Murraya

Family. Rutaceae.

Origin. Asia.

Description. Murraya japonica or Japanese myrtle, imperial flower is a beautiful, compact, evergreen, dense exotic shrub.

The stems are erect, branch profusely, and are covered with yellowish-brown bark, which contrasts well with the leaves and flowers. Young shoots are covered with slight pubescence.

The leaves are small, glossy, dark green, complex - consist of 3 - 7 elliptical leaflets. When damaged, the leaves and stems emit a pleasant smell.

The flowers are up to 3 cm in diameter, white, with waxy petals, have a pleasant, characteristic citrus aroma, which intensifies at night, and are collected in small inflorescences - scutes on the tops of the stems.

After flowering, the plant produces small, round, green fruits that turn red when ripe and taste like kumquats. Muryaya is a self-pollinating plant and readily produces fruits. In appearance, the fruits resemble hawthorn berries.

Fruit ripening occurs approximately 4 months after the formation of the ovary.

It is interesting that on the same bush there can be flowers, young green and ripe red fruits at the same time.

Height. It grows slowly, in its natural environment it can grow up to 7 m, but more often the height is 2 - 4 m.

In indoor culture conditions, height is controlled by pruning.

Currently, varieties have been bred that are very modest in size.

Care at home

Reproduction, growing from seeds 

Murraya is propagated by stem, semi-ripe cuttings about 10 cm long, which are rooted in spring and summer, using growth hormones. 

1. The lower leaves are removed from the cuttings, and the upper leaves are cut to about half their length to reduce moisture loss.
2. If there are buds on the cuttings, they should also be pinched, and it is better to use for vegetative propagation those branches on which there were no buds. 
3. Rooting is carried out under the cover of a transparent plastic cap or glass for 6 - 8 weeks in well-moistened soil consisting of peat and coarse river sand.
4. Periodically remove the cover from the young seedlings, airing them and removing condensation from the glass.
5. The use of bottom heating increases the chance of successful rooting, since Murraya cuttings love warm soil with temperatures above 22 - 25 ° C.
6. The seedlings are periodically moistened with a spray bottle.

The fact that the rooting process is complete and roots have appeared under the surface of the substrate will be indicated by the emergence of young shoots. Rooting occurs successfully even in a simple glass of water.

You can grow murraya from seeds, however, this is a long process and this method is suitable only for patient and inquisitive gardeners who will be interested in watching the development of the plant from the very beginning.

Young bushes develop quite slowly and require careful care.

For propagation, you can use your own collected seeds. Planting material taken from fully ripened fruits is used.

The seeds are removed from the fruit and the pulp is thoroughly washed off with running water.

Green seeds have the highest percentage of germination. Brown seeds should not be planted - most likely they have already rotted. 

1. Seeds are sown in a moist and very loose substrate in the spring.
2. To increase germination, the seeds can first be soaked in warm water for about 2 - 3 hours.
3. The top of the crops is covered with a layer of soil or sand up to 1 cm thick.
4. Greenhouse conditions are created for seedlings by covering the container with glass or plastic film to maintain high air humidity.
5. The germination period is 1 - 2 weeks, seedlings fully emerge within 3 weeks.
6. With the appearance of the first shoots, the cover is removed for a few minutes a day and the crops are ventilated. The ventilation time is gradually increased. 
7. Rooting of cuttings, as well as seed propagation, should take place at elevated air temperatures - at least 25° C.

If the seeds were sown in one large container, then with the appearance of 2 - 3 true leaf blades, the murraya is picked - planted in small separate cups.

Sometimes seeds for germination are placed in a well-moistened cloth or paper towels, and planted in the ground only after hatching.

Another way to help sprouts is to carefully remove the outer shell of the seed. This procedure can be done carefully, trying not to damage the embryo.

Cleaning can be done from fresh seeds that have not had time to dry after being removed from the fruit, or from planting material that has been pre-soaked in water.

When it blooms 

Flowering time is spring, but individual flowers may appear periodically throughout the year. The first flowering of plants occurs at an early age - at about two years.

In order to save murraya energy and allow it to form, first of all, a powerful root system, the first buds and flowers are removed.

Each bud remains attractive for 2-3 days and then falls off.

With proper care, a second wave of flowering may occur during the year, but it will be less abundant.

Soil 

Rutaceae, for the most part, adapt well to most soil types and grow well even in soils poor in nutrients.

The soil should consist of peat, leaf humus, perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage and have a slightly acidic pH.

Add a small amount of finely chopped pine needles to the substrate - this will help maintain the acidic pH of the soil. 

Transplanting

Young specimens are replanted annually - as they grow - into larger pots. Mature bushes need to be replanted every 2-3 years. For large plants in tubs, simply replace the top 5-7 cm of soil with fresh substrate every year.

When replanted into a large pot, the plant seems to stop developing, but not everything is so obvious. While the green mass is motionless, the root system takes over new space.

