Indoor flower n. Plants with the letter P

This section of the site is dedicated to all plants starting with the letter P. All photos of plants increase when you click and you can find the name of the plant you are interested in with the letter P. On the page there are all types of plants with the letter P: indoor and garden trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, flowers. You can find plants whose names begin with other letters on other pages of the site, where you can also see their photos. You can learn more about each plant you are interested in using the link provided, as well as see many photos of its varieties and varieties, and learn important features about each plant.

All plants starting with the letter P presented in the form of a table - photo galleries. Plant names are listed in alphabetical order.

shoulder braid (in the people) photo, description syn. Alfredia drooping (scientific), ataman - grass (nar.) perennial garden plant medicinal plant honey plant	Oriental flatworm description, photo, varieties syn. Biota orientalis, thuja orientalis Among the ornamental varieties are shrubs and trees	Podbel photo, description syn. Andromeda Evergreen deciduous shrub Flowering plant poisonous plant groundcover Indoor plant subject to cool wintering	Pomeranian (orange bitter or sour) photo, description lat. Citrus aurantium syn. orange, bigaradia, cinotto evergreen fruit tree Climate: tropics and subtropics Growing in rooms, greenhouses, conservatories Branches with sharp spines Fruits are sour-bitter with thick rough skin Fruiting at the age of 10 - 20 years For earlier fruiting, shaping or grafting is required. height in nature: 2 - 10 m height of indoor plants: up to 1 m

Euphorbia is the most beautiful (most beautiful) or poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) - a plant of the Euphorbia genus, Euphorbiaceae family. The genus Euphorbia has about 2000 dissimilar species. It includes annuals, biennials and perennials, evergreen or deciduous, as well as trees, shrubs and succulents that naturally grow in a variety of habitats. Common to them is the inflorescence in ...

Pedilanthus (Pedilanthus) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Homeland - the tropics of America. It mainly grows in the Northern, Southern and Central regions of the country. Since the plant is common in different parts of the continent, the characteristics of some species differ significantly. Some species are successfully cultivated in room culture. Such an indoor flower as pedilanthus is a succulent shrub with branching dark green stems, ...

Pereskia is a plant of the cactus family. Homeland - the tropics and subtropics of America. This ancient representative of the Cactus family has retained its leaves and shrub form due to more or less favorable environmental conditions in comparison with the desert. Pereskia is not like the cactus we are used to. It is a shrub with real fleshy, almost succulent leaves, with rare spines on the stem. …

Pachypodium is a cactus or succulent whose name comes from the Greek phrase meaning "fat leg". The plant has a high capacity for morphological adaptation: its appearance is highly dependent on the influence of various environmental factors. Like many other succulents, Pachypodium is a hardy plant that is popular in indoor floriculture for this reason. Family: Kutrovye. Homeland - South Africa, ...

Pepper (Capsicum armuum) belongs to the Solanaceae family. Homeland - Central and South America, as well as Asia. At this time, culture is common on all continents. A flower such as decorative pepper is a small perennial ornamental plant up to 30-40 cm high. In an apartment, it can grow well and bear fruit for 4-5 years. …

Plumbago (Plumbago) is a plant from the Plumbago family. Homeland - South Africa, tropics and subtropics of Asia, America. The family includes about 27 genera and 800 species, which are periodically replenished. The name of the plant guinea pig comes from the Latin word plumbum, which means lead. Previously, it was believed that this plant is an antidote for poisoning with the specified substance. In addition, pale blue and ...

According to the description, the penstemon flower cannot be confused with any other garden plant. It grows on a long stem with large powerful leaves. There are few branches, pink or purple flowers are located alternately right on the stem. There are species in which the bells are white or deep blue. The flowers themselves are velvety to the touch. But for some reason, this plant is little known among our summer residents and flower growers. …

The world selection of peonies has changed the second century. At first, the favorites were densely double varieties, then the breeders paid attention to the variety of colors, the size and shape of the bush, and the timing of flowering. The squeak of fashion in recent years is "Japanese" peonies. Anemone-shaped flowers seem simple to us, but in fact they are double, just the middle is densely packed with petals that look like stamens. But about everything...

The carnivorous sundew plant is one of the “flycatcher” flowers that feeds on insects. Sundew catches both mosquitoes and flies, and especially large specimens growing in subtropical zones are able to lure and digest not only snails, but also frogs. About what the sundew plant feeds on, and how to grow it indoors, is described in detail in this material. Sundew, Drosera (Drosera) refers to ...

Unlike peperomia, the leaves of the plectranthus flower are velvety, with small villi on the surface. To the touch, they resemble the leaves of a homemade coleus, but do not have such a rich contrasting color. The ability of this plant to drive away flies and mosquitoes has long been noticed, for which the people called it the "flycat". Here you will get tips for caring for plectranthus at home and will be able to read …

The houseplant pandanus or spiral pine requires a lot of space. Some of its species are similar to palm trees, therefore, when caring for such pandanus, they are given a lot of territory, placing a tub in the brightest place in the room. Experienced flower growers, advising how to care for pandanus, recommend not moistening the ground, but watering the plant exclusively through the pan. Pandanus (Pandanus) belongs to the Pandanaceae family. …

The popular name for the flowers is lumbago - sleep-grass. They received it because the leaves of the plant have a calming effect, have a hypnotic effect. Hunters have noted more than once that deer grazing in glades where sleep-grass grows fall asleep without reaching the forest. Cultivation of lumbago flowers is also possible in garden plots with well-drained soil. Description of the plant backache (sleep-grass) ...

Garden perennial primrose is one of the first plants to bloom in the garden. Even its name comes from the word "prima" ("first"). But there are also varieties that bloom until mid-summer. Basically, primrose bushes are squat, and therefore ideal for the lower tier of mixborders. These flowers always have a contrasting center, and some species also have two-color petals. Kinds …

In addition to the use of the perilla plant in landscape design, this herbaceous culture is widely used to produce printing inks, drying oils and varnishes. Perilla is known to culinary experts as shiso - its leaves are added to salads and others to give them a spicy flavor. In some Asian countries, the oil of this plant is used as a medicine. Perilla Leaves and Seeds This is an ornamental leafy …

The genus Pachystachys (Pachystachys) is represented by evergreen herbaceous perennials and shrubs, belongs to the Acanthus family. Homeland - East India, the tropics of Central and South America. Translated from Greek, pachys means "thick", and stachys means "ear". The pachistachis flower is a fast-growing evergreen subshrub with a long flowering period. Pachistachis yellow and red In room culture, pachistachis yellow (Pachystachys ...

