Plants similar to chlorophytum. Chlorophytum: description, photo, home care

Brief characteristics of the plant

Chlorophytum is one of the representatives of the lily family.

The genus includes about 220 species, native to tropical South Africa and Australia. This plant is often called “flying Dutchman” or “green lily”.

Chlorophytum is a perennial herbaceous plant with narrow sword-shaped green leaves up to 20 cm long, collected in a rosette.

A white or beige stripe runs along each leaf.

During the flowering period, a long arrow appears, on which small white flowers are located, collected in a panicle. After flowering, daughter rosettes are formed on the arrow - young plants with bunches of leaves and roots that can be used for propagation.

Two species are usually grown in rooms: chlorophytum crested and chlorophytum cape, differing from each other in the length and color of the leaves.

Light-loving plant.

Moderate watering is sufficient.

Feeding is necessary once a month.

Accommodation

It is best to place the pot with the plant near a window facing southwest or southeast.

Care

In summer, the plant needs to be watered abundantly, but not to over-moisten the soil. In winter, watering should be reduced. On hot days, the leaves should be sprayed with water at room temperature.

In summer, you need to apply mineral fertilizers to the soil once a month.

The plant should be replanted every spring in a soil mixture consisting of two parts turf, two parts leaf, two parts humus soil and one part sand.

Reproduction

Chlorophytum can be propagated by daughter rosettes. They need to be planted in a pot with loose turf soil for rooting, and after a few days the shoots should be cut off.

Pests and diseases

When the air is dry, thrips appear. Excessive watering can lead to root rot. The plant does not tolerate sudden temperature fluctuations; in insufficient light, the leaves become pale.

Chlorophytum- one of the most unpretentious, hardy and at the same time attractive indoor plants that lived in the homes of our grandmothers.

Lush armfuls of bright green linear leaves, long tendrils of flower stalks cascading down like a waterfall, decorated with small rosettes that feel great in the air, must be known to everyone who has been interested in home flowers at least once in their life.

Moisture-loving nature, shade tolerance, and the ability to very quickly form huge powerful bushes are also well known to plant lovers, which is why the green fluffy plant is valued.

REFERENCE: The name Chlorophytum, like the names of many representatives of the flora, is derived from the Greek words: “chloros” - green and “phyton” - plant. It is impossible not to notice that it perfectly characterizes the appearance of the plant.

Kinds

But not everyone knows that there are different, dissimilar species of Chlorophytum. It's time to correct this annoying misunderstanding and talk a little about the varieties of Chlorophytum.

Let's take a closer look at the types and varieties of Chlorophytum with photos:

• - the most common species in home floriculture, the same fluffy one that able to survive in deep shade, endure flooding, drought, heat and cold, remaining decorative all year round. Its long narrow leaves, characteristic of a representative of the Asparagus family, are arched and reach a length of up to sixty centimeters.

  They are collected in dense rosettes, from which, during the period of active growth, long branched peduncles appear, sometimes growing up to a meter.

  Small white flowers look inconspicuous and rarely form seeds, but the peduncles carry the functions of not only sexual, but also asexual reproduction, densely sprouting small rosettes.

  If such a rosette touches the ground, then quickly gives roots, however, they do well in a suspended state, so Chlorophytum crested is often grown as an ampelous plant, allowing the mustache to spread widely. For their openwork splendor it has earned the popular name "bride veil".

More often the leaves of this indoor flower are green, however, its variegated varieties have been bred. Some are decorated with a white or yellow stripe along the central vein of a long linear leaf, others have a discolored border at the edges, but the center retains its natural green color.



REFERENCE: Such varieties of Chlorophytum tolerate shading less well, since their foliage contains less chlorophyll, and prefer bright light, which allows them to appear in all their glory before the owner’s gaze and increase their tight rosettes to the maximum.

• - This is one of the varieties of Chlorophytum crested. It is no different from its ordinary green ancestor in terms of care, distinguished by the same characteristic unpretentiousness, love for abundant watering and a warm shower, but it differs in appearance, and the difference is so great that it is difficult to recognize them as two forms of the same species.

  And no, it’s not about the color: Bonnie’s leaves are intricately curled, as if the plant had visited the hairdresser and acquired a new voluminous hairstyle instead of the usual smooth cascade.

  This Chlorophytum will appeal to those gardeners who do not like to spend a lot of time caring for exotic inhabitants of window sills, but they want to bring a little exoticism into the home atmosphere - in care it is completely no different from smooth-leaved varieties.



• Chlorophytum cape- a plant very similar to its crested counterpart, but larger, its arched leaves, which have the same bright, vibrant green color, can grow up to eighty to one hundred centimeters, and the roots are equipped with tubers containing nutrient reserves.

