NOD “Introduction to the new indoor plant sansevieria. Flower mysteries and amazing facts about flowers
Quite a lot of people think that keeping a flower at home pike tail not safe. Some argue that all flowers with such leaves are harmful, because they emit some kind of harmful gas. Others talk about the juice of its leaves, which is a real poison. Let's see if this is really true.
Many Russians grow houseplants in their offices and apartments. The first group of flower growers does what they love very responsibly, putting a lot of effort. The second group - they simply water the earth, without bothering with further care. Sansevieria has long been known as an unpretentious plant with beneficial properties, so the flower is suitable for representatives of any group.
Many are familiar with such numerous names - Mother-in-law's language, Pike or Kukushkin's tail. Them useful plant received for long and narrow leaf blades. Enthusiastic flower growers have long known about the benefits and dangers of a pike tail.
Appearance and features of the flower Pike tail (Sansevieria)
Pike tail has long been famous in European countries. The houseplant is named after the Italian background of Sansevier, a prince who was fond of botany. He observed the flower and revealed the beneficial and harmful qualities of the mother-in-law's tongue for living beings.
The data obtained by Sanseviera were confirmed by modern inhabitants. Many have noticed that sansevieria has beneficial properties not only for living organisms, but also for the home. She is capable of:
- Decorate your office and home.
- Benefit in the treatment of ailments.
- Clear the atmosphere of negative energy.
Nature has given 60 species of Sansevieria - evergreen perennials. But only a few of them are cultivated as houseplants. The fact is that some flowers, called mother-in-law's tongue, have properties that are not useful, but harmful to humans. However, all representatives of the genus are characterized by:
- The absence of a peduncle. This property of the Pike's tail is the reason that many flower growers breed a plant at home with an unusual appearance.
- Creeping rhizome.
- Narrow or wide, always rigid, pointed at the top of the leaf blades. The wax coating present on them prevents the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the sheet. Thanks to this flower, constant watering is not required.
- Leaf blades can be light green, dark green, silver, brown and yellow. Some plants have variously arranged spots and stripes on their leaves. Thanks to such a variety of colors, the pike tail has become a symbol for feng shui fans. A cuckoo's tail with silvery leaves is a messenger of material well-being. If you put it on workplace, then the person will definitely add a salary. A pike tail with striped sheets in the office will harm career growth. The labor activity of employees will consist of pronounced black and white stripes.
- Beneficial features leaf blades of the mother-in-law's tongue plant were noticed by scientists, so the flower is used to make anti-inflammatory and sedative drugs.
- From the light green flowers of the Pike tail, cylinder-shaped inflorescences are obtained. Vanilla or lilac aroma spreads from flower brushes. The smell is most noticeable in the evening and at night.
A warning!
Do not forget that being near the Pike tail at night can harm allergy sufferers.
Useful qualities of a pike tail
The leaves of the Pike tail flower are rich in:
- Essential oils. They relieve stress.
- Organic compounds that help strengthen the immune system and improve general state person.
The most powerful beneficial properties are Sansevieria three-lane. According to experts, an indoor flower is capable of:
- Remove toxic substances from the air that are harmful to the health of people and pets.
- Even at night, release oxygen, which many indoor flowers cannot do.
Russian biologists have proven that the pike tail can affect not only humans and the air, but also household appliances. Sansevieria will have benefits for the home because it:
- Removes hazardous radiation from TV, laptop and personal computer. Psychologists-kinesiologists recommend placing the pike tail near these devices, then the harm from their regular use will be minimized.
- Creates a peaceful atmosphere in any room. The beneficial properties of the flower, called mother-in-law's tongue, can be used to cleanse the energy of warehouse, residential and office premises.
What does a pike tail treat?
Useful properties of the Pike tail have found application in the creation of homeopathic medicines for the treatment of:
- Women's diseases. Application alcohol tincture contributes to the improvement of the physical and mental condition of women with PMS.
- Urogenital system. A tincture of pike tail leaves can remove all discomfort.
- Gastrointestinal tract. A filtered decoction will help cleanse the intestines from fecal deposits.
- Cold diseases. Freshly prepared infusion will relieve fever.
- Inflammation of the middle ear. Warm juice from the leaves of a useful plant is used as ear drops.
- Acne and boils. Fresh sheets are cut and applied to the problem area.
- With inflammation of the gums. Washed leaves are chewed or applied to a sore spot.
- With scabies. The decoction will benefit if taken orally and used as a lotion.
