Of all the variety of indoor plants, representatives of the Araceae family, grown in tubs, are ideally suited for decorating rooms. The main argument for choosing them as tapeworms is their unpretentiousness associated with good adaptation to lack of lighting and air humidity.
FOR SPACIOUS ROOMS
Zamioculcas zamifolia.
It's hard to find a more unpretentious look. It forms powerful leaves, reaches a height of one and a half meters and, actively growing, looks impressive. The soil substrate will need to be loose, containing up to 1/5 of sand or other disintegrants. When replanting, the diameter of the flowerpot is increased by 5-6 cm.
Aglaonemas.
For phytodesign, large varieties and hybrids based on Aglaonema lucidum and Aglaonema curly are of interest. They can reach a meter in height and, in addition to large bright leaves, easily form daughter plants, making the composition as a whole look very attractive. Aglaonemas grow slowly and do not stretch, so they require attention and renewal much less often than, for example, their close relatives - Dieffenbachia.
Dieffenbachia- This is the oldest indoor culture, but large representatives of the genus are still popular among gardeners. Two species are usually used as tapeworms: Dieffenbachia spotted and variegated - they can reach two meters in height.
In adult specimens, the old leaves gradually die off, leaving a bare stem up to 5 cm thick. Many people associate such plants with a lush cap of leaves on the top with tropical palms.
A composition with Dieffenbachia can be “revitalized” by planting ground cover crops or creeping and root-climbing vines from the Araceae family (epipremnums, scindapsus, syngoniums, etc.)
AROID GIANT PLANTS
Alocasia large-rooted, fragrant. It is often found on sale as a hybrid. Calidora. Also known is the large Alocasia Portadora, a hybrid of Alocasia fragrant and Portea.
Alocasias are demanding on lighting, so you need to choose brighter areas of the room for them.
Spathiphyllum.
The Sensation variety is truly a people's favorite. This is the largest of the spathiphyllums. Forms many powerful dark green leaves up to 1.7 m long, periodically blooms decoratively. To appreciate the beauty of the variety, you need to keep the plant separately from others, given that an adult specimen, with its leaves spread, will occupy an area of about 2 square meters.
Spathiphyllum unpretentious and shade-tolerant. According to some reports, the plant has antidepressant properties.
Air flow must be taken into account when placing large plants in your home. Almost all aroids come from tropical forests; their leaves and stems contain a lot of moisture, so cold drafts can cause serious harm to plants.
LARGE VINES
This is a separate group of aroids. The most famous representative of the family is Monstera deliciosa, whose leaves can exceed a meter in diameter!
LARGE vines are grown on a strong support because they are not able to support their weight.
The following are suitable as unpretentious single vines for rooms: Raphidophora curved, Monstera deliciosa, Philodendron blushing, Epipremnum gigantea.
DESIGN OF “GREEN COLUMNS”
Living columns look original in the interior. Moreover, they can be of different sizes, both large and medium-sized aroid species. Before planting in tubs or large pots, place a mesh cylinder. It can be made from a special flexible mesh, which is sold in gardening departments. The cylinder is then filled sphagnum moss, additionally covered with fine-mesh green plastic mesh (sold for sheltering plants from the sun or as a net to protect trees from birds) and planting vines in a tub.
The moss is moistened as it dries, and fertilizers suitable for the plant can be added to the water from time to time. As the vines grow, the young roots at the internodes eagerly dig into the cylindrical “humidity chamber,” tightly attaching to the support and wrapping around it.
PRINCIPLES FOR PLACING AROIDS AT HOME
The location of plants in a room depends on its area, ceiling height, and window location. Try to give your pets the most illuminated areas. If you plan to decorate dark areas with plants, sometimes without access to natural light, consider installing artificial lighting.
For aroids, whose decorative effect lies in the shape and color of the leaves, it is better to place the light source in front or above the plants. When choosing a light source, use lamps with a narrow beam of emitted light, about 60-80 degrees.
FEATURES OF CONTENT AND CARE OF AROIDS
By placing plants of the Araceae family on or near windows, shade your pets in summer period. An exception is for specimens standing on the north and north-east windows.
Plants in pots placed on heated floors require frequent watering and high drainage. You need to make sure that the roots do not dry out.
Large aroids are replanted in the spring, usually once every three years. If you plan to use the same pot, renew at least a third of the substrate.
Living suspended ceiling
When decorating a ceiling (or wall), you can stretch a frame of thin wire on it, along which you can string scindapsus or epipremnums, which are unpretentious to lighting and resistant to other adversities. Pots with plants are hung on the walls close to the ceiling. It is better to choose flat and elongated ones so that they do not catch the eye.
