Cynanchum

Family. Apocynaceae.

Origin. Far East, Asian regions.

Description. Cynanchum is an extensive genus that includes more than 300 plant species. An evergreen vine with long, thin, branching shoots. The leaves are blue-green, heart-shaped, on long petioles. The leaf blades are matte and covered with slight fluff. The flowers are small, with 5 narrow and long petals, sometimes with fused petals, white, pink, burgundy.

Height. Stems reach several meters in length.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Throughout the year, the optimal range is 18 - 24° C.

Lighting

A brightly lit place with shade from direct sunlight during the daytime. 

Care

Regularly pinch the apical buds to stimulate the formation of lateral shoots. After flowering, carry out formative pruning to achieve a compact shape. Long shoots of bushes intended for vertical gardening should be provided with support. Remove damaged and old shoots. If possible, take the flower outside in the warm season.

Substrate

Loose, permeable soil with a high organic content, neutral or slightly alkaline pH.

Feeding

In spring and summer, feed with complex liquid fertilizers every 2 weeks. Loves organic fertilizers. 

Purpose

Tsinachnum is suitable for vertical gardening of large spaces.

Flowering time

End of spring. Individual flowers appear on the plant throughout the summer. 

Air humidity

If the air in the room becomes too dry, you can spray the leaves with water at room temperature or place a room humidifier next to the container. When spraying, make sure that the water droplets do not fall on the flowers - this can spoil the appearance of the buds.

Soil moisture

In spring and summer, water generously and regularly, allowing the soil to dry out only slightly before each subsequent watering. Reduce watering in autumn and water very sparingly during the winter months, preventing the soil from drying out completely. 

Transfer

Repot young plants annually in spring, before flowering, into larger pots.

Reproduction

Propagated by cut stem cuttings, rooted during the growing season - in spring and summer. Cuttings 15-20 cm long are washed with water to stop the secretion of milky juice, the bases are sprinkled with rooting powder and immersed in a damp mixture of peat and sand. Rooting is carried out in a warm place without direct sunlight under a glass or transparent plastic cap for 2-3 weeks. Air layering.

Pests and diseases

The edges of the leaves dry out and turn brown when there is insufficient air humidity. With prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, the plant gets burned. Rot occurs when there is insufficient drainage and excessive watering during the dormant period. 

The most common pests that appear are spider mites, whiteflies, mealybugs, and aphids.  

Note

All parts of the bush are poisonous - take protective measures to prevent negative consequences.