Cyperus is a herbaceous evergreen plant from the sedge family. It has many other names. It is often called Sytya, Papyrus, Sitovnik, Sedge alternate-leaved and even Venus grass. In the UK it is called the "umbrella plant" because its leaves resemble an open umbrella. With its spectacular appearance, Cyperus decorates many corners of homes and offices, clinics and kindergartens, workshops of industrial enterprises and shop windows. With the help of Cyperus, you can organize green thickets on your balcony or terrace, swaying in the wind. In addition, Cyperus is a very useful flower. It perfectly moisturizes dry air and is a natural “vacuum cleaner”. Next, we will talk in detail about caring for Cyperus at home, and also describe all the methods of propagating this flower.
Habitat
The island of Madagascar and the tropical forests of Africa are considered the homeland of Cyperus. For its love of ponds and constantly moist soil, in Egyptian folklore the flower was called “gift of the river.” This plant is found both in America and in Eurasia along the banks of rivers, lakes and swamps in close proximity to water and in water, where it forms impenetrable thickets. Cyperus was brought to Europe in the 18th century, and it began to be grown indoors in the 80s of the last century. Sitovnik quickly gained popularity due to its unique elegant appearance (looks like a dill umbrella or a small grassy palm) and ease of care.
In our country, such relatives of Cyperus are known as Kamysh, Sedge and Sitnyag.
Sight
The main feature of the Cyperus plant is its ability to moisturize and purify (vacuum) the air. For this reason (pay attention to this), it is common in hospitals, childcare centers, train stations and other places where there are large crowds of people.
Many parks, greenhouses, gardens with ponds are filled with this miracle - a flower that attracts the eye. Look at this beauty.
Description of the plant
In the wild, some species of Cyperus grow up to five meters, forming dense, impenetrable thickets (at home they are much more modest - from 50 to 100 cm.) The root of Papyrus is located on the surface of the soil. It is long and creeping. Sometimes, instead of a root, spindle-shaped processes grow, which perform the function of a root and extract nutrients from the soil. The type of root depends on the species diversity, this should be taken into account when selecting suitable soil for the plant. Cyperus species with short roots are suitable for indoor cultivation in a pot or flowerpot.
Papyrus has long, bright green, flowering stems. Over time, they age, become yellowish and die. Such stems should be cut off in time so that new ones begin to appear in their place. The tops of the stems end in rosettes of whorled thin leaves.
Linear leaves open in the form of umbrellas. They vary in length and are unevenly distributed. The result is a kind of sun rays that give the flower volume.
The color of the plant is heterogeneous. It ranges from dark green to light green. The leaves are even two-colored. Sometimes there are white and brown strokes.
Rest period
This plant does not have it. It is ready to delight you all year round with charming umbrellas, elegant and laconic. Therefore, fertilizing and watering are carried out all year round so that the plant does not lack nutrients for growth. This is the main care. Cyperus umbellata requires fertilization in the spring-summer period once every 2-3 weeks. With the onset of winter, you can switch to once a month, especially if the air temperature drops.
Over time, the plant's stems age, become yellow and ugly. In this case, pruning is necessary. Sometimes variegated forms lose their color and become simply green. Such shoots must be removed immediately upon their appearance. Don't worry about the plant losing its decorative effect. Its roots are very strong. They will quickly sprout new shoots and young umbrellas will again delight you with their beauty.
Bloom
Cyperus is a flowering plant. Peduncles are triangular in shape. They are erect, but flexible, so they do not break under the pressure of the wind. Small, inconspicuous flowers of Cyperus are arranged singly or in a rosette. They are pale green, light brown or milky in color. Most often, flowering is observed in the summer, in June or July, but some varieties bloom throughout the summer until mid-autumn. After flowering, small fruits appear - nuts or spikelets of a brownish color. Pollination occurs due to wind - fine pollen is quickly carried by the wind to nearby plants.
