How To Take Care Of Pseuderanthemum Plant

Life form	Shrub, grassy
Family	Acanthaceae
Origin	Polynesia
Ease of cultivation	Easy to grow with little difficulty
The size	They can reach large sizes (shoots extend to 1 m with weak branching), but it is better to form regular plants 40-50 cm high and wide. Small plants look more attractive.
Growth rate	High, for one season shoots are extended by 10-15 cm.
Lifespan	They live a long time, but it is desirable to rejuvenate the plant from the cuttings.
Temperature	In the summer: preferably not above 75,2 ° F, at night it can be 35,6-37,4 ° F below; in winter, a minimum of 62,6 ° F. If the temperature is below this limit persists for some time, the Pseuderanthemum may die. The plant does not like sudden temperature changes, which accelerate the rapid exposure of the lower parts of the shoots.
Humidity	Not less than 70%, however it is better to place the plant in a pallet with wet gravel or spray every day, and also use all methods of increasing humidity.
Lighting	He likes bright diffused light, does not tolerate direct sunlight, an eastern window approaches, can grow on the north. When there is a lack of illumination, the leaves turn green, with excess – the Pseuderanthemum slowly grows.
The soil	An easy fertile soil is suitable. 1 part of the sod land, 1 part of the leaf land, 1 part coarse sand or perlite and 1 part peat or humus earth. Always use a pot with a hole, there must be good drainage.
Watering	Requires abundant watering, at least 3-4 times a day in the summer, in the winter more moderately – once a week. The soil should be moderately moist.
Fertilizer	Once every 3-4 weeks, a liquid fertilizer with an increased content of potassium and a low nitrogen fertilizer. This composition of fertilizing promotes the manifestation of red color of the leaves. Positively responds to organic fertilizers.
Reproduction	In spring cut cuttings 5-8 cm long with two knots and put them in moist sand with peat under a polyethylene film. It is desirable to pre-cut the cuttings with a rootstock. At a temperature of 77-82,4 ° F, soon the roots will appear. Plant several rooted cuttings in a small pot and, as it grows, pinch the top twice for better branching.
Bloom	In the room conditions bloom very rarely with racemose inflorescences. Flowers white with a red yawn.
Transfer	Transplant each year in spring in a pot 2 sizes larger than the previous one. The roots of pseudoeranthemum grow very quickly, so when transplanting they can be pruned. In a very tight pot, the leaves quickly fall off.
Features of care	The main difficulty is the formation of an attractive appearance of the plant. The plant should be cut regularly for branching. He does not like smoke, gas products, drafts. In summer, pseudoanthemum can not be taken out on a balcony or garden. In winter, do not place the plant near the radiators. It is often necessary to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. The plant is best kept in the humid conditions of the kitchen or in the terrarium.
Difficulties	It is affected by a spider mite, mealybug, whitefly. The bright color of the leaves pales, they melt, the plant is strongly stretched under insufficient illumination. The ends of leaves dry up, on the leaves appear areas of dry brown tissue in bright light and dry air. If the lower leaves turn yellow and fall off with a damp and viscous soil, the plant is waterlogged, it should be transplanted into new soil, removing rotten roots.
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