Cyperus is a beautiful herbaceous plant that grows rapidly and forms dense bunches of green vegetation. Lovers of decorative and deciduous indoor flowers and large green compositions will definitely like it. Caring for cyperus is very simple, so even a beginner can cope with it. In the natural environment, the plant lives along the shores of fresh water bodies and is found in the tropics of every continent of our planet.
Botanical Description
Tsiperus is a perennial of the sedge family. In the wild, its unusual stems grow 3-4 m in height. Indoor plants, due to regular pruning, do not exceed 1-1.5 m. The rhizome of the plant is highly branched and located in the upper layers of the soil.
Single erect stems without lateral branches grow from the ground. The top of the shoot is crowned by an umbrella of long and flat leaves. The base of the stem gradually turns yellowish brown. At the top of the overgrowth, light green, sometimes bluish shades prevail.
The flowering period occurs in the summer months, although often cyperus blooms all year round. In the umbrella itself, in the axils of the leaves, small flowers are formed, painted in yellow-green tones. Small, oblong seeds of gray-brown color ripen in small seed boxes.
Types of Cyperus
In total, there are about 600 species in the genus of cyperus. All of them are quite similar to each other. Only a few varieties of cyperus are able to grow at home.
Tsiperus sprawling. The plant forms a lush bunch of vegetation up to 60 cm high. Each stem ends with a simple umbrella of upright leaves.
Cyperus is another leaf. Herbaceous perennials up to 1.5 m high are distinguished by many narrow leaves. Based on this species, breeders bred varieties with variegated or dark green leaves. Under comfortable conditions, it can bloom inconspicuous yellow flowers throughout the year.
Cyperus papyrus. This plant is able to grow up to 2 m in height. It has thicker, fleshy stems and a thick pile of the finest leaves. Cyperus papyrus is more demanding in care.
Cyperus Helfer. A plant up to 45 cm high lives on the banks of swamps. On a short stem is a dense whisk of long, soft leaves. The plant prefers flooded soil and can grow in aquariums.
Breeding
Ciperus propagates by seed and vegetative methods. The simplest is the method of dividing the rhizome. In just a year, the bush gives many root processes that have a full rhizome and are capable of independent growth. It is enough to separate part of the curtain from the total mass and plant in a separate pot, in the ground for adult plants. The young plant does not require additional processing or adaptation.
More painstaking is the propagation of cyperus by rooting of apical cuttings. It is necessary to cut off the leaf rosette from the stem so that about 4-5 cm of the stem are left on the handle. Leaflets are also significantly shortened, leaving only 0.5-3 cm on the petiole. The stalk is turned upside down and immersed for 1-2 cm in water. Roots appear after 7-12 days. 25 days after pruning, the stalk can be rooted in the soil.
Growing cyperus from seeds is quite difficult. Seeds are sown in a box with moist sand and peat soil. Sprinkle them with soil is not necessary. The container is covered with glass and left in a room with an air temperature of about + 18 ° C. It is important to regularly ventilate and timely moisten the soil. With the advent of seedlings, the greenhouse is transferred to a room with bright diffused light and the shelter is removed. The grown seedlings dive and transplant in separate pots of 2-3 pieces.
Landing and transplanting
Young cyperus should be planted in medium-sized pots. The plant develops very quickly, so it needs a transplant every 1-3 years. It is advisable to hold it in March, but not necessarily. Throughout the year, the plant tolerates this procedure well. Rhizome tightly envelops an earthen lump and as if bursting pot. Capacity choose wide and not too deep.
Since cyperus normally tolerates flooding of the soil, drainage holes and a layer of granular material at the bottom are not necessary. Low acid nutrient soil is preferred. To compile it, you can use:
- clay-soddy soil;
- peat;
- sheet earth;
- river sand.
It is useful to add some swamp silt to the substrate. The transplantation is carried out by the method of reloading an earthen coma. It is not necessary to clear the soil from the roots.
Plant care
At home, care for cyperus consists in choosing the right habitat and regular hydration. The plant needs a room with intense diffused light, although a small partial shade is acceptable. For the summer, it is recommended to take pots of cyperus into the garden under the shade of trees. Direct sunlight, especially on hot days, burns delicate leaves. As a result, cyperus turns yellow and dries.
The optimum temperature for the plant is + 18 ... + 25 ° C. You can put the pot in a cooler room, but not colder + 10 ° C. It is not necessary to provide a period of rest and winter cooling.
Tsiperus is demanding on air humidity. In dry rooms, the edges of the leaves turn brown and dry. If the house has an aquarium or a fountain, you should put the plant closer to them. In summer, it is also advisable to choose a place in the garden near the pond. It is useful to regularly spray the crown from the spray bottle with soft water.
Water Cyperus need often and abundantly. The soil should never dry. Instead of periodic watering, you can partially immerse the pot in water so that the rhizome constantly has access to it.
Cyperus is fed 2-3 times a month in March-August. The plant does not have a dormant period and blooms all year round, so winter feeding does not stop. Mineral and organic compounds are added monthly since autumn.
Ciperus is resistant to plant diseases and pests. It is extremely rare to find a spider mite or scutes on its crown. Usually they attack the plant during periods of heat and drought. In case of detection of insects, it is urgent to spray the crown with an insecticide.
The benefits of cyperus
Since ancient times, cyperus has been of great practical importance. Its sturdy stems were used for weaving baskets, garments, as well as making ancient paper - papyrus. The fleshy roots of some types of cyperus were eaten, for which it was even called "earthen almonds."
Some gardeners think: "Is it possible to buy a cyperus flower at home, because there are a lot of superstitions associated with it?" Esoteric fans give an affirmative answer. Cyperus only benefits. He expels negative energy, protects the house and stimulates the household’s craving for new knowledge. Tsiperus in the house fights the depression of his master, protects him from deception and betrayal.
In addition to affecting subtle energies, cyperus improves physical well-being. The plant releases beneficial substances that cleanse the air and destroy harmful bacteria. The best place for him is the bedroom, where he contributes to relaxation and good sleep.
