Coniferous house plants are elegant and beautiful evergreen pets that perform not only a decorative function, decorating the interior, but are also very healthy. They purify the air and synthesize oxygen. In addition, conifers often have a pleasant aroma. But caring for them has its own characteristics. Subject to all requirements and ensuring proper conditions, it will be possible to grow a healthy and beautiful bush or tree.
Coniferous House Plants
The main part of coniferous plant species prefers a humid and cool climate, so growing them at home is not so simple. But while providing suitable conditions for growth, you can independently grow a beautiful indoor tree.
Most often, the following representatives of conifers are grown on premises:
- cypress;
- cryptomeria;
- domestic thuja;
- juniper;
- Italian pine, cedar and other representatives of pine.
Next, consider the most common coniferous house plants. The names and photos of many of them are familiar to everyone.
Cypress
This beautiful shrub with bright golden needles is especially popular among gardeners. The plant prefers diffused light, does not like sudden and frequent changes in growing conditions, so it is advisable to rotate and move it as little as possible.
In the warm season, it is recommended that the cypress be taken out into the open air and kept there until autumn colds, and then brought back into the house. Put the pot away from heating appliances and the battery.
From spring to autumn, it is necessary to water this coniferous domestic plant abundantly, in winter - in moderation. It is recommended to make special fertilizers designed for conifers.
Cryptomeria
A beautiful coniferous houseplant, reaching a height of up to 1-2 m. The compact shape of the crown of the tree can be formed by yourself, but in general it already looks quite neat. Graceful thin twigs are strewn with bright light green needles, which in the winter become yellowish. Another characteristic feature is the presence of small cones with a diameter of up to 2.5-3 cm, which do not fall for a long time. Remaining on a tree, they decorate it, giving a special decorative effect.
This coniferous houseplant is easy to care for, but there are some features of cultivation. So, for example, it does not tolerate direct sunlight, requires frequent, but not plentiful watering. Cryptomeria is important to provide good drainage.
Deodar
This coniferous home plant is also not very whimsical to care for. Nevertheless, it is undesirable to forget about him for a long time. Himalayan cedar loves diffused bright sunlight. From spring to the first frosts, it is advisable to take the plant out into the open air.
Cedar needs regular watering and periodic spraying. The plant does not tolerate transplants very well, so you should immediately choose a capacious container for it and transplant it only when it is too large for the room.
Juniper
Another very popular and widespread coniferous home plant (photo attached to the article), which can be found very often in a private flower collection. He is rather photophilous, but at the same time he does not like direct sunlight. The optimum temperature for maintenance in summer is 12-15 ° C, in winter 7-10 ° C.
Juniper does not tolerate a sharp cooling. At high temperatures, the needles can begin to turn yellow, fade and even crumble. Watering is carried out 2-3 times a week in the summer, 3 times a month in the winter. Top dressing is carried out once a month.
Juniper is transplanted annually. At the bottom of the tank, it is advisable to drain.
Thuja (folded or western)
Today, there are many varieties of thuja, but these two are the most frequent guests in home flower gardens. Distinctive features of these plants are the shape of the crown, the saturation of the shade of the needles and softness.
There are many other attractive and beautiful representatives of evergreen conifers. The main thing is to make a choice and study the main recommendations for cultivation and care.
Let us further consider how to care for home coniferous plants.
Care Features
When growing most types of evergreen conifers at home, almost all conditions are important - light, watering, top dressing, air humidity, temperature, transplant rules. Only in compliance with all the requirements and rules for the care of pets will be healthy and strong.
Optimal lighting
When growing conifers at home, remember that they do not like bright and direct light. Lighting should be diffuse and moderate. Therefore, it is impossible to put the container on the windowsill from the south side, it is better to choose the north or west window. If this is not possible, you can use blackout film or blinds. With the constant influence of sunlight, the needles will begin to turn yellow and fall.
Watering
Conifers love moist soil. But at the same time, it is not worth pouring them in too much water, as this can cause rotting of the root system. Therefore, it is advisable to navigate the upper layer of the earth and water it as it dries. In summer, in dry and hot weather, watering is carried out every 2 or 3 days. In winter, the number of irrigations is reduced, but at the same time it is still impossible to allow the soil to dry out.
Air temperature and humidity
Unlike most other indoor plants, evergreen conifers prefer a lower and cooler air temperature indoors. And most often it is with this that most amateur gardeners have certain difficulties, since it is almost impossible to maintain such conditions. Both in the summer it is very hot, and in the winter when the batteries work at full capacity. Not everyone has a balcony or a covered terrace, where the temperature is slightly lower than in the room itself.
The most optimal temperature for conifers is from 10 to 14 degrees, but plants can feel normal at 16 degrees. However, at a higher temperature, the needles will dry out and fade. As for humidity, the higher it is, the better for the plant. A high level is the key to active and healthy growth. Therefore, when the room is warm, it is recommended to spray the plant several times a week with water.
Fertilizer of coniferous plants
Fertilizing evergreens is necessary no more often than once a year. This is done after the winter, when growth begins to intensify. As fertilizers, you can use special liquid dressings intended for conifers. How to apply them (dilute with water or use in pure form) is indicated in the instructions.
Thus, caring for conifers at home is not so simple, since creating favorable conditions for them at home is quite difficult. High humidity and low temperature are not suitable for other indoor flowers and are not comfortable for living people. Therefore, the most optimal place where it is convenient to grow conifers are loggias or covered terraces. Here you can create a real mini coniferous forest.
Caring for conifers in winter
If during the period of active growth representatives of coniferous evergreens can adapt to lower humidity and increase air temperature, then in winter it is very important to try to create the most comfortable conditions for them. With the onset of cold weather, plants begin to prepare for wintering, and their owner should also do this. First of all, starting from mid-summer, do not use any top dressing. The growth of conifers by the autumn-winter period is gradually slowing down. Next, reduce the number of irrigations. In conifers, it is sufficient to moisten the soil once every 10-14 days and observe the appropriate temperature regime of the air. But if the room is warm or hot, watering should be carried out as the soil dries.
Also in the winter, they do not prune shoots, even extra and dried branches. After pruning, the growth of young shoots begins to intensify in plants, and in winter this is extremely undesirable. During the period of winter passivity, it is better to leave him alone, and begin to carry out all necessary actions with the advent of spring.
Transplant rules and features
Before you start transplanting your pet, you need to remember that conifers generally do not really like it when they are disturbed. That is why transplantation should only be done when there is an objective reason for this. It is desirable that such stress for conifers be as rare as possible.
The most optimal period for the transplant procedure is considered to be early spring, but no later than April. In a cool period of time, it will be much easier for a plant to adapt to new soil and a larger capacity.
Transplanting soil must be prepared with a special composition. It should be light, well breathable.
It is best to use a mixture consisting of three components - coniferous soil, sand and sheet soil. It can be done independently or purchased ready-made. It is imperative to lay a drainage layer at the bottom of the container for planting. And only after that proceed with the transplantation of the plant, without completely clearing the roots of the old soil, that is, use the transshipment method. So there is a high probability that the root system will not be severely damaged.
It is quite difficult to grow conifers at home, but it is very interesting and exciting. And the result in the form of a spreading and beautiful evergreen conifer will be a worthy reward for all the efforts, efforts and efforts.