The genus Pilea belongs to the Nettle family. Pileas are distributed throughout the subtropical and tropical regions, as well as in temperate zones. The genus name comes from the Latin pileus ("hat, cap"): one of the tepals in many species of pili has the shape of a hood. Types of Pilea Pilea Cadieri (Pilea cadieri) is a bushy herbaceous plant with erect stems up to 40 ...

Ivy (Hedera) has long been loved and popular with amateur flower growers. In this article, we will tell you how certain varieties differ, as well as how to care for ivy at home. Among the forms and varieties of indoor ivy, anyone can choose an option to their liking, and the rapid growth and amazing plasticity of this ...

Pelargonium (Pelargonium) - these are small bushes, strewn with large inflorescences, umbrellas of bright flowers. They decorate window sills, balconies, verandas, lawns and flower beds from spring to late autumn. Houseplant Pelargonium, or, as it is more commonly called in everyday life, homemade geranium, flower growers have loved for several centuries for their exceptional unpretentiousness, rapid growth, abundant flowering and ...

A small evergreen bush with thin shoots, dark green leaves and bright sunny inflorescences - "sultans" that delight the eye for several weeks - this is the Pachystachys plant, so beloved by all flower growers. The genus includes 12 species of shrubs and herbaceous plants growing in the tropical regions of America. However, not all of them are adapted to room conditions. In home floriculture indoor ...

Fern
charm, magic, grace, patronage. "Life is beautiful when you are with me!", "You are a witch." It is better to give a fern to an extraordinary, mysterious girl. This will help you win her trust.

Petunia
irritation, anger. "You don't hear me", "I'm not happy with your behavior!"

Peony
happy wedding, happy life. "I have nothing else to dream of."

Fir
time. "Appreciate every minute of life", "Do not try to keep up with two birds with one stone."

Ivy
harmonious love, fidelity, friendship, affection. "We complement each other perfectly", "We seem to be made for each other"

Snowdrop
hope, tenderness, youth. "I like your innocence." Giving snowdrops wants to emphasize your fragility and femininity.

Sunflower
pride, but also admiration. "You are a miracle!", "I have never met someone like you", "I am proud that you are with me."

Primrose
"I can't live without you", "We will never part", "Let's live together!"

Fern - Sincerity, magic, charm, trust, refuge
Nightshade bittersweet - true
Peach (flower) - generosity and hope of the newlywed
Petunia - anger and resentment
Cockscomb / Celosia comb - stupidity and foppishness
Peony - recovery, happy marriage
Ivy - friendship, conjugal love, fidelity, devotion
Snowdrop - Hope and consolation
Sunflower - devotion and respect
Wormwood - separation, the torment of love
Primula young love, "I can't live without you"

Pinching is the removal of excess side shoots (stepchildren) that take away nutrients from the flowering parts of the plant. Remove non-flowering or poorly flowering side branches. Pasynkovanie contributes to more abundant flowering and getting larger flowers on the main shoots.

Parenchyma - from the Greek. parenchyma, lit. - poured nearby, - in plants it is the main tissue, within which highly specialized (conductive, mechanical) tissues are differentiated. It consists of living, isodiametric (equal in all directions) cells that perform a variety of functions. Parenchymal tissues can return to a meristematic state (i.e., regain the ability to divide), for example, during wound healing, tissue and organ regeneration, the formation of adventitious roots and shoots. The main functions of the parenchyma are the synthesis and storage of organic substances.

Peloric flower - from the Greek. pelorios - monstrous - a flower with a regular (actinomorphic) corolla, unlike other flowers of the same plant that have irregular (zygomorphic) corollas. A peloric flower develops at the top of the inflorescence. It is possible that the formation of a peloric flower depends on the uniform action of gravity on the corolla due to its apical, and not lateral, as in other flowers, position.

It is generally accepted that an actinomorphic flower is the initial state of a trait, a zygomorphic flower is a derivative. This phenomenon in orchids is a developmental disorder, both inherited (mutations) and non-inherited, which leads to the development of actinomorphic flowers in plants in which they are normally zygomorphic.

Transplanting - replacing the old earth in a pot with a plant, usually with the selection of a larger container (pot, container, bowl). Complete transplant - when all the old soil is removed and the roots are completely exposed, this is done with the complete unsuitability of the earth and the loss of all nutrients. (transplantation of palms, ficuses, asparagus, etc.). Incomplete transplant - when a larger or smaller part of the earthy coma remains in the roots. Renewal of the top layer of the earth - when part of the earth is replaced with humus soil, since when watering, nutrients are leached from the top layer.

Transplantation is usually carried out in the spring from March to May. Delicate plants are transplanted somewhat later. Plants that bloom in spring are transplanted after flowering. If you transplant a plant at the time of flowering or bud formation, then it will shed both flowers and buds. In summer, after spring flowering, coniferous plants are transplanted. Plants that were in warm rooms are transplanted later than those that were in cool ones. Bulbs are transplanted at the end of the dormant period.

Transshipment of plants is a technique close to transplanting, with the difference that the clod of earth must remain intact, and the plant is transplanted into a larger pot. This technique is suitable for young herbaceous, fast-growing plants that cross several times during the spring-summer period. Transshipment, unlike a complete transplant, does not cause a slowdown in plant growth. In young plants, it is not necessary to allow the formation of a felt-like layer of roots, but to carry out transshipment when the roots have not yet filled the entire pot. Transfer is also applied to plants that do not tolerate transplanting due to possible damage to the roots.

Pericycle - from peri ... and Greek. kyklos - a circle, pericambium, a layer of cells of the primary meristem in the roots and sometimes stems, surrounding the conductive cylinder and located under the epidermis. The pericycle consists of one (sometimes several) layers of parenchymal cells. All lateral roots are formed from the pericycle in the roots of the primary structure. In the roots of the secondary structure, with the help of the cells of the pericycle, the cambium closes into a common ring and forms wide root rays, in which reserve substances are deposited and new formation of adventitious roots and buds occurs.

Pistil - (typical structure) consists of an ovary (lower expanded part), a style (middle part) and a stigma (upper part). During sexual reproduction, pollen that has fallen on the stigma of the pistil forms a pollen tube, which grows through the column into the ovary to the ovule. With the pollen tube, two male sex cells (sperm) penetrate the embryo sac, fertilizing the egg and the secondary nucleus.

