Image – Wikimedia/David J. Stang
The Fragrant Callisia It is a relatively small plant, which you can have well in those pots that are wider than they are tall. It is also beautiful in the garden, but for this it is essential that there are no frosts in the place where it is grown, since it cannot stand them.
Although it can pass for any species, it must be said that your flowers are very pretty; and not only that, but it is a herb with medicinal properties of great interest.
Contents
Where is he from?
Image – Wikimedia/David J. Stang
It is a perennial herb endemic to Mexico which became naturalized in the East Indies. The Fragrant Callisia It is a plant that needs heat to grow, and of course also to flower, so in climates where there are frosts, it must be kept indoors so that it does not have a bad time.
Likewise, it is important that you know that although it requires a lot of light, it can be filtered. In other words: it is a grass that can be in the shade, or in full sun. This, yeskeep in mind that if you choose to expose it to the light of the royal star, you will see that its leaves acquire a purple hue especially in summer.
What are the characteristics of the Fragrant Callisia?
We are talking about a plant that lives for several years, with a maximum height of 1 meter. The leaves grow in rosettes and are lanceolate, pointed and shiny green. Its flowers grow in erect inflorescences, are white and very fragrant, which is why the species bears the family name perfumes.
Its root system is relatively short and superficial, so it can be kept in a pot all its life without any problem. But yes will need one or two grafts so that it can continue to grow.
How is it supported?
If you want to know the care of the Fragrant Callisianow we are going to explain them to you so that, in this way, you know how to maintain it:
Should it be indoors or outdoors?
It is a very cold grass. As soon as the temperature drops below 15°C, he starts having a bad time. For this reason, in places with a temperate climate, it is considered an indoor plant, since there is no choice but to keep it inside the house or in the greenhouse if we want it to have a chance to weather the winter.
But what can also be done is to enjoy it in the patio or on the terrace while the weather is nicethat is, as long as the temperatures stay between 15 and 35 ºC, and bring it inside when it starts to cool down.
Important: If you have cats, you should keep them away from them as this can cause contact dermatitis.
Light or shadow?
Image – Wikimedia/Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
As we mentioned above, He must be in a place where there is a lot of light. It can be exposed to direct sun, but also in the shade as long as there is natural light. Just keep in mind that if you want its leaves to look green, they will need to be protected from direct sunlight; In the event that, on the contrary, you want to acquire purple tones, then you will have to expose them to direct light.
When should it be watered?
As far as irrigation is concerned, it should be borne in mind that it is not a plant that needs to be watered frequently, but neither should the soil remain dry for days. What I mean by that is that we will pour water when we touch the ground seems rather dry, or if by inserting a wooden stick, if by removing it we see that it comes out clean.
It is necessary to wet the ground, until it is well soaked. If the plant is in a pot, we will pour until the liquid comes out of the holes in it.
When should it be paid?
You have to pay the Fragrant Callisia from mid-spring until it begins to cool in late summer or early fall. For this purpose, fertilizers or fertilizers can be used. The former are natural, while the latter are chemical.
For example, we can use these:
- Subscriptions: guano, humus from earthworms which you can buy here, compost, manure from herbivorous animals, mulch.
- fertilizers: universal like this or for green plants like this.
In any case, do not mix them; i.e. one month will be used and the next another. Also, the instructions for use must be followed so that the plant does not burn.
When should it be transplanted?
We will do this when the weather is nice, and if possible before the start of summer. It is necessary to see if the roots come out of the holes of the pot because otherwise it will be better to wait a little before planting it in a larger one or in the garden.
It is necessary to put a quality substrate, like the universal one of certain well-known brands like Flower or Fertiberia. Coir will also work, or mulch if mixed with 30% perlite.
how to breed Fragrant Callisia?
It’s a grass sometimes propagated by seed, but is done more by cuttings in spring. These simply need to be picked in the spring and put in a glass of water until they take root.
What are its medicinal properties?
Image – Wikimedia/JMK
Leaf extract is used for its antibiotic properties (antiviral and antimicrobial to be more exact). It is also used to improve dental and joint health, but as always, we recommend that you contact a medical professional before beginning any treatment.
Finally, tell yourself that it is not a plant that has pest or disease problems, but remember to protect it from low temperatures.