The color is red. Koleria care at home propagation by cuttings. Temperature and watering

Koleriya - perennial herbaceous plant. It is quite simple to grow it, but for some reason it does not belong to the number of flowers common among flower lovers. Despite the fact that it blooms beautifully and the flowering period of the color is long.

Koleria (lat. Kohléria)- a genus of herbaceous plants of the Gesneriaceae family with soft opposite pubescent leaves; decorative indoor plants. They are native to the tropical regions of America.

The genus Koleria (Kohleria Regel) includes about 65 species of plants of the Gesneriaceae family. Distributed from Mexico to Central America, in Colombia, on the island of Trinidad.

The name of the genus comes from the name of a teacher of natural sciences from Zurich, Michael Kohler, who lived in the 19th century.

Representatives of the genus are perennial herbaceous plants or shrubs with scaly tuberous rhizomes.

The leaves are opposite, ovate-oblong, crenate along the edge, 12-15 cm long, up to 8 cm wide, with a densely fleecy surface. At different types they may be either dark green with reddish veins or olive green with a light midrib, shiny or ribbed, with thick white or reddish hair. The color of the leaves in hybrids can be both silver and bronze.

Colerias bloom very profusely. Flowers solitary or 2-3 on axillary peduncle. Bell-shaped corollas with a tube up to 5 cm, slightly swollen below, tapering to the throat. Some flowers resemble thimbles. The wide-open pharynx has five obtuse lobes, covered with numerous strokes, specks, and dots. The color of flowers in natural species is diverse: pink with a white throat in a dense dark pink speck, orange-red with a yellow throat with dark red spots; chestnut brown with white flecks and a white throat with a pink pattern, etc.

Colors are suitable for warm rooms like the achimenes. In culture, many hybrids have been obtained as a result of interspecific crosses, mainly K. bogotensis, K. digitaliflora, K. amabilis and some other species; these hybrids are known by their respective names. Hybrids add cherry, fuchsia, golden, amethyst, green hues and even "tiger" coloring to the color of the flowers. In culture, standard, compact and miniature forms are known.

Growing Features

Temperature

Koleria prefers moderate temperatures. In summer 20-25 degrees C. If the plant stops flowering, i.e. enters a dormant period, it is better to lower the temperature to 15 - 17 degrees C. When choosing a place for kolery, it must be borne in mind that she does not like drafts.

Lighting

Koleria is a photophilous plant. She needs a well-lit place, but in summer it should not be hot there and should not be exposed to direct sunlight. During the dormant period, if the koleria has not shed its leaves, it also needs to be provided with good lighting.

Watering

During the period of growth and flowering, i.e. from spring to autumn, watering should be moderate. Waterlogging of the soil should not be allowed, but drying out is also undesirable. In winter, watering should be further reduced. If the aerial part of the plant has died off for the winter, the soil with the rhizome must also be slightly moistened periodically so that the rhizome does not dry out.

Air humidity

Koleriya can grow in dry air, but prefers a humid microclimate. However, its velvety leaves do not tolerate drops of water on them. Therefore, to create high humidity, it is necessary to spray not the plant itself, but the air around it, and also place the container with the color in a tray with wet moss or expanded clay. For watering and spraying, it is better to use soft warm water.

reproduction

You can propagate the color different ways, dividing the rhizome, apical cuttings, seeds. The simplest are the division of the rhizome and the rooting of the cuttings. Reproduction without problems takes place at any time of the year, but faster and more actively - in the spring. Cut cuttings are placed in water and, after rooting, planted in shallow pots. The cut off parts of the rhizome are carefully placed in the ground to a depth of about 2 cm and watered, preventing the soil from drying out.

Transfer

For transplantation, wide and shallow containers are used. Be sure to provide drainage. Transplantation is recommended to be done every year, the coloration grows strongly over the year.

Fertilizer

Fertilize the color during the period of active flowering, from April to August, with special fertilizers for flowering plants. Top dressing is done once a week. During the dormant period, fertilizing the plant is not required.

Diseases and pests

Koleria is an unpretentious plant, it is rarely affected by pests. However, aphids and spider mites may appear on the leaves and shoots, while the leaves and shoots begin to dry and deform. Excessive soil moisture can cause rot.

It should also be remembered that koleriya is a delicate plant, when the leaves are mechanically touched and when water gets on them, spots appear on them, the leaves begin to dry and fall off, appearance the plants are destroyed.