Pick - planting seedlings. Without picking, thick seedlings are drawn out and may die. A pick is also needed to strengthen the root system. To cause the formation of more fibrous lateral roots, the end of the tap root of the seedling is pinched to 1/3 of its length. You can not pinch only thick juicy, fleshy roots, like those of agapanthus, palm trees, clivia, cyclamen, etc.

Pinching - pinching, consists in removing the apical bud, or the end of the leafy shoot by pinching (with nails) or pruning (with scissors or a knife). At the same time, the nearest lateral buds begin to develop intensively. Pinching is carried out after transplantation in the growth stage of the plant. Pinching delays the beginning of flowering, so when the plant takes the desired shape, pinching is stopped.

Carpel - from carpellum, - the reproductive part of the flower that produces ovules (ovules). The carpel - one or more - makes up the female part of the flower - the gynoecium (the set of pistils on the flower). It is believed that the carpel is of leaf origin, but is not homologous to the vegetative leaf, but to the megasporophyll. The most primitive carpels consist of a short stem (gynopodia) and a thin plate folded along the midrib, inside which the ovules sit between the veins. The edges of the plate are not completely closed and are covered with glandular hairs (stigma part), which protect the entrance to the carpel cavity from insects, and also perceive pollen and contribute to its germination with their secretions. In the process of evolution, a typical stigma is formed, localized to the top, parts of the carpel and a style (styloly), which raises the stigma above the ovary. A closed carpel or several carpels fused together is called a pistil.

sexual hybridization or crossbreeding. When carrying out sexual hybridization, an important role is played by a staged analysis of the initial forms, which makes it possible to develop new varieties and species not randomly, but systematically, foreseeing the result in advance. The requirement for parent pairs is, first of all, health, good development, absence of diseases and pests. Of great importance is the choice of flowers on the mother plant. So, for example, Michurin found that when pollinating flowers located closer to the main vertical branches of the trunk, hybrids are obtained with a large deviation towards the mother plant, and when pollinating flowers of horizontal branches located on the periphery of the crown, hybrids are obtained with a deviation towards the paternal ones. signs. It has also become known that the shady side of the mother plant produces hybrids with poorer quality compared to hybrids obtained from the flowers of the more lit side of the mother plant.

In artificial insemination, pollen is carried on the stigma of the pistil by humans. At the same time, pollen must be healthy and mature, for which it is taken from loose buds that are about to bloom. The petals are bent with tweezers, and the best anthers are plucked into a paper box. There should be no filaments left on the anthers, because this can cause the pollen to rot.

If necessary, the anthers are dried until cracking, in a shaded place, wrapped in a paper bag. Pollen can be stored in dry glass cups covered with a light cloth (gauze) on top. Pollen on the stigma of the pistil is applied when the stigma is sexually mature, as evidenced by the presence of a sweet and sticky syrupy liquid on it. The pollen is applied with a light touch of a brush, or simply with a clean, dry finger.
In the event that the plant is capable of self-pollination, then they resort to castration - the removal of their own anthers.

Planting - placing a plant in a substrate for the further development of an already formed plant or its parts used for vegetative propagation, cuttings, bulbs, etc.

Soil mixture - artificial soil of various composition for growing plants in containers. The soil mixture for indoor plants is compiled in accordance with the requirements of a particular plant for soil lightness, its acidity, friability, and nutritional value. For most plants, standard soil mixtures are assumed to contain various proportions of humus, greenhouse, coniferous, leaf soil, peat and baking powder - perlite, vermiculite, expanded clay.

Grafting rotation - used for woody and herbaceous plants - cut across the stock is split along or crosswise. Two or four scions pointed at the end are inserted into the split, then they are tied and smeared with garden pitch.

Conductive tissues - textus conductorii - plant tissues that serve to move nutrients around the plant. Water and mineral substances dissolved in it from the soil move along the xylem from the roots to the leaves, along the phloem from the leaves to other organs (roots, buds, flowers, fruits) - substances synthesized in the leaves, mainly products of photosynthesis. Conductive tissues form a continuous branched system in the body of a plant, connecting all its organs. The composition of conductive tissues includes conductive, mechanical, storage, excretory elements. The water-conducting elements of the xylem (tracheids, vessels) quickly differentiate, become woody, lose their protoplast, and function for a long time in a dead state. The sieve elements of the phloem form more slowly and function as conductive tissues only in a living state, for one year. Xylem and phloem are usually located side by side, forming strands, or vascular bundles.

Procambius - from lat. pro - before, before, instead of and cambium - part of the apical meristem. It is laid in the apex of the shoot, in the area of ​​formation of leaf primordia and near the distal zone of the root apex. The cells of the procambium are strongly elongated, thin-walled, arranged in the form of strands connecting the leaf primordia with the rudimentary stem and forming a single procambial system. The number of strands between the stem and leaf is constant for the species (an important taxonomic feature). At the root, the cambium looks like a column and occupies a central position. Later, the cells of the cambium differentiate into the primary vascular tissue or into the primary vascular tissue and the cambium.

palmae flower

Palm family

Palm trees are very beautiful plants, but adult specimens are extremely expensive. Still, it makes sense to invest in them. For a "bottle garden" or terrarium, there is nothing better than neantha, and the long-popular hovea is an ideal single plant due to its unpretentiousness. Both of these palms are easy to care for indoors, but they should not be considered lovers of the tropical sun and dry desert air - in fact, they require cool conditions in winter, humid air in summer and shade from direct sun. Neantha already at a young age blooms with small spherical flowers. Palm trees vary greatly in size and leaf shape, but they have a common feature: the only point of growth for all palms is at the top of the stem, and if you cut off the stem, the palm will die.

• Temperature: Moderate - not lower than 12C in winter. For neantha and hovea, the night temperature in winter should not exceed 16C.
• Lighting: Some tender palms require full sun, but the most common should be kept in partial shade. Hovea and Neantha are undemanding to light and grow well in light shade.
• Watering: First of all, good drainage is necessary - palm trees do not tolerate stagnant water at the roots. In winter, the soil is kept slightly moist. Water more abundantly in spring and summer.
• Air humidity: When kept in a heated room, the leaves are sprayed. Adult leaves are sometimes rubbed with a sponge. Drafts should be avoided.
• Transfer: Transplanted only in case of emergency, because palm trees do not like to be disturbed. When transplanting, the soil around the earthy coma is crushed.
• Reproduction: Seeds, which require a temperature of at least 25C, so it is not easy to grow a palm tree from a seed.

pandanus flower

Pandanaceae family

The leaves are narrow with spikes along the edge, similar to pineapple leaves and spirally arranged on the stem. It is a slow growing plant that gradually takes on the appearance of a false palm several tens of centimeters high, with long, arcuate leaves and with a trunk that appears spirally twisted due to leaf scars arranged in a spiral on it. Thick aerial roots should not be removed.