While planting abutilon seedlings, I noticed an unfamiliar sprout. I left it in a pot, it grew slowly. We determined it was spathiphyllum, but we don’t know which one. The grown one was replanted in universal soil. I noticed that the plant drops its tender leaves in the sun, but loves watering and showering. What kind of stranger has come to me, and what is necessary for his growth and development?
Tatiana PASHINSKAYA, Kharkov
I assume that you have a seedling of one of the species of the genus Spathiphyllum (Spathiphyllum) of the Araceae family, but it is difficult to determine which one from this photo. The seeds could have come from an old pot in which the plant bloomed and bear fruit, or from a greenhouse where soil mixtures are made (sometimes the manufacturer uses part of the soil from old greenhouses). The plant can only be accurately identified after it blooms.
SOUTH WINDOW IS NOT FOR HIM
It is not surprising that at first the seedling grew slowly, since spathiphyllums do not like spacious pots. Transplant the plant into a slightly larger container only when the roots protrude from the drainage hole.
In direct sun, spathiphyllums develop poorly, turn yellow, and dry out, which is why the seedling drops its tender leaves. This tropical plant in nature prefers to grow along the banks of streams. A dry southern window with scorching sun is not suitable for him, in the northern window it can be until flowering, and for an adult it will be better on a windowsill with an eastern or western orientation.
Anthurium is a charming representative of the Araceae family, known as “male happiness”. Due to the peculiar appearance of the flower, consisting of an inflorescence-spaix and a bright bract-veil, anthuriums are often called “flower tail”, “Flamingo flower”, “devil’s tongue”, “fiery flower”, “artist’s palette”.
According to popular rumor, the “flower of love” located in the house next to the spathiphyllum guarantees a prosperous and long life. happy life. In addition, anthurium flowers symbolize masculinity and life, courage and freedom, love and passion.
Anthurium with its magnificent flower shape and leaf color is admirable. The wealth of colors expands the possibility of using anthurium in phytodesign and unsurpassed flower arrangements.
Compared to other aroids, this beauty takes root less easily, so you should be careful and responsible when growing this plant. If they are provided with special comfortable conditions, they can bloom almost continuously from March to November, retiring only in winter. Individual inflorescences delight the eye with their beauty for a month and a half.
Particularly attractive types and varieties of anthurium
More recently, the classic specimens of anthuriums with light-colored ears and monochromatic spathes of rich red, pink, green, white or yellow have been replenished with new varieties with bracts of an unusual spotted color. They are decorated with more expressive veins or spots of color (green on a white, pink or red background).
In the photo: Anthurium andreanum “Black Queen”.
Anthuriums are conventionally divided into three different groups:
- Beautifully flowering
- Variegated
- Green-leaved
Only two types of plants classified as beautifully flowering are of practical importance:
- Anthurium Andre (A. andreanum) and its modern indoor varieties (including those of hybrid origin - the result of crossing with Linden's anthurium (A. lindenianum).
- Scherzer's Anthurium (A. scherzerianum) is smaller in size than the first, but more adapted to indoor conditions. This species has a long (5-10 cm) spiral-twisted inflorescence.
These types of anthuriums are somewhat capricious in terms of lighting and growing conditions, but are more in demand.
It is simply impossible to refuse to purchase the stunningly beautiful Andre anthurium, so many gardeners take risks when purchasing a flower. The plant becomes as decorative as possible only when grown in greenhouse conditions.
What is the difference between Andre's anthuriums and Scherzer's?
In appearance, anthuriums are very similar to each other, but the leaves of A. Scherzer are more elongated, spectacularly bright red-orange, the covering is more oval, not so glossy, sometimes slightly inverted. The main difference between anthuriums is the shape of the inflorescence: Andre’s spadix is straight, while Scherzer’s is spiral-shaped. Many indoor hybrids have been obtained with different colors of bedspreads, including variegated ones.
Andre's hybrids, unlike Scherzer's, bloom all year round if well maintained and can withstand slight cooling down to 15" C.
In the photo: Scherzer's Anthurium (A. scherzerianum)
Exquisite anthurium flowers and unusually expressive leaves will add an element of exoticism to any composition.
How long does it take for anthurium to bloom?
Sometimes it seems that the plant is blooming constantly. Anthuriums bloom almost continuously and for a long time, starting from the eighth well-developed leaf. There is an alternation - leaf plus flower. An ear with inflorescences and a decorative cover lasts for at least two months. But even if it fades and, as a rule, dries up instantly, the replacement of one flower with another is unnoticeable.
