Siderasis
Family. Commelinaceae.
Origin. Brazil.
Description. Siderasis is a low perennial herbaceous plant. The leaves are large, lanceolate, 15 - 20 cm long, glossy, dark green, forming a basal rosette. The central vein is often expressed in a white tint. The underside of the leaf blade is painted pink, burgundy or purple, the upper side has a delicate pinkish fluff. Occasionally, in the warm season, small purple flowers with a diameter of up to 2.5 cm appear, but the main value of the plant is in the leaves.
Height. Up to 20 cm.
Care at home
Temperature conditions
The ideal temperature range is 21 - 24 ° C. Siderasis can be kept all year round at room temperature, avoiding sudden changes.
Lighting
The bush prefers a brightly lit place without direct sunlight. Can be grown in partial shade.
Care
The plant is not the easiest to grow; it requires high air humidity and warm conditions.
Substrate
Nutritious soil based on peat, leaf humus and garden soil. Coarse sand is added to improve drainage.
Feeding
Feed monthly with complex water-soluble fertilizers from spring to autumn. Reacts well to organic fertilizers.
Purpose
A rare decorative foliage species that is more suitable for cultivation by professional gardeners.
Flowering time
Siderasis rarely blooms in indoor culture.
Air humidity
High humidity is essential for this plant. Place the pot on a tray of damp pebbles to increase humidity, or use a room humidifier. Make sure the bottom of the pot is above the water level in the tray. Good air movement allows stagnant water to evaporate faster, but do not expose the plant to cold drafts. Misting is not recommended.
Soil moisture
Water sparingly - the soil surface should dry out before each subsequent watering. It is better to avoid getting moisture on the pubescent leaves and use bottom watering.
Transplanting
Repot young specimens every year in spring into larger pots. Mature siderasis need to be repotted every 2-3 years. The root system does not like to be disturbed - repot only when necessary.
Reproduction
Dividing large plants when transplanting.
Pests and diseases
When moisture gets on the leaves, spots appear, plants rot if there is excess moisture. Leaf spotting. The foliage dries out and falls off when there is insufficient air humidity.
The main flower pests are mealybugs, aphids, and nematodes.