Types of houseplant

P.veitchii is a spreading plant, reaching a height of about 1.3 m. The leaves have a sharp serrated edge. The compacta variety requires less space. P. Baptisti (P. baptistii) has smooth leaf edges.

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature:
• Lighting: Bright light, away from direct sun in summer.
• Watering: Abundant from spring to autumn, very limited in winter. Watered with warm water.
• Air humidity:
• Transfer: Every two or three years in the spring.
• Reproduction: Root offspring, which are removed and used as cuttings, when they reach a length of about 10 cm. Phytohormones and lower heating are used for rooting.

Polypodiophyta flower

Fern family

Ferns are back in fashion. They were very popular [Victorian times (in the 19th century), when whole collections of shortshorters were grown in greenhouses and in special glass boxes. However, only a few species were grown as ordinary houseplants, because the combustion products of the yoke and the smoke from the coal, which was then used to heat, are extremely poisonous for all ferns. In the era of central heating, the air in the houses became cleaner and interest in ferns revived. But central heating also has disadvantages. Few ferns can tolerate dry air, so it is necessary to artificially increase the humidity of the air. Most ferns are actually easy to grow, but they do require constant care. The soil should not be allowed to dry out and the humidity in the room should be sufficiently high.
The number of species in this group of plants is truly astonishing, More than two thousand species are suitable for growing indoors, but only a few of them are commercially available, The classic fern has a rosette of pinnate, curved leaves (also called fronds), although there are collars and with whole leaf blades, lanceolate, and also rounded, the size of a button. Ferns can be placed in different ways. Many look great in hanging baskets, and some can be placed as single plants. Some delicate ferns, such as Ruddy's maidenhair, are best grown in a terrarium. When grouping ferns with other plants, do not place them too closely. The leaves are very fragile and require a lot of space to develop well. Remove dead and damaged leaves so that new ones can grow in their place.

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature: Moderate, prefer cool at night, but low temperatures should be avoided. The most suitable temperature is around 15-20°C, most ferns cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C and suffer if it exceeds 22°C.
• Lighting: Contrary to popular belief, not all ferns are shade-loving plants, many of them are from tropical forests where they grow in patches of bright sunlight. Bright but diffused light suits them, like at the east or north window.
• Watering: An earthen ball should never dry out, but at the same time, waterlogging threatens to rot the roots. In winter, watering is limited.
• Air humidity: Almost all ferns require high humidity. Leaves should be sprayed regularly.
• Transfer: In the spring, if the roots fill the pot; most young ferns may need to be repotted annually. Remember that the top of the stem should remain above the ground.
• Reproduction: The easiest way is to divide the plant (if it forms shoots) into 2-3 parts in early spring when transplanting. Some ferns give rise to new plants at the ends of terrestrial rooting stolon shoots (for example, nephrolepis sublime) or at the ends of leaves (bulbous ossicles). A possible, but more difficult, way is to germinate spores that form in sporangia on the underside of an adult leaf blade.

• Brown dots or streaks on the underside of leaf blades
  Reason: Appear in a healthy adult leaf during sporulation, when spores are formed in sac-like receptacles. Spores can be used to propagate ferns.
• Brown shells unevenly scattered on the leaves
  Reason: Shield; especially often it damages nephrolepis.
• Leaves yellowing from the base. Brown spots appear on mature leaves and the leaves die off.
  Cause: Too warm air; a common occurrence when placing ferns near central heating radiators. Only a few ferns are able to tolerate high air temperatures. If the plant is wilted and clearly dries up, then improper watering may be the cause.
• Yellowing leaves with brown ends, new leaves do not grow
  Reason: Too dry air.
• Pale color of the leaves, traces of burns on the surface of the leaf blade
  Cause: Too bright sunlight. In summer, ferns should be shaded from the midday sun.
• Pale leaf color, poor growth
  Reason: Insufficient nutrition. During the growth period, ferns should be fed little by little, but often.
• The leaves are dying
  Cause: The most likely causes are dry air and overdried earthen clod.

solanum flower

Solanaceae family

In the summer, nightshade blooms with tiny flowers, then green berries are formed, which change color as winter approaches. A plant with orange or red berries against a background of dark green foliage usually decorates houses at Christmas. If this small bush is placed on a sunny windowsill in a cool room, the berries will last for several months. A closely related species, the Jerusalem cherry, has larger berries. A word of caution: nightshade berries can be poisonous. P. pepper usually retains berries until February. Earlier leaf fall, as a rule, indicates waterlogging of the soil, fall of berries - a lack of light or dry and too warm air.

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature: Requires cool conditions, winter 12-16°C.
• Lighting:
• Watering: Constantly plentiful.
• Air humidity: Requires frequent foliar spraying.
• Care after flowering: At the end of winter, the stems are cut to half the height. Until spring, almost no watering, then transplanted. For the summer, the pot is exposed to fresh air, during the flowering period it is treated with an insecticide. In the fall they bring it back into the room.
• Reproduction: Seeds or stem cuttings in spring.

Passiflora flower

Passiflora family

The passionflower flower is complex, but despite the fragility of the flower, the plant itself cannot be called tender. This is a strong vine that will take up all the free space if it is not cut in the most drastic way every spring. The leaves are deeply dissected, there are tendrils on the stems, it blooms in summer, the flowers are short-lived.
Several species of passionflower are grown, including P. tetrahedral, or grandilla (P. quadrangularis), which bears large yellow fruits, but only P. caerulea is accepted in room culture.

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature:
• Lighting: Light-loving.
• Watering: Copious, in summer, perhaps daily; reduce watering in winter.
• Air humidity: From time to time the leaves are sprayed.
• Transfer: Every year in the spring.
• Reproduction: Stem cuttings in summer or seeds in spring.

