Kadsura

Family. Magnoliaceae.

Origin. Japan.

Description. Kadsura is a large evergreen or deciduous shrub with numerous erect stems. Glossy, dark green foliage turns red or purple in fall; The plant is dioecious, that is, there are male and female specimens. The leaves are oblong-elliptical or conversely ovate. The edges of the leaf blades sometimes have large teeth. It blooms with small, fragrant, white, yellow, pink or greenish flowers that appear in the axils of the leaves. The fruits appear only with cross-pollination, red, spherical, collected in round clusters. There are beautiful variegated variations with white, light green or cream stripes and spots of various shapes on the leaf blades.

Height. In the natural environment it reaches 3-4 meters in height. In indoor conditions the dimensions can be adjusted by pruning.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, normal room temperature is suitable. During the winter dormant period, place the plant in a cool room with a temperature of about 12 ° C.

Lighting

Kadsura does not like direct sunlight and grows well in partial shade. 

Care

Pinch out young shoots to create a denser, branching plant. Provide long stems with support in the form of a trellis.

Substrate

Prefers well-drained soils with acidic and neutral pH, nutritious soil with sufficient organic matter.

Feeding

During the period of active growth, feed 2 times a month. In winter, fertilizing should not be done. 

Purpose

Sometimes grown as a hanging plant.

Flowering time

Flowers appear in midsummer

Air humidity

Kadsura needs high humidity - periodically spray the leaves with warm water or place the plant on a tray with wet pebbles.

Soil moisture

Water generously until the earthen ball is completely soaked in spring and summer. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. In winter, when keeping it cool, reduce watering to a minimum - just so that the earthen ball does not dry out. The frequency of watering directly depends on the temperature of the content. 

Transfer

Young plants are replanted annually in spring. Adult specimens are replanted every 2-3 years; for large specimens, it is sufficient to replace the top layer of soil with fresh soil every year.

Reproduction

Seeds that are sown immediately after ripening, in the fall. Stem cuttings 5 ​​- 8 cm long, in spring and summer. Rooting occurs without any particular difficulties.

Note

Despite its rapid growth, kazura can live in indoor conditions for up to 20 years with good care.