Lagunaria

Family. Malvaceae.

Origin. Australia.

Description. Lagunaria is an evergreen tree that in its natural environment reaches 10 - 20 m in height. The leaves are oval, leathery, up to 10 cm long, olive green in color. The lower part of the leaf blade is painted in a lighter, grayish shade. Young leaves have delicate pubescence. The flowers resemble hibiscus, up to 5 cm in diameter, pink, but fade over time and become white. 

Height. Up to 10 - 20 m, but young specimens are left in culture and their height is regulated by pruning.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

The usual room temperature is about 20° C. The plant prefers a difference between night and day temperatures within 7 - 10° C. In winter, a cool dormant period with a temperature not exceeding 10° C is required.

Lighting

Well-lit location without direct sunlight.

Care

Any pruning to limit growth or change the shape of the tree is best done after flowering.

Substrate

Loose, nutritious, permeable to moisture and air.

Feeding

During the period of active growth, feed with liquid fertilizers every 2 weeks. During the dormant period, feeding is stopped.

Flowering time

From June to September, the flowering period is long.

Air humidity

Lagunaria prefers to be in a ventilated room with constant air movement. If the air in the room becomes too dry, the shoots and leaves will need spraying or a tray with wet pebbles.

Soil moisture

During the growing season, watering should be plentiful - until the earthen ball is completely soaked, but the soil should dry out before the next watering. In winter, the frequency of watering is reduced.

Transplant

Repotting is carried out as needed to change the substrate or when the plant becomes cramped in the pot. For large tub specimens, simply replace the top layer of soil with fresh soil. Repotting should be done in early spring before new growth begins.

Reproduction

Propagated by cuttings or seeds, relatively easily. 

Note

Lagunaria seeds are poisonous. Contact with plants may cause an allergic reaction - use protective gloves when working with lagunaria.

Pests and diseases

If overwatered, root rot may occur.

Spider mites when the air near the plant is too dry.