3.Varieties:
3.1.Cyperus alternifolius, marsh or umbrella - Cyperus alternifolius
A perennial herbaceous plant consisting of many hard, green, erect stems up to 90 cm high. Each such stem is crowned with an umbrella of 10 - 25 drooping leafy bracts. The flowers are small, greenish-brown, axillary. The leaves of the plant are so small and tightly pressed to the stems that they often remain invisible.
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3.2.Cyperus zumula
Tender perennial herbaceous plants with light green, arched, very narrow leaves. During the flowering period, the plant throws out fairly rigid, erect peduncles, which bear on top several long and narrow bracts and a small inflorescence of light brown or white, very small flowers. Cats love to eat this type of cyperus and are often kept in order to divert their attention from other indoor plants.
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Signs and superstitions
It is believed that Cyperus species with multi-level stems and umbrellas of leaves, similar to a waterfall, attract positive energy into the house, which keeps the owner and his family active and cheerful, and helps them overcome difficult problems. We recommend that those who have schoolchildren, students and scientists in their families get this flower. The energy of the flower will help them cope with educational and mental stress, and humidifying dry air and increasing the release of oxygen will make the brain more active.
Cyperus haspan Cyperus haspan syn. Cyperus prolifer
A miniature species sometimes called dwarf sedge. Very widespread in tropical and subtropical regions and even in the southeastern part of the United States (from Texas to Virginia). The height of the stems ranges from 20 to 60 cm. It has the most decorative flowers (complex umbrella inflorescence) among all representatives of the Cyperus genus.
Benefits and Applications
Cyperus Helfera in an aquarium
These moisture-loving plants are widely used to decorate aquariums, artificial waterfalls, and winter water gardens. In home spaces, it can decorate any green corner and give it a tropical look. Since Cyperus grows almost in water, it evaporates a lot of moisture, saturating the surrounding air with it, which has a beneficial effect on the plants adjacent to it and, in general, on the microclimate in the room.
It is interesting that from the stems of Cyperus Papyrus in Ancient Egypt they built papyrus boats, wove baskets and mats, made ropes and wove sandals. Papyrus was made by pressing the stems of the plant together. The first paper was also made from papyrus. Many ancient monoliths preserved parts of papyrus books. Now the Cyperus plant is listed in the Red Book as an endangered species.
The rhizome of the plant in South Africa is used as food - added to first and second courses, in salads, and in drinks.
Cyperus is also a medicinal plant. Decoctions from the leaves and stems of a living plant help with headaches and insomnia. Drinking on an empty stomach, this drink normalizes blood pressure and accelerates metabolic processes in the body. With its help you can restore your vision. The taste of the decoction is herbaceous, but without bitterness and with a pleasant aroma. If you add honey to it, the drink can treat stomach pain.
Cyperus leaves are to the taste of cats and parrots. They simply have an irresistible craving for this flower. By the way, it is not poisonous and does not harm pets. But they are very big for him. If you don’t keep track, the flower will be gnawed beyond recognition.
Due to its creeping and rapid growth, the flower is considered a weed in its homeland. When growing cultivated plants, it is weeded out like a weed.
Pests and their control
Sometimes indoor plants get sick and are exposed to various dangers. You can guess that the air is excessively dry by the tips of the leaves that have acquired a brown color. If the plant lacks nutrients, it begins to shed yellowed leaves.
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Various harmful insects can also settle on the plant:
- green aphids multiply abundantly in warm weather, feeding on the sap of the flower, causing the leaves to dry out;
- You should carefully monitor the plant and if aphids appear, wash them off with water without treating them with chemicals;
- Strong infusions of tobacco, citrus peels, garlic + a drop of liquid soap will help get rid of aphids;
- place a pot of geranium next to it, aphids are very afraid of this flower;
- a common pest is thrips (in the form of black dots on the back of the leaf);
- it is dangerous in adulthood and at the larval stage;
- its main enemy is moist air and sticky traps for flying insects;
- the mealybug is visible even to the naked eye (a terrible insect of white color, oval, bristly shape);
- it envelops the plant with the sticky mucus secreted, preventing the natural gas exchange of the flower;
- methods of control are identical to methods of combating green aphids.