Paphiopedilum flower

Orchid family

Since a single flower retains its decorative effect for up to three months. Plants bloom regularly and are easy to care for, Paphiopedilum is one of the favorite orchids for sale. The flower is usually one, but very large. The lower lip of one petal really resembles a shoe in shape. The two upper petals droop down, while the upper sepal remains above them. The two lower sepals are fused under the "shoe". The flower is shiny, as if fashioned from wax. Often graceful folds form along the edges. The range of colors and patterns is very diverse: purple, deep lilac, yellowish, white spots and veins are harmoniously combined with each other. Not without reason, among botanists, paphiopedilums evoked an association with the goddess of beauty - Venus (another name is the lady's slipper).
The leaves of many plants have a marbled pattern that makes the plant even more attractive. However, variegated forms need more shading than plain ones.
Paphiopedilum does not tolerate bright light and grows well in artificial light. He does not like heat either, it is better if the temperature does not rise above 25 ° C. The optimum temperature regime is 24°C in summer and 16-18°C in winter. From April to August, gradually increase watering, and from January to April - reduce.
Transplant it in the spring or immediately after flowering. The bush can be divided so that each part has its own roots.

Pachypodium flower

Kutrovye family

The name "pachypodium" contains an amazing form of growth: "pachis" - thick, "podium" - leg. Indeed, at home, pachypodiums are of impressive size (up to 5 m). Jay's Madagascar Pachypodium grows in the form of a slender, thick column dotted with strong and sharp spikes. But the South African Sanders pachypodium is a typical "bottle" tree with an expanded tuberous trunk. This species also has spines, but they sit on thin branches in the upper part of the crown.
Young plants of Lamer's pachypodium are on sale, attractive primarily with long dark green leaves with a light main vein, the leaves are located in the upper part of the plant, the impression of a tuft. The stem itself is rounded, seated with groups of spines. Pachypodium is often confused with euphorbia (euphorbia): when damaged, both plants secrete white milky juice. This juice is extremely poisonous, but does not burn the skin. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to bring the pachypodium to flowering indoors. With good care, pachypodiums bloom for 6-7 years. So pay attention to the thorns. The beautiful shape of the plant depends on your ability to balance between drought and watering. If you dry out the pachypodium too much, it will lose some of its gorgeous leaves, although it will not die.
Pachypodium loves bright sunlight, direct sunlight is useful to it. In summer, watering is more plentiful, in winter it is reduced. During dormancy, it is best to keep it cool. The minimum temperature that the pa-hypodium can withstand without damage is +4°C, although the winter optimum is in the range of 10-14°C.
Water in the morning, preferably with warm and soft water. Pachypodium does not need spraying.
Wash your hands after handling the pachypodium. Try not to damage the plant, and if this happens, do not let the juice get on the mucous membranes and eyes.
Despite the extreme toxicity, the pachypodium is defenseless against the scale insect. The red spider mite causes some harm to it.

Pachystachys flower

Acanthus family

Spike-shaped inflorescences of pachistachis rise above ovate leaves. The main advantage of this plant is a long flowering period, which, with sufficient watering and regular feeding, lasts from late spring to autumn. Falling leaves indicate the drying of the soil at the roots. In the spring, the plant is pruned, the cut ends of the stems can be used as cuttings.

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature: Moderate, not lower than 12°C in winter.
• Lighting: Bright, diffused light in summer.
• Watering: Abundant from spring to late autumn. Reduce watering in winter.
• Air humidity: Requires foliar spraying in summer.
• Transfer: Every year in the spring.
• Reproduction: Stem cuttings in spring or summer.

Pellaea rotundifolia flower

Fern family

Pelleya rotundifolia is an evergreen, very decorative fern. In England, for its rounded, harsh leaves, it was nicknamed the "button fern". This native of New Zealand prefers dry air rather than humid air, which makes it easy to care for (regular spraying is not needed). The plant is small, about 30 cm tall, with a shallow root system. The fronds are dark green, with rounded leathery leaves alternately arranged. The petiole is pubescent or covered with small scales. Sori are located along the veins and are somewhat covered by the wrapped edges of the leaves.
Pellea rotundifolia is a well-known potted plant that is easy to grow. To do this, provide her with a substrate of peat, leafy soil, humus and sand (1: 1: 1: 1) and water more moderately than other ferns. In summer, the soil should be wetter than in winter. During the growing season, the “button fern” is useful for weak top dressing once every 3-4 weeks. In winter, the pellet can be kept in a bright, ventilated room at a temperature of 12-15 ° C.
Pellea propagates by dividing the bush during transplantation. Pelleya does not get sick, but does not like cold, damp soil. Of the pests, we note the scale insect.

Pellionia flower

Nettle family

Two types of pellionia add variety to compositions arranged in a terrarium or bottle garden, but if placed in a hanging basket or grown as a ground cover, pellionia will be more difficult to care for than the unpretentious tradescantia. Pellions require high humidity and warmth in winter. They are shade tolerant, but extremely sensitive to drafts.

Types of houseplant

In ampelous P.daveauana, a light stripe runs along the middle vein of the leaf, the edges are olive or bronze-green. P. beautiful (P. pulchra) has very dark veins on the upper side of the leaf, the underside is purple.

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature: Moderate, not lower than 12°C in winter.
• Lighting: Penumbra or bright diffused light.
• Watering:
• Air humidity: Requires frequent foliar spraying.
• Transfer: Every two years in the spring.
• Reproduction: Division during transplantation. Stem cuttings root easily.

Pentas flower

Rubiaceae family

This plant is unlikely to be found in a nearby flower shop, but if you are lucky enough to get it, it will decorate the sunny window sill in your house. The ends of the stems should be pinched regularly, otherwise the plant will stretch too much. It is better not to let it grow above 45 cm. It blooms at any time of the year, most often in winter. Pentas is not difficult to cultivate, in winter it is kept at a temperature of about 16 ° C.

Types of houseplant

The original species is P. lanceolata (P. carnea). The inflorescence consists of numerous tubular flowers with a star-shaped limb. The culture includes varieties with flowers of white, pink, red and mauve color.

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature: Moderate, not lower than 12°C in winter.
• Lighting: Bright light with some direct sunlight.
• Watering: Abundant, reduce watering in winter.
• Air humidity: Leaves should be sprayed from time to time.
• Transfer: Every year in the spring.
• Reproduction: Stem cuttings in spring. Phytohormones are used for rooting.

Peperomia flower

Pepper family

Peperomia are often placed in gardens in a bowl, in "bottle gardens" - that is, they are used in situations where there is little space. They are compact, slow growing, and some varieties form funny, rat-tail-like clusters of tiny greenish flowers. Apart from these general properties, no other sign will help you determine that some unfamiliar plant is peperomia. Three species have been popular for several years. These are P. caperata, P. hederaefolia and P. magnoliaefolia. A sophisticated florist can easily recognize this trinity, but besides them there are many other species. In culture, ampelous, bushy and erect peperomia are accepted with juicy, wavy, smooth or drooping, green or variegated, and even striped, like watermelon, leaves. Peperomia grow well indoors, but do not forget that their natural habitat is on tree trunks or the moss floor of the rainforest in South America. Plant them not in the ground, but in a peat mixture. If the leaves begin to wilt due to lack of water, then they will certainly fall off. Despite originating in the humid tropics, peperomia do not need constant high humidity and grow well in rooms with central heating.