Attention!
Preparations from the Pike tail do not replace the medicines prescribed by the doctor, but serve as an addition to the main treatment.
The use of mother-in-law's tongue as a homeopathic remedy can bring not only benefits, but also harm. Medicines should not be used:
- People with allergic reactions;
- pregnant and breastfeeding women;
- chronically ill people over 60;
- children under 10 years old.
The medicinal properties of sansevieria have made a useful plant known in Russia and abroad. Homeopathic preparations can be found on the pharmacy counters of the CIS countries.
Is the pike tail poisonous?
Pike tail - no poisonous plant. However, if precautions are not followed, sansevieria in the house will not bring benefits, but harm to the health of people and pets.
Mother-in-law's tongue is harmful if parts of the flower get inside a living organism in large quantities. Dogs and cats should not be allowed to chew on the plant. Four-legged pets may experience intestinal disorders.
Also, adults should make sure that inquisitive children do not try the pike tail on the tooth. It is not known what harm the plant will cause if it enters the developing stomach. If the child ate a piece indoor flower, then you need to give him as soon as possible activated carbon and contact your pediatrician.
Places where it is better to place a pot with a pike tail
To protect quadrupeds and children, flowerpots with a home flower are placed in inaccessible places. Followers of the ancient teachings of Feng Shui attribute powerful properties to the Pike tail. It is believed that the benefits and harms of a houseplant must be balanced. This can be achieved by placing an even number of flowerpots next to each other. Also, according to Feng Shui, the energy of sansevieria can come into conflict with plants. Therefore, the Pike tail is placed away from other representatives of the domestic flora.
Having sansevieria in the bedroom will negatively affect people's sleep. It is better if the flowerpot with useful flower will stand in the office or living room.
A pike tail can fit into an apartment of any design.
Signs and superstitions
The magical properties of sansevieria have been known since ancient times. folk wisdom and knowledge formed the basis of signs, most of which remain relevant to this day.
- Useful plant that blooms in winter time, indicates imminent failures. A person is waiting for conflicts with a partner, which will be based on misunderstanding. This situation will bring tangible harm to the mental health of both individuals.
- If the Pike tail blooms in the warm season, then we should expect success and good luck in all endeavors. Whatever business a person does, fortune will accompany him.
- Indoor flower creates a creative atmosphere in the room. This activates the inspiration and hidden talents of people.
- Also, a useful plant protects the house from gossip and slander. Capturing negativity with leaves, the pike tail accumulates evil in the soil with the help of roots. Therefore, from time to time it is necessary to water the earth in a flowerpot with holy water.
- The plant will benefit schoolchildren and students, as it motivates them to further action and helps in the assimilation of knowledge.
- Forgetful people should also get a pike tail, then they can get rid of memory problems. The energy of the sansevieria plant allows you to achieve any goal, regardless of whether it is related to the profession, personal life or self-development.
Does the pike tail bloom?
Pike tail when grown in a flowerpot blooms very rarely. It takes a lot of effort to make this happen.
How to care for sansevieria?
Pike tail grows best in purchased soil. Periodic top dressing is required. Sprinkling should be moderate. These measures will benefit such a wonderful plant.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of a pike tail roughly balance each other. Therefore, do not be afraid to breed it in an apartment or at work. If certain measures are taken, then a useful plant will only please the owners.
Once Mary planted two strange striped leaves in the ground. Never before had she planted leaves directly into the ground. Rosa's neighbor told her that these leaves would take root and grow into a plant known as Pike's Tail. This name made Mary laugh a lot. The inhabitants of Maria's home garden did not like the two clumsy leaves sticking out of the ground at all.
What a rude creature - not a drop of grace. Some freak! - Tea Rose, the queen of flowers, thought indignantly.
And Geranium, spreading a dizzying aroma, said to her neighbor Chrysanthemum:
Poor fellow, no zest: no good looks, no fragrant smell.
How unattractive he is, even the kind Azalea decided, looking with sympathy at the rough leathery leaves of the Pike Tail.
And all the other inhabitants of the garden thought about him in much the same way. None of them, unfortunately, knew that Pike Tail, despite his rough appearance, was a sensitive creature. On the leaves of plants, he could read their thoughts. These unfriendly thoughts made him sad and timid. From self-doubt, he cringed all over, afraid even to look at his neighbors in the garden.
