush formation and abundant flowering. The pot must be covered with a foil with holes in it for ventilation. It is important that during the rooting of the pachystachis, the soil in the pot is constantly moist, and the air temperature does not exceed 20 ° C.

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Pot selection

It is important to choose the right pot size for pachistachis. Young bushes are planted in medium-sized pots. It is desirable that the height and diameter of the pot are the same. Large flower pots are not suitable as the root system can suffer from excess moisture around it. Sometimes, in order for the flower to subsequently be more lush and decorative, several germinated cuttings are planted in the pot at the same time. As the pachistachis grows, it is transplanted into larger pots, adhering to the same proportion - the height is equal to the diameter of the container. When transplanting a flower into a large container, it is not necessary to remove the old soil and rinse the roots, if there is no apparent reason for this. Better to transfer the entire plant to a new pot and add fresh soil. Moreover, this procedure is well tolerated even by flowering pachistachis.

Planting pachistachis

Planting pachistachis is of great importance in the life of the plant in the future. It is necessary to fill the pot with soil that is well fertilized with humus or compost. Any soil is suitable for beautifully flowering ornamental plants. A good drainage layer must be placed on the bottom of the pot, at least 3 cm, made of expanded clay or pebbles, then soil is added - and our flower can be planted. We put the pot with pachistachis in a permanent place, after watering it well.

Pachystachis bloom

Some novice growers mistake stipules for a pachistachis flower. In fact, the flowers of the plant are small, white, fragile and quickly fall off. The stipules of bright yellow or red color, which adorn the plant for a long time, namely from spring to the second half of autumn, are of the greatest decorative value.

However, in order for pachistachis to bloom long and luxuriantly, some rules must be followed:

1. A cramped flowerpot. Peduncles are formed only when the root system is cramped in the pot.
2. Regular pruning.Inflorescences are formed only at the tops of the shoots, which is why, from an early age, it is necessary to form a lush bush with a large number of tops. The first pinching is carried out when two or three internodes appear on the plant;
3. Complete top dressing. Quite often, young shoots cannot fully develop and form inflorescences; for this, the plant is fed.

Rest

At the end of October, after the end of flowering, a dormant period begins. The growth of pachystachis slows down. The plant even consumes much less moisture during its rest. But in no case should you overdry the earth, the flower will quickly respond to insufficient watering - large leaves will begin to curl the edges down, in an attempt to save precious water. Caring for pachistachis during the rest period:

1. Water every other day.
2. Stop fertilizing.
3. Do not prune.
4. Do not transfer to the shade, leave the pot on the east or west windowsill.

Pachystachis transplant and substrate

It is advisable to replant this plant not as needed (after the roots have completely filled the substrate in the pot), but annually. A transplant after or simultaneously with pruning is carried out for this plant, regardless of age. The transplant period for pachistachis is classic - February-March.

For pachistachis, any universal substrates, purchased or compiled by yourself, are suitable. For it, sand, peat, humus and leafy soil are mixed in equal parts with a double portion of sod land. It is advisable to additionally add crushed charcoal or bone meal to the soil.

The procedure itself is quite simple. A fresh drainage layer with a height of at least 5 cm must be laid on the bottom of the container. The plants are not transplanted, but transferred, trying to avoid contact with the roots.

Pachystachis pruning

Regular pruning is necessary for pachystachis not only to form a beautiful crown, but also to stimulate abundant flowering.

The algorithm for trimming and pinching is as follows:

• The first pruning is carried out at a height of 15 cm from the ground surface;
• On each tier of shoots that develop from lateral buds, it is necessary to pinch a third pair of leaves.

During the first year, at least three such procedures will be required. As a result, a bush with 10-12 tops grows by winter.

The next spring, you need to trim all the tops. Each top forms two shoots, so there will already be from 16 to 24 full-fledged tops on the bush and flowers will appear on them. At the end of flowering, each crown is again divided into two. Next year, in the spring, it will be necessary to trim all the tops of the pachistachis again.

Quite often, situations arise when the lower part of the stem is exposed in an adult plant, in this case, you can cut the plant completely, leaving no more than 10-15 cm from the ground.

Regular and timely pinching promotes more lush growth of the bush and prevents exposure of the lower part of it.

Pinching for lush bloom

In the first years of its development, pachistachis has only one stem and, accordingly, one candle. Moreover, as the plant grows, the lower section of the trunk turns out to be "naked", which greatly spoils the appearance of the flower. Here are two rules on how to care for pachistachis to get a lush bush with lots of candles.

Topping... That's right - do not cut off the pachystachis after flowering, but pinch it. That is, when the plant has completely faded, you need to pinch all the available tops. This will prevent the plant from stretching upward, but, on the contrary, will force the development of lateral shoots. Thus, you will increase the number of stems and, accordingly, there will be more flowering candles. But a one-time procedure is not enough here - in the first year of life you need to carry out three or four such pinching, and in subsequent years, two are enough (after flowering and after pruning). And you can also control the shape of the bush at your discretion.

Pruning... Pachystachis should be cut at the very beginning of spring, when the plant “wakes up”. You need to leave three pairs of leaves, you get stems 10-15 cm long from the ground. On lateral shoots - pinch off the top pairs of leaves.

Features of seasonal care

Pachistachis goes through several phases of development during the year. From the beginning of spring to the end of flowering, the plant is actively developing. During this period, it needs abundant watering, good lighting, and regular feeding. After flowering, the plant enters a dormant state that lasts until spring. At this time, he needs to reduce the number of watering, lower the temperature of the content, stop feeding.

You do not need to transfer the flowerpot to a darker place. Pachistakhis needs good lighting all year round.

Diseases and pests of pachystachis

Pachystachis belongs to very resistant and hardy plants, however, inattention to the flower can lead to disastrous consequences.

