The myrtle tree is mentioned in the Bible and in other sacred books of antiquity. People honored this plant for its snow-white flowers and strong aroma. Over time, they began to grow it as an indoor flower.
What does myrtle look like, to which family
The Myrtle family includes several dozen different species. They grow in tropical and subtropical climates. The homeland of this plant is the Mediterranean. Myrtle is grown there in open ground. It is used in solitary landings; landscape compositions are made with it. Of some species of myrtle, hedges can be grown.
A symbol of pure love and prosperity
In colder climates, myrtle is kept in a room or greenhouse. For growing at home, only one species of this plant is suitable - common myrtle (Myrtus communis). This is an evergreen shrub from the Myrtaceae family. It is widespread not only in the wild, but also in a group of garden crops.
Attention! Myrtle communis (common) is also called Myrtus italica and Myrtus mucronata. Marsh myrtle (Hamedafne, Cassandra), which belongs to another family, cannot be confused with this flower.
African myrtle is often called the myrsine Africana tree. Outwardly, it is very similar to Myrtus communis, but these are two completely different plants.
Ordinary myrtle also should not be confused with Chilean (Luma apiculata) - pointed luma. This plant also belongs to the Mirtov family, but has nothing to do with indoor Myrtus communis.
Boethics
The description and characteristics of this plant contain many details. It is a low tree. Indoor myrtle - bonsai, that is, a miniature copy of a tall tropical plant. In a natural environment, the height of the trees reaches 3 - 5 meters. At home, the bush grows to 60-100 cm, occasionally up to 2 meters.
On a thin trunk is a sprawling crown of small shiny emerald green leaves. Each leaf is oval and slightly pointed at the end. Myrtle leaves contain aromatic essential oils from which incense is made.
The crown of the myrtle is covered with small flowers, whose diameter is about 2 cm. Each flower consists of 5 white rounded petals. Sometimes you can see light myrtle flowers with a cream, pink or reddish tint. The flowers look fluffy thanks to the long villi growing from their core.
After the end of the flowering period, pea-sized fruits are tied on a tree. Ripened berries are dark blue or dark green in color. They contain seeds with which you can propagate the tree.
Tree traditions
The myrtle tree symbolizes spiritual purity, eternal love, fidelity. A lot of wedding ceremonies are associated with it. Brides wove myrtle flowers in their hair, attached them to a dress and veil, and gathered bouquets from them.
For reference! The blooming myrtle was an excellent wedding gift: it was presented to the bride and groom with the wishes of love, harmony, prosperity.
In the era of antiquity, myrtle was an attribute of the goddess of love Aphrodite (Venus). Catholics consider this flower a symbol of the Virgin Mary. In Victorian England, wreaths and bouquets from myrtle were used at weddings of members of the royal family. Many peoples had a custom to plant myrtle after the birth of a daughter and grow it before her wedding. This plant is kept at home as a talisman.
Common varieties
Myrtle is a houseplant that is famous for its variety of varieties.
Among them are some of the most popular:
- Boetica (Boetica) - a rare large-leaved variety. Its leaves grow to 6-7 cm in length. Sometimes they twist and take on an interesting shape. Large fluffy white flowers bloom on the bush. From them ripe black oval berries. This variety grows very slowly.
- Flo Pleno (Flore Pleno) - terry snow-white flowers and bright green leaves of elegant shape.
- Variegata (Variegata) - variegated plant: on the green leaves are yellowish spots. Sometimes there are leaves edged with a light border.
- Microfilla (Mycrophylla) - a dwarf tree with small flowers and foliage.
- La Clape (La Clape) - is growing rapidly. From its flowers, large purple fruits ripen.
- La Clape Blanc is a variety with white fruits.
Compact
- Tarentina (Tarentina) - small-leaved variety. Its dense crown consists of leaves 1-1.5 cm long. Many lush flowers bloom on the tree.
- Tarentina Granada (Tarentina Granada) - flowers turn into white berries.
- Tarentina Variegata is a variegated variety with white-green leaves.
- Microfilla Tarentina is a miniature variety.
- Alhambra (Alhambra) - oblong leaves in a dense crown. White fruits ripen from the flowers.
- Leucocarpa - the name of the variety describes the color of its fruits: white berries.
- Compacta (Compacta) - glossy green leaves form a dense crown crowned with terry white flowers.
The Alhambra
Healing properties
Myrtle is a flower of extraordinary beauty. But it is grown not only for decoration. This plant has many useful properties and is used for the preparation of medicines, aromatic and cosmetic products.
Foliage, bark and flowers are rich in essential oils, which contain volatile products. These substances purify indoor air. Therefore, the myrtle growing in the room protects people from viruses, bacteria, colds and allergies, gives vigor, and soothes the nervous system.
In ancient times, decoctions and tinctures from this plant were used to treat tuberculosis, diphtheria, inflammatory processes in the body, wounds and suppurations. Wine tincture was considered a panacea for all ailments. Popular recipes are known for which healing products for skin care are prepared from myrtle petals and foliage. The berries of this plant are used in cooking as spices.
Large-leaf variegate
Features of caring for myrtle at home
Myrtle is a houseplant, the care of which is not too complicated, but will require attention and a responsible attitude. It is necessary to create suitable conditions of detention. The florist should know how to care for myrtle, how often to water, feed, crop, transplant.
Bonsai tree
Temperature
It is necessary to know firmly in which climate myrtle grows: leaving at home is to maintain a favorable temperature regime. In summer, the plant feels great at +23 ° C.
In winter, the temperature in the room should not fall below +10 ° C.
Lighting
The photophilous myrtle needs plentiful diffused lighting, therefore for it it is necessary to choose a sunny, but slightly shaded place. Direct sunlight can burn its crown and petals.
