Grevillea

Family. Proteaceae.

Origin. Australia.

Description. An evergreen tree with large, alternate, often pubescent leaves up to 40 cm long, similar to fronds of ferns, consisting of numerous leaflets. Leaf shades range from light to dark green, sometimes with a bluish tint. The flowers are white, red, yellow or orange, appearing at the tops of branches, in racemes. Large, straight or slightly curved in different directions pistils make the grevillea buds look like fluffy brushes.

Height. Under natural conditions it can reach a height of 30 m. In culture, when grown as a houseplant, the height is 45 - 180 cm and is well regulated by pruning.

Home care

Reproduction

They can reproduce by seeds, but this operation is quite complicated and can be done mainly by specialists. Semi-ripe cuttings 5 ​​- 10 cm long in summer. Plant them in loose, moist soil and keep them warm at a temperature of at least 18 ° C, preferably with bottom heating.

Temperature of the flower content

Grows faster if it receives enough heat and moisture. The optimal temperature range is 18 - 21 ° C. 

Soil

Neutral or slightly acidic soil with the addition of peat and river sand, with a low phosphate content.

How to care 

After flowering, prune the plant. In the warm season, the tree can be taken outside and placed in a place where it will be protected from wind and direct sun. Grevillea prefers to bloom in rather cramped pots. Sometimes during the dormant period it sheds its leaves.

Lighting

In summer, shade the plant from direct sunlight; in winter, place the plant in a brightly lit place where it will receive maximum light.

Feeding

Feed regularly during the period of active growth every two weeks, from April to autumn, the tree loves organic matter.

Flowering time

Summer. Not all types of grevillea bloom in cultivation. 

Air humidity

It is necessary to ensure good air movement around the plant. Air humidity depends on the temperature of the content and should  increase when grown in warm conditions. 

Place the pot on a tray of damp pebbles or use a room humidifier.

Soil moisture

Water deeply in summer, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During the dormant period, reduce watering so much that the earthen ball does not dry out. For irrigation, use rain or softened water at room temperature.  

Transfer

Replant in early spring - in March. Since the bush develops quite quickly, it needs a larger pot. Do not replant grevilleas in autumn and winter. In adult specimens of impressive size, it is enough to replace the top layer of soil with fresh soil.

Pests and diseases

The foliage turns yellow when the soil lacks moisture. Submerge the pot in water for a few minutes, then drain the excess moisture. The tree develops more slowly if it is kept too cool and insufficiently lit.

Insect pests include whiteflies, aphids, and spider mites. 

Note

The flower can live indoors for a very long time with proper care. Adult specimens sometimes lose their decorative appearance.

Hydroponics

Grows well in hydroponics. 

Varieties:

Grevillea robusta

In its natural habitat it is a tall, fast-growing, evergreen tree up to 40 m with an elongated crown. The plant has very attractive, complex, dissected leaves. The surface of the leaf blades is glossy, green, the underside is often painted in a lighter shade. During the flowering period, the plant abundantly forms oblong inflorescences with many petalless flowers with long, orange-red stamens.

An interesting feature of the plant is that it loses some of its leaves before flowering. 

Grevillea lanigera

Extremely spectacular and at the same time compact shrubs with a thick, spreading crown formed by abundantly branched, long shoots. The leaves are narrow, linear, reminiscent of needles, reaching a length of 1 - 3 cm, colored green or bluish-green, densely covering the stems. During the flowering period, the plant decorates itself with small apical inflorescences consisting of red, pink or crimson flowers. 

Grevillea banksii

A tall, spreading flowering shrub or a low, evergreen tree up to 7 m with thin, graceful branches. The leaves are complex - made up of many linear, green segments. In spring and summer, cylindrical inflorescences with many pink, red, and less often white or cream flowers with long, curved and fluffy stamens appear at the tops of the shoots. 

Grevillea rosmarinifolia

Small evergreen shrubs with a rounded, lush crown up to 2 m high. Dark green or bluish green, needle-shaped, pine-like leaves have a glossy surface and abundantly cover the plant stems, reaching a length of 1 - 4 cm. Bright pink or cream flowers appear on the plant in spring or summer in small apical inflorescences.

Grevillea juniperina

A spectacular shrub with thin, long, horizontal branches. The leaves are light green, glossy, needle-shaped. This variety has very varied flower colors - they can be white, cream, yellow, orange, pink or red.