The reo flower belongs to the Commelinaceae family. This plant is quite unpretentious when cared for at home, so it is suitable even for a novice amateur gardener. Reo is an indoor flower, which also has the second name Tradescantia capillary.
Varieties and types
This is a perennial plant on shoots, which produces many white inflorescences and interestingly colored leaves. Tradescantia reo leaves have two main shades, but some varieties have distinctive features in color.
Most plants have green outer leaves and a purple inner leaf. The length of the leaf can reach up to 30 cm, and the width is about 6 cm. The large size of this plant and the voluminous trunk allow it to accumulate moisture and then endure times of drought with dignity.
The plant is native to the tropical forests of South America. It grows naturally on the banks of water bodies and in the humid tropics.
- a species native to the Antilles. The plant has large leaves up to half a meter in height, which, the older the plant, the larger they become. The leaf shape is linear - oblong. The outside of the leaf is light green and the inside is purple. The inflorescences are light and small in size. Flowering in good conditions occurs all year round.
Also, there is a garden species of reo yellow. This species has vertical yellow stripes along the leaves. This species may also have a beige color along the leaf.
Reo care at home
The flower likes lighting that is more diffused, excluding direct sunlight. The preferred location of the plant is on the east or west side. If the location is on sunny sides with hot sun at lunchtime, it is better to provide artificial shading.
In winter, the plant needs plenty of light, otherwise the leaves of the flower will lose their bright decorative appearance. When caring for the plant, you should remove the side bushes and leave a single bush.
The plant prefers air temperature without changes and drafts. In summer, the temperature should be about 13 degrees, in winter not lower than 12 degrees.
Watering and air humidity
The plant prefers daily and moderate moisture. Even short-term drying out of the soil has a detrimental effect on the condition of the plant. In winter, it is better not to over-moisten the soil, otherwise the rhizome of the plant may begin to rot. Water with warm room temperature water and let it sit for a day.
It is better to moisten the leaves of the plant from a sprayer more often in winter, when the heating season begins. And in the summer, it is better to place the container with the flower in a tray with moistened expanded clay. Spray with soft water.
Reo transplanting and fertilizers
Individuals that have reached the age of about two years should be replanted every couple of years, and adults every 5 years. Wide containers should be selected, since the root system tends to grow in width.
It is preferable to plant in plastic containers; they retain soil moisture longer, unlike clay containers. It is better to replant in spring.
It is worth feeding with a universal fertilizer for deciduous plant species. The frequency of feeding is every 14 days in the summer.
Land for the reo flower
The soil for the plant should be saturated with nutrients and humus and have good air permeability.
The soil for reo should include leaf soil, turf, peat, humus, coarse sand and good drainage to the bottom of the container. Take everything in equal quantities.
Reo flower propagation
Propagation by cuttings occurs by separating from the top or side cuttings from the main adult plant. You can root the cuttings in water or in a light substrate, keeping the soil well moistened and maintaining a temperature of about 23 degrees.
If rooting occurs in water, you need to remove the lower leaves to the area of immersion in water, otherwise they will rot.
Propagation by seeds occurs by sowing seeds in light soil consisting of peat and sand. After covering the container with film or glass, periodically ventilate and spray the soil. Shoots usually appear together. With the appearance of a pair of leaves, you should pick the plants into different containers.
Diseases and pests
- The flower survives pest damage quite well, but sometimes it happens scale insect damage . To do this, you need to treat the plant with an insecticide or a light soap solution.
- Diseases may include powdery mildew or gray mold , this may be due to waterlogging and stagnation of moisture in the soil. Affected leaves are removed.
- Why do rheo leaves turn black? - the reason is that the water for irrigation is cold or has a high chlorine content. It is necessary to settle and filter the water, and maintain the water temperature at about 22 degrees.
- Reo leaves tips dry - The obvious cause is dry air in the room. Prevention: frequent spraying and humidification.
- If the leaves become small and begin to curl , the reason is insufficient fertilizer in the soil or poor watering.
The reo flower is very often grown by gardeners at home, as it is easy to care for. The rheo's natural habitat is the tropical regions of Central and South America. The flower has beautiful multi-colored foliage: on the lower side it is crimson-violet, and on the upper side it is green. The leaves are approximately 30 centimeters long and grow from a shortened trunk. The indoor reo flower is very easy to care for, so even a novice florist can grow it.
