Metrosideros

Family. Myrtaceae.

Origin. Australia, New Zealand.

Description. Metrosideros is a very variable species, mainly consisting of very dense spreading shrubs or large branched trees up to 30 m high. The trunk and branches often have aerial roots. The leaves are simple, 5 - 10 cm long, oblong-oval or ovate, glossy, bright green, arranged oppositely. The lower part of the leaf blade has slight pubescence and is painted in a lighter tone than the upper; young leaves often have a burgundy tint. The flowers appear in abundance at the tops of the shoots and resemble puffs, have no petals, but attract attention with the help of very numerous long stamens of red, orange, white or yellow.

Height. In its natural environment it reaches 30 m in height. In indoor culture it rarely exceeds 3 meters, although it grows quickly and is regulated by pruning.

Home care

Temperature conditions

During the growing season the tree will enjoy warmth and even the summer heat, but during the dormant period, which occurs during the winter months, it is better to imagine a cool room with a temperature of about 12 - 14 °C. Do not expose to temperatures below 5 °C.

Reproduction

Propagated by stem cuttings about 10 cm long. Rooting is carried out mainly in the warm season, but can also be done in winter. Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings and dip the base of the stems in rooting powder. After planting, cover the cuttings with glass or a transparent plastic cap to maintain uniform humidity. Rooting takes a long time, but growing from seeds takes even longer. Specimens grown from seeds will bloom for the first time only after 3-4, or even 10 years.

Lighting

It is advisable to place the tree so that it receives 3-4 hours of direct sunlight daily in the morning and evening hours. In summer days, when solar activity is too high, metrosideros is shaded. In autumn and winter, it is placed in the most illuminated place. Lighting directly affects the abundance of flowering.

Flowering time

Late spring - summer; flowers may appear periodically at any other time of the year. 

Care

Not a very demanding plant, it will appreciate being outdoors in the warm season. Remove fading flowers in a timely manner to prolong the flowering period and prune old and weak branches. Trim long shoots after flowering to create a compact, neat shape. 

Transplant

Young seedlings are replanted annually, in the spring, before flowering, into a larger pot. Large tub plants are difficult to replant, so their 5-7 cm soil layer is replaced with fresh soil every year. When replanting, try to disturb the plant's root system as little as possible - use transshipment. Do not deepen the root system under any circumstances - plant metrosideros at the same depth at which it was in the previous pot. Choose a plastic container for planting - the tree does not like ceramics very much.

Substrate

Nutritious, loose soil that should have good drainage with a slightly acidic pH. To improve drainage, add 20% sand to the soil.

Feeding

Metrosideros are fed with liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growth period. In autumn, feeding is stopped until spring.  It is worth remembering that plants overfed with nitrogen abundantly increase green mass to the detriment of flowering. 

Purpose

The bush is ideal for growing in large spaces - winter gardens, halls and offices; it can also be grown in bonsai style.

Air humidity

If the temperature is above 23°C, mist the leaves of the plant with soft, room-temperature water, being careful not to let the drops fall on the leaves and buds. Place the pot on a slatted tray filled with water, making sure the bottom of the pot does not come into direct contact with the moisture. If growing indoors, place the bush in a ventilated room with good air circulation.

Watering

During the growing season, watering should be regular and plentiful. The earthen ball should be completely saturated with moisture. The top layer of soil is slightly dried between waterings. In autumn, the frequency of watering is reduced in accordance with the temperature. The plant will appreciate bottom watering in the warm season. For irrigation, it is advisable to use softened bottled or rain water. Metrosideros cannot tolerate drying out the earthen coma. 

Pests and diseases

When watered with too cold water or during prolonged drought, the plant sheds its buds. With insufficient light, it blooms less abundantly or does not bloom at all. The leaves turn yellow when moisture stagnates at the roots - the bush rots.

Pests rarely attack, with the exception of aphids, spider mites, scale insects, thrips and mealybugs.

Note

Metrosideros is able to purify indoor air from harmful impurities. Sometimes, after purchasing, it is easier to root a cutting taken from a plant than to produce an adult specimen.