Be attentive to your pets decorating your home. This flower brings many benefits to humans: they are a material for building boats, making papyrus scrolls, boxes, baskets, and mats.
At the same time, cyperus has medicinal properties - it normalizes blood circulation, makes sleep peaceful, relieves headaches and can restore vision.
This is what he is - a gift from the river.
Types and varieties
Cyperus is a large genus of about 600 plant species found throughout the world. But, only some of them are used in indoor floriculture. We will introduce you to the most popular indoor specimens of Cyperus.
Papyrus
Cyperus papyrus L.
Papyrus is common in the swamps of Egypt and Ethiopia. Reaches a height of three meters. The erect and strong stem of the flower ends in a dense whorl of long hanging leaves, from the axils of which multi-flowered inflorescences appear on thin stalks. In cultivation, due to its large size, it is grown in tubs and mainly in greenhouses.
Helfera
Cyperus Helfera
Cyperus Helfera has low stems, up to 0.5 m in height. It grows in water, so it is often grown in aquariums and paludariums (a transparent tank with an artificially created semi-aquatic habitat for keeping aquatic plants, including marsh and coastal plants). Outdoors it is used for landscaping decorative ponds. Loves a slightly acidic substrate with a pH of 5–6.5.
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Zumula
Cyperus Zumula
This species is a bit similar to Cyperus helfera - the same tuft of grass blades growing straight from the damp ground and some palm-shaped leaves. But it grows in a pot. A very spectacular flower. Propagates well from seeds purchased in the store. But dangerous for pets.
Umbelliferous (Alternate-leaved)
Cyperus Umbrella or Alternate-leaved (C. alternifolius L.).
This is the most common type in indoor growing. It grows in nature on the island of Madagascar along the banks of swampy rivers and lakes. It grows up to 1.7 m in height. The stem is triangular, erect, with an umbrella crown of leaves at the top. The leaves are narrow, linear, drooping, resembling belts. Their length is about 25-30 cm. Flowers appear in the axils of the leaves, collected in small panicles. Easily propagated by dividing the bush, umbrellas and seeds.
There are garden varieties of Cyperus Umbrella:
Gracilis
Cyperus "Gracilis" is distinguished by its compactness and narrower leaves.
Cyperus "Variegatus" - has leaves and stems that are white or mottled with white stripes.
Spreading
Spreading Cyperus (C. diffusus Vahl.) is a smaller copy of the swamp palm. This species is the lowest of the Cyperus. Height is from 40 to 90 cm. The stems are few in number, but the plant has numerous basal long and wide leaves, due to which the bush looks lush. In the upper part the leaves are narrower, collected in umbrellas of 6-12 pieces. The flower is unpretentious in care, but requires constant high air humidity.
Ancient papyri were made from this herb.
The houseplant Cyperus (from the Latin Cyperus) is a genus of wild herbs; in nature it has the names sytnyag, sytnyag or sytovnik. There are more than five hundred species of sati, and most of them are found in subtropical areas, where they grow along water bodies. But even in our swampy areas, a direct relative of Cyperus lives - this is sedge, or reed.
Sitnyag is a direct relative of Cyperus, growing in our latitudes
Cyperus looks like dill, as it has similar umbrellas on tall stems, but people are more accustomed to calling it a miniature palm tree.
Cyperus is found mainly in Africa, where it grows up to three meters in height, representing a spreading bush of erect triangular stems with umbrella whorls at the end, consisting of leaves of different lengths and colors. It does not bloom very attractively, scattering brown inflorescences throughout the rosette.
Cyperus blooms with brown flowers
This plant grows along the banks of reservoirs, and often right in them. Cyperus roots are not subject to rotting and thrive in water . Therefore, the plant is considered a marsh plant.
Few people know that, in addition to aesthetic pleasure, cyperus can provide healing benefits. The plant is credited with such qualities as normalizing blood pressure and sleep; in addition, it is said to have a positive effect on vision and generally create a favorable and harmonious atmosphere in everyday life and family.
