Mussaenda MACROPHYLLA

Mussaenda MACROPHYLLA - Large-leaved mussaenda, Sweet root, Mussaenda macrophylla.

Mussaenda is a perennial, evergreen, tropical shrub or subshrub of the Rubiaceae (Madder) family, distributed in the tropics of Asia and Africa. In the wild, the plant can represent a shrub, or it can reach a height of more than 3 m (9.8 ft) and resemble a small tree; in indoor cultivation, it is usually 60 to 100 cm (23.6-39.4 in). Leaves are elliptic or ovate, arranged oppositely, green, 15-18 cm (5.9-7.1 in) long. The lower surface of the leaves often has pubescence. The flowers are small, with 5 oblong petals, funnel-shaped, gathered in inflorescences - racemes at the tips of shoots. The main appeal of Mussaenda is provided by bright bracts up to 7.5 cm (3.0 in) long, colored red, white, yellow, orange, or pink. The plant has quite a long flowering period - from early July to late October; however, with proper care and favorable growing conditions, it can flower almost year-round. After pollination, fruits begin to form on the plant - small, round or elliptic, purple, reddish-brown, or black juicy berries (rarely dry multi-seeded capsules) with miniature seeds inside. In indoor growing, the plant practically does not bear fruit.

Mussaenda macrophylla grows in central and eastern Nepal. It is sometimes found in northern India, southeastern China, and Myanmar. It varies in size from small shrubs to medium trees. In its native climate, it grows as an evergreen; in colder regions, it is cultivated as deciduous. The plant is famous for its colorful bracts.

Seeds are pre-treated with fungicides Previcur or Fitosporin, then surface-sown on a loose sandy substrate and slightly pressed in, moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light but not in direct sun at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). Sprouts need ventilation. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and drying out of the sowings. Seedlings appear within 3-6 weeks.

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The plant can grow both indoors and in the garden. In both cases, when choosing a planting site, preference should be given to sunny locations or windows. Mussaenda is unpretentious in cultivation, but very fond of light, sun, and warmth. It is not overly demanding regarding growing conditions, and caring for it at home or in open ground will not cause special difficulty or take much time. The most important thing to remember about caring for this plant is that it does not tolerate low temperatures and requires constant moisture.

One of the main conditions for proper care of the plant is regular watering, which must be carried out strictly after the soil around the plant dries out slightly. Air humidity during indoor cultivation also matters; to maintain it, spraying the shrub's foliage with settled water is recommended. Regular feedings are also an integral part of care. In addition to organic ones - humus, compost, and manure, the plant needs mineral nutrition. For this, complex mineral fertilizers applied at least once every two weeks are excellent.

When planting the shrub in a pot, the soil must be drained. For this, stones or pebbles are laid at the bottom of the container, which promotes proper distribution of moisture. The soil where the plant will grow should be nutritious, slightly acidic, and loose; the addition of organic fertilizers and sand is welcome. Repotting of indoor specimens is performed only when the roots fill the entire planting container and become too cramped.

Pruning is an essential condition for the harmonious development of the plant; it is carried out in spring and autumn. Due to this procedure, the shrub not only acquires an attractive appearance, but is also shaped correctly, and blooms more richly and for longer. As a rule, shoots of young specimens are heavily cut back, up to the point that the plant's height after pruning is 20-35 cm (7.9-13.8 in), which stimulates branching. For more mature specimens, shoots are pruned back to 3-4 buds; excessive shortening does not benefit the evergreen shrub.