Houseplant Aukuba (Japanese, Himalayan): planting and care

Aukuba hails from the subtropical forests of Central Asia. It came to Europe at the end of the 17th century and quickly gained popularity among the local population. The original color of the leaves and ease of reproduction allowed the evergreen tree to become a regular guest in greenhouses and among indoor plants.

Gender description

The golden tree of aukuba includes two genera - Himalayan aukuba and Japanese aukuba. These are evergreen shrubs, woody stem, leaves dense, glossy, green. White-brown flowers of aukuba, clustered, small and inconspicuous.

Berries orange and red flowers. Same-sex plant, male and female flowers are on different specimens.

Dieffenbachia, hippeastrum, geranium, oleander, ivy, aglaonema, croton, adenium, cyclamen as well as aucuba are poisonous plants.

Kinds

Let us consider their description in more detail:

  1. Himalayan Aukuba grows up to 4 m in height. Leaves are dense, leathery, oblong, pointed tip, dark green color. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, but the berries - juicy bright red color.
  2. Japanese aukuba grows up to 2.5 m in height. The leaves are dense, oblong shape. The width of the leaves is 6 cm, in length they can grow up to 20 cm. The berries are orange. Flowers red or purple shade. There are many varieties of Japanese aukuba - with monochrome leaves and spotted leaves. Scientists have developed the following varieties of Japanese aucuba:
  • Varieagata - leaves of pale green color with lots of yellow spots of different sizes;
  • Picturata - green leaves with yellow specks, the core of the leaves has a rich yellow tint;
  • Gold dust - almost yellow leaves with small green specks.

In this article we will describe in detail about Japanese aucuba, care in the home, species, show a photo of the plant.

Terms for auccubes

This plant can be called unpretentious. Let's find out what aukcube needs for full development.

Temperature and humidity

Suitable ambient temperature is 21 ° C. In winter, you need to ensure coolness, the temperature is reduced to 8-14 ° C. The heat in the room can speed up the aging process and the leaves will start to fall off.

Important! The flower does not tolerate drafts and sudden changes in temperature. When airing, take it to another place.
Dry air can slow down plant growth significantly. In winter, dry air must be humidified. Spraying is carried out 2 times a day. In the summer period sprayed once a week. Use distilled water at room temperature.

Lighting

Loves penumbra or diffused light. But does not tolerate direct sunlight. Requirements for lighting depend on the type of plant - varieties with spotty leaves in the shade lose color, but the leaves of monotonous varieties will feel great in low light.

In the warm season it is possible to make a flower in the open air, but it must be protected from direct sunlight and wind.

Did you know? Aukubu is often called "sausage tree". Similarity with sausage is given by leaves with yellowish specks on them.

Soil mixture

The ground for the aukuba must be "breathable." You can prepare the following soil mixture: sand, peat, earth and humus are mixed in equal proportions. Soil mixture can be disinfected - add a couple of drops of potassium permanganate or warm it in the oven for 20 minutes.

Do not forget about the drainage - the pebbles, the expanded clay, and the polystyrene will cope equally well.

How to plant aukkubu

Aukuba is a plant propagated by seeds and cuttings.

Seeds

Seed propagation does not impart a varietal maternal quality to new shoots. By choosing this method of reproduction, you need to sow fresh seeds in a wet soil mixture. Do not wait for a quick crop shoot. Be sure to spray and moisten the soil.

Important! This is a poisonous plant. It should not be grown in a room with small children. Wash your hands with soap and water after working with aukuba.

Cuttings

Eavesdropping of aucuba will allow transfer of maternal varietal qualities. Having chosen this breeding method, you should cut off a plant twig at the beginning of spring or autumn (there should be at least 3 leaves on it).

Cut the twig is placed in a pot with sand or soil mixture for growing roots. To create optimal conditions, cover with plastic and water regularly. It is important to periodically spray and open polyethylene so that the plant is saturated with oxygen.

Dracena, royal geranium, orchid, laurel, crossander, zamiokulkas, clematis are also propagated by cuttings.

Home care

Having bought an aukubu, you should not worry that care at home will be difficult and troublesome.

Watering

It is necessary to water a flower moderately. In summer, once a week, in winter, watering should be reduced to 1 time in 2 weeks. For irrigation, as for spraying, use separated water at room temperature. Excessive watering causes root decay.

Fertilizer

For fertilizing use complex mineral fertilizers. Feeding period is from March to September, fertilized once every 2 weeks. Top dressing can be alternated with watering.

Transfer

The time for transplanting is spring. Young specimens can be transplanted once a year, adults - once in 3 years or in the case of the growth of the root system. This should be done carefully - the roots of aucuba are very brittle. As an alternative to a full transplant - replacing the top layer of soil mixture in a pot.

Did you know? Aukubu is considered a talisman in Japan. According to their belief, growing it in the house, the owner of the house is protected from evil forces.

Diseases, pests, care mistakes

If suddenly the leaves turn black in aukuba - there is no reason to be afraid, we will tell you what to do. Blackened leaves speak of disease rot. You can get rid of it by correcting the watering, removing the affected areas and treating with a fungicide.

For lovers to enjoy the flower include:

  • whitefly,
  • scythe,
  • spider mite,
  • mealybug.

You can save the plant from them with the help of an insecticide. For example, Actellic. As a gentle option for the destruction of pests - a soap solution.

It is necessary to wipe the affected areas with a soft cloth or a cotton swab. One of the main mistakes in care is excessive watering, non-observance of temperature conditions, dry air. Japanese Akuba is an interesting evergreen plant, caring for it at home is simple, and a photo of a variety of colors will help you decide on the variety of this plant.

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