Chlorophytum is a flower so familiar to the eye that many do not know its real name, calling it differently: a spider plant, family happiness, a spray of champagne, a friendly family. Giving preference to exotic outlandish flowers in the house, which require complex care and bring only aesthetic benefits, they do not know that chlorophytum is one of the most effective natural air purifiers.
Chlorophytum: care and reproduction
Chlorophytum is native to South Africa. There are about 250 types of chlorophytum, which differ in size, color and leaf shape. This perennial herb is distinguished by its fast growth, unpretentiousness and ease of self-care. It is a flower with leaves collected in basal bunches and drooping mustache-arrows, at the ends of which beautiful sheaves of greenery with aerial roots are formed.
Chlorophytum blooms in small inflorescences, collected in a loose panicle. Sometimes the flowers are pollinated and form a fruit – a small triangular box. Well-groomed vigorous plants usually have multiple hanging stems with rosettes of leaves. Usually, in homes and public spaces, varieties are grown with striped and linear green leaves up to 40-50 cm long, which beautifully bend in arcs in different directions.
The most important quality of chlorophytum is its amazing ability to purify indoor air. From the air, it absorbs many substances that are harmful and hazardous to human health, which are formed when burning household gas, using tap water, fumes from finishing materials and furniture. The leaves of the plant are capable of cleaning the indoor air from toxic substances in a day, such as:
– formaldehytes; – phenols; – ammonia and acetone; – xylene and toluene; – carbon monoxide.
Thus, formaldehyde vapors emitted by modern wood-chip surfaces, plastics and other materials are neutralized by chlorophytum by 86%, carbon monoxide by 96%, and nitrogen oxides by 70–80%. A single plant is able to completely neutralize toluene and benzene in the air.
By absorbing substances harmful to humans, chlorophytum releases pure oxygen, which is very useful for enclosed spaces. Because of its ability to absorb dangerous carbon monoxide, knowledgeable people place it in kitchens equipped with gas stoves. In addition, chlorophytum brightens and enlivens the interior of the kitchen, and its ability to release dangling arrows with bunches of striped or green leaves allows it to be placed on walls and save space in cramped rooms.
Chlorophytum is able not only to cleanse the air of chemical compounds, but also actively fights against harmful bacteria and microorganisms. In a day, one plant can destroy up to 80% of pathogens around it, and several chlorophytums can almost completely purify and improve the air in a medium-sized room.
Chlorophytum is a real green filter that protects a person from infections and allergies.
Due to its bactericidal properties, it is customary to keep chlorophytum in kindergartens and schools, medical institutions, and offices. Such a useful flower must necessarily be in every child’s room, besides, along the way, you can entrust the child with caring for him – after all, he is considered one of the most unpretentious indoor plants.
Chlorophytum is ideal for beginner flower growers. Combining beauty and simplicity, it is absolutely not capricious, therefore it has become one of the most beloved indoor plants.
Chlorophytum can be attributed to both sun-loving and shade-tolerant plants. Loves bright diffused light, prefers east or west windows. It can grow on the northern window, but in low light it will lose its decorative bright color of the leaves. Growing on a south window requires shading. Can be short-lived, up to several hours, withstand direct sunlight.
Prefers a moderate temperature regime, is able to tolerate a fairly wide range of temperatures. In winter, the temperature is preferable at 18 degrees, the main thing is that it does not drop below 10 degrees. In summer, chlorophytum is good to take out to the balcony or garden, having previously protected it from rain and wind. Although persistent chlorophytum will not die at unfavorable temperatures, it will lose its visual appeal from such stress. He also does not like cold drafts and non-insulated windows.
Chlorophytum is watered abundantly during the growing season – from spring to autumn, since it needs a lot of moisture during this period. The soil should be moist at all times. In winter, moderate watering is recommended, but the substrate should not dry out. With a lack of moisture, it can form numerous tuberous thickenings. It quite tolerates dry air, but will be grateful for a warm shower in summer and periodic spraying all year round, especially if located near heat sources.
Chlorophytum gratefully responds to feeding together with watering in the spring and summer. At this time, it is fed with mineral or organic fertilizers for decorative deciduous plants twice a month.
Young plants need to be replanted annually in February-March. Adults or very large plants are transplanted after 2-3 years. The soil is taken as follows:
– 2 parts of sod land; – 1 part of leafy soil; – 1 part of humus soil; – 1 part of sand.
Spacious pots are needed, since chlorophytum has large thick roots, and when they grow, the flowerpots crack near the bottom
Chlorophytum reproduces well by engrafting the baby directly from the mustache into a new pot, or the baby can be torn off and placed in a container with water until the roots appear 2–2,5 cm long. Then the young plant should be transplanted into the ground. You can also divide overly large bushes of an adult plant by pruning overgrown roots.
Sometimes the tips of the leaves of chlorophytum turn brown. Most likely, the reason is mechanical damage, lack of nutrients, too dry and warm air. Brown spots on the leaves can appear due to heavy winter watering at high temperatures.
Lethargic and pale leaves are a sign of a lack of light or minerals. Also, a lack of lighting can turn variegated leaves into ordinary dark green. Due to waterlogging in winter or too heavy soil, the outlet may rot. In a cramped pot, the plant will most likely not bloom. Also, young chlorophytums do not bloom. Sometimes chlorophytums are damaged by pests such as aphids, worms, spider mites, but this only threatens weakened plants.
Simple care, the ability to multiply quickly, a variety of chlorophytum colors make the flower one of the first plants for beginner growers, and the beneficial properties and the ability to combine different types in the interior make it the favorite flower of professionals.