Cyperus is unpretentious. He does not need a south window sill, he does not require direct lighting and is content with weak diffused rays. Thanks to this feature, Cyperus looks great in the back of the apartment, in a floor pot.
Cyperus looks great in the back of the room
The only thing that a flower is really demanding about is soil moisture. You can safely flood the pot with cyperus until it becomes a “swamp”: the plant will respond to this with lush greenery.
Zumula, papyrus, parchment and other varieties of cyperus
Among the indoor species of Cyperus, there are several of the most famous:
- Cyperus alternate-leaved, or umbelliferous . The most popular type. It reaches a height of one and a half meters, although there is a compact form about half a meter high. There is also a variegated version with leaves with white longitudinal stripes.
- Cyperus spreading . The height of this species does not exceed 90 cm. It produces few stems, but produces many basal leaves. At the tops of the stems, the leaves grow up to 30 cm long and 1.5 cm wide.
- Cyperus papyrus . This three-meter-tall plant is native to Egypt and was used as a raw material for papyrus in ancient times.
- Cyperus graceful . The dwarf Cyperus species does not grow above 30 cm and perfectly decorates small cozy rooms where it has nowhere to get lost.
- Zumula . Externally, this species is compared to a fountain, and among house flowers it is known as “cyperus for cats,” since these animals really love to feast on its greenery.
- Helfera . This is a unique variety of Cyperus because it feels equally at home on land and in water. Most often, Helfera can be found in aquariums, where the flower forms lush thickets . True, it is recommended to enrich the water in the container for Cyperus with carbon dioxide, so in such an environment it is grown only under the conditions of a proper aquatic herbalist.
Caring for a plant at home
Growing Cyperus indoors is not difficult, and you can learn how to do it correctly. There would be a desire. We will help you with this.
Location and lighting
Cyperus does not like a lot of light. He prefers shady rooms, next to an artificial pond or aquarium. Then he will fill the room with freshness and cleanse it of dust. But it will not actively grow and bloom in complete darkness, but somewhere close to direct sunlight. If possible, take Cyperus outdoors for the summer. In winter it will decorate your home, and in summer it can decorate your garden. If it has a pond, even better. Near him, Cyperus will be in his usual environment. In this case, the flower pot can be placed directly in the water or buried in the ground not far from it.
In winter, the flower will lack natural light due to the short daylight hours, and you will have to provide additional, artificial lighting for it using a phytolamp or fluorescent lamp for up to 14 hours a day.
Spacious eastern or western window sills are well suited for flowers. On the south side of the apartment, the pot is placed away from the window so that the light is bright but diffused.
Cyperus loves fresh air and is not afraid of drafts. Ventilate the room, then you will see how its thin stems with thread-like umbrella leaves begin to move from the slightest breeze (an open vent, window, fan, air conditioner), captivating the eye with its unique lightness and unusual appearance.
Air temperature
A comfortable temperature for Cyperus in the summer is considered to be the usual room temperature of 20 - 25 degrees. If the thermometer creeps higher, ventilate the room more often, spray the flower and the air in the room. A good solution would be to take the flower pot out into the fresh air, otherwise the heat may negatively affect the appearance of the flower.
In winter, in the wild, Cyperuses tolerate a short-term drop in temperature to zero degrees, but at home it is better not to lower the temperature below 14 degrees. Keep this in mind when ventilating your room in winter. It is better to remove the pot away from drafts and do not leave windows and vents open for a long time.
Air humidity
Cyperus is quite demanding in high humidity not only of the soil, but also of the surrounding air. Humidity of 65 - 75% is considered normal for it. But many indoor flowers will not like such humidity, so carefully select neighbors on the windowsill for papyrus.
You can maintain high air humidity using a household humidifier, if you have one, or using a spray bottle, which should be sprayed regularly over the entire plant. Loves flowers and bathing in the shower. Water treatments wash away dust from the leaves and stems, and the plant immediately comes to life after them. All kinds of water vessels and aquariums also help maintain high humidity levels. In winter, when heating devices are operating in the rooms, place the flower pot away from them and spray them regularly. You will understand that the flower lacks moisture by its leaves, the tips of which will begin to dry out and turn black.