Pachystachis diseases and pests rarely bother. The flower can be affected by aphids, powdery mildew, scale insects and spider mites. For pest control, it is good to use the insecticide "Aktara", garlic solution and bathing in the shower.

Insect pests

In the fight against insects such as mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects, chemical preparations will help, it is also important to observe flower hygiene by regularly spraying the leaves and wiping them from dust. Some growers recommend small pruning of the plant to remove the most affected parts of the pachystachis.

Aphid

A white bloom and traces of sweet syrup appear on the plant. In the future, the leaves are covered with a sooty fungus (black dusting). Shoots covered with insects seem fluffy. At the first stage of infection, pachystachis should be washed every day with warm running water. In advanced cases, the plant is treated with an interval of 6-8 days with Fitoverm (2 ml per liter of water) or Intavir (1 tablet per 10 liters of water). Inspect flowers regularly for infestation. Spray systematically with water, as aphids try not to settle on wet leaves. Quarantine all purchased plants only.

Shield

Plants become covered with a sticky liquid, on the shoots and the inner side of the leaves there are convex brown oval-shaped spots that are hard to the touch. Wipe the plant daily with a sponge dipped in a solution of brown laundry soap (1: 3) or treat all affected flowers with Aktelik (2 g per liter of water) or Bankol (0.5 g per liter of water). Avoid infection with a scabbard, inspect the plants every day. To prevent infection, wash the pachistachis with soapy water once a week.

Powdery mildew

White fluffy spots appear on the outer and inner leaves, which subsequently darken and thicken. The diseased plant begins to shed its leaves. At an early stage, you can get rid of the disease by spraying the plant with an infusion of garlic (knead 30 g of garlic and mix with a liter of water, leave for 24 hours in a dark place). Spray pachistachis 3 times at intervals of 1 week. Treat pachistachis 3 times with an interval of 1 week with Topaz (1.5 ml per 10 liters of water). Stick to a watering and fertilizing regimen to keep the plant strong and healthy. Powdery mildew affects only weakened flowers.

Spider mite

The cobweb on the plant, leaves and shoots are covered with black dots. The leaves turn pale, dry and curl. Treat pachistachis with phytover (2 ml per liter of water) or Taurus (1 mg per liter of water). To destroy the pest, a single treatment is enough. The spider mite does not like an abundance of moisture. Therefore, you need to constantly monitor the humidity of the air, regularly spray the plant, place the pot on a pallet with wet expanded clay.

Rotting roots

Leaves fall off, the root begins to rot.Cut off damaged roots, sprinkle the rest with crushed charcoal and plant in fresh soil. Avoid hypothermia of the root system.

Changes in the appearance of the plant

The reasons:

• Too high a temperature leads to the appearance of brown spots on the leaves, their yellowing and dropping;
• Drafts and too low air temperatures lead to leaf fall;
• Leaves turn yellow due to insufficient watering, lack of light and low humidity;
• Lack of light is reflected in the splendor of the plant;
• Failure to comply with the watering regime leads to the death of the root system.

For the harmonious and correct development of the pachistachis, it needs regular ventilation.

Care errors and their elimination

Common problems when growing Pachistachis and their elimination:

Note to the florist

Why do pachistachis leaves curl?

As a rule, the reason lies in non-compliance with the rules of cultivation:

• Too dry air in the room, especially in the autumn-winter period, when the heating system is turned on. The problem can be eliminated simply by putting a flowerpot with a plant in a pallet with damp pebbles or expanded clay;
• A sharp drop in temperature. In this case, the leaves not only curl, but can also fall off.

Why doesn't pachistachis bloom?

There may be several reasons:

• Insufficient lighting, it is best to grow the plant on east or west windows;
• Insufficient content of nutrients in the soil, pachistachis needs to be fed with organic and mineral fertilizers in a minimum concentration, while the frequency of fertilizing is once every ten days.

If you want your home to be decorated with a plant that blooms from spring to autumn, pay attention to pachistachis - an amazing flower from the rainforests of India and Australia. There is an opinion that it is difficult to grow a plant at home, but experts say that this is not at all the case. The main thing is to provide the flower with high humidity, protect it from direct sun and drafts, and also cut it regularly and you will probably grow a lush, bright bush of pachistachis.

Improper care

Views and photos

In indoor floriculture, only two species of this plant are cultivated.

Pachystachis is yellow. The most common flower variety. Pachystachis yellow grows up to one meter in height. A large number of narrow, dark green leaves make the bush very lush. It is decorated with yellow bracts with white tubular flowers. Pachystachis yellow buds bloom in turn starting from the bottom of the inflorescence.

Pachystachis is red. A very rare plant species. Its bracts are dark green in color and flowers are bright red. With proper home care, the height of the bush can reach a height of two meters. The red color of flowers against the background of dark green foliage gives the plant a strict noble appearance. Otherwise, the red pachistakhis is called the "cardinal's guard."

Pachistachis spikelet is the most whimsical of all cultural representatives of the genus, preferring the conditions of professionally equipped greenhouses. Outwardly, this species is very similar to red pachystachis, but has larger and "curly" inflorescences.

Pachystachis calyptrocalyx is a very rare species that differs from its counterparts in the original color of the leaves: they are emerald green on top, and burgundy purple from the inside.

Main types

The most popular types of pachistachis, which are actively grown at home, are considered only two varieties - yellow and red. Pachystachis calyptrocalis and spikelet pachystachis are much less common. Let's consider them in more detail:

1. Yellow pachystachis Is an evergreen plant that grows up to 1 m in height. On long dark green shoots there are large oval leaves of the same color, up to 20 cm long. Inflorescences are bright yellow.