When the flowers fade, the color of their cover changes. In the red specimen the cover turns green, in the pink one it becomes almost white.
Cutting flowers for bouquets and various floral arrangements is done when the flower cover has fully opened. They are quite stable in water and can last up to a month.
Group of decorative leaf forms of anthurium
This is a specific group distinguished by its showy decorative foliage. In apartment conditions, these plants are grown quite rarely.
Variegated types of anthuriums with a beautiful pattern on velvety leaves and a short climbing stem:
- crystal (A. crystallinum)
- magnificent (A. magnificum)
- clear-veined (A. clarinervium)
- Varoka (A. Warocqueanum)
Due to poor lighting in apartments, plants often refuse to bloom. But even without flowers, thanks to their velvety dark green leaves with light silver veins, they look charming and unique.
Decorative forms with green, sometimes dissected leaves and a tall stem...
- Baker's Anthurium (A. bakeri) - leaves are dark green, narrowly elliptic to lanceolate, 40-60 cm long and 2.5-6 cm wide. The petiole is 4-15 cm. The inflorescence is shorter than the leaves - 10-30 cm. The spathe is bent back, narrow, yellow-green. The cob is creamy white, almost cylindrical. Bright red berries give the plant significant decorative value.
- Climbing Anthurium (A. scandens) - this unpretentious green-leaved species with shoots growing up to 1 meter is unpretentious, ideal for vertical gardening of rooms and greenhouses.
The climbing species refers to plants that are undemanding in terms of light levels. It grows well near northern windows and, with sufficient light, can bloom, producing a flower stalk with a yellowish-green spadix surrounded by a pale green bract.
Another decorative deciduous specimen deserves attention; it differs from previous species in the absence of stems.
Hooker's Anthurium (A. hookeri) with large (up to 80 cm long) shiny emerald green leaves collected in a basal rosette. If it blooms, it produces 3-4 peduncles with purple ears. With age it reaches quite large sizes. Quite spectacular variegated forms of anthurium can be found on sale.
Aroid plants are a large and very diverse group. It includes tropical shrubs, vines and more. Among them there are both very poisonous and quite edible species, and some have become widely known as indoor flowers. Photos of aroid plants, their descriptions and features can be found in our article. Let's also talk about the most interesting representatives of the family.
Plants of the araceae family
Araceae, which are also called arumaceae, are flowering monocotyledons. Their family includes more than a hundred genera and about three thousand species. Most aroid plants are distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. There the conditions are most suitable for them, and some specimens sometimes reach incredible sizes.
Representatives of this large family also live in colder and harsher conditions. They can be found in the temperate and sometimes subarctic zones. However, in cool regions there are much fewer of them, because aroids gravitate towards moisture and warmth.
There are also marsh plants in the aroid rows. So, all duckweeds belong to them. They have very simplified roots and leaves, and live on the surface of ponds, swamps, lakes and small bodies of standing water. In a favorable period, they can completely cover their “water house”.
Appearance
Aroid plants are herbaceous. It is uncharacteristic for them to have true stems and a powerful root system. In most plants they are represented by rhizomes, tubers, trailing roots and aerial roots. Liana-like species have stems. They are usually very long and do not have geotropism, that is, they are able to grow in all directions, not just upward.
Aroid leaves have different sizes and structures. They can be narrow and twisted, slightly wavy or large, sweeping and Mostly they have wide solid plates with clearly visible reticulate venation. At the same time, there are species with small narrow or large, strongly dissected leaves, like those of Monstera or Philodendron, rather reminiscent of palm leaves.
The colors of the foliage are also varied. In addition to dark green, the color can have yellowish, light green, red, purple and pink shades. The green leaves of Caladium have a pink core, in Alocasia they are decorated with light lines along the central veins, in Agloneoma they are pale and light, covered with dark green spots and edging.
All arumaceae have a spadix-type inflorescence, but its appearance varies greatly from genus to genus. In callas and spathiphyllums, it looks like an elongated tubular process on which very small and unremarkable flowers are located. It is interesting that it is not the inflorescence itself that is mistaken for their flower, but the covering leaf enveloping it. This is not surprising, because it often differs from other leaves, acquiring white, red and other colors.
Peculiarities
Aroid plants have a well-developed excretory system, the secretions of which contribute to their protection or proliferation. First of all, the plants are known for their toxicity. Their milky sap poses a danger to animals and humans, causing burns and poisoning.