Young seedlings are offered a pot with large drainage holes each time for planting, which is 2-3 cm larger in diameter than the previous pot. In addition, growing in slightly dense conditions leads to the plant abundantly forming buds.

Planting in a container that is too large will lead to delayed development, lack of flowering, and accumulation of moisture in the soil, which in turn will cause root rot. 

1. A good layer of drainage material in the form of broken bricks, river pebbles or clay shards is placed at the bottom of the container.
2. It is advisable to transfer the plant together with the clod of earth, as it contains special fungi - mycorrhiza, which help the roots to obtain nutrients from the soil. This method of transplantation is called transshipment.
3. If necessary, during transplantation, inspect the root system and cut off old, diseased, rotten roots.
4. The plant is simply placed in the center of the new container and sprinkled around the perimeter with fresh soil, lightly compacting it to remove air pockets.
5. When planting, it is necessary to maintain the same depth at which the tree was in the previous pot.
6. After transplanting, the flower can be shed with a solution of mycorrhiza, which is sold in flower shops.
7. After transplanting, the pot is placed in a place protected from direct sunlight for about a week.

Transplanted specimens should be fed only a month after transplantation.

Growing conditions - temperature

The optimal temperature range is from 18 to 24 ° C. At higher temperatures, it is necessary to increase watering and air humidity.

At temperatures below 15 °C, plants slow down their growth and enter a dormant period. It is especially important to maintain coolness in the winter months, as growing at room temperature and insufficient light leads to weakening of the bush and the appearance of loose, elongated shoots.

Plants should not be exposed to temperatures below 12 °C.

These citrus fruits cannot tolerate sudden changes in temperature. 

Diseases and pests 

• When grown in direct sunlight, the leaves may become scorched.
• Deepening the root collar during transplantation leads to slower growth of murraya and the development of rot.
• The root system can rot with excessive watering and insufficient drainage, this especially often happens in the autumn and winter months.
• A sign of excess moisture can be the tips of the leaf blades, which become dry and brown by about a third of their length.
• Chlorosis is a yellowing of leaf blades that appears when kept in an alkaline substrate, watered with unsettled tap water, or lack of an element such as iron. The leaf veins on the leaves remain dark green. 
• The tips of the leaf blades of the plant dry out and the buds fall off if the atmosphere is too dry.
• Leaves and twigs wither and lose turgor due to insufficient watering.
• Also, the green mass of the plant may wilt after transplantation with a complete replacement of the substrate.
• When there is a lack of nutrients, plants are able to shed buds.
• If you keep the flower at normal room temperature during the winter months, it will suffer from a lack of light and may lose its leaves - lower the room temperature or arrange artificial additional lighting.
• When exposed to cold drafts or kept too cool, the leaf blades turn yellow.
• Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew occur when conditions are too damp and cool, and when air circulation is insufficient.
• Murraya does not bloom until it fills the entire volume of the pot with roots. 

Among the insect pests, the plant can be attacked by spider mites - they appear especially often when there is insufficient air humidity. Mealybugs prefer young trees. Whiteflies hide on the undersides of leaves, sucking out the sap. Aphids cause leaves to curl and become crinkled.  

Maintenance, pruning 

When growth begins, in early spring, trim weak, diseased shoots to stimulate the formation of lateral branches and maintain a compact crown shape. Trim only with sharp, sterile pruning shears.

When pruning, branches located inside the crown are also removed.

The flower is easy to trim, and even a radical haircut will not spoil its appearance.

The absence of formative pruning will not be noticeable immediately, but the result will be a vigorous and loose, shapeless bush with bare stems at the base.

Citrus plants can be placed outdoors in the summer. Remember that trees should be moved gradually to allow them to get used to their new environment.

When placing outdoors, make sure that the bush has shelter from strong winds, rain and direct sunlight. Do not forget to return the murraya indoors when the night temperatures approach 12 ° C.

Since the branches easily break off under the weight of the fruit, they will need to be provided with support for development.

Glossy, dark green leaves should be wiped from dust with a damp sponge from time to time. 

Watering 

The soil should be evenly moist, but not waterlogged during the growth period. During the growing season and bud formation, the soil is watered abundantly, completely wetting the soil lump.

Excess moisture that appears in the tray after watering must be drained after 20-30 minutes.

Between waterings, slightly dry the top layer of soil 3-5 cm thick.

In autumn, the frequency of watering is slightly reduced in accordance with the air temperature in the room, and the substrate is dried to a greater depth.

For watering, it is advisable to use softened bottled or rainwater at room temperature. You can also slightly acidify the water from time to time with citric acid or citrus juice.

Fertilizer 

Feed every 2 weeks in spring and summer.

Murraya likes organic fertilizers in the form of humus and humus, well-rotted cow or horse manure, and a weak solution of chicken manure.

