Pachystachys

The genus Pachystachys includes 12 species of tender herbaceous and shrubby plants. Widely distributed pachystachys bright red (Pachystachys coccinea), which can grow up to 2 m. The leaves are large, lanceolate or elliptical, more than 20 cm long, and are colored dark green. In February, dense and very decorative ears with a length of more than 15 cm appear, consisting of 5 cm long tubular sharlach-red flowers with green bracts opened at the top. Yellow Pachystachis (P. lutea) is a shrubby species that grows up to 1 m in nature. In culture, it is recommended to restrain its growth, otherwise the plant is exposed at the base. The leaves are oval dark green. At the ends of the shoots, spike-shaped inflorescences develop with bright yellow bracts and short-lived white flowers up to 5 cm long.

The genus Pachystachys includes 12 species of tender herbaceous and shrubby plants.

Widely distributed pachystachys bright red (Pachystachys coccinea), which can grow up to 2 m. The leaves are large, lanceolate or elliptical, more than 20 cm long, and are colored dark green. In February, dense and very decorative ears with a length of more than 15 cm appear, consisting of 5 cm long tubular sharlach-red flowers with green bracts opened at the top.

Yellow Pachystachis (P. lutea) is a shrubby species that grows up to 1 m in nature. In culture, it is recommended to restrain its growth, otherwise the plant is exposed at the base. The leaves are oval dark green. At the ends of the shoots, spike-shaped inflorescences develop with bright yellow bracts and short-lived white flowers up to 5 cm long.

Cultivation

Pachystachis is grown as an indoor ornamental plant for its lush inflorescences. The soil for cultivation consists of peat, earth and sand (1:1:1), pH 5-6. A complete mineral fertilizer is applied to the finished substrate. From spring to autumn 1 time in 2 weeks, in winter 1 time in 6 weeks is watered with flower fertilizer. When flowering ends, the plants are pruned, leaving 10-15 cm in height, which contributes to branching and compactness.

Location

The plant is placed in a well-lit, bright place so that it does not stretch out. In summer, you need protection from the bright sun.

Temperature

For cultivation, room temperature is recommended, even in winter it should not be lower than 18 °C. Low soil temperatures lead to plant damage.

Watering

It is necessary to maintain moderate humidity at all times.

Transplant

Transplanted into a new pot, as a rule, annually from spring to autumn, but not during flowering.

Care

Remove damaged parts and wilted inflorescences.

Reproduction

Apical cuttings cut in spring take root at a temperature of at least 24 °C; after rooting, young plants are pinched several times to achieve better branching.

Diseases

The most delicate parts of the plant can be damaged by cold, and the whole plant dies from this. Due to stagnation of water, root rot appears, and the lower leaves fall off. In this case, reduce watering. In a dry environment with low humidity, a spider mite can appear. Treat the plant with acaricides and provide higher ambient humidity.

Acquisition

These plants can be found in an already blooming state in flower nurseries, flower shops, and gardening centers-especially in late winter. Make sure that they have good compact branching.

Propagation by cuttings: a few additional tips For better root formation, Pachystachis cuttings are recommended to be kept in low light conditions (less than 5000 lux) for 3 weeks. Another useful tip. During cuttings, remove individual buds and lower leaves if they are present on the plant. Specimens obtained at home from cuttings are not as compact as those purchased in stores and grown professionally, since in the latter case they are treated with retardants.

Propagation by cuttings: a few additional tips

For better root formation, Pachystachis cuttings are recommended to be kept in low light conditions (less than 5000 lux) for 3 weeks. Another useful tip. During cuttings, remove individual buds and lower leaves if they are present on the plant. Specimens obtained at home from cuttings are not as compact as those purchased in stores and grown professionally, since in the latter case they are treated with retardants.