But Mary had a different opinion about this unusual plant. She carefully tended to its leathery leaves, watering them whenever she saw that they were thirsty. She knew how to guess almost unmistakably! She was washing the leaves of the Pike Tail warm water, affectionately talking to him: “How fast you are growing! Your leaves are getting stronger and stronger! Soon you will grow and become handsome.” The inhabitants of the kindergarten always listened to the opinion of Mary. But this time they didn't share it at all. After all, they did not find anything in their new neighbor.
And Pike Tail, listening to Maria, thought bitterly: “I’m not handsome at all, she just pities me. I saw my reflection in the window!”
Every day he became more and more isolated in himself, like a snail that hides in its house.
Soon Pike Tail grew into a slender plant with many straight and stiff leaves sticking out of the ground. In terms of growth rate, he overtook many of his neighbors, but he was still always silent. The light transverse stripes on its leaves were very reminiscent of fish scales, which embarrassed the white cat, which was always averse to eating fish. He often approached Pike Tail, stood on hind legs in fluffy knickers, sniffed its leaves and even licked them, purring under his breath: “It’s strange, it doesn’t smell like fish at all, but it looks so similar. Yes, you are not a fish, but it's a pity, a pity. And the cat turned away disappointedly from the Pike Tail to the general giggling of the inhabitants of the garden. Pike Tail remained silent. He remained silent even when the plants asked his opinion. At first they were offended by him, but then they got used to it and left him alone. Only the cocky Coleus pestered him sometimes:
Please tell me how proud! What are you all silent about? Did you swallow your tongue?
Indeed, why was Pike Tail so stubbornly silent? After all, he had already grown up and became handsome and attractive. The fact is that he was unusually modest. His insecurity and timidity grew day by day. He never smiled, was sad and sad. And to his neighbors, he seemed a gloomy and unfriendly plant. How wrong they were!
Playful Tradescantia, sometimes hanging from her hanging basket, tickled him with her cool leaves, trying to cheer up the stern silent:
Come on, laugh! Aren't you ticklish? Are you not even ticklish? the minx teased him.
But Pike Tail remained impregnable. Of course, he was ticklish, even very, but he courageously endured these playful attacks. Pike Tail was waiting for a miracle - waiting for the time when he could finally decorate the garden with his flower and become worthy of all other plants.
And then one early spring morning the whole room was filled with an unfamiliar wonderful aroma.
Oh! What a subtle scent! Who smells so sweet? - the fragrant Tea Rose was the first to notice. The plants began to look at each other and gasped in surprise when they noticed a fragile, long-legged flower peeping out shyly from behind the tall leathery leaves of the Pike Tail. Its leaves, like silent guards, guarded the newly born miracle. The flower was lucky: behind such a solid wall, one could not be afraid of the hot sun and drafts.
This is me blossoming. I give my flower to our garden. Now I'm like you!
Why were you silent before and did not tell anything about yourself? asked the startled Coleus.
You would not believe me, because you were so hostile to me! I wanted to prove in practice that I am worthy of you. I am so happy today that I want to reveal my real name to you. My name is Sanseviera!
And an unusual silence reigned in the garden.
Many people know about the pike tail from an early age. AT rare group kindergarten the giant with striped leaves did not show off. However, few people have heard that this office flower is represented by varieties that can sometimes surprise even an experienced grower.
"Pike tail" is one of the household names of the plant. Others are “snake skin”, “mother-in-law tongue” and “wolf tail”.
Sansevieria received its scientific name in honor of Raimondo di Sangro, Prince of San Severo, who lived in the 18th century and invented color printing and many other useful things.
The flower was brought to Europe from Southeast Asia and from the coast of the African country of the Congo. The number of plants belonging to the genus Sansevieria exceeds 50.
The secret of the popularity of the pike tail is simple - incredible beauty combined with unpretentious care. A distinctive feature of this perennial succulent is the striped, smooth dark green leaves that grow from the very roots and reach 1 m in height. White or yellow patterns can be located both along the sheet plate and across.
Often there is a sharp tip at the top of the leaf. Despite the possible inconvenience, it is impossible to break off the thorn in any case, as this slows down the growth of the plant. By its shape, a sheet can resemble a saber, a pencil, and even a spoon.
At proper care at home and with sufficient lighting, sansevieria begins to bloom. This usually happens in spring, when a peduncle appears from a rosette of leaves with small and white buds exuding vanilla aroma.
In the interior of an office or home living room, it looks good in composition with other indoor plants. Great option- several plants planted in a row in a long and low pot.