Rules of care
Light and temperature
Although the plant is not capricious to care for, it nevertheless needs to be properly cared for. Reo should be installed in a place where bright light falls well. The indoor specimen should be protected from direct sunlight, because this can have an extremely negative effect on the leaves. It is best to place a pot with a plant on a western or eastern window sill. Due to insufficient light, the leaves may stretch upward.
Caring for reo at home must be correct, then the flower will develop and grow magnificently. In summer and spring, the temperature in the room should be about 23 degrees, and in winter - 16°C. It is very important to eliminate drafts; rheo does not like this. You should also avoid sudden temperature changes.
Watering rules
Proper plant care includes watering regimen. Reo prefers moist soil, but do not overwater the flower, as this may cause root rot.
In summer, when growing reo, the soil should be slightly moist, and in the winter season, the watering rate must be reduced.
But you shouldn’t let the soil dry out. Water should only be used that has been settled and at room temperature. In winter, watering should be done only with warm water. Also, droplets of water should not penetrate into the axils of the leaves, as this can cause harm to the plant.
Even at home, your pet should be constantly sprayed, so it will develop well. In hot weather, for reo it is necessary to regularly arrange a contrast shower.
Fertilizers
In spring and summer, the plant needs to be fertilized. To do this, flower growers advise using complex fertilizers. Sometimes organic fertilizers are used, but this is in rare cases. Fertilizers should be applied correctly so that there is no excess, as this can have a detrimental effect on the general condition of the flower. When proper care is provided, the plant feels great and develops.
Transfer
The plant needs proper care and replanting is an important step. Reo needs an annual transplant. For these purposes, choose a pot that is spacious but shallow. The substrate can be easily prepared with your own hands at home, which includes the following components: turf and leaf soil, sand, and humus. All ingredients must be taken in the same ratio. It is also necessary not to forget about the drainage, which is laid out at the bottom of the tank.
Reproduction
Reo propagation is carried out by several methods:
- Seed propagation method.
- Using cuttings
Vegetative method of propagation
If propagation is carried out by the vegetative method, then in the spring you need to select cuttings and cut them off from the main plant. It is recommended to cut cuttings with a sharp knife, the blade of which has been pre-treated with alcohol. After the petioles have been cut, they are planted in separate containers filled with peat mixture and sand. They should then be watered and kept warm. The cuttings need appropriate care so that they take root well.
In addition, cuttings take root well in water to which a growth stimulator is added. To prevent rotting of the cuttings, it is recommended to remove the lower leaves. When roots appear, the sprouts should be transplanted into vessels.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds must be sown in spring in boxes filled with peat soil and sand. After planting, the soil is moistened and covered with polyethylene. It is recommended to spray and ventilate the seedlings every day. Reo seeds sprout and grow very quickly if you care for them properly.
Flower propagation can also be done by replanting by dividing the bush.
Diseases and pests
If the care of the rheo is not correct, then it will be attacked by diseases and various insects. The tips of the leaves turn brown and then dry out, this often happens due to dry air in the apartment. This is usually observed during the cold season, when the heating is on. Under such circumstances, it is best to spray regularly, or you can place a container of water next to the flower.
- When brown spots form on the leaves, the reason is the cold water with which the plant is watered. For irrigation, it is very important to use warm and settled water.
- If the leaves of the plant curl and dry, this indicates that the plant does not have enough moisture and needs to increase the frequency of watering.
- Due to insufficient light or lack of nutrients, the leaves of the plant may become very elongated.
- The flower's variegated leaf color may fade due to an excess of light. In this case, you need to move the pot to a darker place.
- If brown spots form on the leaves and the shoots turn brown, this is due to excess moisture.
Many flower growers claim that it is necessary to keep reo in the house because it has medicinal properties. The beneficial properties of rheo have long been known to folk medicine. The plant helps against various diseases such as rheumatism, skin lesions and intestinal diseases. The medicinal properties of rheo lie in its leaves, which are heated and applied to the joints. For an open wound, the leaves are washed well, then crushed and applied to the affected area of the body. Another benefit of the plant is that rheo helps dissolve blood clots in blood vessels.
Some people are interested in the question, what signs does the reo flower carry and is it worth keeping it in the house? There are various signs and superstitions that are associated with rheo. There are various signs that the plant gives a person creative energy and also absorbs aggression. They also say that the flower has an extremely positive effect on the circulatory system. In addition, signs and superstitions indicate that the plant helps to endure love turmoil and protects the atmosphere of your home from various evil acts.
