Rivina

Family. Phytolaccaceae

Origin. America.

Description. The genus Rivina consists of 3 species of perennial herbaceous plants or shrubs with erect, often branched stems. Stems often become woody with age. The leaves are elliptical or ovate, up to 13 cm long, on long petioles, green, with well-defined veins, and emit an unpleasant odor when damaged. The edges of the leaf blades have small teeth. The flowers are small, white, greenish or pink, collected in apical inflorescences - brushes 10 - 20 cm long. Immediately after flowering, round red or yellow berries form from each bud, which give this bush a special charm.

Height. In its natural habitat, the height can exceed 1 m; in indoor culture, the height is regulated by pruning at a level of 30 - 60 cm; it grows quickly.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Rivina prefers to stay at normal room temperature all year round - about 18° C.

Lighting

A brightly lit place, shoots and leaves should receive direct sunlight in the morning and evening every day. Rivina is shaded from the scorching rays of the sun in the spring and summer daytime hours, and in the fall and winter you can provide the maximum possible lighting.

Care

The bush is unpretentious and does not require special care. After flowering, the stems are cut to the desired height. The tips of young shoots are regularly pinched.

Substrate

Adapts well to most soil types with neutral or alkaline pH. A moisture- and breathable soil with a high organic content and the addition of coarse river sand or perlite is required to improve drainage. 

Feeding

During the period of active growth, they are fed with liquid fertilizers 2 times a month in spring and summer, since plants do not have a pronounced dormant period - they are fed monthly in autumn and winter.

Purpose

The juice of the berries is used to dye fabrics. 

Flowering time

With proper care, rivina blooms almost all year round. 

Air humidity

The air humidity should be high. To increase the humidity, use a tray with water, covered with a grid, on which, in turn, the pot is placed. Make sure that the bottom of the pot does not come into contact with the water. You can surround the pot with a layer of wet sphagnum moss or use a room humidifier. In the morning, you can spray the leaf blades with settled water at room temperature.

Soil moisture

Water thoroughly during the growing season, keeping the soil evenly moist. In autumn, the frequency of watering can be slightly reduced in accordance with the temperature. Try to water so that moisture does not fall on the flowers of the plant.

Transfer

Replant in the spring, after flowering and fruiting. 

Reproduction

Rivina seeds are sown in spring. Stem cuttings. 

Pests and diseases

Rivina becomes unsightly and elongated with a lack of light, and there is no flowering. Leaves become smaller and turn yellow due to nutrient deficiency.

Among the pests, the flower can be annoyed by whiteflies, aphids, spider mites, thrips, and scale insects.

Note

All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the leaves - keep it away from children and pets.