Homalocladium

Family. Polygonaceae.

Origin. Solomon islands.

Description. Homalocladium is an evergreen multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with flattened green stems 1 - 1.5 cm wide, which have articulations, and arrow-shaped dark green leaves 2.5 - 5 cm long, arranged alternately. With age, the stems become rounded at the base. The flowers are tiny, short-lived, pink or white, greenish-white, and produce red fruits after flowering.

Height. 60 - 120 cm depending on the type. If there is support, it can reach 2.5 m.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer at normal room temperature. In winter, at temperatures from 6 to 16 ° C. Tolerates short-term light frosts.

Lighting

Well-lit location without direct sunlight.

Care

Remove withered leaves and flowers in a timely manner. 

Substrate

Moist but well-drained, fertile, rich in humus, pH 5.5 - 6.

Feeding

2 times a month during the period of active growth with liquid fertilizers with a low nitrogen content. 

Flowering time

Blooms from early to late spring.

Air humidity

Good air circulation around the plant is necessary to avoid the occurrence of fungal diseases. Homalocladium does not like water getting on its leaves and stems. 

Soil moisture

Try to water from below - through the tray. Be sure to drain excess water. Water moderately in the warm season, in winter try not to let the soil dry out. Adult specimens are surprisingly resistant to drought.

Transplant

As it grows and develops or if necessary, change the soil in the spring. 

Reproduction

Seeds are sown in spring at a temperature of about 20 ° C, it is advisable to use bottom heating. By cuttings.

Pests and diseases

Powdery mildew.

Among the harmful insects, mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects are sometimes found.