Signs and superstitions
It is not surprising that such a common plant is overgrown with a bunch of superstitions. The name "mother-in-law's tongue" comes from such a prejudice. Detractors say that this flower brings discord in the family. Popular rumor has not bypassed the rare flowering of sansevieria.
Winter flowering promises trouble and quarrel, and spring, on the contrary, - good luck in a new business.
However, none of these signs has a reasonable confirmation.
The benefits and harms of sansevieria
The pike tail is loved because it perfectly cleans the air. According to NASA research, this flower has the rare ability to absorb carbon dioxide and other substances released from plastic.
Before you put the plant in the nursery, you need to make sure that kids or pets do not taste it. The fact is that some varieties that are completely safe in contact with the skin cause nausea and vomiting when ingested.
AT folk medicine pike tail is used to treat open wounds, burns and inflammation.
Apply in the same way as aloe: pieces of leaves are applied to damaged areas of the skin.
Pike tail (sansevieria): varieties
Sansevieria varieties differ significantly from each other in their appearance: leaf shape, stripe color and size - from a giant cylinder to a small Hanni. In order not to get lost among such a variety, you should familiarize yourself with the most common of them.
Sansevieria three-lane, the one that is called the “pike tail”, has dark green leaves lined with transverse light stripes. The height of the leaves reaches 120 cm, and their width is 10 cm. The green edges of the leaf, tapering towards the top, form a spike.
Sansevieria three-lane
Sansevieria cylindrical (cylindrical) got its name due to thick paired leaves. Color - gray-green with transverse dark stripes. The largest specimens grow up to two meters in height.
Sansevieria cylindrical (cylindrical)
Sansevieria Twister- rather a method of formation, rather than a variety. The leaves of young plants are braided in the form of a braid. The length of such a "hairstyle" is from 30 cm to 1 m.
Sansevieria Twister
Sansevieria Laurenti- this is a variety that has become the "parent" of many other species. The main feature is the contrasting yellow edges. The color of long leaves is heterogeneous - dark stripes alternate with light ones.
Sansevieria Laurenti
It differs from the previous ones in short dark green leaves, bent in different directions. It has a very modest size - no more than 30 cm. This kind of pike tail was patented relatively recently, in 1941, by a scientist named S. Khan.
Patented a little later, in 1953. It looks like the Hanni variety, but the colors are slightly different - the edges of the sheet are decorated with yellow stripes.
is another Hanni derivative. Identical in rosette shape, but the leaf has silver streaks and dark edging.
sansevieria zeilanika famous for its spectacular appearance, despite the average size (30-150 cm). Character traits: broad leaves with silver wavy stripes and specks. Some botanists classify zeilanika as a three-lane sansevieria variety.
sansevieria zeilanika
Sansevieria Silver Queen- a kind of pike tail with matte silvery leaves. The pattern on the plate is practically not expressed, there is only a thin dark edging. It is considered fast growing, but it does not bloom.
Sansevieria Silver Queen
Sansevieria Black Dragon- a rare variety with glossy dark, almost black foliage. The maximum height of the flower is no more than 25 cm. The shape of the leaf is oval, with pointed ends and a spike at the end.
Sansevieria Black Dragon
Sansevieria Futura- undersized, but noticeable variety. The length of the sheet does not exceed 30 cm. Bright saturated color leaves with longitudinal yellow stripes and dark speckles always attracts attention.
Sansevieria Futura
Sansevieria Moonshine- a novelty among pike tails. Outwardly, with its gray-green uniformity, it resembles Silver Queen, but differs in leaf length (no more than 35 cm).
Sansevieria Moonshine
Sansevieria bonselensis- an exotic specimen with thick voluminous leaves arranged in a fan. Height - 10-30 cm. Coloring gives kinship with the cylinder.
Sansevieria bonselensis
Sansevieria gold flame. If in most varieties yellow stripes are located along the edges of the sheet and serve as a border, then these “tails” occupy a good half of the sheet. Medium size - about 30 cm.
Sansevieria gold flame
Home care
The pike tail is one of the most undemanding plants to care for. To make the flower comfortable, you need to know only the basic rules.
One of them - sansevieria does not like being moved from place to place.
Lighting
Sansevieria feels equally good both in a sunny corner and in a shaded one.
But it should be remembered that with a long absence of light, variegated varieties lose their brightness.
It is better to protect the plant from direct rays, as this is fraught with burns. In winter, artificial lighting is recommended. In spring and summer, the pike tail can be taken out on Fresh air, but the place is chosen in such a way that raindrops do not fall on the leaves.
