Plectostachys

Family. Asteraceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Plectostachys is an attractive herbaceous perennial or low-growing shrub with profusely branching stems. Young shoots are green and have delicate pubescence; with age, the steles become woody. The leaves are round or elliptical, green or gray-green, up to 2 cm long. In variegated varieties, there is a white stripe along the edge of the leaf blade. The flowers appear at the tops of the shoots and are pink, yellow or red.

Height. 20 - 100 cm, depends on the specific type.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Can be kept at normal room temperature throughout the year. In dry soil, these plants tolerate short frosts. 

Lighting

A brightly lit place with shading during hot summer afternoons. When grown in partial shade, the foliage turns green.

Care

An easy-to-grow species, suitable for beginner gardeners. Overly long shoots can be trimmed to give the bush a compact shape. Regularly pinch the tips of young shoots so that the plant develops side branches.

Substrate

Select well-drained soil with a content of coarse river sand up to 30 - 50 percent. Tolerates nutrient-poor soils.

Feeding

From spring to fall, feed with water-soluble fertilizer every 2 weeks.

Purpose

Can be grown as an attractive ground cover or in hanging baskets.

Flowering time

Spring.

Air humidity

Plectostachys does not need spraying and tolerates dry air well.

Soil moisture

Water regularly during active growth, allowing the soil to dry out to a depth of about 3 cm between waterings. Mature specimens are drought-resistant.

Transfer

As it grows or if necessary, change the soil. Transplantation is carried out in the spring.

Reproduction

Apical cuttings in spring and summer. The lower leaves are removed from the cuttings and the bases are dusted with rooting powder. Seeds are sown in spring.

Pests and diseases

If there is a lack of light, the shoots stretch out and take on an untidy shape. If there is high humidity or insufficient drainage, the root system rots.

Note

With age, plectostachys may lose its attractiveness - such a plant is replaced with a new one.