Eurya

Family. Theaceae.

Origin: Asian regions. 

Description. Eurya is a low evergreen bush with branching thin stems that form a dense rounded crown. This species is a dioecious plant and is divided into male and female specimens. The leaves are hard, glossy, dark green, oval or lanceolate, slightly bent along the central vein. The edges of the leaf blades sometimes have small teeth. The flowers are small, graceful, white, suspended under the branches. After flowering, small round black berries appear. Variegated varieties with white stripes on the leaves are very attractive.

Height: Rarely exceeds 1.3 m.

Home care

Temperature conditions

During the growth period, it can be kept at a normal room temperature within the range of 18 to 22° C. In the winter months, a dormant period begins, which the plant should spend in a cool room with a temperature of 7 - 10° C.

Lighting

A well-lit place with mandatory shading from direct sunlight. The sun can hit the shoots and leaves only early in the morning or late in the evening. Develops well in partial shade.

Care

Eurya is decorative and does not have any special requirements for maintenance. After flowering, too long stems of the bush can be cut to maintain a beautiful neat shape. Try not to remove too many branches at once.

Substrate

Organically rich, nutritious, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. 

Feeding

In spring and summer, feed with liquid mineral fertilizers every 2 weeks. In autumn, stop feeding and resume it only with the beginning of new growth, in spring.

Flowering time

Spring. 

Air humidity

It tolerates the dry atmosphere of living spaces well, but it is better to periodically spray the leaves with water at room temperature or place a room humidifier next to the pot.

Soil moisture

Water regularly during the growing season, dry the top layer of soil a little before each subsequent watering. In winter, if the bush is kept in a cool place, it is worth reducing the frequency of watering to a minimum.

Transplantation

Young specimens are planted in fresh soil each year. Mature plants are too large and their top layer of substrate is simply replaced with fresh soil each spring.

Reproduction

Seeds are sown in spring in loose, well-moistened, nutritious soil. Half-ripe cuttings can be rooted in spring and summer.

Pests and diseases

Brown spots on flowers indicate too much sunlight. The plant is also susceptible to fungal diseases. Good air circulation helps prevent them. If the soil is not well drained, the root system may rot. 

The most common pests are mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids.

Note

The leaves are used as a tea substitute.