Sitnik

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Sitnik (lat. Juncus) - genus of plants for reservoirs; belongs to the Sitnikov family. Typical habitats are damp meadows, damp flattering areas, coastal areas. In nature, they are found in all countries located in the Northern Hemisphere. Previously, plants of the genus were used to make wickerwork, including baskets and mats. Nowadays, the rush is used as an ornamental plant; it is used to decorate the damp areas of the garden plot and reservoirs.

Characteristics of culture

The herb is represented by perennial and annual herbaceous plants with a well-developed root system and a large rhizome. The foliage is flat, gramineous, cylindrical or stalk-shaped, cross-septate, endowed with open sheaths.

The flowers are green or brown, collected in capitate or paniculate inflorescences, which directly depends on the species. The inflorescences, in turn, have bracts, but they can also be surrounded by a ringlet or connected in several pieces into small heads. Perianth leaves are thin, leathery; membranous leaves are also found.

The fruits are represented by three-celled capsules bearing numerous oblong or oval seeds. An interesting feature of the seeds is the presence of long, tail-shaped, membranous appendages. The flowering and fruiting periods are different, depending on the species and, of course, climatic conditions.

Common types

Creeping rush (lat. Juncus repens) is a species that is used for landscaping home aquariums and garden ponds. It is interesting that this type of rush under water forms shoots in the form of twisted rings. The view is unpretentious, looks great together with decorative algae.

Rutnik (lat. Juncus ensofolius) is a species that is not distinguished by high growth. As a rule, it does not exceed 40 cm in height. It is actively used by gardeners in Russia, Europe and the United States to decorate personal backyard plots, more precisely, water bodies. Very resistant species, can be grown in regions with cold winters.

The filamentous hernica (Latin Juncus filiformis) is a species used for landscaping home aquariums. Belongs to the category of perennials, actively reproduces independently, forming many shoots. Also, the view is suitable for garden ponds, since it is resistant to low temperatures.

The flattened hernage (Latin Juncus compressus) is a species suitable for decorating garden ponds. It is famous for its high winter-hardy properties. Can be cultivated in regions with cold winters. It is not aggressive, forms a small amount of thickets.

Growing features

All representatives of the Sitnik clan belong to the category of unpretentious crops. They can be planted both in a slightly shaded area and in the open sun. It is important to remember that the culture is hygrophilous, it is best to plant it in the coastal zone, the optimal depth in the water column is 5-10 cm. When planting a plant in a container or dry place, it is necessary to ensure constant and, most importantly, very abundant watering. By the way, the rump can also be grown indoors.

Most species of rump are endowed with good winter-hardy properties, therefore they do not need shelter for the winter, but only if the winter is mild, with a lot of rainfall. If the winter is expected to be harsh and without precipitation, it is important to cover the plants with polyethylene or other covering material. By the way, at temperatures below 10C, the plant hibernates, stops developing and growing.

The subtleties of reproduction

The rump is propagated in two ways - by seeds and by dividing the bush. Most often, gardeners use the second method. The division is carried out in the spring, while it is important to take into account that on each division there are at least ten stems and a well-developed root system. Delenka is planted in a container with well-moistened soil. It is advisable to keep the container exposed to light.

The seed method is more difficult. Sowing in seedling boxes is carried out in late winter - early spring. The seeds are not buried deep into the soil, but only slightly pressed into the soil, and then sprinkled abundantly with water from a spray bottle. Covering crops with glass or film is encouraged, but it is necessary to constantly remove the shelter for ventilation and watering. The dive of seedlings is carried out with the appearance of 3-4 true leaves. Landing in the coastal zone in late May - early June.