Ideal for growing in a room
The tree in the tub can be placed on the terrace, balcony, veranda. It is advisable to choose windows facing east or west.
- It is necessary to cover the southern window with curtains or blinds; this is not the best place for indoor flowers.
- On the north window, the flower is saved from the summer heat, but in winter it will not have enough light.
- If in the autumn and winter months the myrtle suffers from a lack of lighting, you need to put a lamp next to it.
Advice! For winter, myrtle can be set in the kitchen: the temperature and humidity there are higher than in other rooms.
Watering
The tropical flower does not tolerate drought, so it must be watered regularly and abundantly. Do not allow the soil to dry out. But the plant is also worth transfusion, because its roots can rot.
In summer, myrtle is watered daily, and in winter, 1-2 times a week. Water must be defended during the day.
Spraying
Myrtle is a plant accustomed to a humid subtropical climate. Therefore, it must be sprayed every day with settled water from a spray bottle.
In extreme heat, the plant is sprayed 2-3 times a day. In winter, this should be done much less frequently.
Humidity
There are several ways to help increase air humidity for myrtle. Next to it you need to put a few bowls of water. You can also put a pot of myrtle on a pallet in which there is wet expanded clay or gravel.
When forming a bush, the crown can be given any shape
Priming
To grow myrtle, you need good soil. It is prepared from several components:
- humus - 20%;
- peat - 30%;
- turf - 30%;
- sand - 20%.
All components are mixed and watered with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Greenhouse land may also be suitable for cultivation. At the bottom of the pot must drainage - perlite, expanded clay, vermiculite.
Top dressing
In the period from March to October, myrtle need to be fed once every 1-2 weeks. In winter, top dressing is carried out once a month. To do this, use both organic and complex mineral fertilizers.
Potassium-phosphorus preparations stimulate the flowering of the tree, and nitrogenous preserve the small size of the plant.
The tree can be propagated by cuttings or seeds.
When and how it blooms
Myrtle will bloom in June and July: from the very first days of summer to its middle. Aromatic flowers bloom from the buds.
Types of flowers
There are two types of flowers:
- simple;
- terry.
They consist of 4-6 petals, which are round or pointed.
Flower shapes
There are two main forms of myrtle flowers. They can be collected in brushes and inflorescences. In other varieties, each flower is individually attached to the sinus of the leaf.
Most flowers bloom at the top of the crown, where more light enters. Flowering lasts about 1.5 months. Then the berries are tied.
Changes in flowering care
The flowering myrtle needs to be ventilated, so it must be put on a balcony or other outdoor area. Pruning shoots should be done after flowering, but not in early spring.
Pruning
A young tree must be pinched when it reaches 10-20 cm in height. This will allow the crown to grow densely. An adult bush needs to be formed. To do this, trim the shoots.
It is advisable to leave more lateral branches, because the stem is fragile. Clippers or secateurs are pre-disinfected. After this procedure, the plant is fed with fertilizers without chlorine.
It blooms in June and July
How myrtle breeds
Myrtle is propagated by seeds or cuttings. The first method is very time consuming and time consuming. In addition, the seeds do not retain the properties of the mother plant. Therefore, grafting is much more preferable.
Seed germination
Propagation by seed:
- Prepare the substrate and pour plenty of water on it.
- Sow the seeds and sprinkle them with a thin layer of earth.
- Cover the box with glass or polyethylene.
- After 2 weeks, transplant the seedlings into small pots.
Rooting cuttings
Planting cuttings:
- During one of the scraps, a strong side shoot is taken away from the tree, on which there is no flowering.
- From the cuttings 6-10 cm long, the lower leaves are removed.
- Below the slice is treated with a root growth stimulator. You can put the handle in water in which the stimulant is dissolved.
- The root is rooted in a wet substrate and covered with a plastic bottle.
- After 3-4 weeks, they are transplanted into large pots.
Transfer
Once a year, young trees need to be replanted. Their root system grows in width, so they need a more spacious pot (3.5 cm wider).
Adults and old trees can live in the same tub for 3-4 years. The transplant is carried out in winter when the plant is at rest. In a new wide container, drainage and fresh soil are prepared. After this, the myrtle must be removed from the former pot and transplanted into a new one. After that, it is watered and fed.
Purple or white fruit
Possible problems in growing myrtle
Myrtle is an indoor flower, so it is not too difficult to take care of it. Nevertheless, difficulties may arise. Then flower growers seek to find out why the tree does not bloom, withers and withers, what kind of care he needs. This plant is easy to revive.
Discards buds and leaves
Improper temperature and humidity conditions leads to falling buds and crown. It may also indicate inappropriate lighting and poor nutrition.
Leaves turn pale
Due to a lack of light, the leaves turn pale and the branches stretch out in length. Myrtle must be rearranged to a more illuminated place. Due to harsh sunlight, the leaves become dull.
The tips dry on the leaves
Direct sunlight burns the foliage, because of which it dries up. This results in insufficient air humidity.
Lower leaves fall off
The reasons for falling leaves can be several:
- dry air
- lack of fertilizer;
- too mean or too plentiful watering;
- lack of sun.
Pests
Such parasites are dangerous for the plant:
- thrips;
- aphid;
- scale shield;
- whitefly;
- spider mite.
The tree is treated several times with insecticides.
Other problems
The roots and base of the stem can rot. This is due to excess moisture. The plant will die, it can not be cured.
Home and Garden Decoration
Myrtle is a wonderful plant that can be grown in the house. For many years it will delight the grower with delicate flowers and a pleasant aroma. For these qualities he was considered a sacred flower.