But whether or not to believe in the signs and superstitions that are associated with the reo flower, and whether to keep it in the house, is up to you to decide.
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Reo is one of the popular plants among modern flower growers from the Commilinaceae family.
The second name of the plant is Tradescantia variegated.
And among the people, reo is also called “the boat of Moses” for its unusual boat-shaped flowers.
Reo combines the unpretentiousness of succulents and beauty.
America, its central and southern regions, is considered the birthplace of the plant.
Under natural conditions, rheo grows not only in tropical forests, but also on the banks of rivers and lakes and even on rocks.
Appearance
Vittata– has a longitudinal stripe on the leaves of yellow color.
Useful properties, signs
There are many signs and superstitions associated with this unusual flower.
The flower is believed to have a dual nature. Reo gives everyone who lives in the same room with him creative energy and neutralizes negativity in the house.
It is believed that reo protects owners from love spells and conspiracies, and also helps to complete planned tasks and achieve their goals.
Reo is considered a medicinal plant; its juice can be used to treat periodontal disease, and a decoction of the leaves can be used to treat respiratory diseases.
However, the sap of the plant is poisonous and the necessary precautions should be taken when working with the plant.
Growing and care at home
In general, Tradescantia is quite hardy and unpretentious. Even a novice gardener can easily handle caring for it.
Lighting
Reo prefers good bright lighting.
But direct sunlight can negatively affect its growth and development.
The temperature in the room in which rheo grows should not fall below plus 10 degrees. The optimal location is windows facing east or west.
Watering
The plant does not require a special watering regime; it is important to remember that the soil should not be dry for a long time.
The plant can be watered 2 times a week from spring to late summer, the rest of the time can be reduced to 2-3 times a month.
Water better settled water.
Humidity
Reo feels comfortable in humid air, so it needs to be sprayed periodically, especially in winter, when the air in apartments is especially dry.
Top dressing
Feeding with mineral fertilizers can begin in early spring and end at the end of summer.
Feed with regular fertilizers for indoor plants 2 times a month.
Can also be used as fertilizer:
Transfer
The soil for replanting a plant can be prepared from a mixture:
- turf land,
- footing,
- sand and
- leafy soil.
Or replace it with a ready-made set of mixtures for indoor plants from the store.
The plant is replanted once every two years, after 5 years it can be replanted once every five years. When choosing a container for replanting, give preference to wide pots, because after the plant reaches its maximum height, it will begin to grow in width.
When choosing a material for a pot, it is better to choose plastic or porcelain. It is better to replant in the spring. Replanting is carried out using the transshipment method, and the top layer of soil must be removed.
Reproduction
Reo can propagate by division, cuttings and seeds.
Plant division
To replant, take the side shoots of the plant, separate them from the mother plant in the spring and transplant them into separate pots. When growing young shoots, it is important to maintain a comfortable temperature of 18-20 degrees and avoid changes and drafts.
Cuttings
Shoots should be trimmed in the spring and with disinfected, clean tools. The cuttings need to be placed in water and wait for roots to appear. They can then be transplanted into the soil.
Seeds
Seeds should be planted in the ground in mid-spring. They are planted in boxes with a mixture of peat and sand, moistened and covered with polyethylene. Every day the mini-bed requires ventilation and spraying.
Usually, almost all the seeds germinate and the seedlings themselves grow quite quickly. But when propagated by seeds, the decorative nature of the flowers is not preserved, and only one-color green Tradescantia can be grown this way.
Pests
The flower does not experience any particular difficulties during its development due to its increased resistance to diseases and pests.
The main thing is to follow simple rules of care - water and spray regularly, remove dried flowers and leaves, and update the soil as necessary.
Rarely, but Tradescantia can be affected powdery mildew, in case of non-compliance with watering and the formation of high humidity in the soil.
If you notice that rotten flowers, leaves and stems have appeared on the plant, then all this needs to be removed and the plant replanted in a new soil mixture.
If you find lesions on the root, the infected areas should also be removed and treated with a fungicide.
Sometimes it can settle on a plant. Then you need to wash off the pests with a sponge dipped in a soap solution, rinse off the remaining solution with running water, and treat the plant with insecticidal agents.
Possible problems
The plant itself will tell you if it needs help. Pay close attention to its appearance.
As you can see, caring for the plant is not difficult and any gardener can follow the above recommendations.
And in return, reo will delight you with its beauty for a long time and “protect” you from negative energy.
