2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Bright bicolor succulent leaves and abundant flowering of modest flowers, slyly peeping out from under the natural bedspread-oysters, bring a tropical flavor to the interior of the room, soothing the naughty nerves. In warm climates, they will decorate the flower garden with their bright rosettes of leaves
Rod Rao
There is never too much beauty. Therefore, the genus
Reo (Rhoeo) consists of only one plant species, Reo multicolored (Rhoeo discolor). Although according to some sources the plant belongs to the genus Tradescantia. But Tradescantia has creeping shoots, while Reo has an erect stem hidden behind the leaves enveloping it.
A perennial herb was born in the humid tropics of Mexico, slowly moving to other parts of the world and taking root even in cold climatic zones, settling in a human dwelling.
Reo multicolored
The name of the plant has a synonym -
Reo (Reo) covered (Rhoeo spathacea), awarded for a unique natural device, similar to an oyster, from the slit of which snow-white flowers with yellow stamens peep out on thin whitish stems.
Linear leaves sit on an erect fragile stem up to 30 cm high, lying horizontally, slightly curving. The dark green surface of the leaves is decorated with longitudinal multi-colored stripes. Below the leaves are reddish-purple, with less pronounced stripes. When the light or temperature changes, the leaves change the color intensity. As the poetic Arabs say, in this way the plant shows anger at atmospheric changes.
At different times of the year, Reo vellum reveals its small graceful flowers to the world, protected by greenish bracts, which form either a miniature boat, or reliable oyster shutters at each leaf. The flowering is plentiful, long-lasting, but the flowers do not exude aromas.
There are many different varieties, among which the "Striped" variety is especially popular. The top side of the leaf of this variety is decorated with longitudinal cream or white stripes. There are varieties with only one stripe on the leaves along the central vein.
Growing
In harsh climatic zones, Rao is grown as a pot culture, bringing the pots out into the open air during the warm season. If the brightest place is chosen in the room for the pot, then, taking it outside, the pot is placed in partial shade so as not to provoke sunburn on the leaves. A dense shade disrupts the harmonious development of the plant, reducing the intensity of the color of the leaves (this is how the plant expresses its anger and discontent with the living conditions provided to it).
Soil for a tropical beauty is prepared from a mixture of fertile soil, peat and pure river sand, taking them in a ratio (5: 3: 2). 30 grams of complex fertilizer is added to a bucket of soil before planting.
In spring and summer, the plant needs a lot of moisture, spraying, but stagnant water should be avoided by arranging a drainage layer in the pots. Once every two weeks, watering is combined with fertilizing with complex fertilizer, adding 10-20 grams of fertilizer to a bucket of water. In autumn and winter, watering is carried out less often, maintaining a moderate moisture content of the soil.
A tropical plant loves warmth, so the minimum temperature in winter can be plus 10 degrees.
To maintain the appearance, remove damaged or dry leaves and wilted flowers.
Reproduction
Propagated by sowing seeds or cuttings, separating them in the spring from new shoots. Both for sowing seeds and cuttings, a mixture of peat and sand is used. The temperature for seed germination and rooting of cuttings is required in the range from 18 to 21 degrees.
Grown seedlings and rooted cuttings are transplanted into personal containers.
Enemies
Reo's enemies are especially hot direct rays of the sun and waterlogged soil. Subject to agricultural technology, the plant will give only joy.
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