Pedilanthus vary greatly in appearance due to the fact that they prefer different habitats. For example, P. tithymaloides is a small shrub and grows in dry tropical forests. Another species - P. calcaratus - is a small tree, also prefers dry tropical forests. Pedilanthus P. finkii prefers wet tropical forests. Species P. cymbiferus, as well as P. macrocarpus are succulents, practically lacking leaves, but with well-developed water-preserving tissues.
Its name was given to the genus for the original form of flowers and in Greek "pedilon" and "anthos" mean "shoe" and "flower" respectively.
It is thanks to the amazing flowers that the pedlanthus have become such popular indoor plants. The most famous P. tithymaloides, it can be found in the collections of most florists.
Care instructions
Lighting. Indoor plants of the pedlanthus love bright scattered light, however, direct sunlight should be avoided. In summer, they should be placed in a well-lit place, shading with a translucent fabric from sunburn. It is also recommended to take out the pedalanthus on the balcony or the garden, while protecting from direct sunlight and rainfall. If this is not possible, then it is recommended to constantly ventilate the room where the pedalanthus is located. In winter, you should take care of the good lighting of the plant. It is possible to use additional illumination with the use of lamps.
Temperature regime. In spring and summer, the optimum temperature for a pedalant is about 25 ° C. However, remember that it requires fresh air. Since the autumn it is recommended to gradually reduce the temperature in the room, the optimum range is from 14 to 18 ° C. At such degrees the plant will not so abundantly discard the leaves.
Watering. In summer, it is necessary to water the houseplants abundantly, after the top layer of the soil dries. Do not forget to water with a soft, well-settled water. By winter, watering is reduced to moderate. Pedilanthus does not tolerate a strong waterlogging, as well as prolonged drying of the substrate. The criterion of when and what should be watering is the turgor of the leaves of the pedalanthus. So, if the leaves are slightly lowered, then the turgor is lowered, and the plant feels a shortage in the water. With insufficient watering, the pedalanthus begins to discard the foliage.
Air humidity. Pedilanthus - plants are not whimsical with respect to the humidity in the room. In summer it is recommended to spray them with water. In cold periods of the year there is no need for spraying.
Top dressing. As fertilizer use fertilizers for succulents. When buying it, pay attention to the nitrogen content in it. Excess nitrogen causes rotten roots in the pedalanthus, and then the trunk. Feeding is recommended from spring to autumn 1 time per month. Since autumn, the number of feedings is reduced, in winter it is not necessary to feed.
Pruning is carried out regularly at a young age, in order to achieve good branching and to form the crown.
Transfer. Transplant pedalantus should be in the spring and only if necessary, when the roots become tight in the container. This plant has a fairly compact root system, so when choosing a pot for transplantation, follow the following rule:
its height should be approximately equal to the diameter. The substrate must be light, well permeable to water and air, and have a neutral pH value. For example, it is recommended to use a mixture containing leaf land (2 shares), turf (1 share) and sand (1.5-2 shares). At the bottom of the pot, do not forget to put a layer of expanded clay, as the pedalanthus does not tolerate the souring of the substrate.
Reproduction. Plants pedilanthus can reproduce by seeds and vegetatively (cuttings). Cuttings should be planted in spring or summer. Cuttings must be dried before planting, it can take 1-2 days depending on their size. For rooting use dry sand or perlite, with the optimum temperature is 20-25 0 C. Remember that the cuttings can not be covered with a film or lid to avoid their decay.
Precautionary measures
When working with a pedalant, you should wear gloves or use other skin protection products, since the plant releases corrosive juice.
Difficulty of care
If the pedalanthus sheds foliage, then there is a violation of the irrigation regime. The plant does not tolerate either lack or excess of water.
If the plant starts to stretch in winter, then it does not have enough light. Another reason may be a very warm content in the room.
Pests: aphids (rarely).