Care

Plants with a pronounced dormant period. Blooms in summer and autumn. In summer, they are kept in a warm, bright room with high humidity, regularly fed with complete mineral or organic fertilizers, watered evenly, temperature 18-22 degrees. Adequate amount of light is needed, but light shading from straight lines sun rays. Spraying is not recommended, as drops of water leave ugly spots on pubescent leaves. In autumn, after flowering, watering is reduced. In winter, with the onset of a dormant period, the aerial part of the plant dies off. The rhizomes left in the ground are stored in a cool, dry place at a temperature of about 12-14 ° C. In the spring, they are transplanted into a mixture of leaf and sod land, peat and sand (2: 1: 0.5: 0.5) in bowls or small pots with good drainage.

Propagated in spring by seeds obtained by artificial pollination, rhizomes and cuttings. Small seeds are sown without falling asleep in a mixture of peat and sand (1: 1). Shoots dive twice - they are seated more freely, then the grown seedlings are planted one at a time in small pots. The cuttings are rooted in sand or a mixture of peat and sand (1: 1).

Kinds

Koleria foxglove - Kohleria digitaliflora.

A large herbaceous plant with straight shoots decumbent with age up to 80 cm long and with underground scaly rhizomes. Leaves opposite, ovate-oblong, 12-15 cm long, 7-8 cm wide, light green. Flowers solitary or 2-3 on axillary peduncle. Corolla bell-shaped with a tube 3-5 cm long, swollen below, narrower towards the pharynx, and with a wide open limb with 5 obtuse lobes, yellowish green above, the top two dark crimson. The whole plant is densely pubescent with erect white hairs.

Pleasant color - Kohleria amabilis.

Differs from the previous species more short stature, wide, ovate leaves, silvery-green, brownish-purple along the veins, and smaller (tube length 2 cm) bright pink flowers with crimson specks on the limb.

Fluffy koleriya - Kohleria eriantha.

A species close in size to foxglove Koleria. It is characterized by dark green velvety leaves with reddish pubescence along the edge and below along the veins and orange-red flowers up to 5 cm long, with yellow dots on the lower lobes of the limb.

Koleria (lat. Kohleria) is a herbaceous perennial that is grown as an ornamental indoor plant. Homeland - tropical regions of South and Central America. The genus Koleria (Kohleria Regel) has more than 65 species, is part of the Gesneriaceae family.

The koleriya plant has ovate-oblong leaves, crenate along the edges, soft in texture, covered with pubescence, the length of the leaf plate is 12-15 cm, the width is about 8 cm. The color of the leaves is dark green (it seems almost black) with veins of a reddish hue or olive green with a central vein more light tone, thick pile may be white or reddish. Hybrids may have silver or even bronze leaf color.

Flowering is long and abundant. On the axillary peduncle, flowers are arranged singly or in 2-3 pieces. They are bell-shaped, the length of the tube is about 5 cm, the corolla is narrowed at the throat, and slightly swollen towards the end. The flowers of some species resemble thimbles. Zev is widely open, consists of 5 obtuse lobes, decorated with dots, specks, strokes.

Natural species can have a variety of colors: orange-red with a throat yellow color speckled dark red; pink corolla with pharynx white color, covered with dark pink specks; a chestnut-brown corolla with white flecks, a white throat with a pattern of pink tint, etc. Hybrid forms add fuchsia, cherry, amethyst, gold, green, and even brindle.

Despite the original appearance, long flowering and fairly simple care, the plant is not very common among flower growers.

Caring for a koleriya plant at home

Even novice flower growers are able to cope with flower care.

Lighting and site selection

Unlike other representatives, the color is less demanding on air temperature and humidity levels - normal room conditions will do.

Choose a sheltered place for the plant without drafts.

The plant is photophilous, but do not allow overheating from direct sunlight, especially watch this on hot summer days. If the koleria did not shed its leaves during the dormant period, good lighting will be required.

Temperature and watering

Temperature regime maintain in the range of 20-25°C. During dormancy, lower to 15-17°C.

During the period of active growth and flowering (spring-autumn), water sparingly. Maintain balance: do not over-moisten, but do not allow the earthen coma to dry out. With the onset of winter, watering is minimized. When the aerial part has died, it is enough to moisten the soil periodically so that the root system does not dry out.

