Epiphytes are quite unusual and interesting plants. In nature, there are many types of flowers that are constantly attached to other types of plants. They feed on various elements and moisture from the air, and the plants on which they are located act as their sole support. Among these amazing epiphytic microorganisms is the flower of the hator.
Origin and species
Hatiora is a plant belonging to the cactus family. Most often, it grows on tree trunks, although in mountainous areas you can find it on sheer cliffs. An unusual plant from Brazil found its place among the collections of amateur gardeners and quickly became one of the pets. The name was given in honor of the English cartographer, who was engaged in plotting the terrain of South America, or rather an anagram to his name.
Some time after his death, an expedition set off on his maps to the tropics, which discovered an amazing flower that was vaguely reminiscent of a cactus, but without sharp needles and numerous pimples, instead of them were barely noticeable light bristles. Over time, many of its species were discovered, which received the most different and amazing names due to the bizarre external shape of the stem and twigs - coral cactus, “Dream of a Drunkard”, “Dancing Skeleton”.
Difference with other cactus representatives
Representatives of this family made up for the lack of moisture and nutrients in the dense Brazilian jungle by “climbing” trees or rocks growing in the neighborhood (in this case, plants are called lithophytes) and adapted to life on them. Hatior is often confused with ripsalis. The main difference between them is the shades of flowers and forming segments. It is also believed that they are flat in ripsalis and round in hatori.
According to various sources, there are from 7 to 10 species of plants.
Description
The most common species is the saltwater hatchery. Sometimes it is also called salicorneiform. The buds resemble small pins. Hatiora cares at home well enough. And it takes its rightful place among the pet favorites of many gardeners. This is a rather non-capricious plant, which can also be grown independently.
Hatiora, propagation of which occurs by cuttings, can produce rich offspring in a few years. Most often, plants are brought from abroad. This does not always have a good effect on his condition. Long branches may break and the appearance of the hatori delivered to the store may be desired. The buyer can hardly immediately imagine what an unusual plant can get to his home. For these reasons, such a cactus cannot be called too common. All this can be understood only by true connoisseurs of exoticism, and therefore by all means acquire such a pet.
Features of flower development
Hatiora is a small shrub. The trunk of a young flower grows straight, and then becomes oblique. Shoots are small, 2-5 cm in length and 0.5 cm in diameter. When they grow, they branch quite strongly and form a lot of hanging branches without leaves, and the flowers themselves are located at the tips of the shoots. The color scheme can vary depending on the species, from yellow, red and pink, to blue-violet. The houseplant of the hator looks great in hanging pots and pots.
Under natural conditions, the plant grows both up to a height of 2.5 meters and in width, forming large flowering thickets that look spectacular on sheer cliffs and trees.
Good growth conditions
Observing simple rules, you can grow a beautiful perennial plant from a hator .
- Lighting. Hatiora, the care of which is the key to a long and beautiful flowering, prefers to be in a sufficiently lit, but protected from direct sunlight. Especially to ensure this condition is necessary in the summer in hot weather. But the admission of fresh air at this time of the year should be constant. Spraying the stems is not necessary.
- Watering. Moisture should flow to the roots of the flower in moderation. Sometimes you can even arrange a short period of drought. Especially when the temperature changes in the room where the flower is located. Cacti perceive this quite well.
- Air temperature. The discrepancy at room temperature can be from 7 to 25 degrees.
- Landing place. Over time, the branches lean on their side. Pot for planting is better to choose hanging and not too deep. Now you can buy a large selection of special baskets for epiphytes and lithophytes.
- The soil. The state and composition of the soil in which the hator grows significantly affects its growth. The soil should be low acid and light. It is best to pick up peat soil. In this case, you can also purchase a special substrate for cacti.
- Top dressing. Hatiora prefers not too intrusive care. You need to fertilize the plant regularly, but in moderation. It will be useful to fertilize several times a month with minerals with an average content of nitrogen and phosphorus.
