Strongylodon

Family. Legumes.

Origin. Asia, Philippines.

Description. Strongylodon is a perennial, large, evergreen vine. The genus consists of approximately 20 plant species. The stems are thin and long, becoming woody at the base with age. The leaves are compound, consisting of 3 heart-shaped or elliptical segments, each 12 - 20 cm long. Young leaves have a dark bronze hue, over time they lighten and become green. Inflorescences - hanging racemes reach a length of 1 m and consist of flowers of an unusual shade of sea green. Each flower is up to 6 cm in diameter. There are varieties with bright orange and pink flowers. After flowering, strongylodon forms oblong pods, typical for legumes, up to 15 cm long, each of which contains up to 12 seeds - peas.

Height. It grows quickly, its stems reach 18 m in length. The height of the plant can be adjusted by pruning.

Home care

Temperature conditions

These plants do not have a pronounced dormant period in winter and can be kept at room temperature throughout the year. The minimum permissible temperature in the winter months is 15 ° C.

Lighting

The liana will happily bathe in the rays of the morning and evening sun, but it should be shaded during the daytime in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, the leaves should receive maximum light.

Care

Long stems require support, which they quickly intertwine. The liana can be trimmed to give it a neat shape. Young shoots are pinched to increase bushiness.

Substrate

A mixture of equal parts of peat and garden soil with the addition of well-rotted manure and leaf humus is suitable. To improve drainage, coarse river sand is added to the mixture. Strongylodon adapts well to most soil types. 

Feeding

During the growth period, strongylodon must be provided with a sufficient amount of nutrients. Plants are fed every 2 weeks with water-soluble fertilizers from spring to autumn; during the rest of the year, feeding can be done monthly.

Purpose

A large species that is suitable for vertical landscaping of spacious and bright rooms.

Flowering time

Spring. 

Air humidity

Modern varieties are adapted to being kept indoors and can tolerate fairly low air humidity, but it is better to spray the plants with water at room temperature or use a humidifier. 

Soil moisture

Water thoroughly until the soil is completely soaked. In spring and summer, keep the soil evenly moist, but not swampy. In autumn and winter, the frequency of watering is slightly reduced, as growth slows down. 

Transfer

Young strongylodons are replanted as they grow. Sometimes even 2 replantings are required per season. For large tub specimens, the top layer of substrate is replaced with fresh one every year.

Reproduction 

Propagated by freshly collected seeds or vegetatively using stem cuttings. The cuttings are cut with a sharp sterile pruning shears, the bases are dusted with rooting powder and placed in a damp mixture of peat and sand. Rooting occurs within 1.5 months. 

Pests and diseases

When the substrate becomes too dry, plants slow down.

Among the pests, strongylodon can be attacked by spider mites, mealybugs and aphids.