Air humidity

Koleriya is adapted to dry air, but as a resident of the tropics, she loves humidity. Do not let water get on the velvet leaves of the plant: spray the area around the flower, you can periodically place the pot with the plant on a tray with wet expanded clay, moss.

Water for spraying and watering needs softened (defend at least during the day), room temperature.

top dressing

During the active period (April-August), it is necessary to feed with fertilizers for decorative flowering plants. Feed every week.

Rest period and transplantation of rhizomes in early spring

In winter, a dormant period begins: the aerial part dies off. It is necessary to place the plant in a cool dry place, periodically moisten the earthen ball so that the earth does not dry out. In the spring, transplant rhizomes (roots).

Use small pots for planting. Be sure to lay a drainage layer on the bottom of the container.

A universal substrate is suitable, if possible, prepare the following soil mixture: sheet, sod land, peat, sand in a ratio of 2: 1: 0.5: 0.5.

Crown formation

To be lush and densely leafy, you should pinch the tops of the shoots in time, stimulating the growth of lateral shoots. They start from the central shoot: cut off the growth point above the 6-8th leaf with scissors.

In this case, axillary shoots will begin to actively develop, they are treated in the same way: the tops are cut off over the 6-8th leaf, it is possible over the 3rd-4th. Such pinching will allow you to keep a compact bush with lush leaves and twigs.

If you do not pinch the koleria, it will grow in one trunk, the view will remain completely unattractive: the plant will stretch out, and in many cases the koleriya can even lie down, hanging ugly from the pot.

Color reproduction

Perhaps seed and vegetative reproduction (cuttings, division of the rhizome).

Growing from seed

You need to cross-pollinate to get it. Sow them in the spring in a peat-sand mixture. Moisten the soil, spread the seeds over the surface without deepening. Cover the crops with a transparent film or glass, place in a bright, warm place. Expect shoots 2-2.5 weeks. Ventilate the greenhouse periodically. With the advent of 2 true leaves, dive the plants and plant them in separate pots.

Reproduction by cuttings

Can be carried out all year round. Cut off the apical cutting with a sharp knife and root in water or soil (sand and peat 1 to 1). Plant the rooted cutting in a pot, and with the advent of a new pair of leaves, pinch the top to stimulate the growth of side shoots.

Propagation by root division

Spend in the spring during transplantation. Take the plant out of the pot, disinfect the knife and cut the rhizome apart. Treat the cuts with a fungicide. Plant the roots in separate containers, deepening by 1.5 cm. Water periodically and the plant will give new shoots.

Video about propagation of koleriya by leaf and cuttings, as well as transplantation:

Diseases and pests, lack of care

A gray coating on the leaves indicates a fungal infection. This usually happens from an excess of moisture in the air and soil. It is necessary to remove the affected areas, treat with a fungicide.

If the leaves and shoots dry, deform - this indicates damage by pests (aphids, spider mites). Treat with insecticides.

Nuances in care:

Be careful: the leaves of the plant are fragile, easily broken under mechanical stress.
When water gets on the leaves, spots appear, then the leaf dries and falls off.
With excessive watering, rot appears.
Exposure to direct sunlight or excess nutrients leaves turn pale, covered with yellow spots.
Leaf curl occurs when there is a lack of air humidity.
If the plant has not shed its leaves for the winter, they may wither due to lack of lighting - resort to the use of fitolamps.
The reasons for the lack of flowering can be: insufficient lighting, dry air, waterlogging of the soil, lack of nutrients, high or low air temperature during the dormant period.

Is it possible to keep the color at home? Signs and superstitions

Koleria is considered a plant with a difficult character: fluffy beauty has a strong energy, gives comfort and pleasant emotions to the household, while driving away the negative manifestations of the outside world. Strong and modest, this violet will easily protect your home from the evil thoughts of ill-wishers.

Types of colors with photos and names

Kohleria digitaliflora Kohleria digitaliflora

The shoots of the plant reach a height of 80 cm, with age they become lodging. The leaves are oblong-ovate, arranged oppositely, 12-15 cm long, about 8 cm wide. The color of the leaves is light green. The corolla-tube is extended 3-5 cm in length. The wide open limb consists of 5 lobes, the upper lobes are yellowish-green in color, the 2 lower ones are dark crimson. The plant is completely (leaves, shoots, flowers) covered with white hairs.