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature: Moderate, not lower than 12-14°С in winter.
• Lighting: Bright diffused light or partial shade. Peperomia grow well in artificial light.
• Watering: Careful. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, but do not let the leaves begin to wilt. In winter, they water very little, when watering they use lukewarm water.
• Air humidity: In summer, the leaves are sprayed from time to time. Do not spray in winter.
• Transfer: As rare as possible, as needed every few years transplanted into a larger pot in the spring.
• Reproduction: The cuttings root easily. In erect and ampel varieties, stem cuttings are taken in spring or summer, bushy varieties are propagated by leaf cuttings.

Particular difficulties in caring for a plant

• Leaves with brown tips and edges
  Cause: Unexpected drop in temperature. Remove any damaged leaves, protect plants from drafts, and avoid cold window sills.
• Sudden leaf fall in succulent varieties
  Reason: Delayed watering. Peperomia are watered when the soil dries out a little, but before the leaves begin to wilt.
• The leaves are sluggish and faded. Rot spots on the stem or leaves. Cork-like growths on the leaves from below.
  Reason: Waterlogging of the soil, especially in winter.
• Sudden fall of leaves in winter
  Cause: The air temperature is too low. The air temperature should not fall below 12°C.

capsicum flower

Solanaceae family

This plant is grown more for its ornamental fruit than for its leaves or flowers. Its leaves are uninteresting, small white flowers appearing in summer or autumn. At first, green fruits gradually change color to different shades of yellow, orange or red. Depending on the variety, they are oval or pointed; with proper care, they may not fall off for two or three months. In English-speaking countries, the popular name for this plant is "Christmas pepper", as it is sold in huge quantities in December to decorate traditional holiday interiors. A few tips for care: requires some direct sunlight, does not tolerate drying out of the soil and dry air, from which the fruits fall off.

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature: Moderate, not lower than 12°С.
• Lighting: Bright light with morning or afternoon sun.
• Watering: Abundant. It is useful to use the immersion method from time to time.
• Air humidity: Requires frequent foliar spraying.
• Care after flowering: The plant is thrown away.
• Reproduction: Seeds in early spring.

Pisonia flower

Family Nyctaginaceae

This unusual tree-like houseplant at first glance resembles a ficus with its shiny ovate leaves on straight stems. However, in appearance it is very different from the ficus. The stems are heavily branched and sticky resin exudes on the leaves, hence the plant's popular English name, Birdcatcher Tree. Occasionally produces tiny white tubular flowers followed by sticky fruits.

Types of houseplant

P.umbellifera has green leaves. For indoor culture, a variety of variegata goes on sale, the leaves of which are cream and pink along the edge.

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature: Moderate, not lower than 12°C in winter.
• Lighting: Bright light away from direct sunlight.
• Watering: Caution - between watering the soil is allowed to dry out.
• Air humidity: In the summer I spray the leaves from time to time.
• Transfer: Every two years in the spring.
• Reproduction: Stem cuttings in summer. For rooted, phytohormones and lower heating are used.

Pilea flower

Nettle family

The culture has a wide selection of bushy and ampelous varieties of saws, which are easy to care for even for a beginner. The easiest to grow is the common P. Cadie with white spots on the leaves. The rules for caring for her are very simple: on frosty nights, remove the plants from the windowsills, pinch the ends of the stems to increase branching and protect them from drafts. Even in experienced hands, the lower leaves of saws fall off with age, and the stems become bare. It is best to renew plants every spring from cuttings that take root easily. All bushy pileas, except for P. small-leaved, are grown for the sake of beautiful leaves.

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature:
• Lighting: Bright light or partial shade, in summer should be shaded from direct sun.
• Watering: Abundant from spring to autumn, the soil is allowed to dry out a little between waterings. Watered with soft water.
• Air humidity: Requires regular foliar spraying.
• Transfer: In the spring, if the plant is left for the second year.
• Reproduction: Stem cuttings in late spring or summer.

Particular difficulties in caring for a plant

• Pests
  There is a risk of damage by spider mites.
• Falling leaves in winter
  Reason: Mass leaf fall can be caused by cold air and waterlogging of the soil, however, individual leaves fall in winter even in a healthy plant. Prune bare stems in the spring so that new leaves grow on them.
• Withering and fading leaves. Root hiding. Falling part of the leaves.
  Reason: Waterlogging of the soil, especially in winter. Take the usual measures to treat the plant.
• Brown tips and edges on discolored leaves.
  Cause: The most likely cause is lack of light. If the plant is well lit, then a sharp drop in temperature may be the cause.

Pittosporum flower

Family Pittosporaceae

Pittosporum is very popular with decorators when they need a shiny-leaved tree that can grow in low light. They don't like him very much in Britain. When growing it, two problems arise - cream flowers appear only in good light, and for the winter it needs a cool room.

Types of houseplant

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature: Moderate, not lower than 7-12°С in winter.
• Lighting: Bright light, in summer - not in direct sun.
• Watering: Abundant, with intervals between waterings until the soil begins to dry out. In winter, watering is moderate.
• Air humidity: From time to time follows spraying leaves.
• Transfer: As needed in the spring.
• Reproduction:

Platiycerium alcicorne flower

Fern family

Anyone who has ever seen deer antlers immediately becomes a fan of this unusual fern. Spore-bearing fronds really resemble the branched antlers of an elk or deer, and sterile fronds pressed against the substrate give the impression of a head.
Reproduction by spores is a rather long way, since the ornamental plant becomes only 7-9 years old. So the only quick way to get this luxurious fern is to purchase it from the store.
Deer antlers can decorate any collection of epiphytes. Wrap the roots with sphagnum and attach to a tree or any other decorative support. Twice a week, abundant watering with soft warm water is necessary. Water is poured into the gap between the substrate and sterile fronds. If, due to an oversight, an earthen lump has dried out, it can only be made wet again by immersion in water. Maintain high humidity. It is more reliable to grow platicerium in a glass showcase or mini-greenhouse.
A mixture of pine bark, leafy soil, peat and sphagnum in equal proportions is suitable for a platicerium as a substrate.

