Palisota

Family. Commelinaceae.

Origin. Central Africa.

Description. The genus Palisota unites 25 species of perennial herbaceous plants. The leaves are large - up to 40 cm in length, broadly lanceolate, glossy, dark green, gracefully curved, collected in a basal rosette. Some species develop a short stem over time. The edges of the leaf blades are slightly corrugated. There are variegated variations, the leaves of which are distinguished by a longitudinal white stripe in the center. Many species have attractive pubescence on the leaves. During the flowering period, a low leafless peduncle appears in the center of the rosette, bearing a dense inflorescence at the top - a panicle consisting of many small white or lilac flowers with 3 petals that bloom alternately - from the bottom up. After flowering, the plant produces round berries, which become bright red when ripe.

Height. In indoor culture it is about 40 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Regular room temperature all year round. Do not expose the plant to temperatures below 15°C.

Lighting

A well-lit place with reflected sunlight. Palisota does not like direct sun. 

Care

Provide the bushes with high humidity and warm conditions.

Substrate

Loose, nutritious soil with good drainage should contain some organic matter in the form of leaf humus and peat. 

Feeding

Feed every 2 weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer.

Flowering time

Summer. 

Air humidity

High. To increase humidity, surround the plant pot with a layer of damp sphagnum moss or place the pot on a tray with damp pebbles, and use a room humidifier. 

Soil moisture

Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy during the growing season. Reduce the frequency of watering in the fall, drying out the top layer of soil before each subsequent watering. 

Transplant

In the spring, every 2 - 3 years, replant the palisota into fresh soil.

Reproduction

By dividing large plants during transplantation or cuttings. Each division should have its own leaves and well-formed roots. Leaf cuttings can be rooted directly in a glass of water. Seeds are sown in spring in moist, loose and nutritious soil. Daughter rosettes that sometimes form near the parent plant.