Coleria pleasant Kohleria amabilis

The height of the bush is about 40 cm. The leaves are wide, ovate, have a silver-green color with brown-purple veins. Tubular corollas 2 cm long are painted bright pink, the limb is decorated with raspberry-colored specks.

Kohleria eriantha

Height reaches half a meter. The dark green leaves are covered with reddish fluff running along the veins and edges. The length of the corolla is 5 cm, it has an orange-red color, the lower lobes of the limb are covered with yellow spots.

Kohleria bogotensis, Kohleria amabilis var. Bogotensis

It reaches a height of 60 cm, the length of the sheet is about 10 cm. The color of the leaf plates can be saturated green or lighter. Corollas are painted in yellow-red color, crimson speckles are scattered inside.

Kohleria lindeniana Kohleria lindeniana

A compact shrub 20-30 cm high. The leaves are beautiful: dark green above, covered with whitish pubescence, the lower part of the leaf plate is light green with a pinkish tint, the pattern of the main veins is pronounced. Corollas 6 cm long are painted in a light purple color, white stripes and brown spots pass through them.

Koleriya Varshevicha Kohleria warszewiczii

Reaches a height of 40 cm. The leaves are dark green, dense. The flowers are large, the color of the corolla is lilac with a limb of lime color and brown specks.

Kohleria spicata

A bush 30 cm high. The oval-shaped leaves are painted dark green. The flowers are small, have a red-orange color.

Kohleria tubiflora

Reaches a height of 40 cm. Tubular flowers of a fiery red hue without a pronounced limb flaunt on long peduncles.

Kohleria hirsuta

The leaves are dark green with a purple tint. The flowers are red, with a yellow tinge.

The best varieties of kolerii with photos and names

Koleriya variety Manchu Manchu

The poured leaves have a light green color. Flowers of an orange hue are covered with burgundy specks along the limb.

Koleriya grade Rongo Rongo

Leaves of a light olive color are covered with veins of a lighter shade. The flowers have a pale purple color, the inner side is covered with a burgundy shade.

Koleriya variety Sunshine Sunshine

Compact variety with dark green leaves. The flowers are painted pink, a pair of petals of the limb has a more dark shade, the entire limb is decorated with maroon speck.

Koleria grade Mother's Lipstick

Koleria Kohleria Mother's Lipstick photo

The interesting name of the variety "mother's lipstick" is quite justified: the flowers look very impressive. The game of rich pink and dark burgundy shades, interspersed with white spots really create the illusion of gloss on the lips.

Koleriya hybrid sciadotydaea hybrid

The hybrid form sciadotydaea hybrid has very large velvety flowers with a pink-scarlet gamut. An interesting dot pattern on the front side of the petals creates the illusion of expensive fabric against the background of a dark green canvas of no less luxurious leaves.

Coleria cinnamon toast

A very beautiful variety of cinnamon toast with velvety leaves and flowers. Requires support, tall. Tubular coral-red flowers evenly cover the bush.

Koleria is a type of plant from the Gesneriaceae family. This species is native to Mexico. There are about 65 species in nature.

Koleria pleases with abundant flowering. The root system is represented by tubers. The foliage is oval oblong with a slight pubescence. The shade of the leaves is light green or dark olive with veins along the leaf, scarlet shade.

In some varieties, the bristles on the leaves may be scarlet or bronze. And in hybrid individuals, the leaves have a bronze tint. Flowering occurs more often in several buds and at the same time the color can be very different. The plant got its name in honor of the teacher Kohler.

Varieties and types

The individuality of this varietal type is considered to be the height of the plant, which reaches up to 45 cm. The leaves have a dark rich green tint with a scarlet tinge of bristles on the leaves. Inflorescences have an orange or scarlet color.

Coleria "Bogotskaya" the height of this variety fluctuates around 60 cm. The inflorescences have a hot yellow hue with orange spots. Flowering lasts from mid-summer to early autumn.

Coloria "Linden" her homeland is Ecuador. The height of the plant is about 30 cm. The stems of the plant have a small, light bristle. Leaves are oval. Several buds appear on the peduncle.

Koleriya "Varshevich" the height is about 40 cm. The shade of the leaves is green with a red border. This variety is popular for its variegated and individual flower colors. On a saturated pink tube, light villi are visible. Its petals are lime-colored and with burgundy dots.

Koleriya "Red" this variety has been common among flower growers for quite a long time. The color of the flowers is deep red.