(Rhoeo discolor) is an exotic flower of the Tradescantia genus. A low-growing tropical herbaceous plant prized for its charming, colorful leaves. The reo flower is often called Tradescantia capillata or Tradescantia Versicolor. The plant belongs to the Commelinaceae family, which includes more than 700 species.
In some reference books, the plant is classified as a separate genus, Rhoeo.
The flower got its name in honor of the forest nymph Reo. According to legend, a small boat was sailing along the Nile, in which a baby was lying; after seeing the basket, the Egyptian Queen saved the baby, after whom this flower was named. Perhaps its flowering, hidden in the axils of the leaves, resembled a boat with a baby in its shape.
Among flower growers, there are a number of other names, including “Moses’ Boat”, “Moses in a Basket”, motley or lined reo. The hybrid variegated form is found under the name Vittata.
Parallel yellow stripes run across the entire surface of the leaves.
The flower's homeland is tropical and subtropical forests of North and South America with a warm climate and high humidity. Reo can be found in Mexico, the Antilles and other regions with daily temperatures of 20-25 degrees. Reo grows on the edges of forests, along river banks, preferring poor rocky soils.
In the 18th century, the flower was first brought to Europe, where it quickly began to gain popularity among gardeners. At home, reo is easy to care for and thrives in any climate. But still, some rules for caring for the Reo flower must be followed.
Description: A low-growing perennial plant up to 40 cm high, with a powerful, erect stem.
Light pubescence in the form of orange hairs is observed throughout the plant.
The leaves are belt-shaped, lanceolate, pointed at the end, growing immediately from the trunk. The length of the leaf plate reaches 35 cm, and the width is 5-6 cm. The thickness of powerful leaves sometimes reaches 5 mm. Fuzzy stripes are visible along the leaves.
Primary colors are green and purple. Often the lower part of the rio is purple and the upper part is green. There are varieties with many shades, which only makes the flower decorative.
In their natural environment, leaves are able to accumulate sufficient moisture to survive successfully during dry periods.
By creating home conditions close to natural, flowering will last throughout the year and can bloom on the New Year. Rio does not have a pronounced rest period.
After a few years, the lower leaves dry out and die, giving Reo the appearance of a small tree.
Flowering is small, in the form of white flowers located on short stalks.
The flowers of Tradescantia tangulata are hidden in the axils of the leaf bracts, resembling a small boat, which is where the name “Boat of Moses” comes from.
The flowering period is short, but can begin at any time of the year.
The inflorescence is bisexual, which allows it to self-dust without the outside help of insects. Often the inflorescence appears in large groups in the form of boats floating on the waves.
At home, reo is kept for its beautiful multi-colored leaves.
If you pinch the tops of the shoots, the plant begins to grow in width, forming a lush and dense bush.
Growth is quite slow, only a few centimeters per year. To create a lush multi-colored composition, several plants are planted in one pot.
The flower often serves as a symbol in predictions. There is a belief that if you are the first to make a wish on a newly blooming flower, it will certainly come true.
When performing any transplanting or propagation work, you must wear protective gloves. Reo's juice is poisonous and causes irritation and redness on sensitive skin.
Types of Reo
At home, they grow only one variety, Reo capillary, with two-colored leaves. But breeders have developed a number of other varieties of Tradescantia.
Has pale pink stripes along the leaves. The plant needs a large amount of light, and the color of the stripes changes depending on the light intensity.
The upper part of the leaf is yellow (sand), the lower part is pale pink.
A two-color leaf, on the upper part of which there are yellow and green parallel yellow stripes, the lower part is painted purple.
The elegant combination of green, white and pink stripes on one sheet adds a special decorative touch.
Reo flower: home care
To successfully grow long-term flowering, the plant needs to create the right conditions, including a sufficient amount of light, choose the right watering and air humidity.
Location: Choose well-lit areas with plenty of indirect sunlight. Direct rays of the sun can cause burns on the surface of the leaves, especially for variegated species.
Choose western or eastern exposure. On the south side, it is necessary to take care of shading during the lunch period, especially in the summer, when the sun intensity is high.
In summer, the pot is taken out into the open air (balcony, loggia) in partial shade, protecting it from precipitation. Insufficient lighting leads to stretching of the leaves and significantly impairs the decorative effect (the surface turns pale). Make sure Reo has a comfortable place. Drafts have a detrimental effect on the flower.