The poison of aroids repels unwanted guests and prevents them from being eaten. But their nectar, on the contrary, attracts certain animals. Plants are pollinated mainly by wasps, bees, beetles and other insects, so they secrete a special liquid with a pleasant aroma to attract them.
The flowering of some aroids is accompanied by a fetid odor to attract carrion flies and dung beetles. Such plants not only attract insects, but trap them. The aroma of rot and decay is reminiscent of the environment in which flies and beetles lay their eggs. Having flown to a flower, they become its prisoners until fertilization occurs.
Application of arum
Despite the toxicity and possible unpleasant aroma, people did not abandon aroids and found areas where they could be used. Due to their unusual appearance and relative unpretentiousness, they have become popular ornamental plants. Due to the content of useful substances, they are used in medicine and cooking.
Aroid plants called taro, large-rooted alocasia, monstera deliciosa, and arrow-shaped xanthosoma can be eaten. But, as a rule, they are not prepared completely, but only individual parts - shoots, berries or leaves.
In folk medicine, calamus and its roots are used to obtain essential oils and treat intestinal and stomach diseases. Aronica treats inflammation of the mucous membranes and respiratory tract, relieves measles, scarlet fever and a simple runny nose. Ointments and tinctures are made from it to help with rheumatism and joint pain. Its fruits, which have a banana-pineapple flavor, are usually used as a dessert.
Among indoor aroid plants, callas, anthurium, dieffenbachia, spathiphyllum, alocasia, and philodendron are especially famous. Liana species are grown at home, but are more often used for landscaping fences or facades. Marsh species, such as Pistia teloresis, are bred to decorate aquariums.
Taro, or colocasia edible
Taro is a perennial plant of the family that is eaten. It grows in Southeast Asia and Africa, being a local analogue of potatoes. The plant was known Ancient Egypt, India and China. In ancient Japan, it was a staple food until it was replaced by rice.
Colocasia has the appearance of a bush up to 150 centimeters high. It has large heart-shaped leaves about a meter long. It reproduces by underground tubers that contain starch, sugar, proteins and calcium oxalate. Taro contains many vitamins, fiber and other substances that are beneficial for the musculoskeletal, digestive, cardiovascular and nervous systems. Due to the presence of acid, the leaves and shoots of the plant are not consumed raw, but are eaten after heat treatment.
Wolfia belongs to the duckweed family. It is a marsh plant of the araceae family and the smallest flowering plant on the planet. Wolfia has the appearance of green leaves, with one short root located at the bottom. These leaves are actually modified stems. The size of each of them does not exceed 1 mm.
The plant lives in ponds with stagnant water. Under favorable conditions, it actively reproduces on the surface of a swamp or pond, and with the onset of autumn cold weather it sinks to the bottom and awaits warming. It is distributed in the tropics of Asia and Africa, South and Central Europe. It also grows in the European part of Russia, but most likely it was brought there from warmer regions.
Dieffenbachia
This plant is native to the tropical forests of South and North America and has long been known as a house pet. It has large, beautiful leaves of a dark green color with light green splashes and can grow up to two meters in height. The plant does not bloom very beautifully and it is its leaves that bear all the decorative value.
Dieffenbachia is often grown in homes, offices and various institutions. In the room where it grows, the composition of the air improves, and there are fewer microbes and harmful bacteria. At the same time, it is considered one of the most poisonous representatives of its family. The juice in its leaves and stems causes severe burns, irritation of mucous membranes and can even lead to blindness. Poisoning by the plant is manifested by diarrhea, inflammation and swelling of tissues, impaired breathing and swallowing reflex.
Calla
Another plant widely known to gardening enthusiasts is calla lily. It gained its popularity thanks to its beautiful covering leaf, reminiscent of a flower. The leaf color can be almost anything - from the usual snow-white to red, burgundy, orange and pale yellow.
All callas are relatively tall and reach about 50-70 cm, but Ethiopian Zantedeschia grows up to 150 centimeters. The plant comes from South Africa, but now it has become popular in many parts of the world. It is grown in gardens and homes, and given to each other for various holidays.
Amorphophallus is probably the most bizarre genus of all aroids. It includes more than 170 species, which vary in size from 80 cm to several meters. The largest representative is Amorphophallus titanica. The plant has a powerful and short stem, on which grows a huge inflorescence, covered with a burgundy leaf, up to 3 meters long. The total height of amorphophoallus reaches about five meters.
The plant blooms for only a few days. During this period, it emits a terrible odor, reminiscent of a mixture of the “aroma” of rotten fish, spoiled eggs, cloying sweetness and excrement. Its underground tuber weighs about 50 kilograms and is used as food in some Asian countries.
