Phyllanthus

Family. Euphorbiaceae.

Origin. Tropical and subtropical regions of Asia.

Description. Phyllanthus are tender shrubs or small trees, including both deciduous and evergreen species. At first glance, the plant has complex leaves consisting of green, oblong-oval segments, but in fact these are phyllocladies - modified stems. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, white or pink, collected in drooping inflorescences on the underside of the phyllocladia. The flowering of some species is extremely unusual - buds appear right along the edges of flat segments - leaves.

Height. Up to 1 m. in room culture.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Phyllanthus prefers year-round warm conditions at a temperature of at least 15 ° C.

Lighting

The bush does not tolerate direct sunlight, so grow it in the shade. Only in autumn and winter can the sun's rays reach the leaves in the morning and evening.

Care

The flower is very demanding of warmth and high humidity. Pinch the tops of young shoots to stimulate the appearance of lateral branches.

Substrate

Nutritious soil, rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic pH, well-drained and loose, consisting of peat, leaf humus and sand. 

Feeding

During the growth period, feed the plants 2 times a month.

Purpose

A very attractive ornamental foliage species.

Flowering time

Spring.

Air humidity

Humidity should be high - place the pot on a tray of water covered with a grid. Make sure the bottom of the pot does not come into direct contact with the water. Surround the pot with a layer of damp peat moss or use a room humidifier.

Soil moisture

In the summer, watering should be regular, but moisture should not stagnate in the pan after watering. In winter, the frequency of watering is significantly reduced, drying the soil to a depth of about 5–7 cm between waterings. 

Transfer

Replant in spring, only if necessary in fresh soil. The volume of the pot is changed when the roots of the plant protrude from the drainage holes. 

Reproduction

Propagated by stem cuttings about 10 cm long using growth hormones. The cuttings are covered with glass or transparent plastic to maintain uniform humidity. Rooting occurs within 3-4 weeks. Seeds.

Pests and diseases

Bushes lose leaves when the soil becomes too dry. Fungal diseases appear when there is not enough air movement in the room.

Plants can be attacked by pests such as mealybugs.