Reo

 
Рео

Commelin family. Homeland - moist rainforests of Mexico, Antilles.

Rhoeo spathacea or Rhoeo discolor is an obsolete name, now this plant is considered one of the representatives of the genus Tradescantium and its correct name is Tradescantia spathacea. This is a herbaceous rhizome plant with a short fleshy erect stem, from which densely planted leaves of a linear lanceolate shape of dark green, below red-purple, about 30 cm long, practically forming a rosette. There is a form of "Rhoeo spathacea vittata" with leaves covered in yellow stripes above and purplish-red below.

рео

Reo Care

Temperature: In the spring-summer period, the most common, which exists at home. Ideally, for good growth in the range of 22-23 ° C. In winter, if the apartment is dark and there is no possibility of exposure, the temperature is needed cooler, about 18-20 ° C, at least 16 ° C, but this is not a prerequisite if it is possible to rearrange the pot with a flower closer to the light. In addition, in conditions of hot wintering with dry air (in a heated room), the reo gradually loses its lower leaves and decorative attractiveness.

Lighting: The plant is light-loving, requiring shading from direct sunlight in the afternoon from April to August. Reo grows well on the east and northwest windows. But only in the warm season. In winter, sometimes there is not enough light - you define it by the appearance of the plant - it stretches towards the light, the new leaves are smaller than the old ones.

Watering: Abundant in the warm season - the soil should be slightly moist inside the pot, but have time to dry out from above. In autumn and winter, when the humidity is higher and/or the temperature and lighting are lower, watering is moderate, after the soil dries in the upper part of the pot, wait another 2-3 days before watering. To prevent white spots on the leaves, try to use soft water.

Top dressing: From March to August, add complex fertilizer for deciduous plants to the irrigation water once every two weeks, according to the instructions. Do not feed Reo for 1-1.5 months after transplant.

Air humidity: Reo, like all tradescantia, loves humid air, it becomes necessary to spray when the hygrometer readings are below 55% - this is during the heating season in winter and dry hot days in summer. The rest of the time does not need spraying.

Transplant: Annually in spring, possibly again in summer. The reo pot should not be too deep, its root system is superficial. Soil: 1 part of turf, 1 part of leaf, 1 part of humus, 1 part of fine gravel. Drainage to the bottom of the pot can be made of foam or expanded clay, but the main thing is that it does not clog the holes in the bottom of the pot. For planting, you can use the soil from the store, universal peat, suitable soil for growing seedlings or vegetables, soil for ficuses and palm trees. In any store soil it is worth adding 2-3 tbsp. spoons of vermiculite for 1 pot with a diameter of 15-20 cm.

Reproduction: By dividing the bush or rooting the lateral shoots cut at the base of the stem. Cuttings are easily rooted in water at any time of the year. Bushes are divided at the moment of transplantation. Do not forget to take a pot commensurate with the root system. Immediately after transplantation, the division of the reo slows down in growth, about two weeks. At this time, he needs moderate watering (without dampness) and light shading. Do not transplant and divide bushes in hot weather!

By the way

The origin of the name of the genus Reo is unknown, but this plant has another name that has spread among flower growers - Rook Moses.

With age, the lower leaves of Tradescantia covered (Reo) die off, and the upper leaves seem to form a rosette, which often confuses reo with bromeliads (not a big sin - after all, they are quite close relatives).

The flowers of the plant are white and small, inflorescences are collected on short pedicels. Inflorescences are hidden inside the navicular cover, formed by several purple bract leaves covering each other. Flowering can occur at any time of the year.

Growing problems

  • Brown dry leaf tips - when the air is too dry indoors, especially in winter, if the plant is located near central heating batteries.
  • The tips of the leaves brown, the leaves shrivel and dry out - with insufficient watering. When watering with cold water.
  • The stems are stretched, the leaves are not densely arranged, the plant loses its decorative attractiveness - with an acute lack of light, or a lack of nutrients in the soil.
  • Variegated forms lose their color - with a lack of lighting.
  • The stems at the base are soft and acquire a brownish tint - decay of the stem due to waterlogging of the soil, especially if the temperature is low. You can cut off the healthy part, they easily take root even in winter.