   

2. Red - has bracts of a dark olive shade, of which scarlet flowers appear during flowering. In comparison with the previous variety, this option can grow up to 2 m, so it is grown much less often indoors.

   

3. Spicate - is presented in the form of a fluffy bush, up to 1 m high. The dark green leaf plates are even larger than that of the yellow variety, and can reach 25 cm in length (curved in shape along the central vein). With the arrival of spring, long and narrow inflorescences appear on the plant, with green inconspicuous scales. The flowering of the spikelet variety is very lush, because several bright red flowers bloom at once, with the same bright, but already orange anthers.

   

4. Pachystachis calyptrocalis - this variety also belongs to tall plants, with a stem height of about 2 m. The stem of the plant is slightly narrower than that of the rest of the species, the leaves are pinnate, oval, oppositely located on the stem, with slightly elongated ends. Young leaf plates initially have a dark burgundy color, but over time it becomes emerald.

Usually, only yellow pachystachis are grown indoors, and only occasionally other varieties are found, which is explained not only by the significant size of many of them, but also by the limited distribution.
Important! Sometimes another houseplant is called pink pachystachis - beloperone, characterized by a similar structure of leaves. However, although they belong to the same family, they are different plants, the main difference between which is the shape and location of the inflorescences: in the first case, they "look" up, and in the second they hang down.

Signs and superstitions

In addition to its catchy appearance, pachistakhis also has some magical abilities. It is believed that a tropical handsome man brings love to the house, extinguishes unreasonable conflicts and revives long-extinct feelings. If you are “on fire” at work, the energy of an exotic pet will help you tune in the right mood.By the way, pachistakhis can be a harbinger of both good and bad events:

• Leaves rolled into a tube promise serious material losses.
• Unexpected wilting of pachistachis - perhaps you will receive sad news about a loved one.
• Lush, abundant flowering promises happiness in love, family harmony and well-being.
• Pachistakhis will bloom in winter if you are waiting for a marriage proposal or a new addition to the family.

However, do not rush to believe bad omens! Perhaps you made a mistake in caring for pachistachis that needs to be urgently corrected. Re-examine the plant's agronomic requirements and check if you did everything right.

Possible plant problems

Aphids, spider mites, mealy charvets and scale insects pose a threat to pachystachis. If you notice insects, it is necessary to urgently spray the plant with a chemical and, if possible, isolate the affected plant from other indoor flowers. Affected shoots and leaves will have to be removed.

Pachistachis is threatened by the following possible problems with the plant:

1. yellowing of the leaves - usually due to a lack of moisture;
2. falling leaves - the cause can be not only drafts, but also low temperature, lack of moisture in the leaves or soil;
3. rotting roots - happens due to temperature changes. In the event that the roots are badly damaged, it is necessary to shorten the top;
4. powdery mildew (white bloom on the stem or leaves) - as a preventive measure, it is worth adding phosphorus-potassium fertilizers to the soil. The affected parts of the flower must be removed.

Pachistachis is a luxurious and showy flower. You can see a photo of indoor pachistachis once and love this exotic shrub so much that you must grow it on your windowsill.

cultivation experience

at home ... read

Pachistachis varieties

There are 12 plant varieties, of which only two varieties are domesticated - yellow (Pachystachys Lutea) and the rarer red pachystachis (Pachystachys coccinea). Pachystachis yellow is a shrub 1–1.2 m high, with erect shoots, the lower part of which becomes stiff over time. The shape of the leaves is oval with narrowed tips, the size is 5 cm wide and 15 cm long. Spike-shaped inflorescences are covered with bright yellow bracts, from which small white flowers appear.

Pachistachis red differs from its relative in the size of the bush and the color of the inflorescences. This species has dark green bracts, rather large red flowers appear on them. Bushes can grow up to 2 m, apparently, due to its impressive size, the plant is rarely found in home flower collections.

Photo gallery: varieties of pachistakhis

Red pachsitahis flowers

Yellow pachystachis flowers

yellow pachystachis in vivo

Red pachystachis in vivo

(Pachystachys coccinea)

Table: Features of care depending on the season Factor Spring, summer Autumn, winter

Such conditions are also suitable for growing Episios, read about this:

Growing reviews

Pluses: easy to clean; unusual inflorescence; Disadvantages: frequent watering; Pachistachis has been living on my windowsill for about 2 years. I can't say that I am in love with him, but guests always pay attention to him and he constantly pleases me with flowering. This amazing plant attracts attention with the originality of the inflorescence.The inflorescence resembles a spikelet and can be quite large. Caring for the pachystachis is very simple and anyone can handle it. The plant grows very quickly, so it is recommended to replant it every 2-3 years. But I just break off too tall branches and that's it and I always have a neat plant. Prefers bright diffused light. He loves moisture very much, so it needs to be watered and sprayed very often. If you forget to water, then the leaves wither and fall off and a bare trunk remains. I water my pachistachis every day in the summer and he thanks me with flowering.
Irishka-omsk

And I had a small one, a friend pinched it off, but it bloomed for 3 months .. The neighbors did not believe that he was alive .. they came to see how beautiful and unusual he was .. 3 cones bloomed on him like candles, very beautiful: p !! !
Nika

And I renewed mine in the spring - I rooted young cuttings. So it bloomed on only one flower. All summer long the lush bush has been growing. And she pinched a little and fertilized, and sprinkled the leaves, and put them on the bed under the scattered sun - she didn't wait for any more flowers. And so I wanted. One green tops are worth. By the way, these are not feathers, this is such a flower. He first grows a yellow head of cabbage, which gradually increases in size, and then such white "feathers" appear on the sides. Then the little white withers, and the yellow head of cabbage pleases the eye for a long time. Even when it falls off, it never withers. One word - BEAUTIFUL.
Lyudmila Nikolaevna

Common diseases

Diseases of a houseplant with proper care are rare. Nevertheless, in the conditions of home cultivation of pachistachis, not only beginners, but also experienced florists may face the following problems:

• drying and yellowing of foliage tips caused by an increase in temperature indicators up to 22-24 ° C;
• manifestations of chlorosis caused by the lack of regular feeding or the wrong composition of fertilizers;
• change in coloration and tugor of leaves, occurring due to insufficient number of irrigation measures;
• slow formation or inhibition of the growth of young leaves, which is most often the result of poor lighting;
• leaves curl or foliage is observed to fall, indicating a low temperature regime in winter.

