Mulenbekia is a very elegant creeper plant of the buckwheat family. It is common in the forests and foothills of Australia and New Zealand, some species are found in South America. The mulenbekia plant has long been loved by gardeners for its thick crown with many small emerald leaves. In our latitudes, it is grown as an indoor ampel plant.
Botanical characteristics
About 20 species of semi-shrubs and creeping perennials belong to the genus Mullenbeckia. They have a fibrous root system. A bunch of reddish stems forms above the surface of the earth. The shoot is characterized by creeping or creeping character. The stems are highly branched and intertwined, forming a lush green mop. The length of the stems can vary from 15 cm to 3 m. The stems are covered with a smooth reddish bark, which gradually lignifies and darkens.
Along the entire length of the stem, regular small leaves are formed on short petioles. The shape of the leaves is round, oval or lobed. The surface of the sheet plate is smooth, shiny. The length of small bright green leaves is 6-20 mm. The plant is semi-deciduous and in winter discards part of the foliage.
The flowering period is in August. Liana produces rare axillary panicle inflorescences, consisting of 1-5 small white-green flowers. The five-petalled bell is only 5 mm in diameter. The flowers exude an intense sweet aroma. Exposed on the balcony, blooming mulenbekia will attract many butterflies and other insects. After withering in place of flowers, a miniature edible achene with many small seeds is tied.
Types of Mulenbekia
Before buying Mulenbekia, you should study the existing varieties and choose the most interesting of them. In a small genus, only 20 varieties are registered, but only one species with several decorative varieties is used in the culture.
Mullenbekia confused. Its thin reddish-brown stems are covered with small, rounded foliage. Leaflets are attached to very short petioles. The length of the leaf plate does not exceed 1.5 cm. The shoots reach several meters and beautifully fall or braid various supports. Small snow-white flowers bloom in August and cover the stems along their entire length.
Popular varieties:
- Mulenbekia grandiflora - differs in larger (up to 2.5 cm) oval leaves;
Mulenbekia grandiflora - Mühlenbeckia microfilla - has medium rounded leaves of bright green color;
Mühlenbeckia microfilla - Mulenbekia Nana - covered with very small leaves, which, like pearls, are densely arranged on the branches;
Mulenbekia Nana - Mulenbekia Maori - covered with oval leaves up to 2 cm long with a reddish petiole and the base of the leaf plate;
Mulenbekia Maori - Mühlenbeckia tribolata chees - on the leaves there are three pronounced lobes.
Mühlenbeckia tribolata chees
Breeding
Liana is propagated by seed and vegetative methods. You can buy Mulenbekia seeds online on the Internet or in a flower shop, or you can try to collect them yourself. After pollination, the achene matures within a month, then it is torn off, opened and the seeds dried. Seeds remain viable for up to 3 years. In spring, seedlings are sown in flat containers with a light sand and peat substrate. Seeds are placed on the surface without deepening. The plate is covered with a film. Shoots appear within 1-2 weeks. Shelter is removed after germination of seedlings. When 4 true leaves appear, seedlings are buried in separate pots.
The easiest way is to root the cuttings. It is enough in the spring or summer to cut the young stems into pieces of 10-12 cm and put in water for rooting. With the advent of the first roots, cuttings are planted in pots with earth for adult plants, 4-5 pieces.
You can also propagate Mulenbekia layering. To do this, sprinkle part of the stem, not cutting off, with earth. Roots will begin to form in this area. Two weeks later, the rooted shoot is cut off from the mother plant and transplanted.
Plant care
Mulenbekia are very unpretentious, they need very little home care. Liana does not like direct sunlight, but develops well in the shade. You can place the flowerpot with mulenbeckia in the center of the room, on the closet or near the east and west windows. In the bright sun, delicate leaves quickly fade and begin to dry.
The ideal temperature for a tropical vine is + 20 ... + 24 ° C. In winter, the plant is recommended to provide a dormant period and transfer it to a cool room (+ 10 ... + 14 ° C). At this time, partial subsidence of foliage is observed, which should not cause concern. Mulenbekia is afraid of drafts and does not respond well to sudden changes in temperature, so it needs a quiet, protected place.
Mullenbeckia is unpretentious to the composition of the soil, it normally perceives acidic, neutral and slightly alkaline soils. It is important that the substrate is light and breathable. Soil can be composed of the following components:
- peat;
- garden land;
- sand;
- leaf humus.
Pots are selected small, since the rhizome is located on the surface. It is important to provide a thick drainage layer of clay cuttings, vermiculite or pebbles so that the roots do not rot due to excess moisture. It is periodically recommended to gently loosen the soil surface.
The transplant is carried out very carefully. It is not necessary to completely shake off the soil from the roots. You can use the method of transshipment of an earthen coma.
Mulenbekia likes frequent watering, only the top of the soil should dry out. It is recommended to water the plant in small portions of a settled, soft liquid. In April-October, a universal mineral fertilizer complex for green indoor flowers is added to the water. Fertilizer is administered in liquid form twice a month.
Humidity is not a big deal for Mühlenbekia. In intense heat, spraying leaves will allow the plant to maintain an attractive appearance. Moisture on leaves and flowers does not cause diseases or other defects.
The plant has good immunity to known diseases and parasites. With improper care and excessive watering, root rot can develop. At the initial stage, you can still try to dry the soil, and treat the roots with an antifungal drug. In advanced cases, the plant is rejuvenated with cuttings and the affected parts are completely removed. Soil is also important to completely replace.
Using
Mulenbekia in the photo is depicted as a multitude of flowing emerald threads on red stems. Even without pruning and care, it attracts attention in a hanging planter. Some gardeners grow ampelous mulenbekia to create floral shapes from it. At home, the liana is used to create large street sculptures. Malleable stems quickly lengthen and easily braid any base. From a houseplant, you can create a small basket or cascade, as well as a whole green sculpture.