Watering
Cyperus is a very moisture-loving plant due to the fact that in nature it grows in swamps and along river banks. With a lack of watering, the leaves immediately turn yellow and dry out. To keep the soil in the pot moist, the flower should be watered every day. There is no need to be afraid that the root system may rot from waterlogging - the soil should always be moist. It’s the same in nature - tropical downpours moisten the soil, and the scorching sun evaporates excess moisture.
Root rot can occur if the room temperature is extremely low. Then, until you adjust the temperature, drain the excess water from the pan.
A constant level of soil moisture can be maintained using bottom watering through a tray, from where the plant’s root system will take the required amount of water. It’s even better if the pan is so deep that the water level in it reaches the middle of the pot.
Now many people are interested in how to water cyperus in winter. In winter, when the room temperature drops, the flower will drink less. Watering should be reduced and removed from the tray with water, but still make sure that the soil in the pot does not dry out.
For irrigation, use settled tap water at room temperature, but it is even better if you stock up on rain or melt water.
If you need to leave home for several days and you are afraid of drying out the flower, we recommend that you place the pot in a deep basin or bucket of water
Another trick will help the flower last a long time without regular watering. Add a little soaked hydrogel to the soil. It is made from polymers specifically to retain moisture. Several grains of hydrogel absorb up to 100 ml of water and swell. The roots of Cyperus, penetrating the gel, receive moisture from there. If you saturate the hydrogel with mineral fertilizers in a small dose, then you will not only have to water, but also feed the flower less often.
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Sowweed thrives when grown hydroponically. Sometimes pure hydrogel is used for this. And some species of Cyperus (for example, Helfera) are simply grown in indoor aquariums.
Top dressing
Cyperus responds gratefully to feeding during the entire growing season - from early spring to autumn. Complex fertilizers should include nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus minerals. It is better to buy liquid fertilizers for decorative deciduous indoor flowers in special stores. Feed Cyperus two to three times a month. In winter, if the flower stands in bright light and continues to produce its umbrellas, do not stop fertilizing, only do it once a month and reduce the single dose by half, since an excess of fertilizers for the plant is just as harmful as a deficiency.
Fertilizer application rules:
- follow the manufacturer’s dosage, as the formulations can be simple or concentrated;
- for young bushes, reduce the dose by half;
- Before adding the solution, water the soil well so as not to burn the roots;
- to avoid burns, make sure that the solution does not get on the greens;
- In spring, feed the flower with nitrogen-dominated fertilizers. They will accelerate the formation of green mass. Then apply fertilizers with potassium and phosphorus for the formation of inflorescences and lush flowering.
How to grow Cyperus in an aquarium
The plant's high need for water can be met using hydroponics. Another possibility is to plant indoor cyperus in an aquarium. A flower with long leaves decoratively enriches the aquatic world.
For open aquariums where stems and leaves can grow above the surface of the water, C. alternifolius and varieties based on this species are suitable. Cyperus Helfera can be grown as an underwater culture in an aquarium. Thin soft leaves provide shelter for small fish.
Transfer
Cyperus tolerates transplantation well, without compromising its growth, so it can be done at any time of the year. For example, an adult plant is replanted if the soil is completely depleted or when the pot has become too cramped. However, if you want the flower to become a real decoration of your home and not lose its decorative value for many years, do not allow extreme cases and replant the plant every year.
We recommend that you replant Cyperus in early spring or late autumn, during periods when plant growth stops. Before transplanting, try to ensure stable temperature and humidity, then the flower will avoid stress.
Remove the plant from the pot and lightly shake off the old soil. If you see damaged roots, cut them off with a sharp, clean knife. Dust the cuts with crushed charcoal. If it is possible to rid the rhizome of all the old soil, do it. Then place the bush in a new pot of suitable size - not too spacious and wide. Fill in the new soil carefully, without damaging the roots.