Insufficiently competent care often weakens the plant, which can provoke damage to the pachystachis by spider mites, scale insects or a scale insect. A small number of pests can be removed with a soapy solution. Mass infestation by plant parasites will require the use of Actellik or Karbofors.

Features of plant care

• The average plant height is about 100 cm when properly formed. For good growth, proper formation and pinching of the kidneys is necessary. The more tops are formed, the more magnificent the flowering will be. For correct formation, perform the first pruning when you reach a height of 20-30 cm. On the side shoots, pinch the third or fourth pair of leaves - depending on the desired plant height.
• Prune branches exclusively before flowering, pinch - after flowering is complete. Cuttings 10-15 cm long can be used for flower propagation.
• Water the flower regularly, the water should not stagnate in the pot.
• When replanting, take care of a thick drainage layer.
• For abundant flowering, plant the plant in a slightly cramped vase. The minimum volume of the flowerpot is 2-3 liters.
• During the flowering period, the plant needs intensive feeding. Top up every 2 weeks. Florists claim that liquid mullein is the best fertilizer.
• Paradoxically, experienced flower growers believe that you need to talk to a flower while watering. Psychics ask for advice, ask for help, a special sign and are ready to wear a flower in their hands for special luck.They say that if you don't talk to a flower out loud, it will not be able to show its properties. Do not beg, speak calmly and gently, be sure of a positive result.
• The flower is believed to have a special sensitivity. He will wither away in an atmosphere of squabbling and hatred. Every harsh word spoken next to the plant hurts it and diminishes its magical power. Try to protect the plant from any rudeness, harshness, evil intentions.
• The plant does not like darkness; soft diffused light is required.
• Be sure to remove dried or diseased leaves, spray the plant to ensure sufficient moisture.
• If the plant does not bloom for a long time, try raising the temperature in the room.

When to expect bloom

Pachystakhis blooms magnificently from early summer to late autumn. Flowering is influenced by the correct formation of the crown, watering, the intensity of lighting, the duration of daylight hours. Magical properties are actively manifested during flowering. According to the signs, a capricious plant will not bloom in an unhappy house.

Propagation of culture by cuttings

Propagated by Pachystachys by cuttings. To properly propagate an indoor decorative culture by cuttings, you must adhere to the following rules:

• cuttings with two or three internodes must be cut from the mother plant;
• rooting of cut cuttings can be carried out in water or directly in a nutritious soil substrate;
• rooting in water involves the use of soft and settled water at room temperature, followed by planting in a standard flower soil;
• rooting in a soil substrate requires the preparation of a nutrient mixture consisting of coarse sand and peat in equal proportions;
• planted cuttings must be covered with polyethylene and periodically watering, spraying and airing;
• after the plants are fully rooted, the sheeting can be removed.

Seed propagation is a very laborious and complex process, which requires the creation of special conditions from the florist, therefore it is extremely rarely used in indoor floriculture conditions. It is possible to cut ornamental crops at any time of the year, combining with the pruning process.

Homeland of pachistachis

The origin of the plant is not known, according to the historical notes of travelers of the 19th century, one can determine the homeland of the flower - South America, the shores of the Indian Ocean. Today, the plant is found in the wild along the shores of the Australian continent, in the rainforests of East India. It can be found in the forests of South American countries, where the climate is tropical or close to it.

In the era of colonization of India, the mass development of new territories, travelers and sailors brought plants from those places to Europe, in addition to exotic goods. They were not suitable for the local climate and were only grown indoors. This is how botanical gardens became popular, where herbs, bushes, even trees from different tropical countries were grown. Some took root among home gardeners, others began to decorate theaters, museums, and colonnades. With the advent of cinema, tropical plants were used as scenery for adventure films.

Regular care

In caring for pachistachis at home, regular watering plays a key role. This plant loves moisture, so in spring and summer, the soil should not be allowed to dry out. It needs to be watered as soon as the top layer of the earth dries up. In winter, watering is reduced to 2 times a week, but you always need to focus on the condition of the soil and the flower itself. Lack of moisture greatly damages the pachystachis, and can lead to its death.

On hot days and in dry indoor air, the plant responds well to regular spraying from a spray bottle. It is better to produce them in the morning and in the evening, until the rays of the sun fall on the pachistachis.

In order for the plant to grow into a lush bush with numerous bright inflorescences, caring for pachystachis at home must necessarily include regular pruning and pinching of young shoots. If you do not do this, you will get an almost naked, unbranched stem with sparse leaves, and such a specimen will not look decorative.

The best time for crown formation is early spring when vigorous stem growth begins. Young shoots are pinched at the top above the leaf axils, from which new shoots will appear in the future; and the old ones are cut with sharp garden shears. This procedure should be started when the height of the pachistachis reaches 20 cm.

During the growing season, crown formation can be performed up to three times. Pulling the stems in height will slow down, but at the same time the number of shoots will increase.

Adult specimens should be pruned once a year, in March.

The cut off parts of the shoots are used for plant propagation. To do this, they are rooted in water or soil, pre-treated with a growth stimulant. The roots will appear in about 10-14 days, and then the cuttings can be transplanted into a small pot or plastic cup.