This section of our website contains detailed articles about plants of the araceae family: rules for planting and care, propagation, replanting, disease and pest control. The Araceae family consists of 117 genera, including more than 3,000 species.
Most common in the subtropics and tropics of both hemispheres, about 10% live in temperate regions and are even found in subarctic regions.
Represented by herbaceous plants, vines, trees. Some lead an epiphytic way of life, others live in swamps. Sizes range from tiny to gigantic.
Araceae have virtually no stems, and their functions are performed by modified rhizomes. The aerial roots of vines not only help plants cling to supports, but also absorb atmospheric moisture.
Another feature is the leaves. They amaze with their variety of shapes and colors: they can be solid, intricately dissected, corrugated, variegated, with unusual patterns.
A flower is always a spadix surrounded by a veil. The color of the bedspread is in most cases white or greenish, but there are pink, red, and spotted ones. Giant amorphophallus is included in the Guinness Book of Records - the size of its cob reaches 2-3 m. There are trap blankets that hold insects until pollination occurs. Some plants are capable of raising the temperature of the cob to 30–45 °C. Thus, substances that attract flies to pollination begin to actively evaporate. Surprisingly, one of these plants, Sauromatum venosum, is grown indoors.
Aroid plants in interior design
Representatives of the Araceae family are numerous in garden and indoor floriculture.
Let's list some of them: callas, aglaonema, anthurium, caladimum, monstera, spathiphyllum, pistia.
Grow plants in pots and tubs - place accents in the house; with the help of vines you can decorate columns or create a “living” suspended ceiling.
Please note that representatives of the Araceae family are poisonous. Carry out care procedures with gloves, limit the access of children and animals to plants.
How to care for aroid plants
- The soil needs to be light, loose, and “breathable.”
- Lighting – bright, diffused, with protection from direct sunlight.
- At home, it is most convenient to propagate vegetatively.
- Water sparingly.
- It is not necessary to replant often.
Features of care for each individual plant can be found in the articles in this section.
Family Araceae
2019/12/02
Lisichiton in translation means “losing the cloak”, so the name plays so beautifully on the dying off of the blanket that wraps the cob - the flower of the plant. Other names are temporary wingweed, water lily. Lysichitons are from the family Araceae, and are few in number in their genus, distinguished…
2019/12/01
Simplocarpus is a perennial plant from the araceae family. It deserves the attention of those gardeners who have a lot of shade and waterlogged soil on their site. The perennial in nature prefers to grow in coniferous and mixed deciduous forests, and loves swampy meadows. That's why…
2018/11/29
Botanical description Zantedeschia is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Araceae family. Opened in the 19th century. and named after Giovanni Zantedeschi, a botanist from Italy. It is often sold and popularly known as calla lily, calla lily,…
2018/10/17
The Amorphophallus plant is an extravagant representative of the flora, distinguished by an interesting appearance. This is a deciduous plant of the Araceae family, native to Indochina. Has a special life cycle: the period of active growth is short, it is in a state of rest for a long time (about 6...
2018/02/19
Anthurium is a perennial plant of the Araceae family. Most often they lead an epiphytic way of life (they live on the bark of trees). Among them there are flowering shrubs, decorative foliage plants, and vines. The name is made up of two ancient Greek words that translate as “flower”...
2018/02/17
Botanical description Monstera is a large evergreen plant of the Araceae family. Its natural habitat is Central and South America, and is found in Asia. Translated, the name of the plant means “bizarre.” This is a vine with a thick climbing stem, which is covered with aerial roots...
2018/02/06
Caladium is a perennial tuberous plant belonging to the Araceae family. Native to the forests of South and Central America. The official name translates as “plant with edible roots” - the indigenous people actually consumed them as food. Among the people...
2018/01/12
Homalomena or Homalomena is a herbaceous plant from the Araceae Family. There are about 150 species. Its natural habitat is the tropics of America and Asia. The plant has a powerful root system: homalomena branches well, grows quickly, forms lush basal…
2017/12/26
Syngonium belongs to the Araceae family. The genus contains about 33 species. The natural habitat is the center South America. A fast-growing elegant vine grown as an ornamental foliage plant. The herbaceous flexible trunk has numerous aerial roots. If there is a vertical support,...
2017/12/12
Description of scindapsus Epipremnum, or scindapsus, is the most common cultivated vine. In the natural environment, it reaches a length of at least 40 m; smaller species are found (up to 15 m). At room conditions the size is much more modest...