Young bushes are transplanted annually into slightly larger flowerpots.
Pot
Cyperus has rather long, vine-like roots, so a deep pot is suitable for it. If you have a powerful plant that quickly produces new shoots, then the width of the pot should be such that the root system of the flower not only fits there, but also develops well.
Pebbles or expanded clay with sand 3–4 cm high are placed on the bottom with drainage holes. Pieces of charcoal, brick chips and crushed eggshells can be added to the drainage.
Priming
Growing in swamps and river banks, Cyperus does not have any special requirements for the composition and nutritional value of the soil. A mixture of peat, turf and humus soil, sand in equal quantities with the addition of dry grass and, preferably, swamp or river silt to ensure good moisture and breathability would be suitable for it. Then the water will bubble around the root system.
You can pick up ready-made soil in the store, suitable for moisture-loving indoor plants, with a pH from 5 to 8.5. Sawdust or dried tea leaves are usually poured on top of the soil for good air exchange. However, if you use immersion of a flower pot in water when watering, it is better to sprinkle a small layer of river sand on top. This will prevent the soil from being washed away.
Cyperus alternifoliusvariegatus
Decorative variety of Cyperus alternate leaf. It has green leaves with a white stripe.
Despite its great attractiveness, this species is less common as a houseplant. This is due to the fact that if there are errors in care, white-green leaves easily and quickly become ordinary green - i.e. the plant returns to its original form.
To prevent this from happening, variegated cyperus should be kept in the most illuminated place, and all purely green shoots that appear on the plant should be mercilessly cut out. The land for cultivation needs thin.
Reproduction of Cyperus
There are many ways to propagate Cyperus: by dividing the bush, tubers, cuttings, rosettes and using seeds. The choice depends on the growing conditions, your desire, and the ability to purchase seed material or shoots. We will consider all methods of reproduction in order.
Dividing the bush
During the next transplant of a bush that is at least two years old, it can be divided into parts. Each part must have at least three shoots. Use a sharp, preferably disinfected knife. Treat the cut areas with ash or crushed charcoal (activated) charcoal. Try not to let the earthen ball crumble too much.
The resulting bushes should be immediately planted in prepared pots using suitable soil. In the future, provide them with watering and other favorable conditions. There is no need to feed in the first month.
Reproduction using tubers
Rhizomatous tubers can also be divided during the next transplantation of an adult Cyperus and each part can be used to obtain new plants. To do this, simply dig them into separate pots.
Propagation by cuttings
When cutting the stems in spring, you can get excellent cuttings for producing new Cyperus bushes. To do this, cut off the top of the stem under the last whorl node. Cut the leaves to two-thirds of the length. Place the cuttings obtained in this way in a container with sand, leaves down. Place the container in a warm, well-lit place with diffused light. Water thoroughly. Even if the cuttings dry out over time, young shoots will probably appear from the soil. This means there are roots too. After a month, transplant the bush into a new small pot.
You can also root the cuttings in water. Just immerse it in a container of water with the leaves facing down. When sufficiently strong roots appear, the cuttings can be transplanted into the substrate.
When the new plant begins to grow, transplant it into nutrient soil. Select the pot according to size.
Leaf rosettes
When Cyperus grows strongly, you will see that another rosette has formed in the center of the leaf rosette. This rosette can be plucked off so as to grab a part (5 - 8 cm) of the stem, and placed upside down in a container with warm (about 24 degrees) sand to take root. The middle of the socket should be pressed against the sand with something. Over time, roots will appear at the point of contact. Be sure to water, the sand should always be wet. The roots will appear soon. Wait a little until they get stronger and transplant the shoot into the prepared substrate.
Sometimes the socket is not pinched off, but is done as follows. Deflect the selected stem with a rosette towards the soil, secure it at the growing point and cover it with moist soil. Separate the seedling from the mother plant after roots appear.
