Dodonaea

Family. Dodonaeoideae

Origin. Central America.

Description. Dodonaea is an evergreen shrub 1-3 m high or a small tree up to 5 m high. The shape of the leaves depends on the species - they can be obovate or lanceolate, up to 8 cm long, often sessile. The leaf blades are hard and leathery to the touch, young leaves are covered with a sticky coating. Some varieties have red-violet leaves. The veins are weakly expressed, the leaf blade has small teeth along the edge, slightly wavy. Flowers appear in apical inflorescences, can be male and female, buds are inconspicuous, not of particular interest. Dodoneya acquires real decorative value during fruiting - when yellow or orange, salmon, pink and even two-colored winged seeds appear on it.

Height. It develops quickly and reaches a height of 1-3 m.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

From spring to autumn, this plant is kept at normal room temperature; in winter, the minimum temperature should be 16 ° C. 

Lighting

Dodonaea loves well-lit places with direct rays of sun in the morning and evening hours. Species with burgundy-colored leaves need the sun even more - with a lack of lighting, the leaves turn green.

Care

It tolerates pruning well, which is best done after fruiting to form a compact, lush bush. Will welcome being outdoors in spring and summer. 

Substrate

Loose and well-drained, with peat, leaf mulch and coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage.

Feeding

During the growing season, the bush is fed with liquid fertilizers of half concentration twice a month.

Purpose

Dried branches with fruits are used as dried flowers. 

Flowering time

Blooms in late spring and summer.

Air humidity

Spray periodically.

Soil moisture

The plant is drought-resistant, but it will be better to water dodonaea regularly. Reduce the frequency of watering in winter.

Transfer

In spring, annually. 

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds, which it is advisable to pre-wash with boiling water. This method of propagation is suitable for patient gardeners; it will take several years to grow an adult bush. Germination of fresh seeds is good, germination occurs within 2-3 weeks. Cuttings are taken from branches that have not bloomed or borne fruit. It is advisable to cut the cuttings as close to the base of the bush as possible. The bases of the branches are treated with rooting preparations, and the lower branches are removed. Air layering.

Pests and diseases

Mealybugs and whiteflies sometimes appear as harmful insects.

Note

The wood of this plant is very hard and is used for building houses.