  It has the same long knotty peduncles with exactly the same inconspicuous white flowers, which rarely bear fruit, but there are no children on them, so this water reproduces by dividing the bush, and cannot form everyone’s favorite picturesque cascades of aerial rosettes.

  Therefore, it is much less common in houses, because Chlorophytum is mainly loved for these cascades.



• Chlorophytum winged, also known as orchid star, in contrast to cape, looks completely different from the usual Chlorophytum; it is not easy to recognize it as a plant related to the familiar “green lily”.

  Its wide lanceolate leaves, up to 30-40 centimeters long, are planted on fleshy petioles and are very similar in shape and size to hosta leaves.

  This plant does not have long flower stalks, they are very short and do not branch, and, of course, do not produce children, but they readily produce seeds, with the help of which it is not difficult to propagate this type of Chlorophytum. It can also reproduce by dividing the bush.

Just like its relatives, this Chlorophytum purifies the air from carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and other pollutants, saturates the air with phytoncides, loves high humidity and tolerates shade easily, making it a wonderful green friend for the lazy gardener.

It is very responsive to fertilizing and, with sufficient nutrients in the soil, forms very lush bushes, highly decorative and very unusual in appearance.



• - one of the varieties of Chlorophytum winged, differing from its ancestor in the rich orange color of its fleshy cuttings. The lower part of the leaves is decorated with prominent orange veins, and the entire rosette looks as if it is on fire at the roots.

  This color vaguely resembles the color of rhubarb leaves, and due to such a bright contrast, Orange looks even more exotic.

  

  IMPORTANT: In order for the fiery petioles to retain their color, it is worth cutting off unnecessary flower stalks, which take away nutrients from the plant and cause them to turn pale.

Combining all those qualities that gardeners love - unpretentiousness, beauty, endurance in city apartments, ease of reproduction and rapid growth, chlorophytum, regardless of the specific species, will become a wonderful interior decoration and will not require anything from its owner except the simplest care and love.

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Chlorophytum is one of the most common indoor plants in our country. The flower belongs to the asparagus, agave or lily family. The main types and varieties of chlorophytum grown by domestic flower growers are distinguished by high levels of decorativeness and absolute ease of care.

Botanical features and homeland of the plant

Currently, more than 200 species of chlorophytum are known. Under natural conditions, the flower grows in warm climates. South Africa is considered to be its homeland. Now the plant is widespread in the tropical zones of the Earth.

Chlorophytum is a herbaceous ornamental perennial with a short stem and a tuberous root system. Leaves are rosette type, oval or lanceolate. , not large. In indoor floriculture, chlorophytum is used as an hanging plant, in single and group plantings.

Chlorophytum: plant features (video)

Types and varieties

Several varieties of chlorophytum have become widespread in indoor floriculture. Plant species and varieties differ not only in shape and structure, but also in the basic color of the leaves.

The most popular forms of chlorophytum cultivated in home floriculture include several varieties with excellent decorative properties.

Most varieties and varieties form simple white flowers, and after flowering, aerial rosettes are formed, suitable for further propagation of indoor crops.

Winged chlorophytum and laxum

The winged one differs from its fellows in appearance. From the central part of a small rosette emerge wide grooved leaves of a dark green hue, tapering at the top and bottom. Small stems are pinkish or orange. The shoots with flowering rosettes are short. If you want to preserve the bright shades of foliage, then the flower stalks must be removed. You can leave a few of them to obtain seeds. The ornamental plant attracts attention with the contrast of dark green leaves and pinkish-orange petioles. Among the winged chlorophytums there are many original and interesting varieties. For example, “green orange” attracts with its bright contrast of orange petioles and green leaves.

Chlorophytum "orange" characterized by wide, dark-colored leaves combined with brightly colored stems. Given the sensitivity of the foliage to chemicals, you only need to treat the soil, making sure that the chemicals do not get on the leaf blades.

To prevent chlorophytum “orange” from losing its color, you need to select diffused lighting for it.

Laxum- This is a rather rare plant with narrow leaves forming a dense bunch. The edge of the leaf blade is bordered by a thin white stripe. Chlorophytum laxum does not reproduce by shoots, but often pleases with the formation of inconspicuous white flowers.

Fairly simple care at home allows you to grow many varieties of chlorophytum without any problems. Moderate temperatures, sufficient watering and diffused sunlight are the ideal conditions that chlorophytum requires. It can withstand variable temperatures, dry days, direct sunlight, and a small amount or excess of minerals. However, it is better to avoid such extreme conditions, as they will certainly affect the appearance of the plant. In spring you can feed the flower with complex fertilizer. It is recommended to replant annually in early spring into spacious containers that allow the roots of the plant to grow.

