Syzygium

Family. Myrtaceae.  

Origin. Malaysia, India.

Description. Syzygium is a very extensive genus, consisting of about 2000 species. It is a perennial evergreen low tree or multi-stemmed shrub. The leaves are glossy, oblong-lanceolate, opposite, 5-8 cm long, and when damaged they emit a not entirely pleasant odor. In some varieties, young leaves have a bronze or burgundy tint. The flowers are small, cream or pink, with very long and numerous stamens, collected in few-flowered inflorescences. After flowering, rounded fruits are formed - berries; when ripe they acquire a dark purple hue.

Height. It grows quite quickly, reaching 5 m in nature.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Normal room temperature at home is suitable for warm months. In winter, provide a cool rest period at lower temperatures - about 15 °C. Do not expose the plant to temperatures below 10 °C.

Lighting

Syzygium requires the maximum possible lighting in autumn and winter. In summer, arrange shading on hot days. Additional lighting with fluorescent lamps is possible in winter and autumn. 

Care

Trim stems that are too long in spring to encourage branching and maintain a nice, compact shape. It tolerates pruning well. Does not like sudden changes in living conditions - acclimatize gradually over 1 - 2 weeks. Pinch out young shoots often. 

Substrate

Any loose and nutritious soil with good drainage and slightly acidic pH.

Feeding

Liquid fertilizers every two weeks during the period of active growth, about once a month in winter. 

Purpose

Syzygium needs warm, sunny and humid conditions in summer and cooler conditions in winter. This species is sometimes grown as an indoor bonsai.

Flowering time

Blooms in late spring, at the age of 5 - 7 years, but only with very good care. 

Air humidity

This shrub needs high humidity. Place the pot on a tray filled with wet pebbles, or use a room humidifier. Mist the leaves.

Soil moisture

Water generously with soft water, but do not allow moisture to stagnate in the pan. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. 

Transfer

Young specimens up to 1 year old develop slowly. Adult specimens are replanted in spring, once a year. For large tub trees, the top layer of soil is changed annually.

Reproduction

Often propagated by freshly collected seeds, germination occurs quickly - within 2 weeks after sowing. Stem cuttings are rooted using growth hormones. Grafting.

Pests and diseases

Leaf spotting, rotting due to excessive moisture. Among the harmful insects, the flower can be attacked by mealybugs, scale insects, aphids, and whiteflies. 

Note

Can live in indoor culture for many years. The fruits of some types of syzygium are edible.