2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Portulacaria Afra is one of the plants of the family called purslane, in Latin the name of this plant will sound like this: Portulacaria afra. As for the name of the Afra Portulacaria family itself, in Latin it will be like this: Portulaceae.
Description of Afra's purslane
It should be noted that this plant is not particularly whimsical to care for, however, certain conditions will be required for its favorable development. The light mode can be either solar or partial shade. Throughout the summer period, the plant will need watering in a moderate mode, and the degree of air humidity should be kept at an average level. The life form of the Afra portulacaria is a leafy succulent.
Quite often, this plant can be found in room culture, where it is recommended to give preference to the lightest windows for its growth. In addition, the harp portulacarium can also be grown in winter gardens and greenhouses, as well as in general premises. In addition, it should be noted that this plant is also perfect for forming in the form of a bonsai.
As for the maximum size in culture, the height of the harp's portulacaria can reach about one meter.
Description of the features of the care and cultivation of portulacaria harp
For a favorable growth of this plant, you will need to transplant on a regular basis. Such a transplant should be performed every few years, while preference should be given to standard-sized pots or bonsai plants, at the bottom of which there will be fairly good drainage. As for the composition of the soil mixture itself, it will be necessary to mix sand and leafy soil in equal proportions, as well as turf soil. The acidity of such soil can be either neutral or slightly acidic.
Of the possible problems with the cultivation of this plant, it should be noted that the Afra purslane will very negatively tolerate excessive moisture in the soil. In addition, sharp temperature fluctuations in both soil and air can also negatively affect the development of this plant. It is also important to note the fact that this plant will shed its leaves in the event that the conditions of detention turn out to be unfavorable. However, it should be noted that Afra portulacaria is practically not affected by pests and diseases.
Throughout the entire dormant period, it is important for this plant to provide a temperature regime between ten and fifteen degrees of heat. Watering this plant is required in a rare mode, and the air humidity should remain medium. It should be remembered that when a plant is grown in indoor conditions, then such a dormant period is forced: its beginning falls on the month of October, and the end will occur in February. The reasons for the occurrence of this period will be low air humidity and insufficient illumination.
Reproduction of portulacaria afra occurs by rooting cuttings, which should be done in wet sand in both spring and summer. The specific requirements of this culture include the need for artificial lighting throughout the entire winter period.
The leaves of Afra portulacaria are endowed with decorative properties. The leaves themselves will be light green in color, they are also fleshy and opposite. The leaves of this plant will be rounded in shape, and their diameter will be about one to five centimeters. It should also be remembered that the Afra purslane will tolerate pruning pretty well.
