Chirita

Family. Gesneriaceae. 

Origin. Southeast Asia.

Description. Chirita is a large genus of perennial or annual, evergreen, herbaceous plants, distinguished not only by beautiful flowering, but also by a wide variety of leaf colors. The leaves are basal, large, oblong-oval or lanceolate, fleshy, covered with luxurious pubescence. The edges of the leaf blades often have large teeth. The shades of the leaves include both solid green and green with various veins and spots of white or pale yellow. Peduncles rise above the foliage and carry several tubular, drooping flowers at the top. The color of the buds includes white, yellow, lilac, blue, and there are also two-color varieties.

Height. 15 - 30 cm.

Care at home

Propagation 

It is very easily propagated using leaf cuttings rooted under a glass shelter in moist peat. The rooting process takes 1.5 - 2.5 months. With this method of propagation, plants bloom within 6 months. Seeds that are sown in spring in nutritious and loose soil. Seedlings are kept warm - at a temperature of 24 - 30 ° C. 

When it blooms 

Chirita blooms most abundantly in the warm season, but flowering often occurs several times a year or almost continuously throughout the year. In decorative-leaved species, flowers can be pinched so that the bushes do not waste energy on flowering.

Cultivation

Pinch off fading flowers to prolong the flowering period. Trim old and dry leaves at the base of the rosette.

Soil 

Loose, well-drained soil with sufficient organic matter in the form of peat and leaf humus. It would be a good idea to add a small amount of charcoal to the substrate. 

Transplantation 

Transplantation is carried out when it is necessary to change the soil, at any time of the year, in small pots, but try not to transplant flowering plants. When planting, place the bush at the same depth at which it was before transplantation. Chirita does not like too deep pots - plant in bowls. After planting, compact the soil around the plant to remove air pockets.

Temperature

In spring and summer, it is preferable to keep the flower at a temperature of 21 - 24 °C. In the winter months, a period of rest begins, but even at this time the temperature should not fall below 13 °C. The most suitable temperature in the winter months is considered to be about 18 °C. Protect the chirita from sudden changes in temperature.

Lighting

A well-lit place with plenty of reflected sunlight. Direct rays should not fall on the leaves, especially in spring and summer, during the daytime. Chirita can be successfully grown under artificial lighting with fluorescent lamps, this is especially important in the winter months. For flowering, it is important that the daylight hours are at least 14 hours.

Feeding

Feed with fertilizers at half concentration every 2 weeks while the chirita is developing and blooming. The plant likes both mineral and organic fertilizers. During the dormant period, stop feeding.

Spraying

The bush can be kept in a normal living space, but when the central heating is on, it is advisable to increase the air humidity. Use a room humidifier or a tray filled with wet pebbles. Spraying can leave unsightly white spots on the leaves and cause rotting of the pubescent leaves. Protect the flower from cold drafts.

Watering

Water only with water at room temperature, trying not to get it on the flowers and leaves. It is advisable to use bottom watering, immersing the pot with the plant in a large container of water for a few minutes. Be sure to drain excess moisture from the tray a few minutes after watering, but it is better to carry out limited watering, not completely flooding the soil lump. The frequency of watering will directly depend on the ambient temperature - usually the frequency of watering is reduced around mid-September and resumed with the beginning of new growth. Between waterings, dry the top layer of soil a little.

Pests and diseases

Insufficient drainage, cool conditions and overwatering will cause the plants to rot. Direct sunlight will leave brown spots on the leaves. Leaves will dry out and turn brown if there is insufficient air humidity. Powdery mildew. New shoots will become paler and smaller if there is a lack of nutrients in the soil. Watering with cold water will cause spots on the foliage. If the leaves and stems remain limp even after watering, this means that the plant has overheated in the sun and should be moved to a cooler, more ventilated area. Chirita will drop its buds if exposed to cold air.

Of the harmful insects, aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, scale insects, mealybugs and thrips are dangerous.

Purpose

A very spectacular decorative flowering and decorative foliage plant. You can collect an impressive collection of varieties in a small space. 

Hydroponics

Grows well in hydroponics. 

Varieties:

Chirita tamiana

A small flowering, miniature perennial with round, glossy, dark green leaves, collected in a basal rosette. The leaf blades and long, dark leaf petioles are covered with attractive pubescence. The peduncles are thin, vertical, pubescent, reaching a height of 8 - 10 cm, bearing in the upper part several tubular flowers with fused, rounded petals. The flowers are white with long purple stripes on the lower petals. 

Chirita sinensis

This variety can be safely classified as both decorative foliage and flowering plants. The height of the plant often does not exceed 15cm. The leaves, collected in a basal rosette, have characteristic silvery veins on a dark green, glossy surface. The leaf blades are oblong, with small teeth along the edge, reaching a length of 20 cm. The pubescent vertical peduncles can bear up to 12 attractive, tubular, lilac or pinkish flowers, which contrast perfectly with the leaves.

Chirita Diana Maria

A beautiful variety, distinguished by both attractive foliage and bright, delicate flowering. The leaves are dark green, with a light shade in the center of the leaf blades. The leaf blades are lanceolate, broadly serrated. The peduncles are thin, dark, pubescent, vertical, bearing tubular purple flowers with a yellow or orange throat at the tops.