Temperature
The flower is completely indifferent to temperature changes, not a single draft will harm sansevieria. In summer, the optimal thermal regime is from + 18 ° to + 25 ° С, in winter + 14 ... + 16 ° С. At air temperatures below + 10 °, the plant will not die, but will stop growing.
Watering
Like other succulents, it does not tolerate excess moisture. It is enough to water the pike tail once a week in summer and once a month in winter. Important point- you need to carefully monitor that water does not get into the middle of the outlet, as this will lead to decay.
top dressing
Even the most unpretentious plant pets need vitamins, and therefore we must not forget about fertilizers. Mother-in-law's tongue is fed three times during the summer (with a frequency of once a month). At the same time, a 50% solution of mineral fertilizer for cacti is introduced (with a predominance of the potassium-phosphorus component).
Transplant and soil
Insofar as root system at the pike tail it grows not in depth, but to the sides, then the pot must be so wide and strong to withstand the onslaught.
Be sure to make a layer of drainage. The ideal soil consists of leafy, soddy soil and sand in a ratio of 2:2:1. Young plants are usually transplanted every one and a half to two years, older ones - once every three years. If the procedure is carried out in the spring, then it is combined with the division of the bush.
Reproduction methods
There are several ways to get new instances of sansevieria.
side shoots
With this method, the shoot is separated from the parent plant. To do this, the rhizome that connects the baby to the "mother" is cut with a knife. The place of the cut is sprinkled with crushed coal, then planted in a separate container with fresh earth. You need to handle the newcomer carefully: when watering, avoid getting liquid on the leaves, and also do not feed.
leaf
For such reproduction, old lower and healthy leaves are taken. They are cut into pieces of 5-10 cm and left for a couple of days at room temperature. After such drying, the cuttings are planted vertically in wet sand or peat to a depth of 2 cm. It is very important here not to confuse the top and bottom of the piece, because if planted on the wrong side, the roots will not grow. The distance between young ponytails is 2-4 cm.
From above, the "bed" is covered with banks or plastic bags, which must be removed once a day, arranging ventilation for the cuttings. Water as needed through the pan. Two or three months later, after the appearance of roots and stem roots, the plant dives. This method is only suitable for varieties with green leaves, variegated stripes are thus not inherited.
The division of the rhizome
By dividing the rhizome, adult specimens with a developed root system are propagated. It is necessary to divide the rhizome so that each piece has at least one kidney. Sections are treated with fungicide or crushed coal, then planted in the ground.
Diseases and pests
Usually insects and diseases bypass the pike tail. Problems begin when moisture often stagnates in a plant pot. After all, this is an excellent place for the reproduction of pathogenic fungi.
A typical disease that occurs due to excess water is anthracosis. It manifests itself in the appearance of brown spots, which, with the further development of the disease, turn into white and yellow crusts. Completely affected leaves dry up. To cure this infection is very simple - just treat the flower with a fungicide.
If a sticky thin web is found, urgent action must be taken. The fact is that the plant settled spider mite. In order to get rid of unwanted neighbors, you will have to clean: the sheet plates are wiped with a damp sponge, and then sprayed with Actellik or soapy water.
Yellowish or pale spots, gradually covering an increasing area, appear due to the presence of thrips. Insecticides such as "Phytofarm" will help cure the pike tail.
A white waxy coating is a sign that the flower is being overcome mealybugs, or hairy lice. To drive away these guests, the leaves are wiped with a napkin and treated with karbofos.
Not only pests and fungi can harm sansevieria, but also improper care for it at home. So at temperatures below + 12 ° C and excessive watering, the leaves become soft and gradually fall. You can help the plant by reducing the amount of liquid in the soil, increasing the temperature in the room. True, sometimes, especially in large varieties, the foliage falls under the weight of its own weight. In this case, the problem is solved by a suitable prop.
If the leaves are slowly curling, then they just need to be wiped with a damp cloth and watered. Sometimes this is observed after plant transplantation. Don't worry, sansevieria will return to normal soon.
When the plant becomes too pale, loses its variegation, we are talking about a lack of lighting. And, on the contrary, with a long stay under direct rays, the flower can earn itself burns.
In conclusion, we can say that with its unpretentiousness and bright appearance, the pike tail has rightfully won its place in the hearts of flower growers. Among the gigantic choice, each grower will be able to choose a sansevieria to his liking so that she pleases her owner with clean air and elegant stripes.