Coleria "Manchu" This small sizes plant with hairy leaves. The leaves are poured in a light green hue. Flowering occurs throughout the year. The hue of the flowers is orange with a burgundy splash.

Coleria "Rongo" - the shade of the flowers is gently purple and with inside with burgundy dots. The foliage has an olive hue with light stripes. Flowering takes a long time. This variety was bred in 1974. The flowers are large and bell shaped. The color of the petals is sunny with orange stripes and scarlet dots on the petals. Leaves with a hint of light olive.

"Sunshine" coloring this variety has a compact size and always pleases with abundant flowering. The hue of the flowers is pink with a pair of darker petals. The surface of the petals is covered with maroon speckles. The leaves are dark green with a pubescent surface.

Koleria home care

The plant is unpretentious in care, so even the most inexperienced grower can grow it. Prefers plenty of light, but without direct sunlight. It is preferable to place the color on the west or east side of the room.

With insufficient lighting, the plant will refuse to bloom, and the leaves will stretch and turn pale. With a lack of light, artificial additional light can be used, this is essential in winter.

The plant prefers elevated air temperatures, since it comes from warm countries. In summer, it will tolerate well 30 degrees, and in winter time the temperature should not be below 18 degrees. Drafts should be avoided, they are detrimental to the plant.

Watering and humidity

Watering for the plant is infrequent, as the plant is susceptible to excessive moisture in the soil. Watering should be done once every 7 days. Water for irrigation should be soft and warm at room temperature.

The plant prefers air humidification above 55%. Therefore, spraying is not recommended, as pubescent leaves may begin to rot. It is better to place a humidifier in the room or put wet stones in the pan.

Top dressing kolerii

Koleriya needs top dressing during the active growing season. Fertilizers are suitable with the addition of minerals, you can take ready-made for Saintpaulia or indoor flowering plants.

For the winter time, top dressing must be removed completely, and as an alternative, the soil should be revived with vermicompost so that the plant can grow more greenery. But such top dressing must be introduced before the appearance of buds.

Color trimming

During the onset of cold weather, the plant may begin wintering. Then the leaves begin to wither, this is considered a natural process. The flower should be helped and cut to the base of the roots. Such plants should be placed in a dark place and moisten the soil every 30 days to maintain the root system. And in the middle of winter, your colors will begin to come to life and come to life.

If your plant stands and does not lose its appearance, then pruning is not necessary. Dry and wilted stems and flowers should be removed as needed.

Pruning should be carried out before the growing season, shape the plant according to your preference. It is better to take scissors and cut off the top so as to get a lush plant in the future. Or, if you prefer an ampelous bush, there is no need to prune and the shoots will lie down over time, and will correspond to your desire.

Coleria transplant

Koleriya should be transplanted as the root system fills the container in which it is located.

When transplanting a plant, an earthen lump is transferred to a large container, and the missing places are filled with fresh earth.

Soil composition for coloring

Each flower grower can independently compose the soil for the coloring. You can buy the finished product in the store. Suitable soil for Saintpaulia.

Or you can mix soddy soil, coarse sand, humus and leafy soil. All components are mixed in equal parts. It is necessary to arrange drainage to avoid stagnant water.

Color reproduction

The plant is propagated by cuttings, seeds and division of the root system.

Seeds should be sown in the second half of winter. The soil for sowing must be mixed sheet and sand. Seeds are not sprinkled, but lightly pressed, moistened and covered with polyethylene. Ventilate periodically. After the emergence of seedlings, we remove the polyethylene, and after the appearance of the first pair of leaves, it is necessary to dive the seedlings into separate pots.

To propagate by cuttings, it is necessary to take a shoot about 8 cm long and root its substrate from sand and humus. Provide underfloor heating. This will help the plant to take root faster. You should cover the plant with a film until the roots appear.

By dividing the root system, the plant is propagated in the spring, before the start of the growing season. Having taken the plant out of the container, we divide the root system into equal parts with buds and good shares of roots.

Diseases and pests

Why the plant does not bloom is the reason for the lack of fertilizer in the soil or lack of lighting, as well as dry air in the room.
The plant can be affected by a fungal disease, it can be caused by excess water in the soil.
Dark chocolate spots on the leaves appear from watering with cold water.
And for the prevention of spider mites, it is necessary for the plant to sufficiently humidify the air in the room. And to get rid of pests, treat the plant with insecticides.