Particularly popular now is a new product on the flower market - Chlorophytum orchidastrum Green Orange. The Ocean variety, which is a compact, bright bush with yellow-green leaves, is no less in demand. Chlorophytum crested Ocean, as well as varieties Variegata and Lemon, will become a real decoration of any flower collection. Chlorophytum is characterized by rapid growth and is considered one of the most unpretentious indoor plants. However, in summer the flower requires abundant watering. According to reviews from experienced gardeners, windows facing east or west are optimal for growing indoor chlorophytum.

The plant needs bright but diffused lighting. Variegated varieties of chlorophytum cannot be cultivated in the shade: due to deficiency, they lose their decorative coloring.

Young plants need to be replanted annually, and adults - once every 2–3 years. Transplantation is carried out at the end of winter or beginning of spring.

In spring and summer, small white flowers form on thin stalks, followed by rosettes that can be separated from the parent plant and rooted.

Chlorophytum is called the “green indoor healer”: it helps purify the air from harmful substances and improve indoor humidity, which partly explains its enormous popularity.

Quite often you can find ornamental plants that resemble chlorophytum in appearance and are just as easy to care for.

It should be remembered that almost all heat-loving indoor crops need sufficient lighting, but some of them cannot tolerate direct sunlight.

How to grow chlorophytum (video)

Most of the described ornamental plants are sold by the popular company "Flos", which has proven itself in indoor floriculture.

Chlorophytum is a herbaceous plant that has long been known in indoor culture. Several decades ago it could be found in any home or institution, then its popularity began to fade, but absolutely undeservedly. The plant belongs to the Asparagus family and comes from South Africa. The name itself is quite banal, it translates as “green plant”. Near the ground, the flower forms beautiful thickets of variegated or plain long leaves. Small buds bloom between them. Chlorophytum gives the room freshness, fills it with colors that are pleasing to the eye, cleans and moisturizes the air. Signs are associated with it that promise family well-being.

Description of the plant

Chlorophytum is a herbaceous perennial up to 50 cm high. It has practically no stem and consists of a dense rosette of basal leaves. The rhizome of the plant itself is well developed. It consists of cord-like white shoots with a smooth surface and elongated thickenings (tubers). They accumulate moisture, which prevents them from dying during a drought.

Linear leaves are sessile or short-petiolate. They have a smooth surface and a single or variegated color. The average length of the leaf blade is 15-60 cm. On the reverse side, the central vein is strongly swollen.

Flowers are produced in spring or summer on long, bare stems (runners). Under favorable conditions, the indoor plant blooms several times a year. The buds are collected in small groups at nodes or form a dense but short ear. The small corollas are white or cream in color and consist of six free oblong petals with a narrowed edge. In the central part there are long stamens with yellow rounded anthers and a thin ovary column.

At the end of flowering, babies develop on the whiskers. First, a small leaf rosette is formed, and then aerial roots appear, which take root upon contact with the soil. Sometimes the babies are left in the air, forming a large bush with a cascade of hanging air rosettes.

During pollination, a fruit is formed - a dry, oblong-shaped seed capsule. Inside it is divided into 3 nests.

Types and varieties

Chlorophytum unites almost 200 plant species, but in domestic floriculture there are only a few and a few decorative varieties.

A perennial plant with long narrow leaves. Bright green linear foliage is collected in a symmetrical rosette up to 40-50 cm in diameter. Long arrows with flowers and compact children grow from it, which is why the adult bush resembles a green fountain. Varieties:

• vittatum – in the center of the dark green leaf there is a narrow white stripe;
• variegata - there is a silver edging on the lighter leaf plate;
• laksum - variegated leaves are arranged in the shape of a fan and have a thin white edge along the edge;
• ocean - differs from the previous variety in the spiral arrangement of foliage.

Chlorophytum curly (Bonnie). A more compact form with leaves twisted into a spiral. The surface of the leaf plate has a wide white stripe in the center.

Light green narrow-lanceolate leaves grow up to 60 cm in length with a width of no more than 3 cm. They form dense leaf rosettes and bloom small white flowers on short peduncles. The variety does not produce long whiskers, so it reproduces more often by dividing the mother plant.

Chlorophytum winged (orange). The plant, 30-40 cm high, is distinguished by wider oval leaves on short fleshy petioles. The dark green leaf blade contrasts with the orange petiole and central vein. On a short peduncle, a spike-shaped inflorescence similar to an ear is formed.