If you properly care for pachistachis, then flowering occurs from early spring to mid-autumn. Sometimes, under favorable conditions, it continues all year round. To do this, you need to create favorable conditions for the plant indoors and do not forget about regular maintenance.

Video about pachistachis

Pazistakhis has its own signs and superstitions when kept in the house. This is a low, dark green shrub that requires careful maintenance and crown formation. In South America, the shrub grows in open ground and is often found in the design of flower beds, gardens, parks, and is used in decorative and landscape design.

Well-groomed pachistachis is the most delicate regal plant blooming with bright yellow flowers. Red flowers are also found, but have less pronounced properties. It is believed that yellow pachistachis is a magical flower that attracts true love, giving a special lightness, charm and beauty. This flower loves wealth and attracts gold in unlimited quantities. The red flower does not give charm or love, but it does create a colossal explosion of creative energy.

Acanthus leaves, which include pachistachis, are included in the sacred ornaments of many peoples - from ancient Greece to the Mayan pyramids. If you look closely at the classic Corinthian-style columns, you will see that the capital is topped with okanth leaves. It was these columns that supported the vaults of the ancient goddesses - from Astarte to Athermis. Pachistachis is a female flower that exhibits maximum strength exclusively in female hands. If a man wanted to use the power of the pachistachis, he would have to do terrible things to himself.

Soil composition

A breathable soil with a slightly acidic alkaline medium pH 5.1-6.5 is suitable, checked with a litmus indicator strip. On sale there is a soil for flowering indoor plants, which is ideal for pachystachis.

You can prepare the soil yourself, for this you will need:

• 1 part peat;
• 1 part sand;
• 2 pieces of garden land;
• A handful of chopped pine bark, the flavonoids of which will prevent the development of mold, the spread of insects.

Expanded clay or large pebbles must be laid at the bottom, which will prevent stagnation of water in the lower layers of the soil, provide good drainage and air permeability of the substrate.

The transplant is carried out annually for the first three years of growth, changing the volume of the flower pot to a larger one. It is enough to replant an adult plant every 3-5 years, but not less often, providing a constant change of nutrient soil. This is important for further active flowering, leaves shine.A three-year-old flower will need a soil volume of 2.5 liters, the former earthen lump will take 5/6 parts, so there will be room for loosening and watering, additional growth of the root system.

Table: Pests and control measures

Landing

Its initial planting is of great importance in the life of the pachistachis. The procedure is not difficult, but it is recommended to carry out it with increased caution.

To plant a plant, you need to prepare a pot and special soil. Before use, the soil must be fertilized with organic preparations. Humus or compost works well for this.

Before pouring the soil into the pot, a drainage layer is necessarily laid out on its bottom. Its thickness can range from 2 to 3 centimeters. Expanded clay, small pieces of charcoal or small pebbles are suitable for drainage.

It is necessary to purchase soil, which is intended for growing decorative flowers.

After the drainage layer is laid out, the soil is poured into the pot, into which the plant is then planted.

At the end of the procedure, it is necessary to water the pachistachis. After that, you need to slowly adjust the plant to bright light and regular watering!

Location and lighting

Pachistachis is very good at warmth and natural light. It is for this reason that the most suitable option for its location in the house will be the northeast side. If the flower is placed on the south side, then it will need to be protected from direct sunlight hitting its leaves. Otherwise, the risk increases that the leaves will get burned, which will lead to a serious illness of the flower and its early death.

In winter, the flower needs diffused light. In order to create such conditions in the house, it is necessary to use a phyto or fluorescent lamp. The duration of lighting throughout the day can be up to 12 hours.

Pot dimensions

A lot will depend on the right pot for growing pachistachis at home.

When planting a young plant, you can give preference to medium-sized pots. They shouldn't be too high.The best option would be the same height and diameter of the container. For the first year, the plant's root system will have enough room for its roots to take root and begin to actively grow.

When carrying out a subsequent transplant, it is necessary to purchase a new pot. It should be 2-3 centimeters larger than its predecessor. In this situation, you can adhere to similar proportions: the length is equal to the diameter.

It is not recommended to buy very large flower pots. Otherwise, the root system may suffer, near which a huge amount of water will accumulate. This, in turn, will lead to rotting of the roots and death of the pachistachis.

The soil

Like most of the plants that are grown at home, pachistachis needs fertile and soft soil.

Very often, the necessary mixture can be purchased at a specialized store. The best option in this case is the soil, which is used to grow ornamental plants.

If possible and desired, the soil for growing a flower can be prepared by personal efforts. To do this, it will be necessary to mix the following components: clay-turf soil, peat, leafy soil, humus and sand. All ingredients are mixed with each other, while it is necessary to adhere to the proportion of 2: 1: 1: 1: 1.

Transfer

It is best to leave the transplant for pachistachis for the spring season.

Experts recommend transplanting young plants annually. If the age of the pachistachis exceeds 3-4 years, then the transplant can be carried out a little less often, for example, once every 2-3 years. Usually you need to monitor the condition of the plant. If there is not enough space in the pot, then the leaves will gradually wither and dry. In this case, the plant needs to be replanted urgently.

Transplanting adult flowers into larger pots than those previously used. It is imperative, before filling the soil, to place a drainage layer of 3 centimeters on the bottom of the pot. Usually, you can use expanded clay or charcoal for this. Only after this is the soil filled in, and then the plant is transplanted.

When the transplant procedure comes to an end, it is very important to water the pachistachis. It is also necessary to observe how the plant behaves for several days. If no alarming symptoms appear, then the root system has begun to grow.

Fertilizers and feeding

Pachistachis encourages the use of complex fertilizers or mullein. The most suitable period for feeding is considered to be the time of active growth of the flower.

