Callisia fragrans

Family. Commelinaceae.

Origin. USA, Mexico.

Description. Callisia fragrans does not look as attractive as decorative callisia species, but it is a valuable medicinal plant and is able to purify indoor air from harmful substances. It is a creeping herbaceous, evergreen perennial with oblong-elliptical, pointed leaves up to 25 cm long and up to 5 cm wide. Drooping stems grow up to 90 cm in length. The leaves are glossy green, in good light they acquire a reddish-purple hue. The flowers are white, fragrant, with three oblong petals, short-lived.

Height. This species grows quickly and can reach a height of 20 cm. The drooping stems of the plant grow 90 cm.

Home care

Growing 

Regularly pinch out the tips of young shoots to maintain the plant's compact shape. If pruning is not carried out, the plant will look untidy. 

Diseases and pests

The tips of the leaves turn brown and dry out when there is insufficient air humidity. Rotting due to waterlogging and stagnation of water, especially in the autumn-winter period.

The most common pests are aphids, spider mites, and thrips.

How to transplant 

Fragrant callisias are transplanted every year in spring into larger pots.

Reproduction

Callisia is a close relative of Tradescantia and is also propagated by cuttings taken in the spring. Cut cuttings 5 ​​- 10 cm long and remove the lower leaves from them. Root in a damp mixture of peat and sand or in a simple glass of water. For rooting, you can use powdered growth hormones. Cover young plants with a clear plastic cover or glass to maintain humidity and place in a warm location in partial shade. Rooting takes 2 - 3 weeks. 

Land for cultivation 

Well-drained and nutritious soil based on peat with the addition of coarse sand and perlite. 

When it blooms 

The flowers are usually inconspicuous and appear in the summer.

Watering

Water abundantly, however, the top layer of soil should be slightly dried before the next watering. Always remove excess water from the tray. During the dormant period, the frequency of watering is reduced.

Containment temperature

Moderately warm content. The ideal temperature is around 18 °C. When kept in warmer conditions, it is necessary to increase the frequency of watering and air humidity. In winter, when the plant is resting, it should be placed in a cooler place with a temperature of 10 - 15 ° C.

Feeding 

Every two weeks during the period of active growth, feed with standard liquid fertilizers. During the dormant period, feeding is stopped.

Lighting

Well-lit location without direct sunlight during the day. The sun can hit the plant only in the morning and evening hours. In partial shade, the leaves lose their attractive color.

Spraying 

It is worth remembering that the higher the temperature, the higher the air humidity should be. Place the plant pot on a tray of damp gravel, use a room humidifier, or regularly mist the foliage with soft water at room temperature. 

Purpose

It is well suited for growing in hanging baskets, with its long stems hanging over the edge of the pot.

Note

With age, callisia stems often become bare at the bottom and this plant is replaced with a new one. This plant is often called indoor ginseng and is believed to help cure 100 diseases. Plants have antioxidant and antiallergic properties and are used to treat inflammatory diseases, arthritis and arthrosis, bronchial asthma, and cardiovascular diseases.