Semele

Family. Asparagaceae.

Origin. Canary Islands.

Description. The Semele genus consists of only 1 species - an evergreen large vine. Stems are branching, climbing. Upon closer examination, the leaves are phyllocladies - simplified shoots. Phyllocladia are green, glossy, lanceolate, arranged alternately, on short petioles. The flowers are inconspicuous, cream or pale yellow. The arrangement of the flowers is extremely unusual - they are located at the edges of the phyllocladies. After flowering, round red-orange fruits appear - berries. 

Height. The stems reach a length of 20 m.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

The optimal range is considered to be 18 - 24 ° C throughout the year. 

Lighting

Bright, with light shading on hot summer days.

Care

A relatively unpretentious, drought-resistant species. The most common mistake in care is excessive watering, especially in winter. From time to time, wipe the leaves from dust with a damp sponge. For better branching, pinch the tips of young shoots. Too long branches can be cut to the desired height. Weak and diseased shoots should be removed during pruning.

Substrate

Well-drained, rich in organic matter, a mixture of peat with leaf humus and coarse sand, pH 5.5 - 6.5.

Feeding

Fertilize monthly in spring and summer at half strength. Young seedlings need phosphorus-containing fertilizers. The bush will appreciate organic feeding.

Purpose

A large, beautiful indoor plant that is suitable for vertical gardening.

Flowering time

Semele rarely blooms in indoor culture - only with good care. Buds are formed in spring.

Air humidity

Tolerates dry air of heated rooms well.

Soil moisture

Water in such a way that the top layer of soil dries out a little before the next watering. In winter, water rarely, only to prevent the soil from drying out completely. During the growing season, water every 7 to 14 days. 

Transfer

Large specimens are difficult to replant, so their top layer of soil is replaced annually with fresh one.

Reproduction

By seeds, division during transplantation or cuttings. 

Pests and diseases

When overwatered, as well as during drought, the tips of the leaves turn brown. Such leaves can be removed.  Spraying the leaves will help prevent spider mite infestations. Scale insects, mealybugs.