Russelia
Family. Scrophulariaceae.
Origin. Tropics of Central and South America.
Description. Russelia is a perennial shrub with an original appearance, drooping, abundantly branching, thin stems. When in contact with the ground, the stems take root easily. The leaves are very small, do not exceed 1.5 cm in length, green, more like scales. At the ends of the stems there are tubular flowers of white, pink, orange, up to 2.5 cm long.
Height. It does not exceed 40 cm in height, but its stems reach a length of 1.5 m.
Care at home
Temperature conditions
A heat-loving species that can be kept at temperatures of 18 - 24° C all year round. Do not expose the russellia to temperatures below 12° C in winter.
Lighting
Plants need a brightly lit location and should receive 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight in the evening and morning hours daily. Lack of lighting will affect flowering.
Care
Trim old, wilting stems so that the crown of the bush looks neat. In early spring, cut off too long shoots.
Substrate
Loose, well-drained soil with a high content of organic matter in the form of peat and humus. Coarse sand is added to the substrate to improve drainage.
Feeding
Feed with water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. In autumn, the frequency of fertilizing can be reduced to once a month. Russelia loves organic feeding.
Purpose
Representatives of this species seem to be specially created for growing in hanging baskets. Thin shoots will hang down the edges of the pot in a beautiful cascade. Sometimes grown as a ground cover plant.
Flowering time
The buds are formed in the warm season - spring and summer, the flowering period is long. With proper care, it can bloom all year round.
Air humidity
If the temperature is above 20° C, the air humidity should be increased using a room humidifier or daily spraying with warm water in the morning. Place plants in ventilated areas.
Soil moisture
Water generously and regularly during warmer months. Reduce watering slightly in autumn depending on temperature. Mature specimens can tolerate both short-term drought and slight overwatering.
Transfer
Young plants are annually transplanted into larger pots. Adult russelias need to be replanted every 2 to 3 years.
Reproduction
It is easily propagated by stem cuttings about 10 cm long, by dividing large bushes during transplantation or by air layering.
Pests and diseases
Leaves turn yellow and fall off if there is insufficient drainage.
Spider mites appear when kept in dry and hot conditions. Mealybugs.
Note
All parts of the plant are poisonous - keep russelia away from children and pets.