The family of monocotyledonous plants Araceae Araceae has more than a hundred genera and about two thousand species. The distribution area of aroids is very wide - tropical, subtropical and even temperate zones on different continents of both hemispheres of the Earth, but the vast majority of members of the family are tropical plants. Many aroids contain poisonous milky sap.
An extensive family of gracefully shaped plants with beautifully colored leaves and cob-shaped inflorescences. The spadix consists of many small flowers, but outwardly looks like a single flower. The inflorescence sizes range from small to very large, even gigantic. Moreover, in some aroids the spathe tightly covers the cob, in others it is widely bent.
Anthurium and some other aroid plants have colored covers or wings of various colors (white, pink, red, etc.) or are distinguished by the beautiful shape and color of the leaves. In many genera of aroids, the inflorescences have an unpleasant odor, designed to attract flies and other insects for pollination.
The leaves of aroids are arranged alternately, the base of the petiole tightly covers the stem, usually the petioles are quite long. The large leaves of some aroids have a metallic sheen, while others are velvety, with varying shades of green or variegated. The shape of the leaves is arrow-shaped, heart-shaped, palm-shaped; rare species have petiolate, belt-shaped leaves. The shape of the plant itself is bushy and vine-like, there are upright plants and lodging giant herbs.
Among the aroids there are terrestrial plants and epiphytes. There are also quite a few wetland plants. By the way, the smallest flowering plants on Earth belong to the araceae family - the genus Wolffia Wolffia - Wolffia arrhiza. These are green plates floating on the surface of the water, about 1 mm in diameter. And lo and behold, these little ones are blooming! Aquarists raise babies.
Thanks to this diversity, the aroid family is divided into 8 subfamilies (Aroidae Aroideae, Gymnostachys Gymnostachydoideae, Calloaceae Calloideae, Lasiaceae Lasioideae, Monsteraceae Monsteroideae, Orontiaceae Orontioideae, Pothoideae Pothoideae, Duckweed Lemnoideae)
Caring for aroids
- In summer, keep plants on windows facing north, east and west, and in winter on windows located on the south side of the house. Those. In spring and summer, shading from midday sun rays is needed, and in winter the lighting should be very good, so direct rays are only beneficial.
- Wrap the stem and aerial roots of aroids with moss, cover the soil in pots with it, since there are usually many roots on the surface of the pot, keep the moss moist.
- Almost all aroids are moisture-loving and require abundant watering in the spring and summer (with the exception of succulent plants, for example, zamiakulkas). For lianas and bushy aroids, watering is somewhat reduced in the fall, but the soil should not dry out. Tuberous aroids, after they shed their leaves, are not watered until new growth occurs.
- For most aroids, the soil should be something like this: a mixture of light turf, humus, leaf soil and sand with the addition of birch charcoal. The main requirement for soil is looseness.
Almost all aroids love high air humidity. True, it should be noted that they tolerate dry air in different ways - some require regular spraying, especially in summer and during the heating season (locasia, anthurium), others can do without spraying if you do not keep them in close proximity to the heat source (spathiphyllum, scindapsus).
Reproduction of aroids
Most aroids reproduce quite easily. Lianas are propagated, as a rule, by cuttings or layering with aerial roots. With the beginning of growth, tuberous aroids form many bulbs - children. Many aroids can be propagated by seeds, but this is not practiced in all genera, since the seeds quickly lose their viability.
By the way
The requirements for replanting in araceae are different - some of them are not very demanding on the soil (Amorphophallus cognac, Scindapsus) and tolerate replanting quite easily (Syngonium). But rhizomatous aroids, as a rule, tolerate replanting worse if the bush was divided at the same time, and can hurt for a long time (spathiphyllum, aglaonema)
This is interesting
The French scientist Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck about 200 years ago (1803 -1815) noticed that the temperature of the inflorescences of flowering Zantedeschia aethiopica increased significantly above the temperature environment.
A similar phenomenon was discovered in other representatives of the aroid family. Since then, botanists have become interested in this unusual phenomenon. And they noted very original facts.
Thus, it became known that plants of the aroid family produce a release of thermal energy due to rapid respiration in their cells. Moreover, heat production reaches colossal proportions. For example, an increase in the temperature of the philodendron inflorescence was recorded 40 ° C higher than the air temperature, which was close to zero (Nagy KA, Odell DK, Seymour RS. Temperature regulation by the inflorescence of philodendron. Science. 1972 Dec 15).
Scientists have calculated that at an air temperature of 10°C, 125 g of philodendron inflorescences produce approximately five times the thermal energy of a rat weighing the same 125 g, under the same conditions.