Remember that before starting to feed, it is necessary to moisten the soil of the plant abundantly. This will speed up the process of assimilation of nutrients and trace elements.

A similar event is held every 14 days. With the onset of a dormant period, the use of fertilizers will have to be abandoned!

Watering

Watering for pachistachis is one of the important conditions for growing it in a home environment.

So, with the onset of spring and summer, it is recommended to carry out the watering procedure regularly. To do this, you need to make sure that the top layer of the earth after the previous watering is already a little dry. It is important, in no case, to allow the soil to dry out completely!

In winter, the intensity of watering can be reduced by half. Here it is also necessary to monitor the condition of the land. Indeed, sometimes there are cases when the soil dries out very quickly and the plant dies for this reason.

Temperature regime

Pachystachis is considered a plant that is very good at warm weather. Therefore, the best option for observing the temperature regime in summer and spring is considered to be an indicator of 20 degrees. If the temperature rises to 24-25 degrees, then it is necessary to ensure that the room has an appropriate level of air humidity.

In winter, the temperature must be kept within the range of 16-19 degrees. If the thermometer reads less than 14 degrees, then this situation poses a danger to the life of the plant.

It is very important to protect pachystachis from strong drafts. So, it is necessary to place the plant away from batteries, other heating devices and air conditioners.

Air humidity

Since pachistachis is a representative from countries with a warm climate, a high indoor air humidity is necessary for it.

Sometimes it is not easy to create such conditions in a home environment. But don't be upset. After all, using simple methods of increasing humidity, you can save the life of your pet.

All that is required is regular spraying with warm water. It is advisable to carry out the procedure regularly, throughout the entire 12 months. The procedure is recommended to be carried out every couple of days.

Placing a container with water near the plant will also help to humidify the air. Do not harm the pachistachis and placing in the pallet moistened expanded clay, moss or pebbles. When the liquid from the substrates evaporates, it must be topped up. It is important that the bottom of the pot does not come into contact with water. Otherwise, it can cause rotting of the root system of the flower.

Pruning

To change the appearance of homemade pachystachis, it is necessary to prune or pinch the plant.

It is believed that the first pruning should be carried out at a distance of 10-15 centimeters from the soil.

The pinching of the third pair of leaves is done near the dormant buds. The same can be done with other layers of the plant.

If you hold such events at least several times in 12 months, then by next winter you can become the owner of a gorgeous flower with a lush crown and an unusual top.

At the end of the winter period, it is necessary to trim all the tops of the pachistachis. This allows you to enhance the growth of the flower, and preserve its strength for future flowering.

Severe diseases and possible pests

For those who are engaged in home cultivation of pachistachis, you need to be prepared for such troubles as:

• The tips of the foliage begin to dry and turn yellow. The reason for this phenomenon is an increase in temperature up to 21-24 degrees.
• The development of a disease such as chlorosis most often occurs due to the fact that the plant needs regular feeding.
• Very often, the change in color of the leaves occurs due to the small amount of moisture. In order to restore the previous appearance of the flower, it is necessary to water the plant more abundantly.
• Young leaves do not grow on pachystachis, while its stem continues to grow. This situation indicates poor lighting. To prevent the death of the plant, it will need to be placed in a brighter room.
• The shedding of foliage indicates a low temperature in winter. This problem is very easy to solve.

With poor care, pachystachis can be affected by spider mites, scale insects and scale insects.

Each of the pests poses a serious danger to the life of the plant. The first aid to get rid of them is to prepare a soapy solution. With the help of which, all the leaves of the plant are thoroughly washed. If the lesion is too severe, it is necessary to use such agents as Actellik 0.15% and Karbofors.

Bloom

Very often, many can take flower growers for flowers.

When blooming on the pachystachis, small flowers are formed, which are characterized by a white color. Of particular value is the plant species that blooms with yellow flowers.

The disadvantage of flowering in pachistachis is the rapid fall of its flowers. Although it can last from early spring to almost the end of the autumn season.

Reproduction

Reproduction of pachistachis at home is carried out by cuttings.

Cuttings are obtained during the spring pruning procedure. After that, they can be used for 12 months.

In order to root the cuttings, they are placed in a container with water and placed in a warm room with a temperature of 20-22 degrees. Also, to maintain favorable conditions, the container can be covered with glass or a plastic bag.

Rooting usually takes place in 2-3 weeks. After that, young shoots are planted in plastic cups, and with the appearance of the first leaves, they must be transplanted into small flower pots.

Dormant period

After the end of flowering, pachistachis leaves during the dormant period. At this moment, the plant practically does not develop. It is very important to reduce the regularity of watering and stop using fertilizers for several months.

With insufficient watering, the flower changes the color of the foliage, which can lead to the development of a serious illness!

Useful properties of pachistachis

Since pachistachis is poisonous, the value of this plant for flower growers lies solely in its aesthetic qualities. A lush bush of pachistachis, crowned with unusual inflorescences, can decorate not only an apartment or house, but it will also look organically in offices, offices, libraries and other public places.

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Pachystachys

Family

- acanthus

Origin -

rainforests of South and Central America, subtropical forests of East India, east coast of Australia

This plant got its name due to the appearance of the bract: a bright, large, juicy formation: "pachistachis" in translation from Greek means "thick ear".

Pachystachis is a shrub with straight, thin shoots, reaching a height of 1 m (as a rule, indoor pachistachis has a maximum height of 50 cm). Pointed dark green leaves in the shape of an ellipse - about 15 cm, located opposite, veins are clearly visible on them. The inflorescences of the bracts, collected in the notorious spikelets, resemble elongated, pointed candles about 10-12 cm high, from which white "flag" flowers grow (up to 5 cm long).