Temperature: The plant is thermophilic and can tolerate temperatures above 26 degrees. But a comfortable temperature for him in the summer is 22 degrees; in winter the indicators drop to 17-18 degrees.
Indicators below 12 degrees lead to growth stagnation, and an untimely increase in temperature leads to the death of the flower.
Watering: During the warm period from spring to early autumn, Reo is watered once every 3 days. Watering is moderate; water should not stagnate in the pan.
A prerequisite is the presence of drainage at the bottom of the pot to avoid rotting of the roots.
From autumn to spring, watering is reduced by 2-3 times. The soil is moderately moistened, allowing the top layer to dry a little before the next watering. Water is used at room temperature, separated.
Humidity: Due to its tropical origin, Tradescantia prefers high humidity. In summer, the surface of the leaves is sprayed once a day from a spray bottle with warm water, without lime.
In winter, place a humidifier in the room and remove the pot away from heating appliances.
Soil: For replanting, use light soil with good moisture and air permeability. Use purchased soils for decorative foliage plants, or prepare them yourself.
- Ingredients: mix high-moor peat, turf soil and sand in equal proportions.
To regulate humidity, agroperlite can be added to the composition. The peculiarity of agroperlite is to accumulate excess moisture from the soil and then release it at the right time.
Agroperlite is well suited for busy people who often forget (do not have the opportunity) to water indoor flowers.
As a nutritional component, add a little humus.
Transplantation: Young plants are replanted every year in the spring; adult plants do not need to be replanted. As a rule, reo is replanted every 4 years or as needed from a pot that is too small. The roots of reo are very fragile, in order to avoid severe stress, transshipment is carried out with partial replacement of the earthen clod.
The pot chosen is not deep, the root system is under the surface. Before planting, drainage (a layer of expanded clay or broken red brick) is laid on the bottom to remove excess moisture.
Fertilizers: In the summer, apply purchased universal fertilizer for ornamental flowering plants 1-2 times a month. In winter, although there is no pronounced dormant period, the flower does not need additional feeding.
Reo Reproduction: There are several ways to propagate rheo: by seeds and side shoots. Both methods are quite effective with a high probability of success, but there are some differences.
Let's look at each of them in detail.
- Seeds.
For a successful result, the seeds on the mother plant must ripen well. It is necessary to create warm and humid ripening conditions.
The seeds are first soaked in a growth stimulator, diluted with water, and left for a day, then they can be sown on the soil surface. Lightly sprinkle earth on top.
The pot with seeds is covered with a glass flask, or placed in a mini greenhouse to maintain constant high humidity and a temperature of 22 degrees.
After 2-6 weeks, the first shoots will appear. Protect young shoots from direct sunlight. Ventilate the plants regularly several times a day by removing the flask.
The soil should always be moist, but do not overdo it.
As soon as the first 3 leaves appear, the young shoots dive into separate containers. Then they are cared for like an adult plant. Plants no longer need greenhouse conditions.
- Lateral cuttings.
This method is simpler with a 95-100% probability of success and, unlike seed propagation, in this method all maternal characteristics are transmitted with 100% matching of the variety. It is by lateral cuttings that Reo reproduces in natural conditions.
Cut young shoots are rooted in water, sand or perlite. Rooting does not depend on the period of the year. Reo cuttings take root quickly and are not picky about special conditions.
A month after rooting, full-fledged strong roots of 1.5 - 2 cm should appear, then the cutting is transplanted into the ground and cared for as an adult plant.
Diseases and pests
Reo is quite resistant to any diseases and pests. The disease can be triggered by improper care, in particular constant waterlogging of the soil, as a result of which the roots begin to rot and gray rot or fungal diseases appear.
It is necessary to remove the damaged parts with a knife (sprinkle the cut areas with activated carbon) and reduce watering to a minimum. In summer, after 2 weeks, resume watering. In winter, the plant is watered moderately every 7-10 days.
In case of root rot, the plant is transplanted into a new substrate, after removing the damaged roots.
Powdery mildew or gray mold is caused by waterlogging. Humidity and watering are reduced, and the surface is treated with a soap solution using laundry soap.
Among the pests of reo, we are most often attacked by spider mites or scale insects.
To combat spider mites, use any purchased insectoacaricide product.
Yellowed leaves are removed, and the plant is rinsed under a running warm shower to remove possible larvae. After complete drying, use the purchased product according to the instructions.