Reproduction methods

Getting new plants is not difficult. It is most convenient to use vegetative methods of propagation. To feel like a breeder, you can grow a flower from seeds. They are obtained independently as a result of artificial pollination or bought in a store. Their germination rate is low, only 25-40%.

Planting seeds. Before planting, the seeds are soaked in a wet cloth for a day. It is better to sow them in early spring. Prepare pots with sand and peat soil, in which the planting material is buried 5-7 mm. The surface of the earth is sprayed and covered with film. The greenhouse should be kept in diffused light and at a temperature of +22…+25°C. The crops are ventilated daily and sprayed as necessary. Shoots appear unfriendly, after 4-6 weeks. The shelter is not removed immediately, gradually accustoming the seedlings to the open space. With the appearance of 2-3 true leaves, chlorophytums are planted in separate small pots.

Dividing the bush. A large plant (over four years old) is divided into parts when replanted in spring. The roots are cut with a sharp blade and the sections are sprinkled with crushed charcoal. After this, they are immediately planted in a new pot. Even a small division with a single bud and a small piece of root can take root.

Rooting children. Rosettes on tendrils (flower stems) with 4-5 leaves and a small aerial root are slightly buried in the soil. They are watered, and after 2-3 weeks, when the baby has taken root, they are separated from the shoot. You can also immediately cut off the rosette and put it in a glass with a small amount of water. Planting into the soil for adult plants is carried out when full-fledged roots are formed.

Home care

Chlorophytum is not capricious, so caring for it is quite simple. Under comfortable conditions, it will delight with a lush green cascade and regular flowering. It is better to plan planting and replanting in February-March. Young plants are replanted annually, and older plants every 2-3 years. The flower has a powerful rhizome and needs a spacious pot, but it is not advisable to take a large container at once. The root system may rot or develop rapidly while the above-ground part stops growing.

Drainage material (expanded clay, pieces of red brick or polystyrene foam) is poured onto the bottom of the pot. The soil is made up of:

• turf soil (2 parts);
• leaf humus (1 part);
• river sand (1 part);
• sheet soil (1 part);
• crushed pine bark (1 part).

A soil mixture with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction is preferable. When replanting, you should free the plant from most of the earthen coma and inspect the roots. Rotten and broken sections are removed. Upon completion of the work, the bushes are watered and left in partial shade.

For normal growth, chlorophytum requires fairly bright lighting and long daylight hours. You will need protection from direct sunlight at midday. In spring and summer, the plant does better on an east or west window. In winter it is moved to the southern windowsill. The flower will not die even in a dimly lit place, but it will develop slowly and may lose the variegated color of the leaves.

Comfortable air temperature is +22…+28°C. In winter, temperatures down to +18...+20°C are allowed, but not lower than +10...+12°C. As temperatures drop, it is necessary to reduce watering and reduce air humidity.

Typically, chlorophytum adapts well to normal indoor humidity, but gratefully responds to periodic spraying and dust bathing. In too dry air or in winter, near heaters, the tips of the leaves dry out and turn black. This makes the bush less attractive.

In spring and hot summer, plants are watered abundantly, but long breaks are allowed between irrigations so that the soil dries out by half or more. This will not harm the plants, because it stores the necessary portion of liquid in the roots. Water stagnation should not be allowed, so the tray is emptied 15-30 minutes after watering.

With regular replanting, chlorophytum can do without fertilizers. In order for the greenery to grow especially vigorously, in March-August, twice a month, a solution of a mineral complex for deciduous plants is added to the soil.

If you follow all the rules of care, chlorophytum plants are not afraid of diseases. At low temperatures and high humidity, the development of fungal diseases (spotting, root rot, powdery mildew) is possible. All damaged areas must be trimmed. Don’t let this scare you, as chlorophytum regenerates well. It is also useful to completely replace the soil and treat with a fungicide.

What are the benefits of chlorophytum?

Chlorophytum is not only a beautiful plant, but also a useful plant in every sense. It has been proven that its crown produces phytoncides that disinfect the air. It also absorbs fumes harmful to humans: carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, tobacco smoke. The green mass releases a large amount of oxygen and moisture, which makes the atmosphere in the room healthier.

Chlorophytum is accompanied by a number of superstitions and signs that say that the flower is very useful for home comfort and family happiness. This green fountain removes excess negative energy from the owner, relieves depression and helps solve problems in his personal life. Single people who have this flower in their home are more likely to find their match. Families will remain sensitive.

Flower growers know that most indoor plants must be isolated from pets, since their leaves contain substances that are poisonous to them. But cats can eat chlorophytum like regular lawn grass. Of course, the bushes may not become so beautiful, but this is definitely beneficial for the animals. They will receive the necessary substances and cleanse the body of hairballs.