In the room conditions, the aquatic pahiri (Latin Pachira aquatica), or the so-called Malabar chestnut, are grown. This plant is characterized by slow growth and the ability to store water in cavities between wood and bark. With proper care, the aquarium may achieve a 3-meter growth.
Pahiru is grown both as a solitary plant and for creating bonsai. But remember that the side shoots house plant pahir forms only when it reaches the ceiling. In the shops you can see the pahir in several trunks, which are intertwined. Such a plant is formed from several seedlings, gradually interlacing them from a young age.
Kinds
Pakhira aquatic (Latin Pachira aquatica Aubl.). Its homeland is the tropics of South America. For an amazing form of foliage, the plant is sometimes called Malabar or Guiana chestnut. Another of its names is a bottle tree, since the pahira has a specific extension in the lower part of the stem. Inside it is a cavity where water is stored. In case of lack of watering, the pahir spends moisture reserves, therefore, it suffers for a while drying the earth coma, but does not tolerate excessive watering.
Pakhira grows slowly, but over time it can reach 2.5-3 m, and 1.5 m in diameter of the crown. The leaves are palmy-complex, dark green in color. Blooms rarely. Yellowish or white flowers form a fairly large inflorescence of the panicle (about 35 cm in length). Fruit - lignifying berry, olive-colored, elongated-rounded; reaches 10-25 cm in length. Seeds are round, they can be fried or eaten raw.
Care instructions
Lighting. Pahira is a plant that loves good lighting. Otherwise, it stretches and loses its decorativeness. Normally tolerates direct sunlight in a small amount, but likes bright diffused light. It is recommended to grow a pahir on the east or west windows. On the south side, you should shade it, especially in the hot midday hours. In summer, it is necessary to put the plant in the garden. However, it should be installed in a place protected from wind and direct sunlight, protected from precipitation. In the spring, after a period when the light day was short, it is necessary to gradually accustom the pagir to intensive lighting. This will help prevent the occurrence of sunburn.
Temperature regime. For pahiri, a moderate temperature in the range 21-25 ° C in the spring-summer period is considered favorable. The best temperature in winter is 14-16 ° C. Do not place this indoor plant close to the heating devices. Do not allow drafts to not "catch cold" it.
Watering. Watering is recommended to be carried out according to the diameter of the container, while avoiding liquid entering the base of the trunks. It is better to use lower watering. Spring and summer should be watered moderately, the top layer of the substrate should dry up until the next watering. In the period October-February watering should be reduced, but avoid long drying of the land. Water for irrigation is recommended to stand and slightly heat. When there is a shortage of water, the leaves of the pahiri sag and lose the turgor, and with its excess the stems begin to rot.
Humidity. This indicator is not critical for the cultivation of the pahira. The plant normally carries dry air in the room. On the other hand, the pahira loves periodic spraying with soft water (2 times a day). Remember that with such an aqueous procedure, the stem of the plant should not get a lot of liquid, as this will lead to its decay. Feeding recommended from April to August complex mineral fertilizers 1 time in 3-4 weeks. The dose should be rationed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Formation and transplantation. The plant is formed by pruning the branches stretching upwards. At the cutoff point, the pahira begins to branch, forming a dense crown. Often it is given an oval or spherical shape.
Transplant pahir should be in the spring: at a young age every year, adult plants - every 2-3 years. The pot for transplantation should be used shallow, wide, in diameter larger than the previous one by 4-5 cm. Do not place the pahir in a deep container, since its roots are located near the surface. In deep pots the plant feels bad, sick, grows slowly.
The substrate is used from sheet, turf and sand in equal proportions. Add to it brick crumb and charcoal. Of commercial mixtures often use a universal primer for dracen and palm trees. Be sure to make good drainage.
Reproduction. The pahir plant reproduces with seeds (early spring) or vegetatively (cuttings, in August). When propagating with seeds, it is necessary to use soil heating, setting the temperature at 25-27 ° C. Fresh seeds should be planted, since with time they lose their germination. Seeds are first poured into a bowl, almost without covering the ground, then sprinkle with warm water. Plank should be covered with glass or a packet and regularly aired, remove the formed liquid droplets. Seedlings appear within three weeks.
Cutting can be propagated by patching. Cut the cuttings necessarily with a heel. It is better to do this in late summer. For rooting cuttings require heat and high humidity.
Difficulties
If the trunk and roots begin to rot, then watering the pahiri is excessive or water falls on the stem of the plant.
If the edges and tips of the leaves turn brown, then the room is very dry air. Other causes: draft, insufficient watering.
If the leaves curl, they become soft, brown edges appear, which means that the temperature in the room is low for the pahira.
Another reason may be sudden temperature changes day and night.
If the stem is stretched, and the characteristic "bottle" thickening is concealed, it means that the plant is not illuminated enough or placed far from the window.
If there are bright, dry spots on the leaves, the light is too bright, which leads to sunburn. It should be shaded pahiru from direct sunlight.
Pests: scab, spider mite.