It is possible to provide a hatior flower with home care without any problems. Much can be purchased in specialized stores, such as containers, soil and fertilizers. This will help to create all the conditions in which the hator will develop, blossom and multiply.
Reproduction and care
Hatiora is a perennial flower. And blooms long enough. True, this does not happen right away. New plants obtained by propagation begin to grow and bloom after a few years. A hator's plant, the propagation and care of which must be continuous, can be propagated in two main ways: by seeds or by cuttings.
Each method is considered effective and quite convenient. In addition, you can collect several cuttings or plant a lot of seeds in a single vessel or pot, this will allow you to recreate the thickets of hatiora, as in the Brazilian tropics.
The method of propagation by cuttings
The rooting process is fast enough. This is done in water or special mineral solutions, such as sphagnum or vermiculite. Then the cuttings are dried for several days, and in the case of their large size and for a whole week, and planted in moist prepared soil. The first signs of growth after rooting may not appear very soon. Sometimes it can even take about a year. Situations also happen when the cuttings fall off themselves and can take root and begin to sprout right in the pot near the main flower.
Seed propagation method
Also a fairly common way to reproduce this unusual cactus. The collected seeds from the flower are immediately planted in the prepared fertilized and moistened soil, put in a rather warm place. The temperature should not be lower than 20 degrees. It is necessary to check the soil and moisten it from time to time. The unborn hator at home will perceive quickly enough and the seeds will germinate.
Methods and regularity of transplantation
Hathior transplantation makes it possible to dilute and free the root system. As it grows, a new place for the further stay of the flower is selected. Although there is no frequent need for this process. Depending on the age of the plant, transplantation is carried out approximately according to the following schedule:
- A new young plant is transplanted every year.
- More mature flowers, if necessary, every 2-3 years.
- Large perennial specimens - once every 4-5 years.
Usually do this in the spring after flowering is complete. The pot is chosen not too deep, but somewhat larger than the size of the haator. A layer of drainage is immediately covered at the bottom and the soil is set. A transplant is not an urgent need, but a prerequisite, which indicates that the hator's home care receives proper.
Flowering Period and Features
Hatio blooms, as a rule, long enough and plentifully in the winter. This is the main feature of this exotic representative of the cactus family. This is also preceded by a certain period in which a little effort is needed.
The active period of preparation for flowering begins in the summer. The formation of new segments on the stems, on which the buds will appear. Autumn for the hatori is a period of rest. Its growth is slowed down, the branches are gaining strength and nutrients for the appearance of the kidneys. At this time, it is recommended not to water the flower and do not disturb it. The temperature is minimized and it is moved to a cooler place for about a month. Then they return to their original place and resume watering and top dressing. At the beginning of winter, after such simple manipulations, buds appear on the ends of the branches, which will soon bloom and bloom magnificently. In the spring, a period of rest and recovery sets in again.
Hats difficulty growing
Like any flower, the hator is susceptible to various lesions. It can be fungal diseases or improper care conditions. The reasons can be different, one or another sign speaks about each. So why not the hatiora blooms? The reason for this may be:
- Withering and drying of the branches. Even with timely watering, this can happen due to non-compliance with temperature and humidity.
- Lack of flowers or their small quantity. This can cause disturbances in top dressing and soil selection. The plant lacks nutrients.
- Falling branches. Incorrect temperature conditions and a small amount of moisture. The roots do not receive proper care.
- The defeat of branches by mealybugs also negatively affects their elasticity and strength, the color fades. It is necessary to water twice a week with a special solution against parasites.
- The appearance of wet infectious spots on the stem and branches. The result of infection with a fungus. It is necessary to add antibacterial fungicidal agents to top dressing and watering.
Small efforts to take care of your favorite plant will bear fruit, the plant will delight the eye with the bright green color of the branches all year round, as well as beautiful yellow warm flowers in the coldest and grayest period - in winter, most often on Christmas Eve.
Having learned all the rules for growing this plant, everyone can decorate their home with such a delightful and unusual flower. Hatiora will appeal to people who know a lot about tropical, exotic colors, and will not leave indifferent any real florist.