Myrtus MICROPHYLLA

Myrtus MICROPHYLLA - Small-leaved myrtle, Indoor myrtle, Myrtus microphylla.

Myrtle is a genus of evergreen shrubs and trees in the family Myrtaceae. It includes about 20 species and is distributed in the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Western Asia.

Plants of this genus are densely branched evergreen shrubs with dense leathery leaves. The leaves are opposite, oblong-oval, often aromatic when crushed. The shoots are thin, erect or slightly drooping.

Flowering occurs in late spring and summer. The flowers are white or slightly cream, solitary, with numerous long stamens, located in the leaf axils. The fruits are blue-black berries with aromatic pulp, containing several small seeds.

Small-leaved myrtle is a compact evergreen shrub up to 50-100 cm (19.7-39.4 in) tall. The shoots are thin, densely leafy. The leaves are small, up to 1 cm (0.4 in) long, oval, dark green, glossy, closely spaced on twigs, emitting a characteristic spicy aroma when crushed.

Flowering is observed from June to August. The flowers are small, white, solitary, with fluffy long stamens. The fruits are rounded, blue-black berries about 0.5 cm (0.2 in) in diameter, ripening in autumn. The seeds are small, light brown, smooth.

Sowing seeds is carried out in a suitably sized container with a loose nutritious substrate. Seeds are evenly distributed over the surface of the soil and moistened using a spray bottle. The optimal temperature for germination is 20-23 °C (68-73 °F). After sowing, the container is necessarily covered with a plastic bag or glass. Seedlings need ventilation. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and drying out of the sowings.

Seedlings appear after 3-6 weeks. After the appearance of 1-2 leaves on the seedlings, the film is removed. Further care of the seedlings consists of regular watering and loosening the soil. When the plants reach a height of 4-5 cm (1.6-2.0 in), pricking them out into individual containers is carried out. Also at this moment, the young plants are pinched back, which will promote their branching.

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Placement in bright locations with diffused lighting is recommended. With a lack of light, the plant loses its compactness and ornamental appeal. In summer, cultivation outdoors in a sheltered spot is permitted.

During the warm season, a temperature of 20-26 °C (68-79 °F) is maintained. In winter, keeping at a temperature of 6-12 °C (43-54 °F) is preferable. Watering is carried out regularly after the top layer of soil dries out. In the winter period, watering is reduced; drying out and water stagnation are not permitted.

A loose nutritious substrate based on sod soil, leaf mold, peat, and sand is used. Repotting is carried out in spring once every 2-3 years by the transshipment method. A drainage layer is mandatory to drain excess moisture.

From April to August, complex fertilizers are applied every 2-3 weeks. During the dormant period, feeding is not required. Excess nutrition can cause stretching of shoots.

Regular sanitary and formative pruning is performed to maintain a compact shape. Propagation is carried out by cuttings or seeds. To preserve cultivar characteristics, preference is given to cuttings.