Pilea: home care, species

The world is so arranged that there is a lot of paradoxical and interesting in it. Familiar to all the burning nettles, in fact, represents for many a weed growing on vacant lots, and its closest relative is a exotic indoor plant with a similar structure, but a much more interesting sight. This hardy plant with decorative foliage, equally well developing in apartments, greenhouses and winter gardens. Any pilea care at home assumes minimal, but with certain requirements.

The genus Pilea: a general characteristic

A very large genus includes about 600 species of plants and belongs to the family Krapivnye. The natural habitat is tropical forests of both hemispheres, except for Australia. The main mass is perennial herbaceous plants, sometimes with a lignified base. The stem is usually erect, less often creeping or widely spread, strongly branched from the base. Leaves characteristic, cross-opposite arrangement, whole or serrate at the edges, often pubescent glandular hairs. For example, the thick-leafed pilea (care at home is presented below) remotely looks like ordinary nettle, but with corrugated and bright leaves. Small and inconspicuous flowers of the genus are most often located alone in the sinuses or collected in the inflorescence of the umbrella, less often - loose panicles. The modern nine species used in floriculture were introduced into the culture gradually, beginning from the end of the 18th century.

Illumination and soil

The plants of the Pilea genus, for the most part, prefer bright but diffuse sunlight without direct rays, some species easily tolerate a penumbra. The most optimal place in the house is the western or eastern windows. In summer, when shading from sunlight, you can take the plant out into the open air. Pilea care at home requires minimal, but it is important to ensure its proper lighting and good soil. With a lack of light, the leaves of the plant lose their decorative, especially in variegated forms. Pilea are perfect for city apartments, where the temperature practically does not change during the year. The most optimal indicator for plants is a constant mark at +25 ° C. Though some kinds normally feel themselves and at +10 ° С (pilea pyperomy). The soil for the plant is recommended loose, well-permeable moisture, with a drainage layer. Use fertile loam with the addition of an equal share of good leaf humus.

Pilea: home care

Like any other tropical plant, the pilix requires moist air. Perhaps maintaining the desired indicator is the main aspect of care in conjunction with watering. Spraying of leaves is not recommended, because from this they lose decorative qualities. It is best to put a pot with a plant on a pallet filled with moist sand or expanded clay, or use special tools, but in no case put the container in the water. Pilea can not stand the stagnation of moisture, and the roots quickly rot. In spring and summer, the plant should be watered as the upper layer of the soil dries up, use soft water for this purpose. In winter, the need for moisture decreases. Watering is carried out 2-3 days after the top layer has dried. Excessive waterlogging - this is something that does not tolerate pileya. Care at home (the photo above shows us plant transplantation) also presupposes the introduction of fertilizers from early spring to the end of the summer with a frequency of once a week. Use special mineral complex preparations.

Pilea small-leaved

A bright and amazing plant, called "artillery." The reason lies in the interesting feature - the release of a cloud of dust (pollen) when the flowers are opened or touched them. The species is small in height - only up to 15 cm. However, creeping shoots can form spectacular green cushions. They resemble fern vayi, are strewn with small leaves of light-green color of a coin-shaped form and with a glossy surface. Pilea small-leaved care at home assumes the same as described above.

Pilea Kadie

A perennial plant that forms a shrub up to 30-45 cm in height. The homeland of the species is the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Stems thin and flexible, at a young age erect, but as they grow, they acquire ampel shape. Large (up to 10 cm in length and 5 cm in width) glossy leaves are oval in shape, located on a long petiole. The upper surface has characteristic silvery stripes along three main veins. Known form Minimina - pygmy pileya Kadie, care at home for her similar. To increase bushiness, it is recommended to pinch the plant as it grows.

Pilea Sprusa

Effective perennial plant, in height reaching 20 cm (on the first photo). Its main advantage is green-brown, abundantly pubescent leaves. They are characterized by an oval shape and jagged edges, bubbly outgrowths on the entire surface. There is a beautiful hybrid form of Norfolk with bright green leaves, which have a silvery ebb and brown-red veins, the surface is velvety, with a multitude of setae.

Pileomy pyeloid

Care at home for the species is similar and quite simple, but as a result you get an extraordinary and interesting plant that grows to a height of 30 cm. Its motherland is India. Pilea pyperium-shaped forms a large number of large (up to 10 cm in diameter) leaves almost round in shape and with a shiny, glossy surface. They leave the stem on long, slightly drooping petioles. Has a winter rest period. Decorability loses after 2-3 years of active growth, in connection with which requires renewal.