A sticky coating indicates a scale infestation. The plant is also washed off in the shower, covering the soil with polyethylene, the affected leaves are removed and the surface is treated with a soap solution.
In case of severe damage, the plant is treated with fungicides.
Powdery mildew or gray mold is caused by waterlogging.
Problems when growing a Reo flower
Even unpretentious indoor plants sometimes bring a lot of difficulties. Most problems are related to violations of care rules. For an experienced florist this will not be a problem, but what about novice amateurs.
Main problems and solutions for caring for the Reo flower:
- Dark (brown) spots appeared on the surface - most likely the plant was sunburned. Rearrange the pot, or shade it at lunchtime.
- The tips of the leaves curl - insufficient watering. Reduce the periods between waterings.
- The tips of the leaves dry out, becoming dark yellow - the air in the room is too dry. Install additional air humidifiers, and place the pot (during the heating season) away from heating appliances.
- Small and pale leaves - insufficient lighting, possibly lack of fertilizer.
- The shoots are stretched, the leaves turn pale - insufficient lighting.
- The color is lost due to excess sunlight.
- The stem has lost its elasticity and changed color to brown - too much watering.
- Variegated varieties fade, the stripes on the surface of the leaves turn pale - there is an excess of light.
- The leaves become smaller, lose their elasticity - insufficient lighting and nutrition.
- The lower leaves fall off - Reo tends to shed its lower leaves as it grows. But frequent shedding of leaves and slower growth indicate waterlogged soil.
- Leaves wrinkling and drying - insufficient moisture or cold water for irrigation. Use settled water at room temperature.
- Weak leaves that have lost their elasticity (tugor) - the temperature is too low.
- Shriveled, brown leaves - cold or unsuitable water with a high content of lime.
Beneficial (medicinal) properties of the Reo flower
Despite the toxicity of the juice leading to skin irritation, the plant has found its use in folk medicine.
- The prepared tincture of rheo leaves is used to treat lungs and bronchial asthma.
- A decoction of flowers copes well with gastrointestinal diseases, as a supportive remedy for dysentery.
- A decoction of the leaves is used to treat sore joints.
- Due to the aroma of the flower, there is evidence of beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases by planting the plant in your home.
- The juice can stop bleeding. Often, diluted juice and water are used to rinse the mouth when the gums are bleeding.
- Compresses from the leaves are used for rheumatism.
- After crushing the leaves and making a paste, apply to the wounds and wrap gauze on top.
- Aboriginal women of some tribes apply the juice to their cheeks, causing irritation and redness of the skin (allergic dermatitis) as a blush.
Some legends speak of beneficial energy in the apartment. The flower is able to absorb all negative energy. Until now, people grow the reo flower as a family talisman.
Some people use the flower as a love spell for a loved one.
The plant neutralizes aggression and provides creative inspiration.
Reo (Rhoeo)- is a houseplant that has a rather spectacular appearance, and also belongs to the Commelinaceae family. Interestingly, some sources consider it to belong to the genus Tradescantia, while others believe that it is a separate monotypic genus of Reo. In any case, this indoor plant is closely related to such common plants as zebrina, tradescantia and fragrant callisia.
Today it is unknown where the name of the genus Reo came from, but this plant received another name among flower growers - Boat of Moses.
Reo came to us from Central and South America, where it can be easily found in tropical rainforests, on the banks of numerous rivers, as well as on rocky terrain, from which we can conclude that it is unpretentious.
This plant is a low perennial flower, the main difference of which can be called multi-colored leaves: at the bottom of the plant they take on a purple-violet hue, and at the top - green. The shape of the leaves is xiphoid, and their length can reach about 30 cm. Also, some varieties are distinguished by the presence of longitudinal light stripes on the upper sides of the leaves.
Landing
The Reo flower can be planted in two ways: seeds and cuttings (lateral shoots). Before planting, to obtain good shoots, the seeds must be soaked for a day in water with the addition of a growth stimulator solution. The fresher and larger the seeds, the better and more friendly the seedlings. Then the seeds are planted in a pot. When planting, the seeds are not buried, but only sprinkled with 1-2 millimeters of soil. As when planting almost all seedlings, pots with planted seeds are covered with plastic bags or film to create a microclimate. The best temperature for seed germination will be 20-22 degrees, while direct sunlight is undesirable. The first shoots appear after 2-6 weeks, depending on the quality of the seed. When seedlings appear, it is necessary to remember the ventilation mode for 15-20 minutes, while eliminating the possibility of drafts. As the sprouts grow to two or three leaves, the film is removed and the seedlings are cared for as for adult plants, using fertilizing, watering, and spraying. If the film is not removed in time, the young shoots will simply rot and die. Often, to obtain a more lush Reo bush, several bushes are planted in one pot. This is how an adult plant looks most impressive.
