Pachystachis / pachystachys

Refers to the acanthus family. Homeland - South America.

General description: The only species grown in room conditions

Pachystachys lutea (Pahystahis yellow) is a luxurious ornamental flowering plant. It grows in a bush, its height is up to 50 cm. The leaves are ovate, dark green, with clearly marked veins, up to 10 cm long. Blooms from spring until the autumn golden spicate inflorescences up to 12 cm long. Decorability is created mainly due to spectacular bracts, the flowers themselves are small, snow-white and fall quickly. Withered bracts are cut. In spring, pruning is carried out, which are allowed to use as if cuttings for reproduction.

Recommendations for the care of the plant Pahystahis:

Illumination : Needs bright, but diffused light.

Irrigation regime : Abundant during growth, in winter moderate, according to the measure of drying of the soil. He does not adore in any way the overflow, nor the drying out of the earth.

Humidity : Needs regular spraying.

The humidity of the air is similarly supported by placing pots on a pallet with pebbles or expanded clay, which is continually moistened, watching, but that the water at the roots does not stagnate.

Temperature regime: In summer it is optimal 20-22 ° C, in the winter 18-20 ° C, not lower than 14 ° C.

Soil : Drainage is mandatory. You can add charcoal and brick chips.

Recommended soil mix: 2 elements of clay-turf ground, 1 share of peat, 1 share of leaf, 1 share of humus and 1 share of sand.

During the growth period, it needs fertilizing once every two weeks with liquid fertilizer for flowering plants.

Breeding : With stem cuttings in spring and summer.

Transplantation : In the spring, annually.

Pests : It is affected by scarlet spider mites (in a dry atmosphere, leaves and stems are braided with cobwebs), scabbards (brown plaques appear on leaves and stems, leaving sticky excretions), mealybugs (covered with snow-white cotton wool).

With a slight infection, the plant is allowed to help finish with a soap solution and a warm wash.

In case of severe damage, spraying with an insecticide solution (acticle, decis, phytoverm etc.) is recommended.

Pachystachis - pachystachys