The pachystachis flower is prized for its beautiful flowering. What's especially nice is that it has a long flowering period, usually from February to October. In this case, flowering refers to the bracts, because the white flowers themselves quickly fall off.

Handsome pakhistakhis

Lighting.

Pachistachis loves to live and grow in a well-lit place, but the light should be bright and diffused, you need to make sure that no direct sunlight falls on the flower.

Temperature conditions.

The optimal conditions for growing pachystachist are considered to be temperatures from +16 to + 22 ° C: at this temperature, the flower feels great, grows and blooms well. In winter, the temperature may drop to + 14 ° С. He does not like drafts and warm air flows from heating sources, but it is still worth ventilating the room.

Watering.

In the warm season, watering should certainly be abundant, you need to make sure that the earthy clod does not dry out, otherwise the flower will immediately wither. In winter, moderate watering with warm boiled water is needed.

Despite the moisture-loving nature, pachistachis does not tolerate excessive watering, but in hot weather it must be sprayed. To heighten the comfort of the flower, it is allowed to place the pot in a container of water. Please note: the roots should not be immersed in water under any circumstances, so moss or pebbles can be placed under the pot.

Use soft water for spraying and watering.

Top dressing.

Since spring, during active growth, and especially when the pachistachis blooms, it must be fed once every two weeks with a liquid complex fertilizer or mullein. Fertilizing is necessary after abundant watering.

Land mixture.

For transplanting a pachystachist, a soil mixture of leafy soil, peat, humus, sod land and coarse sand is usually used in a ratio of 1: 1: 1: 1: 1.

Transfer.

Pachistachis is transplanted in the spring, while it has not yet bloomed. Before replanting, it is pruned and then transferred to a larger pot with a suitable soil mixture, with good drainage.

The plant needs to be renewed every two years to avoid exposing the shoots.

Pachistachis propagates by cuttings 10-15 cm long with two internodes. It doesn't matter when you decided to plant pachistachis: its cuttings root perfectly at any time of the year, but it is convenient to propagate the plant after spring pruning.

For rooting cuttings, you can use a suitable soil mixture or a glass of water. Rooting usually occurs within three weeks. The cuttings need to be sprayed, you can keep them under a film or a hood, but with the obligatory ventilation of the soil. After rooting, each stalk is planted in a light substrate: the volume of the pot should be small. After a while, the cutting is transplanted into a pot with a diameter of 12 cm, and only then into a larger pot.

If the cuttings do not take root, then the large leaves on them are cut to the middle, and the cutting itself must be kept under a hood in a warm place.

This procedure for transplanting a young plant is optional, but highly desirable: this way you will get a beautiful, wildly flowering plant. Usually several cuttings are planted in one pot. Flowering from a young pachystachis flower can be expected no earlier than six months after rooting.

Flower formation.

Because pachistachis is a shrub, so that it is more luxuriant, more branched, the tops of the shoots are pinched. Pinching is performed at the end of flowering; the withered bracts are also cut off. Experienced growers advise not to wait for flowering in the first year of a flower's life, but to form a crown. For this, in early spring, before flowering, all branches are cut off, a third pair of leaves are plucked from the side shoots.

Possible problems

Leaves fell in winter

- draft either indoors or too cold or, conversely, too hot and dry.

The lower parts of the shoot are exposed

c - the plant grows, the pachystachis must be cut short.

Shoots stretch out and / or leaves grow small

- insufficient illumination.

Leaf tips dry out

- dryness, lack of moisture, excessively high air temperature or the need for feeding.

Pests

- scale insect, spider mite, mealybug. The methods of struggle are usual.

Indoor plant lovers know that outlandish flowers from hot countries require more attention and care. But all efforts pay off a hundredfold when a beautiful plant blooms, smells with a wonderful aroma and the whole room seems to come to life. Pachistachis has similar properties, which should be taken care of quite thoroughly, but there is nothing super complicated in this. In this article, we will tell you in detail how to care for a foreign plant to make it feel at home and flourish.

This amazing flower came to Russia from South America - there it grows freely on the street, like, for example, daffodils grow here. Unfortunately, the climate of central Russia is not conducive to pakhistakhis filling our forests and fields, but with good care it may well become a full-fledged inhabitant of your room, delighting both owners and guests with its bright colors.

Pachistachis in the garden

Usually, pachistachis grows up to two meters in height, so you shouldn't put it on a closet - a freedom-loving plant will not tolerate such treatment. But now, thanks to agricultural technology, there are reduced copies that will snuggle up on the windowsill. Pachystachis leaves are elongated, pointed at the ends, the length of the leaf reaches ten centimeters.The inflorescences form an ear, somewhat reminiscent of a candle (the similarity increases if the flower is yellow), over time, white petals appear along the edges of the inflorescences, resembling wings or feathers. At this moment, the pachistachis looks like an exotic bird from the tropics.

The most common plant color is yellow, it is grown at home. In warm regions, yellow pachistachis is called a golden candle or golden shrimp. The flowering of such a pachistachis is quite long - from June to autumn, for this it is appreciated by lovers of indoor plants, because not every flower will delight with its buds for more than one month.

Pachystachis yellow Pachystachis red

Another type of tropical plant is red pachystachis. He rarely becomes a permanent resident of city apartments, as he is more whimsical and capricious, more careful care and high temperature are required for him. This species is more often grown in greenhouses. The bright scarlet shade of the inflorescences and dark olive leaves remind that this exotic guest has arrived from hot countries.

As already mentioned, the homeland of the flower is South America, which means that in our cold regions, a heat-loving plant requires special care. It is not surprising that many, after buying, wonder how to care for an outlandish plant at home. The fact is that there are some nuances, without knowing which you can destroy pachistachis. Therefore, before you go for a new, unfamiliar plant, carefully read the features of its maintenance and care. Who knows, you might think that it is easier to buy an unpretentious cactus than to wait for golden candles from pachistachis.

