Dizygotheca

Family. Araliaceae. 

Origin. South Pacific.

Description. The genus Dizygotheca includes 17 species of evergreen trees or shrubs from New Caledonia and Polynesia. The leaves are palmately dissected, consisting of 6-9 serrated segments of dark green or almost black color. Young leaf blades are colored in a burgundy shade. The species can be classified as devorative-leaved. Variegated forms with a light border along the edge of the leaf blade or red veins have been bred.

Height. It grows slowly, but can reach 2 m in height at maturity. When grown in pots, it rarely exceeds 1 m. 

Care at home

Reproduction, growing from seeds

Propagated by seeds, which are sown in spring or early summer. In this case, the germination of seeds is greatly influenced by the temperature of the content - not lower than 22 ° C and the freshness of the planting material. The apical cuttings are rooted using growth hormones. Young seedlings are covered with glass to maintain humidity and placed in a warm place away from direct sunlight.

How to transplant

Dizygotheca grows slowly and needs to be replanted every two years in the spring. For large adult plants, simply change the top layer of soil. 

How to care and trim 

The bush loves high air humidity. As it ages, this species tends to bare the lower part of the shoots. Branches that have lost leaves are cut in the spring. To form a beautiful, compact shape in young specimens, cut the stems at a height of about 15 cm from the ground level. New shoots will appear from the base of the trunk.

When it blooms 

Small, inconspicuous whitish flowers appear in cultivation quite rarely.

Soil for dizygotheca 

Well-drained, based on peat, leaf humus, with the addition of perlite and coarse river sand.

Diseases and pests 

Dry and brittle leaves are caused by keeping them in a room with high temperatures and dry air. Dizygotheca can suddenly drop its leaves if kept too cold or warm. The plant does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature. If there is a lack of nutrients, development slows down, and newly emerging leaf blades become smaller.

Insects that can attack include mealybugs, scale insects, red spider mites, aphids and thrips.

Containment temperature

The tree can be kept at room temperature all year round. Ideally, the temperature should be between 21 and 27 °C. In winter, the flower also needs warmth - keep it in a room with a temperature of about 20 °C. Do not expose it to temperatures below 16 °C - this may cause the leaves to fall off.

Lighting

A brightly lit location without direct sunlight. Rotate the pot with the plant periodically so that it does not lean towards the light source. In partial shade, the leaves will lose their attractive color.

Fertilizer

During active growth, use regular liquid fertilizer at half strength every two weeks.

Watering 

Water sparingly and allow the soil to dry almost completely between waterings. 

Spraying 

Requires high air humidity. Place the plant pot on a tray of damp pebbles or use a room humidifier. It should be remembered that the higher the room temperature, the more often you need to spray the leaves.

Purpose

The elegant, narrow, serrated leaves give dizygotheca a lacy appearance and it will make a graceful addition to a tropical houseplant collection.

Note

With proper care, this plant will live for many years indoors.