Plectranthus flower

Family Lamiaceae

Plectranthus is a close relative of the coleus. It is quite widespread among flower lovers, although it practically does not go to stores. Plectranthus is valued for its unpretentiousness, fast growth, shiny leaves and original colors. In Europe, there is an old belief that plectranthus brings money into the house. (Apparently, the economic prosperity of European countries is due to the great popularity of plectranthus.) Grow this plant, and perhaps it will bring you good luck.
Three types of plectranthus are called "Swedish ivy" in English, because this plant is very popular in Scandinavia, where it is grown in hanging baskets and on windowsills. Despite its name, plectranthus looks more like a humble coleus than colorful ivy. The drooping stems are densely covered with leaves and grow rapidly. It is a pity that Swedish ivy is not very common in other countries - it has many advantages: it grows well in dry air, tolerates the occasional drying of the soil near the roots, and sometimes blooms. To enhance branching, the ends of the stems are cut off and the cuttings are used as cuttings that take root easily.

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature: Moderate, not below 10°C in winter.
• Lighting: Bright light or partial shade, does not tolerate direct sunlight.
• Watering: Abundant, temperate in winter.
• Air humidity: The leaves are sprayed from time to time.
• Transfer: Every two or three years in the spring, but it is better to rejuvenate every year.
• Reproduction: Stem cuttings selected in spring or summer root easily.

plumeria flower

Kutrovye family

Plumeria is a widespread shrub in subtropical countries, but as a houseplant in temperate countries it is rare. It is sometimes recommended for indoor culture, although it grows in a tub up to 2 m and above and is more suitable for a greenhouse. It is famous for its large apical inflorescences.

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature: Moderate, not lower than 12°C in winter.
• Lighting: Bright light with some direct sunlight.
• Watering: Abundant from spring to autumn, very limited in winter.
• Air humidity: Leaves should be sprayed from time to time.
• Transfer: Every two years in the spring.
• Reproduction: Stem cuttings in spring. For rooting, phytohormones and bottom heating are used.

Hedera helix L. flower

Araliaceae family

Ivy in Western Europe is called wild plants belonging to different genera. Here we will talk about real ivy (genus Hedera). This ivy fully deserves a good reputation as an ornamental plant and has long been the basis of compositions. If grown as a vine, ivy will quickly fill in gaps - especially if you choose fast growing forms of Hedera helix. On the stems there are aerial sucker roots, with the help of which the plant climbs up the wallpaper, panels, etc. The slow growing H. canariensis has larger leaves but no aerial roots, so it needs support. Ivy is used not only for vertical gardening. They can be grown as hanging plants in hanging baskets or as ground covers among larger plants. For such purposes, compact bushy forms are suitable - for example, Eva, Glacier and sagittaefolia. Ivy is a familiar and popular plant, but it doesn't deserve the reputation it has been given for being easy to grow. They grew well in unheated rooms in the last century, but suffer in modern homes with dry and hot air. When your home has central heating turned on in the winter, spray your ivy leaves regularly - otherwise don't be surprised by brown spots at the ends of the leaves.

HOW TO MAKE A TREE FROM IVY

Trim the side shoots of Fatshedera lizei and tie the stem to the supports. When the plant reaches 1 m in height, trim the top horizontally. Make cuts on the top surface of the stem.

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature: Below moderate, but not frosty. Night temperature should not exceed 16°C.
• Lighting: Bright light in winter; in summer should be shaded from direct sun.
• Watering: Abundant in summer (soil should be kept moist all the time), moderate in winter (don't let the soil dry out).
• Air humidity: In summer, it requires frequent spraying, especially if the room is warm and dry. In a room with central heating should be sprayed in winter.
• Transfer: Every two years, a transplant into a larger pot is required.
• Reproduction: From time to time, the ends of the stems should be pinched so that side shoots grow. Cut off tops can be used as cuttings.

Polypodium (phlebodium) flower

Fern family

The golden centipede (R. aureum L.) is so named for the golden color of the scales that densely cover the rhizome. In nature, this species grows on trees as an epiphytic plant. The rhizome does not need to be buried in the substrate. A potting mix for orchids or bromeliads is fine for centipedes. Try a mixture of peat, fern rhizomes, sphagnum, crushed pine bark, and leaf humus (2:2:1:1:2). However, the plant grows well in any air-permeable and moisture-intensive substrate.
The rhizome of the centipede is branched, so it seems that the plant really has "many legs" that firmly hold the tree trunk. The leaves are solitary, their shape depends on the age of the plant. In young centipedes, leaf blades are oval, entire, while those ready for sporulation are pinnately incised, with rounded sporulation on the underside.
The centipede is not demanding to care for. When watering, moisten the substrate abundantly with soft water, let the earth soak well, and drain the excess moisture. The next watering is needed 1-2 days after the soil surface becomes dry. The centipede responds well to high air humidity, which is best created not by spraying, but by using a pallet with wet moss or peat. However, the plant adapts well to dry and cool air. It grows best in bright but diffused light. Avoid direct sunlight. The centipede is propagated by dividing the rhizome or by spores (in this fern, sowing spores is quite effective). Dive the young plants formed on the growths in time and keep them in a warm and humid aquarium.
Centipede looks good in hanging baskets as an unusual ampelous plant. It is effective in compositions with other ferns.

polyscias flower

Araliaceae family

Poliscias is an oriental tree with sinuous stems and decorative foliage. It looks very impressive in a beautiful ceramic pot as a single plant, but large specimens up to 20 cm are fabulously expensive. If you can provide care for him, buy a young plant. Typically, polyscias have fern-like leaves, but the most widely distributed P. balfouriana has large, rounded leaflets. Unfortunately, under normal room conditions, polissias grows with difficulty, because at the slightest violation of the conditions of detention it sheds leaves. He needs good lighting, even soil moisture at the roots and warmth in winter. The main problem in cultivation is air humidity: polissias does not tolerate dry air very well.

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature: Moderate or slightly above moderate, in winter not below 14-16°C.
• Lighting: Bright diffused light, can adapt to partial shade.
• Watering: Moderate from spring to autumn, limited in winter.
• Air humidity: Requires frequent foliar spraying.
• Transfer: Every two years in the spring.
• Reproduction: Difficulty. Stem cuttings are taken in the spring. For rooting, phytohormones and bottom heating are used.

primula flower

Primrose family

Primroses are one of the most beautiful potted plants that bloom all winter and spring. Their numerous flowers are formed in the middle of the rosette of leaves (in varieties without peduncles) or on long straight peduncles (in varieties with peduncles). The stemless multi-flowered primrose grows very well in pots - plants of this group have large bright flowers, after flowering they can be planted back in open ground. The most delicate of primroses is P. soft, P. Chinese has wavy edges of the corolla and leaves, and people with sensitive skin should not touch P. back-conical. When planting, the plants are not buried - the outlet should be at the level of the soil. Primroses need good lighting, protection from drafts, moderate air temperature and shading from direct sun. Withered flowers are removed, and the plants are fed regularly.

