To create a cosiness in the house is a whole art. And indoor plants are an integral part of it. However, not everyone can take care of gentle and capricious room beauties. But, fortunately, in the realm of plants there are many spectacular and at the same time unpretentious species. One of these is the chef . There are many varieties of this flower, differing in size and color of the leaves, but they have one thing in common - an amazing beauty. In this article we will tell you how to propagate the shepherd.
Sheflera: reproduction at home
There are several types of prompter, in each of which there are different varieties. All species of this plant can reproduce both seeds and vegetatively. Cuttings propagation is a more common method, since it is rather difficult to achieve flowering in the room conditions. If you succeed, the reward will be very beautiful racemose or paniculate inflorescence, somewhat resembling tentacles.
In wild conditions, the shepherds can grow up to three to five meters, but in the room their size usually does not exceed 120-150 cm.
Ideal conditions for life are bright scattered light, high humidity and temperature (not below + 22-25 ° C). From direct sunlight (especially in summer), the plant is better protected.
During the growth period regular feeding is important - every 10-14 days (it is better to use complex liquid fertilizers for flowers).
If you excessively stretch the trunk, the trimming is shown - the chefler carries it very well. Do not forget also about regular transplants - as soon as the roots show up in the holes of the pot, it means that it's time to transplant the flower into a bigger container.
Sheflera: reproduction by cuttings
Cuttings propagation is the simplest and most convenient way of propagating the shefflers. Carry it in the spring or summer (in the warm season). For rooting fit young poluodrevesnevshie twigs. They should be cut with a very sharp knife, leaving 5-7 leaves on the shoot. The lower leaves are gently cut (to the point of immersion in water), the others are shortened by half. Prepared shanks should be immersed in a container with clean water (or wet light soil) and put in a warm and bright place. Take care that no direct sunlight can penetrate the stem during rooting. The tank should have enough water (the ground should not dry out). The roots on the cuttings will appear in 14-18 days. After the appearance of the roots of the plant, it is possible to separate and plant each stalk into a permanent place in a separate container.
To the same method, the multiplication of the sheffler with a leaf also applies. To do this, the leaf should be torn off "with a heel." But experienced flower growers argue that the probability of successful rooting with the help of a leaf is low enough, so it is much safer to use classical cuttings for reproduction.
Sheflera: reproduction by seeds
Seeds are sown in the late winter, from the middle of January to the end of February. To do this, prepare a light nutrient substrate (for example, turf ground, leaf earth and sand 1: 1: 1). The soil before sowing must be sterilized (mandatory). 6-12 hours before sowing the seeds are soaked in a solution of stimulating substances (for example, a solution of epin, aloe juice or zircon).
Seeding should not be deeper than their double size.
The first picking is carried out when two or three leaves appear in the seedlings. The first three months after this, plants need air temperature in the range of 18-20 ° C. The second time the plants are transplanted after braiding the roots of an earthy coma (in pots measuring 7-10 cm in diameter). The air temperature after the second transplant is best reduced to 15-17 ° C. Next, the plants are transplanted as needed. After the third transplantation, young plants do not require special conditions - they are looked after as adults.
Now you know how the shepherd breeds, and you can easily get this spectacular beauty at home.