The production of thermal energy occurs due to rapid respiration in the cells of thermogenic flowers. Moreover, in most cases, in the studied thermogenic plants, the respiration substrate is carbohydrates, often transported from other parts of the plant.
But in philodendron, the respiration substrate is predominantly fats, and as is known, the oxidation of one fat molecule provides more than twice as much energy as carbohydrates.
What’s interesting: the thermogenic process has the opposite effect - on hot days, the temperature of the flowers (inflorescences) drops to 10°C below the ambient temperature, due to the powerful evaporation of moisture.
Plant family Araceae (Araceae)
In indoor culture, many krasteniyas from the Araceae family are known.
Monstera
This is one of the largest families of monocots, including more than a hundred genera and up to 2 thousand species. Aroids in nature are found mainly in the tropics and subtropics; some species are also found in the temperate climate zone. Among the representatives of this family there are herbaceous and bushy plants, vines, and epiphytes.
Many species have tubers or rhizomes that serve as reservoirs of moisture and nutrients. Lianas, Monstera, for example, often have aerial roots. With their help, climbing plants cling to support and receive additional nutrition when the roots reach the soil.
Aroid leaves are distinguished by a wide variety of structure, color and size. Anthuriums have wide, solid green leaf blades on long petioles. Adult monsteras and philodendrons have dissected or perforated leaves, although young plants have whole leaves. Zamiakulkas have a complex leaf - there are many leaf blades on one petiole.
The leaves of scindapsus are small and whole; this vine grows as quickly as syngonium.
Dieffenbachia
Aglaonema
Dieffenbachia and Aglaonema have large, oblong leaf blades, often variegated in color. In too dark rooms the leaves lose their variegation.
Aroids at home
Almost all types of alocasia are characterized by arched veins of a lighter color.
Caladium has the most beautiful and bright leaves. But this plant grows from late winter to early autumn, then a dormant period sets in and the leaves disappear.
Anthurium
The inflorescences of all common indoor aroids are spadix. The flowers are not particularly beautiful; they are small and inconspicuous.
What about the red glossy flowers of anthurium or the white flags of spathiphyllum? In fact, these are not flowers, but a blanket - a modified leaf that covers the inflorescence from unfavorable conditions.
Under natural conditions, the bright color of the spathe, characteristic of many aroid species, and the strong smell of the inflorescence (not always pleasant) attract pollinating insects. Most species common in indoor culture are odorless.
Due to the wide variety of aroids, it is difficult to identify general rules for caring for them, but most are characterized by:
- Aroids do not like drafts and sudden temperature changes. Even the slightest draft from a slightly open window in winter can cause leaves to turn yellow and drop.
- In summer, all aroids need to be shaded from too bright sun; it is advisable to keep plants on windows facing east and west, and in winter, when sunlight not enough - on south windows.
- The aerial roots of aroids cannot be cut off; it is better to wrap them in damp moss and direct them into the ground in pots.
- Almost all aroids are moisture-loving; in spring and summer they need to be watered abundantly (perhaps with the exception of zamiakulkas). In winter, water less, but the soil should not dry out.
- The soil should be loose: a mixture of light turf, humus, leaf soil and sand with the addition of charcoal, coconut fiber, perlite.
- Almost all representatives of the aroid family reproduce by cuttings; spathiphyllums can be propagated by dividing the bush during transplantation.
- Many aroids are poisonous, so they should not be placed in a child’s room; it is advisable to trim them with gloves or immediately wash your hands well.
Alocasia
Caladium
Some popular indoor plants of the Araceae family:
Family Araceae
General information about aroids
Araceae or Aronicaceae (lat. Araceae), a family of plants of the monocotyledonous class. Includes about 150 genera and more than 2000 species of herbaceous terrestrial, less often aquatic perennials, epiphytes and lianas. Distributed mainly in tropical as well as warm temperate regions. There are many aroids in temperate regions, and some of them even enter subarctic regions, but their species and genus diversity outside the tropics is small, less than 10% of species. The most prominent representatives: Symplocarpus foetidus from the aroid family grows in the Far East and eastern North America. The whole plant has a strong garlic odor and is poisonous.
Dieffenbachia, a genus of perennial plants of the araceae family. 30 species, in the tropics of America.
Spotted Dieffenbachia (Diffenbachia maculata) is a plant up to 1 m high. The leaf blade is oval or lanceolate, long pointed at the end, reaches 40 cm in length and sits on a petiole of equal size. Numerous varieties differ in the shape and color of the leaves and petioles: the leaf blades can be heart-shaped, covered with ivory-colored streaks, numerous white spots, etc.
