Evergreen myrtle in the interior for good luck
There are many legends about the Mediterranean plant myrtle. Its mention can be found in the Bible and other ancient books. The flower symbolizes youth and beauty, and in ancient mythology, myrtle is associated with the goddess Aphrodite. In ancient Rome, a myrtle wreath was placed on the head of the bride, and the myrtle tree itself was presented at the wedding, since such a gesture was regarded as a wish for happiness..
Despite the outward modesty, many gorgeous flowers are inferior to myrtle in aesthetic characteristics. To a greater extent, this effect is achieved thanks to the aromatic and shiny leaves. According to legend, Adam brought myrtle out of paradise so that there would be at least one plant from the Garden of Eden on earth..
Specific features of the plant
Myrtle is classified as an evergreen plant. Usually this is a stunted tree or shrub. Caring for him requires a certain skill..
The plant is decorated with oval shiny leaves and small white flowers. The fruits of the bush are small dark blue berries. The flowers and dense leaves of myrtle contain a large amount of essential oils. Dried Leaves Can Be Used In Cooking.
The myrtle bush is well suited for a children’s room, as it helps to prevent colds and allergic diseases, and the plant itself smells good.
Myrtle has been cultivated for 400 years. The main differences between the varieties are in the color of the berries and the shape of the leaves. Homemade myrtle has poor frost resistance, which will not allow breeding them in regions with a cold climate..
One of the most frost-hardy species is the common myrtle – M.communis. This variety can grow up to 3 m in height. It is decorated with shiny dark green leaves. Flowering usually begins in June or July with small white flowers that later turn into black fruits..
The smaller variety M.communis tarentina is characterized by white berries and narrow leaves. A fully formed bush can be obtained by the end of spring..
Varieties that are suitable for keeping in a room reach a height of 1 m.With a competent approach to caring for a plant, it will live for many years.
The main nuances of caring for myrtle
In the process of caring for myrtle, it is important to monitor the adequacy of watering. This is mainly due to the fact that this shrub is from the subtropics and therefore it desperately needs moisture. In addition to simple watering, you need to regularly spray the leaves of the plant. The plant will show a lack of moisture by yellowing the leaves, after which it will begin to dry.
For spraying and watering, you need to use exclusively settled water at room temperature..
If we talk about watering in winter, then the regime should be slightly changed. A moderate regimen of up to one watering per week will be sufficient. Spraying in winter is only necessary if the plant remains in the room for the winter..
To achieve optimal lighting, it is best to place the myrtle tree in the southern part of the house or plot. But, in the absence of such an opportunity, west and east will do. At the same time, in the middle of the day, you should not leave the plant in the sun, but, if possible, hide it from direct rays..
Temperature and humidity also play an important role in the growth and development of a healthy plant. Given that the place where the bush is located must be reliably protected from drafts, it is important to take care of the temperature regime..
The optimal range for indoor myrtle is 22-24 grams. Such a plant must sometimes be taken out into the air or the room in which it is located should be ventilated..
In winter, the bottom edge will be 10 grams. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain an optimal level of humidity. It should be especially high in summer.
Complementary feeding of myrtle can be carried out using ready-made complex fertilizers from the category «for flowering plants». In summer, during the active period, the procedure can be carried out weekly. In winter, one top dressing per month is enough..
Shaping a myrtle bush with clipping and pinching
Myrtle bushes tolerate molding well. You can create the desired shape by trimming excess shoots..
You need to cut off shoots slowly and systematically. The main thing in this process is regularity. If you cut off too much at once, you can prevent the appearance of flowers and fruiting..
A competent haircut will stimulate the growth of side shoots. This will help to get the most lush and abundantly flowering bush over time..
For propagation during shearing, woody cuttings are removed from the top of the plant. They are placed in a special substrate and covered with a glass jar..
Those varieties that are planted in the garden can be given an original shape. This will help create an unusual landscape design. You should only remember that the trunk of the myrtle is too thin and should not be too exposed.
It is better to choose the winter period for transplanting. At this time, the plant is at rest and will tolerate manipulations more easily. First you need to dry a clod of earth. This will help make it easier to extract roots from the ground..
To improve survival, you can treat the roots of the plant with a stimulant. Expanded clay is laid at the bottom of the new pot to ensure drainage. After that, you can start preparing the substrate..
The best combination for the soil would be 30% peat soil, 30% turf soil, and 20% humus and river sand each. Part of the substrate is poured into the bottom of the pot, in which the bush is placed. The rest is poured from above.
It was considered a good omen to pick a twig when passing by a myrtle bush. And when such a wonderful plant is right at home, then prosperity and happiness will be provided to its owner for many years to come..