In the wild, the stems of Cyperus, bent by the wind towards the water, take root there. The stem of the mother plant dies over time, and the new young plant takes root and begins to live its own life. This method of reproduction is also applicable at home. The leafy apical rosette, without being separated from the mother bush, is tilted towards the water and germinated there. Roots appear quickly. After they grow a little, separate the rosette and transplant it into a prepared pot.
Growing from seeds
This is the most labor-intensive but effective way to propagate Cyperus. First treat seeds purchased or received as a gift with a weak solution of manganese. Dry. Prepare a container with a lid, fill it with a mixture of sand and peat, and moisten it. Place the seeds on the surface of the substrate without deepening them. Close the lid. Maintain a constant temperature in the greenhouse of at least 20 degrees. and high humidity. If necessary, ventilate and moisten with a fine spray bottle of warm water.
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Choose a place for the container that is well lit, but not in the sun. If daylight is still short, turn on a fluorescent lamp in the evening to extend it. Wait until four to five true leaves appear, and only then start transplanting the seedlings into separate pots. Often such sprouts are planted in groups of 3. in one pot to make the bush more lush.
Growing Cyperus from seeds
When propagated by seed, the varietal properties of decorative deciduous grass may not be preserved. Sowing of seed material is carried out in containers with a mixture of sand, leaf and turf soil (in a ratio of 1: 2: 2). The seeds should not be buried deep in the soil; just press them tightly to the ground and cover them with glass or film, creating a greenhouse effect. For good germination, the temperature should not exceed 18 degrees. It is necessary to moisten the soil daily with warm, soft water. Do not forget to ventilate the crops and remove accumulated condensation. When the seedlings grow up, they can be transplanted into pots with a diameter of 9 cm, 3 in each.
Diseases and other problems
Cyperus has a fairly strong immune system; the flower is resistant to various diseases and pests. Problems arise only when there are gross violations of the rules of care. Let's look at possible problems and ways to fix them.
The leaves became smaller and the color became lighter.
The plant does not have enough lighting. If this happens in winter, arrange lighting. To do this, use fluorescent, fluorescent and phyto lamps, but not heating lamps. If in the summer, find a place for the flower that is more illuminated by bright light, so that there is at least 12 hours of daylight.
Cyperus leaves turn yellow.
There may be several reasons:
- If the flower does not have enough moisture and the air in the room is too dry, which literally burns the delicate leaves and tops of the flower, they will turn yellow or even brown. Adjust watering, let it be more frequent and abundant. Install additional humidifiers in the room. Place the flower away from heat sources. Place the pot in a pan of water so that the pot is half immersed in water - let the plant be saturated with moisture.
- The nutritional value of the soil has been depleted. You haven’t transplanted the plant into a new substrate for a long time, you forgot about regular fertilizing during the growing season - so the soil has become unusable. Feed your pet or replant the flower in new soil.
- The pot is too small. The roots completely filled its space in the pot, the plant became cramped. It is necessary to transplant Cyperus into a larger pot and replace the soil.
The bush or its individual parts, leaves, stems and inflorescences, began to fade.
The reason may be high ambient temperatures. It is necessary to regularly ventilate the room, monitor temperature and humidity readings. In the summer, take the plant out into the fresh air, closer to a pond, or at least onto a terrace, balcony, loggia, where a fresh breeze blows.
Cyperus has stopped growing or the rate of its development has slowed down.
The reason, again, is the lack of nutrients in the soil and the pot being too small for the flower. Most likely, it's time to change them. After changing the pot and replacing the soil in it, active growth of the plant will resume and it will have the opportunity to flower.
The leaves of the flower are covered with gray spots.
It's similar to sunburn. If your flower is on the south side of the apartment in direct sunlight, then this is so. Place the pot further into the room, where the lighting is bright but slightly diffused. If this is not possible, cover the window with a light curtain or blinds.
Cyperus leaves have become soft and brown.
This happens under unfavorable growing conditions: low room temperature, musty water in trays, dry air and direct sunlight. Analyze and correct your situation. Compliance with the rules of Cyperus agricultural technology will allow you to avoid such incidents in the future.
