Growing Cinta or Mala madre (Chlorophytum) indoors is easy, but it is necessary to know some basic maintenance tips which are included in this article. Read these tips and learn how to grow Cinta indoors to improve the air quality and appearance of your home or office.
choice of pot
It can be a nice hanging basket or a normal pot. Whichever type of pot you choose, choose based on the size of the plant. Choose a pot that is larger than your spider plant’s root ball and update it occasionally when it lacks roots.
Grow ribbon inside
Location
Place it in a location that receives direct sunlight, away from heating or cooling ducts.
Regular direct sunlight burns the leaves of the plant, so keep it at least 20-30cm from windows.
It works well in low-light environments, making it an ideal choice for an office building, where lights may be turned off during off-hours.
Cinta plants can also be placed in bedrooms, bathrooms or kitchens, as they do not need a lot of light to survive.
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When growing Cinta indoors, make sure the soil is well-drained. Add a handful of perlite or peat moss to improve drainage.
It grows well in poor soil without much organic matter, but if you want it to grow better, mix 1 part peat, 1 part perlite and 4 parts pine bark. This will ensure that the plant stays at its best for a long time.
Irrigation
Cinta plants can survive with little watering, but overwatering should be avoided. Allow the soil to dry out a bit between waterings. Too wet or soggy soil tends to cause root rot.
Adjust watering based on weather and planting location. Keep the plant slightly moist during the hot season or if you have kept the pot in a very light and dry place with good air circulation.
In winter and autumn, when the temperature drops, reduce watering and do it only when the top layer of soil seems dry. In general, two to three weekly waterings are more than enough.
Use only rainwater or distilled water, as they are very sensitive to the fluoride found in tap water. Also, if used for a long time, tap water leaves mineral residues that can harm the plant in the long run.
Pro tip: the water should be neither too hot nor too cold, as this could weaken the plant in the event of a shock. Keep it at an average room temperature.
Temperature
Excessive temperature fluctuation is not good for a Cinta plant. The optimum growth temperature is 21 to 32 degrees C. However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 1 to 38 degrees C.
Fertilizer
For proper maintenance, remember that the plant needs fertilization in spring and summer, as it is a time of flowering and growth. There is no need to pay for it if planted in rich soil.
Fertilize your Cinta plant with a 3:1:2 mix, after diluting it halfway, and feed it once every 5-6 weeks, usually in spring, summer and early fall.
Strip plant grafting
The Cinta plant grows quickly and needs to be transplanted often. This is to prevent it from getting stuck in the pot.
However, this should only be done when it is actually attached to the pot, which can be easily seen by the visible roots in the topsoil.
Always choose a slightly larger pot than the previous one, but avoid using pots that are too big to avoid overwatering problems.
Do not forget to do the transplant at times of the day when there is not much heat, if you transplant it in the summer, do it in the afternoon, when the sun goes down. Do not forget to water immediately, it is important for the recovery of the plant.
Plagues and diseases
Be careful with mites and mealybugs if you want to do the proper care. You can get rid of both with a neem oil solution or an insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs spread easily from plant to plant, so keep an infected plant away from other houseplants.
Small brown discs may appear on the leaves, indicating mealybug infestation. Use your fingernail to scrape off those brown discs and dispose of them properly.
Ribbons are prone to tipburn, which causes the tips of the leaves to turn brown.
This can be due to over-fertilization, dry soil, low humidity, or a buildup of salt and minerals found in tap water.
You should cut off the brown tips of the leaves as well as the dead leaves with sharp scissors. This way, the plant will invest its energy in healthy foliage.
Important: To avoid the appearance of brown ends, remove mineral buildup every two to three months. Use filtered or distilled water for washing and let the water drain completely to the bottom of the pot.
Benefits of growing Cinta indoors
Absorbs carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and xylene. They are commonly found in homes and office buildings.
It is safe for children and pets. The whole plant is non-toxic.
Cinta plants are said to improve overall well-being by reducing stress and increasing productivity. So now you know that growing Cinta indoors is very beneficial.
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