Sonerila
Family. Melastomataceae.
Origin. India, China, Indonesia.
Description. Sonerila is an ornamental deciduous perennial evergreen plant with lodging, tetrahedral stems. The leaves are simple, lanceolate, up to 10 cm long, arranged oppositely, green, yellow or silver with various marks and specks; in some species the veins are highlighted in a contrasting color. The brightest color is found on young leaves. The lower part of the leaf blade is often colored burgundy. The flowers are small - about 1.5 cm in diameter, with 3 pink or lilac petals, quite attractive, collected in few-flowered umbrellas.
Height. Develops slowly. The creeping stems reach 30 cm in length.
Home care
Temperature conditions
Keep it warm all year round at a temperature of at least 18 ° C. Sonerila may die when the temperature drops to 15 ° C.
Lighting
A brightly lit location with plenty of reflected sunlight. In autumn and winter, when there is a lack of natural light, artificial lighting with fluorescent lamps is used.
Care
Sonerila requires high air humidity and can hardly be recommended for beginner indoor plant lovers.
Substrate
A mixture of peat, garden or heather soil and leaf humus, with the addition of sand to improve drainage.
Feeding
The bush is fed throughout the year, since this species does not have a pronounced dormant period. Feeding is carried out 2 times a month with water-soluble fertilizers. In autumn and winter, the frequency of feeding can be reduced to once a month.
Purpose
A very valuable small plant with brightly colored leaves. Looks great in a hanging basket.
Flowering time
Summer.
Air humidity
The flower does not tolerate dry air in heated rooms. Use a room humidifier or place the pot on a tray with wet pebbles. Spraying is not recommended, since the upper side of the leaf blade is often pubescent, which retains moisture. Sonerila does not like drafts.
Soil moisture
Water sparingly throughout the year. The top layer of soil should have time to dry between waterings. Be sure to drain excess moisture from the tray a few minutes after watering. For irrigation use softened bottled or rain water.
Transfer
Sonerila needs annual replanting in spring. For planting, you can choose shallow bowls, since the plant has a superficial root system.
Reproduction
Propagated by stem cuttings 5-8 cm long. The lower leaves are removed from the cuttings, and the bases are sprinkled with rooting powders. Young seedlings are kept at a temperature of at least 20 °C under a glass or transparent plastic cap.
Note
Sonerila can be kept for many years, but over time the plants will expose the lower part of the stems.
Pests and diseases
Powdery mildew. When exposed to direct sunlight, plants get burned. Among the harmful insects, whiteflies sometimes appear.
