Actual topic

Familiar cineraria - unfamiliar pericalis

Pericallis hybrid (Pericallis x hybrida), or hybrid cineraria (Cineraria x hybrida)

Cineraria - the most common trade name for these compact "live bouquets" in pots, which have been on sale since early spring. Numerous daisy-like flowers, red, white, blue or purple in color with a characteristic eye in the center and a white border, are trimmed with large dark green leaves.

In 1777, a hybrid was obtained in Britain between two closely related species, called Cineraria hybrid (Cineraria × hybrida)... But now the genus Cineraria includes only South African species, and the plants participating in hybridization grow in the Canary Islands and are now referred to the genus Pericalis (Pericallis cruenta and Pericallis lanata)... The correct botanical name for cineraria is Hybrid Pericalis (Pericallis × hybrida), translated from Greek means "Beauty around"! Some botanists consider the plant as part of the vast and widespread genus Grestan. (Senecio), on sale it can be found under this name or under the brand name Senetti.

Pericalllis is very fragile, and as a perennial it can grow only in coastal areas with cool summers in winter hardiness zones 9b - 10b (up to -1оС). After flowering, garden plants are cut under the base there, by autumn, before the temperature drops, they grow from the roots and bloom again in spring or early summer.

In other climates, pericalis is short-lived, but can be grown as a flowering annual garden or houseplant.

Pericallis hybrid (Pericallis x hybrida), or hybrid cineraria (Cineraria x hybrida)

 

Caring for a flowering plant at home 

It boils down to maintaining optimal conditions for longer flowering. It is almost impossible to keep it longer, therefore, before buying, you need to understand that the plant is seasonal, and at the end of flowering it is thrown away.

For long-lasting flowering, make sure that the leaves of the plant are fresh and juicy when buying, and there are still many unopened buds.

Lighting. Choose a place that is well lit and cool. Pericalllis can grow in partial shade and full sun, although it prefers bright indirect light. Place it on north or east-facing windows; the plant may be too hot on south or west windowsills.

Temperature. It is a spring flower and loves coolness. It is optimal to maintain a temperature of + 13 ... + 18 ° C during the day and about + 7 ... + 13 ° C at night. At a warmer content, the plant fades quickly. At temperatures above + 26 ° C, flowering stops. However, cineraria does not tolerate cold drafts; they cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves.

Hybrid pericalis, or hybrid cinerariaHybrid pericalis, or hybrid cineraria

Watering. Pericalis in need of watering will quickly die without rapid irrigation, waterlogging often causes root rot. Keep the soil in the pot always slightly damp, but not damp, and never allow the substrate to dry out completely. Water after the top layer of the substrate dries, being careful not to get on the leaves.

Read more in the article Watering rules for indoor plants.

You can revive a drooping plant by briefly immersing the pot in water until the air bubbles exit. Then let the excess water drain and protect the plant from the sun until the leaves are fully turgid. If this does not help, then the plant will rot its roots and can be thrown away.

Air humidity. Pericalis prefers high humidity, but puts up with the usual conditions of a cold room.

Top dressing and transplanting. Plants purchased by already flowering plants do not need feeding and transplanting, they are well filled with fertilizers in the greenhouse, this supply is enough for them for 4-6 weeks of flowering, which is more abundant if the roots are a little cramped in the pot.

Bloom in cool conditions it can last up to 4-6 weeks. This usually ends the life of the plant. But according to the producers of Senetti varieties, if at the end of flowering they are cut to half their height, then after 4-6 weeks, re-flowering is possible.

Hybrid pericalis, or hybrid cinerariaHybrid pericalis, or hybrid cineraria

Leaving after flowering. The plant is usually thrown away. But you can try to simulate the natural cycle of this perennial. Cut off after flowering under the base, after which young shoots should appear soon. In the summer they should be protected from the heat, in the winter they should be kept cool in bright light, and, perhaps, in the spring it will be possible to wait for flowering.

Diseases and pests. If aphids are found, one treatment with Aktara or other insecticides according to the instructions is enough. In case of damage by thrips or whitefly, place the plant in an isolator, 3-4 treatments with Aktara with an interval of 7-10 days or other systemic preparations from these pests will be required. In dry air and with insufficient watering, the plant is strongly affected by spider mites, arrange for care and treat with acaricides.

Read more in the article Houseplant pests and control measures.

Waterlogging of the soil, excessive humidity at night, moisture on the leaves provoke fungal diseases such as spotting and gray rot. Avoid crowding, stagnant damp air, water so that the leaves have time to dry out by night. In too hot conditions, especially when the leaves lose turgor, the pericalllis is affected by powdery mildew. Water the plant in time and protect it from high temperatures. If fungal diseases are found, treat with appropriate fungicides.

Attention! Pericalis is a poisonous plant that is dangerous to children and pets.

Hybrid pericalis, or hybrid cinerariaHybrid pericalis, or hybrid cineraria

Reproduction

Pericalllis is grown from seeds. This process is very laborious and lengthy. It takes 6 to 9 months before flowering and cool conditions are required. But those who want to grow pericalis and are not afraid of difficulties can try. To obtain a blooming bouquet for Valentine's Day, the seeds are sown at the very beginning of September, so that the buds open by Easter - in mid-October, for winter flowering, seeds are sown from June to August.

For cultivation, a slightly acidic and well-drained soil is needed; a ready-made peat substrate with the addition of sand is suitable. It should be moistened before sowing seeds. Seeds are spread over the surface of the soil, slightly pressing, but not sprinkling - they need light for germination! The optimum temperature for germination is about + 19 ... + 22 ° C. Seedlings should appear in about 2 weeks.

As soon as the first shoots appear, it is necessary to lower the temperature to + 15 ° C and protect the seedlings from direct sun. Water with care to avoid causing fungal diseases.

After a month, transplant into pots with a diameter of 5 cm.When the roots have mastered this volume, transfer the sturdy plants into pots with a diameter of 10-12 cm.

Hybrid pericalis, or hybrid cinerariaHybrid pericalis, or hybrid cinerariaHybrid pericalis, or hybrid cineraria

From September to January, young plants must be kept cool at a temperature of about + 9 ... + 10 ° C in a spacious and bright place, protected from rain and drafts. Young plants begin to be fed with a universal fertilizer in a half dosage.

In February-April, with an increase in illumination, pericalis begins to actively grow, and as soon as it begins to bloom, it is necessary to raise the temperature to + 15 ... + 18оС and feed with fertilizers for flowering plants in a half dosage. Full bloom occurs in 4 weeks.

Photo from the GreenInfo.ru forum

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