Agonis

Family. Belongs to the Myrtaceae family.

Origin. Distributed in Southeast Asia and Australia.

Description.  Agonis in natural conditions are trees or tall shrubs up to 3 - 6 m in height. The leaves are simple, leathery, from oval-ovate to narrow-lanceolate, smooth, glabrous, alternate. Flowers in inflorescences, sometimes solitary, bisexual. There are many stamens. The fruit of Agonis is a drupe-like berry.

Height. Often reaches the size of a small tree.

Agonis - home care

Temperature conditions

During the period of growth and development, the agonis is quite content with the usual room temperature ranging from 18 to 24 ° C. In winter, the plant requires a period of rest, which should pass in the cool - at a temperature of about +10...+15 ° C.

Lighting

A light-loving plant, shading is necessary only during too hot daytime hours in summer and spring, when sun activity is too high. 

Care

Remove weak and diseased shoots in a timely manner and pinch out young branches so that the plant can branch better.

Substrate

Turf, deciduous, humus, peat, sand - 3:2:1:1:1:4. The soil should easily allow moisture and air to pass through and be nutritious.

Feeding

During the period of intensive growth, agonis are fed with mineral fertilizers with microelements.

Air humidity

Welcomes ventilation; in summer it is better to take it outside. Agonis needs spraying during hot periods and when indoor air humidity is low - for example, when the central heating is on.

Soil moisture

During the period of intensive growth, watering should be plentiful, in winter - limited; cannot tolerate stagnant water.

Purpose

A beautiful decorative indoor plant with abundant and long-lasting flowering. 

Flowering time

At the end of spring.

Transplant

In spring, the plant is transplanted into fresh soil. Young specimens are transplanted annually, large ones - once every 2-4 years.

Reproduction

In spring, seeds and cuttings (rooted using bottom heating) in water, sand, a mixture of sand and peat (1:1) or perlite.

Pests and diseases

Very rarely, only with the most serious errors in care. 

Note

Essential oils from this plant are used as an antimicrobial and expectorant. It is believed that agonis purifies the air in the room where it is contained from harmful impurities. 

Types of agonis:

Agonis curved

It is distinguished by the presence of medium-sized leaves (5 - 7 cm long) with pronounced asymmetry relative to the main vein (unequal-sided). 

Agonis linear-leaf

The plant is distinguished by larger (7 - 12 cm long) linear leaves, somewhat asymmetrical relative to the main vein.

Agonis Lehman

A feature of this type of agonis is the symmetrical shape of the leaves, their length ranging from 5 - 7 to 9 cm.