Plants of the Syrian genus are common in the Caucasus, throughout the territory of our country, in Central Asia and in Siberia. Basically, it can be found on the banks of rivers and other water bodies with soil of muddy composition, there are many of them in wetlands. Plants of this genus can often form thickets.
Representatives of this genus are rhizome perennial grasses. The aura has long bright green leaves resembling a sword. Wild species have leaves up to one and a half meters. Leaves form bundles, like fans. They grow in a row on a creeping branched rhizome, located horizontally. At the calf collected in the cob of small yellowish with a green tinge flowers. A distinctive feature of aira among all the aroids is the absence of a veil. In our country in the wild it can bloom from the last days of May to the beginning of July. Its fruits are rarely ripe for us, so it is spread with the help of rhizome.
I must say a few words about the rhizome itself. If it breaks, then it will smell nice. He has long been used perfumers in his craft. Air is a plant that has medicinal properties. They were known about them as far back as the 16th century, when they began to use it in the pharmacy business.
Air: its kinds.
Today, only a couple of species of this plant are known. Firstly, it is a marsh or an ayr. Still it is called an iris root. In Latin its name sounds like Acorus calamus L. This species can be found in North America and throughout Eurasia.
The second type of ara is the cereal ayr. In Latin it is called Acorus gramineus S. ex Aiton. The word "Gramineus" means grassy, cereal. This kind of ara is appreciated most of all, especially one with striped mottled leaves or variegata. This type of aura does not grow above 15 centimeters. It, basically, can be found in the east of Asia.
Grades of aira differ in height and color. Variety Albovariegatus is distinguished by white strips on the leaves, grade Aureovariegatus - yellow. The Airs variety Pusicus does not grow above 10 centimeters, other varieties grow to almost half a meter.
Airo: caring for plants.
These plants are rather unpretentious. They need a semi-shadowy, bright place. Direct rays can not tolerate plants, so light should be mostly scattered.
The temperature should be moderate. The upper limit should be, approximately, 22 degrees, and the bottom (in winter) - 15. Air can tolerate wintering and with lower temperatures. The plant does not bother the cold at night and drafts.
The plant ayr loves moisture, therefore it grows near water bodies. That's why it should be watered abundantly and make sure that the soil in the pot is always wet. Hydroponics is suitable for its growth. Humidity must also be quite high.
Cereal species of aura can be decorated aquariums, swamp compositions in the garden.
Flower growers are advised not to feed the plant, because it can lead to a rapid growth of algae, and this can negatively affect the aura.
For pots with aura, you need to select a land consisting of peat, sand and river mud. Instead of silt, by the way, you can add and sod land.
This houseplant should not be transplanted frequently, it should be done as needed. The pot for the aura needs a low, but wide.
You can multiply the ayr by dividing the rhizome. Air expands very quickly.
Difficulties that can arise when growing calamus.
Can dry the tips of the leaves, becoming brown. This means that the room is too dry and watering is not enough.
Leaves can blacken and fall. The reason for this can be direct sunlight and excessive dryness of air. This can happen if the plant overheats.
The plant sometimes affects spider mites.