Dieffenbachia seguina differs from the previous species in having a wider leaf and fewer white spots on it. The Camilla variety has greenish-white leaves with a green edge. The leaves of the popular 'Tropic Snow' variety have an almost geometric yellow-green pattern between the lateral veins.
Dieffenbachias, especially Dieffenbachia seguina, are poisonous. The sap of this species causes burns to the mucous membranes and skin, which was used in the past by West Indian planters to punish slaves (“silent rod”). Extract from this plant in fascist Germany were going to be used to sterilize prisoners of concentration camps (Himmler ordered the cultivation of Dieffenbachia seguina in greenhouses in the camps, but the entry into the war on the side of the allies of Brazil, where the plants were supposed to be obtained from, thwarted this plan). The genus is named after the German botanist J. F. Dieffenbach (1794-1847).
Taro is a tropical perennial plant of the araceae family. Large tubers (up to 4 kg, contain 25-27% starch) are eaten; cultivated in the tropics and subtropics of the Eastern Hemisphere. Plants are shade-tolerant and demanding of air humidity. Propagated by cuttings.
Botanical description. Representatives of the family are terrestrial, marsh or aquatic herbs with tubers or more or less elongated rhizomes. In tropical countries, aroids often reach gigantic sizes. There are many lianas and epiphytes among them. Stemless or short-stemmed terrestrial aroids often have petiolate leaves, swept or broadly elliptical, arising from a creeping rhizome or tuber.
The complex character and bright appearance of aroid indoor plants
In Amorphophallus, this leaf is the only one, deeply dissected. Lianas twining around tree trunks - Monstera, Philodendron, Scindapsus - are attached to them by numerous aerial roots. Many aroids contain poisonous milky sap. The inflorescence is a spadix, consisting of numerous small flowers, but often looks like a single flower; it is completely or partially covered with a green or otherwise colored covering sheet - a blanket. Sometimes flowering is accompanied by a specific unpleasant odor that attracts insects, primarily flies, that pollinate the flowers. The spathe of some aroids is a kind of trap for such pollinators. The fruits are most often berry-shaped, less often dry and cracking. Currently, within the aroids there are 8 subfamilies or 9 (together with the aroid subfamily): Aroidae (Aroideae)
Gymnostachydoideae
Callaceae, or Calloidae (Calloideae)
Lasioideae
Monsterae (Monsteroideae)
Orontioideae
Pothoideae
Duckweeds (Lemnoideae)
In other taxonomy classifications of the family, the Acoroideae subfamily is separated into a separate Acoraceae family; and the previously independent duckweed family (Lemnaceae) is included in the Araceae family at the rank of subfamily.
Healing properties and uses. Spotted arum. The homeopathic remedy Arum, obtained from arum arum, is quite popular for the common cold, inflammation of the oral mucosa, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, mumps, scarlet fever and measles. Arum helps in almost all cases of hoarseness when the vocal cords are overstrained, for example when a singer or speaker is unable to sing or speak loudly. Take it in dilution D1-D6 several times a day, 3-5-8 (up to 10) drops. You can also gargle with a highly diluted tincture: 5 drops per glass of warm water.
Calamus common. Calamus belongs to the group of aromatic bitters and is therefore applicable for gastrointestinal diseases and diseases of the biliary system, for loss of appetite and for a general increase in the tone of the digestive tract. Calamus helps especially well with gastrointestinal diseases, the cause of which should be sought in the vegetative nervous system. Calamus is valued in folk medicine as a remedy against disorders of the digestive system as a whole. Moreover, tea from calamus rhizome is used as a cleanser against skin rashes and dandruff. Essential calamus oil, obtained by steam distillation, or an alcoholic extract from calamus rhizomes is also used as a rub against rheumatic ailments.
In some species, for example, in Monstera deliciosa, the cobs are edible. The presence of aroid crystals of calcium oxalate in the leaves and cobs allows them to be used as a distracting (irritant) rub for rheumatic pain. Species of the genera Zantedeschia (known in floriculture as callas), Anthurium, Spathiphyllum, are used in indoor floriculture for their bright inflorescences, and species of Dieffenbachia, Caladium, Aglaonema, Amorphophallus - for their unique , sometimes unusually colored foliage. Aroid vines - philodendron, syngonium - are used for vertical gardening. A floating plant, Pistia stratiotes, is bred in aquariums. One of the widespread tropical crops belongs to the aroid family - taro, or edible taro (Colocasia esculenta), grown for its large starchy tubers. Xanthosoma sagittifolium from the West Indies and Alocasia macrorhiza from Southeast Asia are also grown as food plants.