Ophiopogon is a herb that is grown both in the garden and at home.
In areas with mild winters and sufficient snow cover, the cold period of the year tolerates easily, but can freeze out at -20 ° C, if the shelter is not enough.
Therefore, more often seen as a houseplant.
Plant appearance
"Ophiopogon" is a bundle of grass that grows from one point and deviates decoratively in different directions. No wonder it is called the fountain. The color of the foliage is mostly green, but there are several variegated species, including those with dark purple, almost black leaves. This plant is not deciduous, retains vegetative mass all year round.
A photo
The photo shows the plant "Ophiopogon" with proper care at home:
Home care
Landing
After acquiring a plant, it should be transplanted as soon as possible into a suitable soil and pot in which it will grow for at least a year.
The container for "Ophiopogon" chooses a volumetric one - the underground parts of the plant form large stolons, saving nutrients, so there is a lot of space.
But an overly large pot is also not suitable - the land untapped by roots quickly turns sour, unwanted bacteria and algae build up in it, which adversely affects the development of plants - rotting of the roots is possible.
Important! After planting in a fresh mixture, the plant is not fed 2 months.
Lighting
“Ophiopogon” grows well in shady places, which means that southern windows do not suit it. Located on the western, eastern or northern window sills or in the back of the room.
Temperature
In the summer it develops at 20 - 25 ° Сit is not desirable that the temperature rise above 30 ° C. At this time of the year, it can be taken out on the balcony or in the garden, provided that the flower does not fall on the sun.
In winter, temperatures should be reduced to at least 15 °, but it is possible and lower - because it is a subtropical plant, the coolness will benefit him, heal and will contribute to rest.
The main thing - do not forget it on the balcony when the frosts begin.
The rest period does not have to last the whole winter. Two months is enough, and Ophiopogon is again ready to start growing.
It carries well the dry air of apartments, if the soil in the pot does not dry out. Extra wetting in the form of spraying also does not hurt.
Watering
"Ofiopogon" reacts poorly to the complete drying of the soil in the container. The mixture should be moistened as the top layer dries. Overflow is also dangerous, do not water too often.
Top dressing
In the warm season, regular feeding is carried out with complex fertilizer about once every 2 weeks.
You can also use long-term fertilizer once a season (sticks, gel granules), which give nutrients gradually, over a long period of time.
Active feeding begins 2 months after the spring transplant, when the supply of nutrients in the soil is depleted.
Since the fall, make a full dose of phosphate-potassium fertilizers, and in one and a half - two months - supporting in half size. Phosphorus and potassium strengthen the generative organs, promote timely and abundant flowering.
Bloom
In nature, Ophiopogon blooms from May to October, by November the seeds ripen. At home terms may move due to non-compliance with the rest period.
Flowers look like lily of the valley. Peduncle about 20 cm carries 3 - 5 white cups. The number of flower stalks on the bush is large, new ones appear all summer. If there is no goal to grow the seeds, the flowering parts are removed in a timely manner.
Transfer
Ophiopogon is transplanted annually in the spring. This is true for both young and adult plants - a change of land is required.
Therefore, immediately choose a pot, from which the plant will be easy to get: without narrowing the top. Otherwise, when transplanting fragile underground parts will suffer, which will necessarily affect the appearance.
The pot is increased slightly, if the space in the pot allows, you can simply change the ground, and again plant the flower there. Old land is removed carefully, taking care not to damage the roots.
Best results are achieved by soaking the roots with a clod of earth for several hours.
The composition of the land does not matter much - you can use universal soil. The main thing is that it is fresh.
During transplantation produce the division of the plant, multiplying it.
Breeding
Apply 2 types of reproduction:
Dividing bush - The best way to breed. With seasonal transplanting the bush is easily divided into the necessary number of parts.
The damaged parts of the root are treated with a disinfecting pencil, dried with activated charcoal or sprinkled with ground cinnamon.
Delenki immediately placed in a fresh substrate, watered and put in the shade.
As they grow with a clod of earth, they are moved to a container of suitable size.
Seed method possible if you manage to collect your own seeds. In nature, the plant gives self-seeding, gradually spreading over the site. And at home it is difficult. Oviopogon seeds are rarely marketed.
If the fruits have ripened on the peduncle (black, it is necessary to wait for it to turn black), then they are removed and crushed. Then this mass is poured with water and left for 3 - 4 days, daily changing water.
During this time, the seeds are separated from the fruit. They get it and, without drying, sow. This usually happens in the fall - winter.
A container with crops must be placed in a cool place for 1.5 - 3 months, then taken out into the light and into heat, in April - May the seeds germinate.
As they grow, saplings dive, and soon they grow as adult plants, protecting them from direct sunlight.
Pruning
Formative pruning is not required for the plant; they carry out only sanitary:
- remove faded flowers;
- dead leaves;
- prune dry tips.
The latter is not typical of "Ophiopogon", and indicates errors in the care - overdrying or over-wetting the earthy coma, the plant content in the battery.
Diseases and pests
"Ofiopogon" is not subject to disease, under good conditions, it remains healthy and beautiful for many years.
In winter, when the land is being dried, spider mites attack is possible.
This soon becomes noticeable in the depressed state of the plant, dull, inhomogeneously colored leaves.
As soon as possible you should send the plant under the shower, pour leaves from the inside out, trying to prevent water from entering the pot.
Then pour the ground under the bush, for prevention, sprinkle the leaves with a weak alcohol solution.
If the watering mode is observed, the ticks do not appear.
Benefit and harm
"Ofiopogon" cleans the air in the room Its phytoncides prevent the growth of pathogens. In Japan, China and Thailand, the roots of "Ophiopogon" are used to prepare medicines.
Western pharmacists are conducting research and may soon develop new medicines using this plant.
Important! Some parts of the plant, such as flowers, can cause an allergic reaction.
Ophiopogon is widely used in landscape design to create borders and fill shady areas. At home, a well-groomed flower creates the effect of moving up, converts the space of the room, decorates and disinfects.
A grateful plant responds to minimal care and tolerates a lack of light — a big plus in winter conditions, when many plants suffer without additional lighting.
