We talk about the features of myrtle and proper care for it. We give tips on how to propagate a houseplant.

According to legend, a sprig of a myrtle tree is the only thing that Adam managed to take with him when he was expelled from paradise. In the fertile Mediterranean climate, the escape has taken root well. From here, the culture subsequently spread all over the world. The name was given to it from the Greek “incense” for a persistent pleasant aroma. Myrtle is grown as a houseplant. It is very beautiful and is considered the patron saint of the family hearth. Let’s analyze all the subtleties of caring for him. 

All about the care of a myrtle tree

                   

Species features

In natural conditions, it is a tree. It grows slowly, reaches 4 meters in adulthood, rarely more. At home, it does not grow above one and a half meters. The annual increase is 10-20 cm . It has narrow glossy leaves of a deep dark green color. In spring, flowers with a large number of long, thin stamens appear on the branches. Later, dark blue berries ripen in their place. Myrtle flower in the photo below. 

The flowers and leaves of the myrtle tree have a very pleasant smell. In addition, it secretes a large number of phytoncides. They clean and disinfect the air, reduce the likelihood of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, do not cause allergic reactions. The culture produces essential oil. It removes bronchospasm, strengthens the immune system. Traditionally, myrtle leaves are valued as a spice, if berries are added to them, then liqueurs with a bright aroma are prepared. Leaves and flowers are widely used by cosmetologists. 

Care of a myrtle houseplant at home

A houseplant is capricious. If the owner does not create the desired conditions for him, he sheds the foliage and refuses to bloom. Let’s analyze in detail what he needs for normal development. 

Ground

The culture prefers a nutritious loose soil with good air permeability and a slightly acidic reaction. You can buy it in the store. This is an ordinary universal soil mixture with a pH from 5.3 to 6.4. Suitable soil for citrus. If desired, the substrate is prepared independently. In this case, humus, perlite and garden soil are mixed. All ingredients are taken in equal proportions. To improve the properties of the resulting soil, crushed moss, coconut substrate, coal powder or vermiculite are gradually added to it. 

Lighting

Myrtle is light-loving. It is best suited for placement in a well-lit place. He loves sunlight, but the bush needs to be shaded a little. Diffuse lighting is also possible. In this case, the leaves will be very bright, but flowering is unlikely to come. In poorly lit rooms, the tree stretches, the leaves lose their saturated color. The bush will not bloom in such conditions. The best place for decorative culture is considered a window sill that is turned to the southeast or southwest. 

Temperature

When growing a myrtle tree, the right temperature is very important. In spring, autumn and summer, it prefers moderate warmth. The best option is 20-23 °C. An increase in temperature will lead to the discharge of foliage and buds. Since the end of October, the plant is being prepared for a period of rest, which comes in winter. During these months, it is desirable to keep it cool, maintain a stable 10-12 ° C. Sharp temperature changes, strong drafts are extremely undesirable.  

Air humidity

Over-dried air is unacceptable for a bush. Periodic spraying is suitable for humidification. A room tree can be placed near a container filled with water, for example, near an aquarium. He will be fine in a pallet filled with rubble or pebbles, the stones need to be wetted regularly. You can install a humidifier near the tree and turn it on periodically. 

How to water myrtle

The myrtle tree is moisture-loving. He needs frequent watering. In the phase of active development, it is watered three or four times a week. However, excessive humidity is also dangerous, the root system quickly rots. Therefore, before watering, you need to check the dryness of the land coma. It should dry at least 1 cm deep. In winter, watering is carried out less often. They do this once every ten days. To preserve moisture, the substrate is mulched in the pot. Crushed coniferous bark, coconut fiber, etc. are suitable for this.

Top dressing

The plant needs regular fertilizing. They are held every two weeks from the beginning of March to mid-October. It is impossible to feed in the resting phase. From the beginning of budding and all subsequent flowering, any complexes for blooming are introduced. The rest of the time is fed with fertilizers for ornamental deciduous crops. The doses of application are indicated on the packages of drugs. 

Pruning

The decorative tree easily tolerates pruning, so it is suitable for bonsai. Forming pruning is desirable for it, otherwise it will take a pyramidal shape. To get a rounded crown, the lower shoots are left untouched, and the upper ones are pinched. You can form a tree with a beautiful stem. To do this, remove all the shoots, except the most powerful. A crown is formed on it. Pruning is carried out only on grown-up specimens. It is best to trim the branches after flowering or in the last weeks of winter. Then the bush will bloom. 

Transfer

It is necessary to transplant a myrtle tree often. Be sure to do this after purchase and every three to four years for adult copies. Young trees are transplanted annually, then they develop normally. Myrtle transplantation is carried out in this sequence. 

How to propagate a myrtle tree 

There are two ways to propagate decorative culture. Consider both.

Seeds

This is a long and not always successful option for breeding myrtle. It is necessary to know that varietal characteristics when working with seeds are not always preserved. Therefore, we must be prepared for the fact that the young plant will not be as expected. The breeding technology is very simple. The seeds are disinfected in potassium permanganate, they can be additionally treated with a growth stimulant. After that, they are sown in small containers with a moist substrate. 

Cover with a film and remove to a warm place for germination. Shoots have to wait a long time. After their appearance, the film is removed, the seedlings are regularly watered. When two real sheets appear, a pick is carried out. Young plants are transplanted into separate small pots and provide them with the usual care. After about five years, the seedlings begin to bloom. 

Cuttings

A simpler, faster and more efficient way to preserve the characteristics of the variety. The actions are performed in this sequence.

Cuttings are considered rooted when they give two or three new leaves. This means that the time has come for transplanting into separate pots. Such seedlings will bloom in three or four years.

Growing problems

The myrtle tree immediately reacts to adverse changes in the conditions of its maintenance. The appearance of the bush is changing. Let’s list the most common problems and methods of their elimination. 

Indoor trees can be threatened by pests. The most dangerous are spider mites, mealybug and scab. They strike myrtle more often than others. Insecticides are used for the prevention and destruction of insects.

How to achieve flowering

There are several conditions that must be met in order for the bush to bloom. Let’s list them all.

When these rules are followed, the myrtle will definitely bloom. Its flowering is very beautiful, it is in the photo below. 

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