Scirpus

Family. Cyperaceae.

Origin. Southern Europe and Northern Africa.

Description. Isolepis, scirpus or drooping reed is a very graceful herbaceous plant that forms dense clumps of bright green basal leaves. Young leaves grow vertically, but become drooping over time. The leaves are cylindrical, up to 25 cm long. During the flowering period, small white or cream flowers no larger than a pinhead appear at their tips.

Height. It grows quickly, reaches a height of 25 cm.

Home care

Containment temperature

Can be kept all year round at a normal room temperature of 18 - 27 °C. Does not tolerate frost. During the dormant period, the pot can be placed in a cooler room with a temperature of about 13 °C, but this is not necessary.

Reproduction

Often propagated by dividing adult specimens when replanting. Make sure that each division has at least 20 leaves. Seeds are sown in spring on the soil surface or covered in a very thin layer; pots with seedlings are placed in a warm place with a temperature of at least 21 ° C and covered with a transparent plastic cap or glass to maintain humidity.

Lighting

Grows well in partial shade and does not tolerate direct sunlight. Turn the pot periodically with different sides towards the light source - the plant will be symmetrical.

Transplantation

Adult scirpus are repotted every 2-3 years when the root system becomes constrained by the pot.

Care

A spectacular and extremely unpretentious species, suitable for growing by beginners.

Substrate

Adapts well to most types of soil and tolerates nutrient-poor soils.

Feeding

Feed monthly from spring to autumn with standard fertilizer at half strength. If the bush is kept warm all year round, feeding can be done in autumn and winter.

Purpose

An excellent plant for hanging baskets. 

Flowering time

It can bloom at any time of the year, but mainly from spring to autumn.

Air humidity

Scirpus needs high humidity - place the pot on a tray with wet pebbles or use a room humidifier. You can spray the leaves with water at room temperature.

Soil moisture

Do not allow the soil to dry out - always maintain even moisture. Water generously with soft water – until the substrate is completely soaked; you can leave excess water in the pan for a day. When keeping it cool in autumn and winter, reduce watering, but do not allow the earthen ball to dry out. 

Pests and diseases

The plant turns yellow if the water for irrigation contains too many minerals. The leaves turn yellow and dry out when there is a lack of moisture in the soil or air.

Red spider mites attack specimens kept in dry conditions. Aphids sometimes appear.

Note

All parts of the plant are poisonous, keep it away from children and pets. The plant sap may cause skin irritation; use protective gloves when handling it and wash your hands thoroughly.