Pratia

Family. Campanulaceae.

Origin. Australia, New Zealand.

Description. Pratia is a miniature flowering perennial evergreen plant. With age, it forms a dense herbaceous mat. The stems are creeping and thin. The leaves are green, elliptical or rounded, the leaf blade sometimes has small teeth along the edge. The flowers are star-shaped, white, blue or light blue, blooming abundantly. After flowering, round fruits are formed, 1 cm in diameter.

Height. It grows quickly, does not exceed 10 cm in height, stems can reach a length of 60 cm. 

Planting and care

Temperature conditions

It prefers fairly cool conditions at a temperature of 16 - 20 ° C. In the winter months it is better to provide a cool rest period at a temperature of about 5 ° C. At lower temperatures the plant may shed its leaves.

Lighting

Prefers a well-lit place, without direct sunlight. Can be grown in partial shade.

Care

An extremely unpretentious species, capable of adapting to a variety of conditions. Does not require much time for care. Regularly pinch the tips of young shoots so that the bush turns out thick and branchy. If necessary, trim too long stems to the desired length after flowering.

Substrate

Nutrient-rich soil with good drainage and a high content of organic matter in the form of peat and leaf humus.

Feeding

Feed monthly during active growth, loves organic feeding.

Purpose

Pratia can be used as a pleasant ground cover or as a hanging plant. Its stems will effectively hang over the edge of the pot. Suitable for landscaping balconies, loggias and terraces. Looks perfect in rock gardens.

Flowering time

From May to August, very long.

Air humidity

Tolerates dry air of heated rooms well. If the air has become too dry and you start spraying the plant, provide it with a place where it will receive sufficient air movement and the moisture will quickly evaporate from the leaves. 

Soil moisture

The bushes do not tolerate drought, it is necessary to maintain the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged during the growth period. In autumn, the frequency of watering is reduced, and in the winter months, if the flower is kept in a cool place, simply do not allow the soil lump to dry out.

Transfer

Pratia is replanted every 2 - 3 years, in the spring, with the beginning of growth, but before flowering. 

Reproduction

Propagated by dividing large specimens when transplanting. Seeds that are scattered on the soil surface in spring. Seeds do not need to be covered - they need light for germination, which occurs within 1-2 weeks. Stem cuttings are rooted under glass to maintain uniform humidity.

Pests and diseases

Excess moisture in the soil and air leads to putrefactive manifestations. Of the harmful insects, the flower can be annoyed by mealybugs and aphids. 

Note

All parts of the plant are poisonous.