The greatest efficiency can be achieved by alternating mineral and organic fertilizers.

Mineral fertilizers should not contain chlorine.

Foliar feeding with iron chelate has a good effect on the flower - the preparation is applied directly to the leaves using a sprayer. Such measures help prevent the occurrence of chlorosis.

When kept cool during the winter months, feeding is gradually reduced during the fall, and then stopped altogether. Resume fertilizing only in the spring, when the plant shows the first signs of new growth in the form of young branches.

Mineral fertilizers are applied only after abundant watering, in a well-moistened substrate. If a nutrient solution gets on the root system in dry soil, it can cause a burn.

You should not feed only transplanted plants and bushes that have signs of any diseases.

Lighting

Maximum possible lighting with access to direct sunlight in the morning and evening for 3-4 hours daily.

On hot summer days, the leaves are shaded from the scorching rays of the sun during the daytime.

In autumn and winter, you can safely place the pots on the most illuminated - southern windowsills; at this time of year, the sun's activity is significantly reduced and it is often behind the clouds.

The pot must be turned every week by about ¼ turn so that the bush develops symmetrically and does not stretch towards the light source.

The most successful placement is considered to be windowsills facing east and west. When growing on the south side, arrange shading with a light curtain, or place a little in the back of the room. On the north side, there will clearly not be enough light and the bush should be provided with artificial lighting using phytolamps.

Additional lighting will also be necessary in the autumn and winter months if the temperature is at room temperature.

For healthy and strong growth, murraya must be in conditions of long daylight hours, which will be 12-14 hours.  Additional lighting can also be provided using fluorescent or LED lamps. 

Spraying

Murraya at home needs to be sprayed with warm, soft water at room temperature. The use of unsettled tap water for spraying leads to the appearance of unsightly whitish stains on the leaf blades.

When spraying, it is important that drops of moisture do not fall on the flowers and buds - the bush can drop them.

You can also increase the air humidity by using a room humidifier or by placing the pot on a tray with wet pebbles. Make sure that the water in the tray does not touch the bottom of the pot.

A layer of well-moistened sphagnum moss around the bush will also help increase the humidity.

The flower loves well-ventilated rooms with a constant flow of fresh air, but without cold drafts.

In the warm season, the bush will respond positively to water procedures in the form of a shower. The water temperature can vary from 28 to 35 ° C. Before taking a shower, the soil in the pot must be covered with plastic wrap so that it does not absorb excess moisture.

After a shower, leave the flower in the bathroom for half an hour so that it has time to enjoy the humid atmosphere of the room. 

Purpose

Citrus plants are capable of disinfecting the surrounding atmosphere.

Murraya can be grown as a miniature, flowering bonsai.

The fruits of the plant are eaten both fresh and as jam. 

Note, interesting facts

With proper care, the plant can grow and bear fruit in indoor cultivation for many years.

In China, murraya symbolized eternal youth.

In Japan, only emperors could grow murraya and enjoy the aroma of its flowers.

In Egypt, it was believed that representatives of this species had many healing properties and often used decoctions of the leaves, believing that this miraculous remedy could prolong life. Many commanders in ancient times kept the fruits in their clothes as a talisman against wounds.

The fruits of the plant are rich in antioxidants; eating them helps maintain blood sugar levels at a low level; an alcohol tincture of the leaves normalizes blood pressure and helps strengthen the heart.

It is believed that the green mass has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and relieves the first symptoms of sore throat.

Essential oil obtained from the leaves has a diaphoretic effect, helps get rid of insomnia and tones the body.

Dried murraya leaves are part of a very aromatic seasoning - curry.

Unfortunately, at present, flower shops are dominated by plants of Dutch selection - strong and healthy bushes that will bloom very late and reluctantly at home. 

The young branches obtained as a result of pruning leaves can be brewed into tea - it will be filled with a bright citrus aroma.

The flower is also used in cosmetology - the extract of its leaves is added to moisturizing and rejuvenating skin care products. 

Varieties:

Murraya paniculata

A large tropical or subtropical shrub or low tree up to 6 m. The plant has glossy dark green leaves, very fragrant white flowers and round red fruits. The leaves are compound, pinnate, have from 3 to 9 ovoid, alternately arranged segments up to 5 cm long. The flowers are collected in axillary inflorescences - racemes and can appear several times during the season. The aroma of flowers intensifies at night. 

Murraya koenigii

A large flowering shrub or tree native to the tropics of Asia. An important feature of the plants is that their leaves are used to prepare a valuable seasoning - curry, widely used in Indian and Asian cuisines. The leaves are compound and very long, consisting of ovate, glossy, dark green leaves up to 5 cm long. Fragrant white flowers are collected in axillary inflorescences and can appear during spring and summer. After flowering, the plant may form ovoid, blue-black fruits that are edible. When damaged, the leaves emit a pleasant aroma.