2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Sparmannia (Latin Sparmannia) - a flowering plant belonging to the Linden family (at the same time, according to one of the classifications, it is referred to the Malvovye family). Some growers even call sparmania a room linden tree.
Description
Sparmannia is a very spectacular shrub that, over time, turns into a lovely compact tree. Sparmannia leaves look very much like linden leaves - they are all covered with the most delicate fluff and painted in pleasant light green tones.
Sparmannia flowers can boast of an unusually pleasant smell - its inflorescences are pale white, very similar in shape to funny umbrellas, sit on fairly high peduncles. And each flower is generously decorated with bright yellow or purple small stamens. And sometimes you can even meet varieties with luxurious double flowers!
In total, the genus sparmannia includes about six or seven species of beautiful fast-growing shrubs, which are characterized by a special structure of flower corollas.
Where grows
In natural conditions, sparmannia can be seen in the South African subtropics or tropics.
Usage
Sparmannia is characterized by a very high decorativeness, which is why it is quite actively used as an interior decoration.
Growing and caring
Sparmannia is recommended to be grown in fairly cool rooms, in their western, eastern or southern parts. This plant is very light-requiring, but it still needs protection from direct sunlight. And the winter temperature of its content should be in the range from thirteen to twenty-two degrees. Ideally, in the summer, mating should be kept at a temperature of sixteen to eighteen degrees, and in the winter - from seven to ten degrees. And you need to place this beauty in a draft-free, but at the same time in well-ventilated rooms. By the way, in case of sudden changes in temperature, sparmania can sometimes drop leaves.
It is best to plant sparmannia in a mixture of sod land with good humus soil and a small amount of sand (2: 1: 1). Ready-made mixtures for these purposes are also quite suitable.
In summer, watering sparmannia should be frequent and fairly abundant (drying out of the soil in no case should be allowed!), And in winter they are carried out much less often, spending much less water. Also, in the summer, the plant needs systematic spraying, but they should be carried out very carefully, since the water can sometimes leave small specks on the leaves. And the water must be at room temperature!
As for dressings, whether to make them or not - to a large extent depends on the general state of sparmannia. Usually, feeding is given during the period of active growth of shoots and leaves. The addition of fertilizers to the water for irrigation is especially welcome - many growers do this manipulation weekly. The only thing is that all fertilizers intended for feeding sparmannia should be distinguished by a reduced content of potassium chloride. It is not forbidden to alternate such preparations with organic matter, in particular, with mullein solution.
Sparmannia is propagated most often by semi-lignified cuttings (both summer and spring), in addition, it needs strong enough pruning before starting to grow. Also, this incredibly attractive plant should be replanted annually, as a rule, this is done by the transshipment method. If there is a need to slightly restrain its too active growth, then young shoots are simply pinched slightly.
With good care, sparmania growing at home can grow as much as sixty centimeters annually.