The tips of the leaves dried out and turned brown.
Most likely, the air in the room is too dry. Spray the flower and the space around it twice a day, place the pot in a pan of water, turn on the humidifiers, and in winter, cover the heating radiators with wet towels. Do everything to increase the humidity in the room.
The stems turned yellow in winter and the leaves began to die.
It's too cold here. Cyperus does not withstand temperatures below 15 degrees. Move the pot to a warmer room. Remove damaged leaves and stems.
Massive drying of leaves.
This happens when the earthen clod dries out. You are not watering your moisture-loving flower well. Trim off any dead stems and leaves. Immerse the pot in a basin of water (settled, at room temperature, you can add growth stimulants Epin or Zircon there).
In an adult plant, old leaves began to turn yellow and dry out.
This is a normal process characteristic of many plants. Cut off the yellow stems at the root and wait for young shoots to appear.
The roots are rotting.
This is possible at low temperatures (15 - 16 degrees), when the flower is also standing in a tray with cold water. Move Cyperus to a warmer place. Drain the water from the pan. Remove the bush from the pot and inspect the roots. If they are brown and soft, the flower cannot be saved. If there are light roots, remove the black and damaged ones and treat the sections with crushed coal or ash. Plant the flower in a new container with fresh substrate. Water the plant with water with the addition of the fungicide Fitosporin. We hope that the flower will recover from its illness, and in future, do not violate the rules for keeping it at home.
Pests
Cyperus has well-developed protective functions, moreover, it grows almost in water, it is constantly sprayed, washed, washing off not only dust, but also uninvited guests from its leaves. But, like any indoor plant, if the rules of their maintenance are violated, Cyperus can be attacked by insect pests such as thrips, spider mites, whiteflies, scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids.
The presence of parasites can be determined by the following signs:
- punctures on leaves;
- cotton balls on stems and other parts of the plant;
- yellowish tint of the leaf plate, its deformation;
- the presence of cobwebs in the internodes and on the back of the umbrellas;
- white dots on the inside of the leaf;
- brown tubercles on the leaf surface;
- flying midges;
- sweetish-sticky coating on the stem and leaves.
Inspect your plant. If you find something like this, urgent sanitation is necessary. In the bathroom, wash off all parasites from the plant in the shower, if possible. If the damage is severe, treat the flower with some insecticide after bathing. The store will offer you a choice of them for every taste. Spray or water, once or several times, until the pests are completely destroyed - as the manufacturer advises. If trouble happens in the warm season, it is better to carry out the treatment outdoors - on the veranda or on the street, so as not to poison the air in your home.
Chufa for home garden Cyperusesculentus
It has several names: edible sauerkraut, chufa, earthen almond. Perhaps the most unusual representative of the genus!
Short stems with tufts of linear, rigid leaves are not the main feature of this plant. All the interest and benefits lie in the small brown nodules that form in huge numbers on the roots of the chufa. The nodules are edible raw and can be fried, chopped and added to baked goods.
This is a perennial, which in the middle zone has to be grown as an annual plant, and preferably through seedlings. Unlike its relatives, true cyperus, it does not like waterlogging and grows better with moderate watering. Can be used as a plant for low borders, because... Chufa greens are quite decorative.
Useful and medicinal properties of Cyperus
Cyperus is a natural air purifier. It is absolutely harmless and safe, which is why this ornamental plant is often found in schools, kindergartens, and educational institutions.
In folk medicine, indoor papyrus is used to treat skin and colds. It improves blood circulation in the brain, stimulates digestion, and has a positive effect on headaches, memory and sleep disorders.
The rhizome of the flower has many beneficial properties and is eaten both processed and fresh. It tastes tender and pleasant, somewhat reminiscent of almonds.
Tsiperus decorates the interior of any modern apartment. Often used to create a green corner from tropical plants. Even with great growth, a decorative flower does not create a feeling of massive greenery. It is valued by many gardeners for its bright appearance, unpretentiousness and rapid growth.
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