Location and lighting
In spring and summer, the best place to place Reo is on non-sunny windows: western or eastern sides. If these conditions cannot be met, the plant is placed in the back of the room or the light is slightly diffused using gauze or tracing paper. If the plant is not removed from the sun, the leaves turn yellow as a result of sunburn. In autumn and winter, when solar activity decreases, Reo tolerates sunlight and is placed in a bright place. With a lack of lighting, the leaves become faded and stretched. If there is insufficient natural light in the room, then artificial lighting is used to help. Fluorescent lamps are used for these purposes, since the leaves suffer from the heat generated by ordinary electric lamps and dry out the air.
Pot size
The Reo flower grows in a group, as a result of which its root system grows to the sides. Therefore, pots for planting Reo should be low and wide. It is best to take a plastic pot rather than a clay one, since a plastic pot retains moisture better. The size of the pot increases in proportion to the growth of the flower.
The soil
It is not necessary to buy soil for planting Reo; it is easy to prepare it yourself. The soil should be light and loose. Usually they take sand, peat, the top layer of earth (turf) and mix thoroughly. For the greatest comfort and stimulation of root growth, humus is added to the mixture, and to maintain optimal moisture for the root system, agrovermiculite is added - a product that can accumulate moisture and then release it. If you have no time to prepare the soil yourself or simply don’t feel like it, then you can simply buy a ready-made substrate for indoor ornamental plants.
Transfer
For full growth, Reo requires a transplant every year, and also due to the fact that children sprout from the soil. Adult plants are replanted as they grow every 3 to 5 years. Transplantation is carried out in late spring or early summer. When replanting, we place drainage at the bottom of the pot so that the plant does not begin to rot from excess and stagnation of water. Expanded clay or fragments of ceramic bricks are usually used as drainage. The soil also needs to be replaced or updated at least 30% of its volume. People with problem skin should take precautions when caring for Reo, as this plant can cause a disease such as contact dermatitis.
Fertilizer and feeding
The period for applying fertilizer for Reo is selected depending on the nature of irrigation. Like any plant, Reo needs fertilizer and feeding, especially after transplanting young shoots. Typically, fertilizers are applied once every two to three weeks in the spring and summer from March to August, when the plant is in its most active growth phase. There are no special requirements for fertilizer, so a regular complex mineral fertilizer for indoor decorative foliage plants is suitable. Occasionally, the use of organic fertilizer is acceptable. Basically it is a tincture of onion peels and eggshells. When applying fertilizing, it is important not to overdo it, which can negatively affect the growth of the plant.
Watering
Watering is an important component of care for Reo. Especially in the summer, it is not scary to water the flower once again, since overdrying is destructive for it. Water for irrigation should be soft and well settled. Half an hour to an hour after watering, excess water is removed from the pan, since water stagnation should not be allowed. In the autumn-winter period, moderate watering is carried out as the upper part of the soil dries, usually on the second day after the surface of the soil dries. If you allow too much watering, this will be immediately noticeable by the slowdown in the growth of the flower and the shedding of the lower leaves, while the presence of very small leaves, on the contrary, indicates too infrequent watering. When watering a plant, it is undesirable for moisture to get between the base of the leaf and the stem, so for watering it is best to use a watering can with a thin spout. When watering, you need to monitor the condition of the soil in the pot so that it is not covered with a crust, due to which the water will not pass to the root system, but will simply pour out over the edge of the pot. To prevent this, the soil in the pot should be loosened from time to time with a fork.
Temperature
The temperature of the plant varies depending on the time of year. Since Reo is a heat-loving plant, the best temperature for Reo in spring and summer, the so-called active period, is 20 - 24 degrees, and in the autumn-winter period, the dormant period, the optimal temperature range will be within 17 -20 degrees. If the temperature of the plant is from 12 to 14 degrees, then you need to ensure that the soil is moderately moist. Ambient temperatures below 12 degrees are destructive for Reo. It is not recommended to place flower pots in rooms with efficient heating devices, as this leads to rapid drying of the soil and drying of the leaves. Also, for comfortable growth it is necessary to exclude drafts, especially in winter.
