Rhaphiolepis

Family. Rosaceae.

Origin. Asia.

Description. The genus Rhaphiolepis consists of 14 species of perennial, evergreen, multi-stemmed shrubs. The leaves are green, serrate, oblong-lanceolate, glossy, up to 8 cm long, dense, with a well-defined central vein. Young leaves often have a bronze tint. The underside of the leaf blade has a lighter shade. The flowers are pink, fragrant, appear abundantly, collected in inflorescences - panicles. After flowering, the plants produce round, blue berries with a light bloom. The berries remain on the plant for several months.

Height. In nature it reaches 10 - 15 m. It grows quite quickly and needs pruning in cultivation.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

During the growth period, they are kept at a temperature of about 20° C. In autumn, the temperature is gradually lowered, encouraging the plant to go into a dormant state. During the winter months, temperatures should be around 15°C. Do not expose rhaphiolepis to temperatures below 5°C.

Lighting

Flowering will be most abundant in good light. Only light shading from the scorching rays of the sun is possible on summer days.

Care

Rhaphiolepis is easy to grow indoors and does not require careful care. After flowering, prune long shoots to create a neat, lush shape. Regularly pinch out the tips of young shoots. Take the bush outside during the warm season.

Substrate

Containing organic matter and coarse sand or perlite, well-drained soil.

Feeding

During the growing season, feed every 2 weeks with liquid complex fertilizers. In autumn and winter, fertilizing is not carried out. 

Purpose

A beautiful flowering plant that can be given a bushy shape by pruning. Grown in bonsai style.

Flowering time

April May. 

Air humidity

Rhaphiolepis tolerates dry air well and does not need spraying. 

Soil moisture

Use bottom watering by immersing the pot in a large container with water at room temperature for several minutes. Between waterings, the soil should dry out to a depth of 3 - 5 cm. In the autumn-winter period, the frequency of watering is reduced.

Transfer

Adult bushes are replanted every 2-3 years if it is necessary to change the soil or the size of the pot. For large tub specimens, the top layer of soil is replaced with fresh soil every spring.

Reproduction

Rhaphiolepis seeds are sown in spring. Cuttings take root quite difficult. In modern varieties, flowering can occur within the first year. 

Pests and diseases

Leaf spotting. Among harmful insects, aphids can pose a certain danger.