Syzygium MYRTIFOLIUM

Syzygium MYRTIFOLIUM - Myrtle-leaved syzygium, Syzygium ZEYLANICUM, Ceylon syzygium, Eugenia SPICATA.

Can be grown in bonsai style!

Syzygium is a genus of ornamental foliage plants in the family Myrtaceae, closely related to clove and tea tree, eucalyptus, and others. The genus includes more than 1,100 species. Its natural range encompasses Africa, Madagascar, Australia, India, Southeast Asia, and Pacific islands. Many species are evergreen trees and shrubs.

The plants are of ornamental and practical interest, as they contain many biologically active substances; they are edible and used to produce jellies and jams, and some species are medicinal.

Myrtle-leaved syzygium is a beautiful medium tree up to 20 m (66 ft) in height. The leaves are leathery, elliptical, and red when young. The flowers are attractive, fragrant, white, and powdery; the fruits are small black berries. It is widely distributed in the tropical forests of Asia from Northeastern India to the Philippines and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical climates.

The drupe of Syzygium usually contains 1-2 seeds (rarely up to 4). One can try opening the capsule and releasing the seed, but there is a high probability of damaging it, so scarification is not recommended. Seeds are pre-soaked for 12-72 hours in twice the volume of warm or hot water - water is absorbed by dry seeds, and the moisture content first rapidly increases, then levels off. The soaking time varies depending on the seed coat thickness: the thicker it is, the longer. For harder coats, hot water of 50-55 °C (122-131 °F) is recommended. Seeds swell, which may cause the coat to burst. Water is changed daily.

Prepared seeds are sown in a light peat-sand mixture to a depth of 1.5-2 cm (0.6-0.8 in), moistened with a spray bottle, placed in a mini-greenhouse or covered with film, and germinated in light, but not in direct sun, at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). Sprouts require ventilation. It is essential to avoid waterlogging and drying out of the sowings.

Seeds usually germinate after 3-4 weeks, but the process may extend up to 2 months. At the stage when 2-3 true leaves appear, the covering material is removed and seedlings are pricked out into individual pots to strengthen and build up foliage. During this period, abundant watering, good lighting, and a temperature of not below 18 °C (64 °F) are also important. When the 4th pair of leaves appears, pinching is performed to stimulate branching.

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The plant is sensitive to extreme frosts and cold, but with proper care it can grow almost anywhere. The main conditions for growth are the presence of sun and moisture. At the same time, the plant can survive in conditions with variable lighting, for example, in passageways between buildings.

Well-drained and fertile soil is required. Water consumption is moderate; syzygium is hardy, and once established, it can tolerate prolonged periods of drought. However, if watered regularly in summer, the foliage will be much lusher and more attractive.

For feeding, nitrogen fertilizers in spring and late summer are sufficient for a garden plant, and regularly after each pruning for a potted plant.

To plant, mix the top layer of soil with a generous amount (several shovel-loads) of compost and bone meal. Then plant the specimen, maintaining a spacing of 50 cm to 1 m (20 in to 3.3 ft) apart and a planting depth of up to 50 cm (20 in). After planting, be sure to water and keep the soil moist for some time so that roots establish in the soil and the plant takes hold.

For a potted plant, pinch off growth tips whenever you pass by to keep the branches in good shape. For garden plants, the rule is the same, but perform light pruning of growth tips until the plant reaches the desired height, then cut back the main shoot to halt vertical growth. After that, prune only the side branches to give the plant an attractive shape, ideally with the top narrower than the base. In this case, the plant remains fully exposed to the sun, preventing bare patches from forming at the base.

Among pests, aphids are the most prominent. To prevent infestation, scatter ant insecticide granules and monitor nearby ant nests.