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature: Moderate, during flowering not higher than 12-16°C.
• Lighting: Very bright light, but not direct sun.
• Watering: During the flowering period - plentiful.
• Air humidity: The leaves are sprayed from time to time. At a sufficiently high air temperature, the pot is placed on a tray with pebbles.
• Care after flowering: P. acaulis is planted in open ground; other species tend to be thrown away. P. obconica and P. sinensis can be left for the next season, for this they are transplanted and kept throughout the summer in a cool, slightly shaded place with good ventilation. Watered very moderately; in autumn, yellowed leaves are removed and watering is increased.
• Reproduction: Seeds in mid-summer.

Pseuderanthemum flower

Acanthus family

Pseudaranthemum is grown mainly for its brightly colored leaves, but if conditions are favorable, an adult plant may also bloom in late spring or summer with white flowers with a purple center. Growing this plant is not easy because it requires high humidity and does better in a greenhouse or green window than in a normal room. Stems erect, leaves ovate.

Types of houseplant

P.atropurpureum has purple spots on the leaves. The tricolor and variegatum varieties have cream, purple, and pink spots on the leaves.

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature: Fairly high, in winter not below 16°C.
• Lighting: Bright light or partial shade. Should be shaded from direct sun.
• Watering: Abundant, between watering the soil is allowed to dry a little.
• Air humidity: Requires frequent foliar spraying.
• Transfer: As needed in the spring.
• Reproduction: Stem cuttings in spring. For rooting, phytohormones and bottom heating will be used.

Pteris cretica flower

Fern family

As the Latin name suggests, this type of fern comes from the island of Crete. It has leathery dark green fronds, lined with stiff bristles along the edge. Dark brown lines of sori run along the leaves of the wai. The leaves themselves are large, elongated and few. The lower ones are divided into two lobes. Spore-bearing and sterile fronds differ slightly in shape. Spore-bearing - longer and decorative, with narrow leaves, and sterile - with a shorter petiole and wider leaves.
Pteris has many garden forms. For example, the albolineata form has light stripes along the main vein of each leaflet, while the alexandrae form has uneven dissected edges. Other types and varieties of pteris are also on sale, differing in color, size and shape of wai.
The growth points of the pteris are few, hidden underground. It should not be divided too often; before dividing, carefully look at the plant, as you can easily make a mistake and separate a piece of rhizome with fronds, but without a growth point.
For pteris, the same substrate is suitable as for nephrolepis. He also needs moist air, shade from the bright sun and preferably a cooler temperature in winter (about 12 ° C).

ornithogallium flower

Liliaceae family

The poultry farmer is better known in our country under the name "Mongolian onion" - although he has nothing to do with Mongolia or the onion. Long, belt-like, drooping leaves are devoid of the characteristic onion smell. And the long (almost meter) inflorescence does not at all resemble rounded onion umbrellas. A characteristic feature of the birdman is six-petalled flowers, in which green stripes are drawn along the back of each “petal”.
The caudate birder is credited with healing properties. It really contains a lot of biologically active substances, they should not be allowed to get on the mucous membranes. Let your family know about this ahead of time.
Any soil that is not too acidic that you have is suitable for the poultry farmer. This plant is drought tolerant but cannot tolerate overwatering. Leaves should not be sprayed, but regularly remove accumulated dust from your pet's leaves. Under normal conditions, the birdman never sheds leaves. With good care, it blooms in the spring months.
Repot the plant as the bulb grows. The pot should be 5 cm larger than its diameter. Separate babies at transplants. Feeding is useful for a poultry farmer, but you can do without them.
The only thing this bulbous plant really needs is bright light. For the summer, you can take the birdman to the balcony or garden. It is useful even for the summer to plant the bulb in the garden (do not forget to dig it up before frost).
Aphids, spider mites, scale insects are noted on the poultry farm.

Poinsettia flower

Euphorbiaceae family

Outside the house, the symbol of Christmas is the holly (holly) with bright red berries. Indoors, Christmas is now symbolized by the poinsettia (the correct name is Euphorbia pulcherrima) with its large scarlet buds. This was not always the case - in the early 1960s, the poinsettia was a tall shrub that was difficult to maintain and force to bloom in normal room conditions. A lot has changed since then. Modern varieties of poinsettia are more branchy, more ornamental, and far less demanding; in addition, with the help of modern chemicals it has become possible to control the size of the plant. Therefore, modern poinsettias are compact (30-45 cm tall), and the "flowers" (actually they are colorful bracts) last from two to six months. When buying a plant, pay attention to the yellow and small central inflorescences located in the middle of the common inflorescence: the plant will bloom longer if they are not opened. It is desirable that the plant does not stand on the street or in a cold store. At home, put it in a well-lit place without drafts and keep it at a moderate temperature.

Secrets of success in flower care

• Temperature: Moderate, in winter during the flowering period, not lower than 14-16°C.
• Lighting: Very bright lighting in winter; plants that are left for the next year should be shaded from the hot summer sun.
• Watering: Abundant, as the soil dries up. Water immediately if the leaves begin to wilt. Increase watering in summer.
• Air humidity: During the flowering period, it requires frequent spraying of the leaves.
• Care after flowering: The plant is thrown away, but if you like to overcome difficulties, you can leave it until next Christmas. In autumn, you will have to carefully observe the lighting regime.
• Reproduction: Stem cuttings in early summer. Phytohormones are used for rooting.

Particular difficulties in caring for a plant

• fall of inflorescences; yellow or brown leaf edges
  Cause: A common cause is dry air in a warm room. Poinsettias need moist air, so spray the leaves frequently.
• Pests
  The main damage is caused by spider mites and mealybugs.
• Withering and then leaf fall
  Reason: The most likely reason is waterlogging of the soil: the plant should be watered when the soil surface is almost completely dry. Of course, insufficient watering, in which the soil near the roots dries up, also leads to wilting and leaf fall.
• Falling leaves without signs of wilting
  Cause: Leaves may drop suddenly if the plant is exposed to too low temperatures, or too warm as well as cold drafts. Another possible reason could be insufficient lighting.