Humidity
Reo's natural habitat is the humid tropics and river banks, therefore, although Reo tolerates low air humidity, rooms with high humidity are preferable for it. To do this, spray with boiled or filtered water every day, especially during the heating season, when the radiators dry the air. Spraying with Reo should be regular, because moisture has a beneficial effect on the leaves of the flower, they become elastic and fresh. You should try to spray the plant from all sides, but you should not allow it to be exposed to direct sunlight. Spraying also protects the flower from overheating and from spider mite infection. In very warm and dry air, so-called “wet baths” are made, when a pot with a plant is placed in a container with wet peat or expanded clay. At the same time, make sure that the bottom of the flower pot does not reach the water level in the container. Also, to moisten this plant, sometimes the leaves are wiped with a damp sponge, which also leads to their cleaning from dust. The lack of moisture for the plant can be recognized by the dry tips of the leaves.
Trimming
The plant is not pruned. To form a bush, it is necessary to pinch the tops of the shoots, as a result of which the side shoots actively grow. If you want to grow the plant as a single bush, in this case the side shoots must be removed as they appear.
Pests and diseases
In terms of pest and disease damage, Reo emerges as the winner. Only when it is uncontrolled can it become infected with powdery mildew or gray rot. In this case, when the first signs of decay appear, it is necessary to cut off all the affected leaves and other parts of the plant as soon as possible, replant it, replace the soil and trim the affected root system. If insects attack a plant, then it is also necessary to urgently treat the plants with medicine, the choice of which is currently very large. With a lack of sunlight, Reo begins to lose color, the leaves fade and turn yellow. And if you water with cold water or unsettled (unfiltered) water, the plant’s foliage will become brown and wrinkled. When there is insufficient lighting, Reo stretches upward, the leaves become sparser. If the plant does not bloom for a long time, this also applies to lack of lighting. The same signs appear when there is a lack of nutrients. The situation will be corrected by changing the location of the flower and using fertilizers and fertilizing.
Bloom
Since Reo's natural habitat is warm and humid, the indoor plant can produce flowers almost all year round. Reo has small and white flowers on short stalks. The buds in appearance resemble a boat of two bract sheets. The inflorescence of this plant is bisexual, so the seeds can ripen without the participation of insects. With proper care (watering, temperature and lighting), it will delight you with year-round flowering.
Reproduction
In addition to propagation by seeds, Reo can be propagated by dividing roots and cuttings. The most reliable and proven way to propagate a plant is to divide the bush. If you take good care of the plant and pinch the tops of the shoots, then Reo grows quite quickly, which makes it possible to replant, carefully separating the rhizomes. When propagating by apical cuttings or lateral shoots, it is important that the plant takes root well. To do this, you need to cut off young side shoots and immerse them in settled water for root germination. It is necessary to change the water regularly to prevent it from blooming. The lower leaves of the cuttings are removed to prevent them from rotting. Also, cuttings root quite well in wet sand. Rooting usually lasts 2-3 weeks at a temperature of 21-23 degrees, after which the cuttings are planted in pots. In low and wide pots, you must first lay drainage, and then fill in the soil mixture. Caring for planted and rooted cuttings is the same as for adult plants.
Rest period
The dormant period for this plant is considered to be from October to February, with an air temperature of 17 to 20 degrees, with good lighting and regular spraying to maintain the required level of humidity. During the dormant period, the plant is not fed; the number of leaves may decrease.
Plant toxicity/beneficial properties
This plant has many beneficial properties. It is used in folk medicine in different countries. Mexicans use Reo juice as a blush, although the juice usually irritates the skin and causes it to turn red. Residents of the “Island of Liberty” use the same juice to stop bleeding from the gums, and a tincture of a decoction of the leaves – for diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
For intestinal diseases, intestinal bleeding or dysentery, a decoction of Reo flowers is used. To do this, boil them for 20 minutes and cool. For open bleeding wounds, Reo leaves must be thoroughly washed, ground and this composition applied to the wound. Then bandage the wound and then change the bandage regularly. For rheumatic diseases, heated Reo leaves are applied as a compress to sore joints. On the energetic side, the plant collects all the negative energy in the house, protects the human biofield from exhaustion, improves the condition of the cardiovascular system, and promotes the dissolution of blood clots in the vessels. No pronounced toxic properties have been identified in Reo, with the exception of rare cases of contact dermatitis.
