Melaleuks - representatives of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). First of all, they are valued in room culture for their unusual appearance. In some species, evergreen leaves resemble needles, and numerous inflorescences that resemble delicate bird fluff of various colors give the plant exoticism.
It is better to give preference to small-leaved species, such as Melaleuca diosmolistnaya (Melaleucadiosmifolia). This small shrub with tightly spaced small leaves in a spiral is also known as Green Honey Myrtle due to the fluffy greenish inflorescences that appear from spring to autumn on short lateral branches.
It has a beautiful form of growth with small leaves slightly twisted in a spiral. Melaleuca Preis(Melaleuca preissiana), in nature, this tree is from 1.5 to 10 m, in room conditions - no more than 2 m. White or cream inflorescences appear from spring to autumn.
It should be added that melaleuks are easy to cut, their thin branches can be given any shape, there are species with drooping shoots, they can be successfully grown in the bonsai style. However, in some species such as cross-pair melaleuca (Melaleucadecussata) and melaleuca knotty, or pineal(Melaleucanodosa), cropping will be reflected negatively.
Undoubted phytoncidal properties are also an important factor in favor of growing this plant. All plant parts have a pleasant aroma. No wonder it is a close relative of eucalyptus, widely known for its medicinal properties, its essential oils have pronounced bactericidal properties. The mere presence of melaleuca in the home will reduce the incidence of colds. The leaves can be used in decoctions for external use in cases of skin disease and for inhalation for respiratory diseases. Melaleuca pumps through itself and evaporates a large amount of moisture, thereby increasing the humidity of the air in the house, which also leads to a decrease in respiratory diseases.
The advantages of melaleuk include their unpretentiousness in indoor conditions. The main requirement will be to provide the plant with good light - melaleuca prefers direct sun. In summer, it can be taken out on a sunny balcony or outside. Consuming a large amount of water, melaleuca prefers regular abundant watering, can put up with some waterlogging and short periods of drying out of the earthy coma. It is not picky about the composition of the soil, but a slightly acidic and well-drained substrate is optimal. The land mixture consists of peat, sand and sod land (2: 1: 1). Melaleuka is fed with complex fertilizers from spring to autumn. In winter, it is necessary to supplement the plant with luminescent, LED or special phytolamps, providing 12-hour daylight hours. In the absence of additional lighting, it is necessary to reduce the temperature of the content, the best place would be a glazed, frost-free balcony, where the temperature should not fall below + 10 ° C, or a cool greenhouse, where other plants of the myrtle family will successfully winter. With a cool content, it is necessary to reduce the amount of watering, to keep the soil slightly moist.
Another advantage of the plant is the availability of seeds and their good germination. Seeds are sown on a damp substrate, without covering, they germinate in the light from 15 to 30 days, depending on the species and variety. Melaleuca also propagates easily by cuttings. The grafting technology is described in detail in the article. Cutting indoor plants at home.
At home, it can be affected by spider mites and mealybugs. About pest control - in the article Houseplant pests and control measures.
Melaleuca will be a real Australian exotic in your home plant collection.
