English (United Kingdom) 
Russian (Russia) Clusia
Family. Clusiaceae.
Origin. Florida, Caribbean.
Description. A large genus of trees and shrubs, containing about 300-400 species, some of which are grown as houseplants. Clusia is a semi-epiphytic species, growing on another tree when young and then sending out roots that go into the ground. The leaves are hard, leathery, dark green or olive green, 5-20 cm long, collected in whorls, rounded, resembling a spoon. The autumn flowers are attractive, pink or white, cream, greenish, often two-colored - with a dark center and light edges, up to 8 cm in diameter, with rounded petals.
After flowering, small, green, spherical fruits with a diameter of 5 - 8 mm are formed, which become black when ripe and burst. Plants are dioecious - male and female flowers develop on separate specimens. Variegated varieties have cream stripes and spots on the leaves.
Height. In nature it is a tree reaching a height of 10 m. In indoor culture the maximum height is 150 cm, it develops slowly.
Home care
Flowering time
During the summer, in indoor conditions, it blooms only with good care, quite rarely.
Reproduction
They are quite easily propagated by seeds or cuttings, about 10 cm long. The lower leaves are removed from the cuttings and the base is immersed in rooting powder, then placed in a mixture of damp peat and sand. Seedlings are covered with a transparent plastic cap or glass to maintain uniform humidity.
Growing
A hardy flower that does not require much time and effort to care for. Long stems are cut back annually in early spring to maintain a beautiful compact shape. Clusia does not like strong pruning - it is better to prune often, but little by little.
Soil
Sandy, well-drained soil.
Transplanting a home flower
Young clusias are replanted annually in the spring, adult plants need replanting every 2 - 3 years. For large tub plants, the top layer of soil is replaced annually with fresh one.
Watering
Young bushes require regular watering; over time, clusia tolerates short-term drought better and better. The soil should dry out between waterings.
Containment temperature
It prefers tropical heat, enjoying temperatures of around 25 °C in summer. At home, it should be kept warm all year round. Do not expose the plant to temperatures less than 13 ° C.
Lighting
Can grow both in partial shade and in the sun. In winter, place it in the brightest place. With good lighting, the bushes look stronger and stockier.
Fertilizer
During the growth period, feed with liquid fertilizers at half the dosage. Do not feed the plant in winter. For the formation of buds, use fertilizers with a high content of phosphorus and potassium.
Spraying
To increase humidity, use a tray with wet pebbles or spray the leaves of the plant in the morning with soft water at room temperature.
Pests and diseases
If there is excess moisture, the roots of the plant rot.
Sometimes clusias are attacked by spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids.
Purpose
Can be grown as bonsai, miniature varieties with lodging stems are used as ground cover plants.
Note
All parts of clusia are toxic. The plant is used in medicine as it has antiseptic properties.
Hydroponics
Young seedlings can be grown hydroponically.