If you do decide to buy an exotic flower, then be prepared for special conditions for caring for it. In fact, there is nothing super complicated in this, you just need to remember a few tips, and you will already be the proud owner of a beautiful flower.

Habitat

The first thing to decide after purchasing a new plant is where to put it. Pachistachis loves bright diffused light, but the sharp direct rays of the sun are detrimental to its delicate leaves - they can burn and become stained. Therefore, the ideal place for him would be the east or west side. Of course, you can put pakhistakhis on the south window, but then you need to hide it from the bright midday sun.

Pachistachis is originally a wild plant, therefore it does not like to be restricted. A pot for such a plant is better to choose a spacious, wide one. It may not be very high, but not less than 2.5 liters. In addition, you can embark on this trick: plant 2-3 plants in one pot. The general appearance will be more bushy, there will also be more yellow inflorescences. If there is only one potted plant, then after years it will be taller, and the trunk below will become bare.

Land

In this regard, the plant is not particularly capricious; any soil is suitable for it. The only important condition is that it must allow air to pass through, so it makes sense to make drainage from two to three cm at the bottom of the pot.If we talk about fertilizers, then during flowering it would be nice to feed the pachistachis with a liquid mullein or any other complex remedy.

Temperature

In summer, it is advisable to maintain the temperature from +20 to +25, and in winter it is worth lowering the temperature to +15, since the plant goes into a state of dormancy, rests from rapid flowering. It is not advisable to overheat the pachistachis, as its leaves may crumble, so in winter it is better to remove it away from the battery. The delicate flower does not like drafts.

Water

Pachystachis is a moisture-loving plant, so it needs increased moisture, especially in hot summer. If the flower does not receive enough moisture, then its leaves will drop, it will dry out and may even die.

It is best to stand for water in irrigation bottles, and in the heat it will be nice to spray the leaves from a spray bottle.

How to keep a plant healthy

Indoor cultivation of pachistachis is fraught with its characteristic diseases, as well as the appearance of pests on its leaves and especially flowers:

1. The most common pests of the "thick spike" are whiteflies, aphids, spider mites, mealy worms. In summer, in unperturbed cases, they get rid of pests by regularly taking the flower out into the open air for ventilation and ultraviolet irradiation. If the problem arose in the cold season, or the pests have thoroughly covered the entire bush, it is recommended to prune the branches, and if necessary, additionally treat them with insecticides.
2. The leaves of the plant curl. The leaves should be examined. Not finding the presence of pests on them, you need to systematize watering. If the earthen lump is completely dry, lower the plant along with the pot into a basin with previously settled water so that the soil is well wet.
3. Pachystachis is losing leaves. Probably, there are errors in the fertilization of the flower. Chances are, your plant pet is deficient in nitrogen, eliminate the deficiency, and streamline watering by adding daily leaf spraying.

Your sensitive, caring attitude to the pachistachis will very soon be rewarded with the exuberant long flowering of a beautiful tropical plant.

The main signs associated with pachistachis

• A freshly purchased healthy plant will provide an unprecedented explosion of feelings in your family, a new honeymoon. The flower needs return, if it does not receive the energy of love in return, if, for example, having felt a flash of passion, the spouses rushed to visit their lovers - the plant will lose some of its strength. But if all is well, the plant will show itself. You will start generating new and working ideas with incredible intensity, like a working team of geniuses.
• For choleric people, the plant is especially useful, it softens sudden mood swings and sets you in a positive mood.
• Unlike many traditional indoor flowers, pachistachis is not able to protect against evil influences or provide its own protection. The plant only provides support, but surprisingly strong.
• If a healthy flower that receives good care begins to lose flowers, the leaves fall off and dry out - bad news from relatives is quite possible.
• Bright flowers become messengers of an unusually happy event. Something incredible will happen, making your life happy.
• The curled leaves of the plant portend poverty. Drying of leaves occurs from dry air, drafts, unfavorable energy. Be sure to protect the plant from pests. Place geraniums nearby to scare away some of the insects.

How to feed pachistachis

A flowering bush needs regular feeding, therefore a complex of liquid organic fertilizers for flowering is introduced every 10 days from April to October. Before using the fertilizer, you must read the instructions, since manufacturers produce concentrated and diluted mixtures. For pachystachis, a top dressing for flowering indoor plants or a universal substrate for indoor plants is suitable.

The dry mineral complex is applied once in the spring for better flowering and bright shades of leaves and inflorescences. The plant is fed after abundant watering, otherwise there is a high risk of burning the roots and stems, which will lead to the death of the flower.

Transplant and pruning

Sometimes the plant needs a transplant. This happens when it becomes cramped in an old pot (the root system has grown), or it is necessary to plant flowers from one pot in different ways.

It is best to transplant pachystachis during the dormant period, when it has not yet begun to bloom, while you need to cut the shoots from below so as not to damage the flower, not to cause it to dry out.

Removing the flower from the pot is carried out using a special spatula, carefully so as not to damage the root system. With slow rocking movements, holding the main stem, the plant is removed from the old soil and settles in a new one. After transplanting, you need to compact the soil and water it abundantly.

Pachistachis requires special care for itself. If you want the plant to have a lush crown, and the stem does not remain naked, then it is worth learning how to prune the flower.

In the very first year after planting, the plant must be pruned. When the plant reaches ten centimeters, a third pair of leaves must be cut off from the emerging shoots. With the rest of the shoots that will appear after, you should do the same.

Pruning must be done before flowering. This will give you a short but lush plant with up to twenty tops. After flowering, the plant can be pinched - removing leaves to form the desired crown.