Content
Primula Obconica is a perennial herbaceous plant that, unlike garden species, can bloom indoors all year round, with a short break on the hot days of summer. In some sources it is called obverse conical or oblanceolate, which is also correct. “Obkonika” has a wide variety of shades, but in order to achieve lush flowering, you must follow the rules of care.
Description of Primrose Obkonika
Indoor primrose "Obkonika" belongs to the Primrose family, which has about 500 species. China is considered the birthplace of the plant, but under natural conditions it can be found in the temperate climate zones of North America, Europe, Asia, as well as in the mountains of Tibet and the Himalayas.
Primula Obconica (pictured below) is a rosette plant. The leaves of this crop are dark green, round, with a velvety surface and a wavy edge. The plates have long pubescent petioles. The height of “Obkoniki” in most cases does not exceed 25-35 cm, but some species can grow up to 50-60 cm.
Primrose is suitable for growing in gardens and at home
Important! Primrose, unlike garden forms, does not tolerate frost, so it can only be grown as a houseplant.
The flowers of this variety are large, simple or double, their diameter reaches 6-8 cm. They are collected in umbrella inflorescences on long stems and rise above the rosette of leaves. An adult Obkoniki bush is capable of forming 10-12 flower stalks at the same time. The color of the petals is very diverse. At the same time, there are also two-color types with a contrasting edge or eye.
The most abundant flowering of the primrose "Obkonika" is observed in the first year of cultivation, and over time the decorative value of the plant decreases. Therefore, many gardeners prefer to grow indoor primrose as a one- or two-year plant.
This flower was undeservedly forgotten for some time, since traditional Obkoniki varieties contain primine, which causes an allergic reaction. This component is produced by glands that are located in the aboveground part of the plant. And when it comes into contact with the skin of the hands, it causes itching and redness in people prone to allergies.
But thanks to the selection carried out, new hybrids “Obkoniki” were obtained, in which primine is not released. This fact contributed to the growing popularity of this indoor flower.
Primrose varieties Obkonika
On sale you can find both the flowering primrose Obkonika mix and the seeds of this plant from Dutch producers. All of them belong to new modern varieties, so they can be grown at home without any fear.
Popular types of “Obkoniki”:
- Touch me. This variety, translated from English, is called “touch me,” which confirms the absence of primin in the petioles and leaves of the plant.This type of primrose "Obkonika" is characterized by graceful rosettes of leaves with large flowers of bright colors. Maximum decorativeness is observed in spring and autumn. In summer, flowering is sparse or absent altogether.
- Grace F This variety is characterized by a compact plant shape with a height of 20-25 cm and large flowers with a diameter of 7-8 cm. The palette of shades is very diverse: from white, blue, purple to red and pink.
- Libre F This series contains 9 different shades, including orange and two-tone with a contrasting halo. The plant produces many flowers with a diameter of 4 to 6 cm. This variety of primrose "Obkonika" is characterized by compact bushes 25-30 cm high and 15-20 cm in diameter.
Features of reproduction
Indoor primrose Obconika can be propagated by dividing the bush and by seeds. The first option is suitable for preserving all the specific qualities of the cultivated crop. The procedure is used for plants older than 3 years of age. It is necessary to divide the bush after flowering. To do this, remove it from the pot and separate it into separate sockets with a knife. Each part of the primrose should have a growing point and well-developed roots. After this, plant the Obkoniki seedlings in separate containers.
The second method of reproduction is used much more often. But in order to obtain varietal Obkoniki seedlings, you should purchase seeds from trusted manufacturers.
Growing from seeds
To plant Obkonika primrose, it is recommended to use wide but shallow containers, the bottom of which should have drainage holes to remove excess water. A suitable substrate can be purchased at the store marked “For seedlings” or prepared yourself.
In this case you should mix:
- 1 tsp peat;
- 1 tsp sand;
- 1 tsp leaf soil.
Fill the planting containers with the resulting mixture, moisten generously and compact the surface. Spread the Obkonika primrose seeds on top, without sprinkling them with substrate, and lightly press them to the ground. After this, cover the containers with film and place in a warm, bright place with a temperature of +20-22 ° C for germination.
Planting seeds can be done at any time of the year
The first shoots will appear in 10-15 days. During this period, it is necessary to regularly ventilate the containers and remove any accumulated condensation on the film. After seed germination, long daylight hours should be provided for 10-12 hours, so if necessary, lamps should be used in the evening. It is also important to lower the maintenance regime to +18 °C to prevent the seedlings from stretching and to activate the growth of the root system.
When the seedlings grow a little and become stronger, they need to be adapted to external conditions. To do this, on the first day it is recommended to remove the film for 30 minutes, and with each subsequent day, increase this period by another half hour. After a week, the Obkonika primrose seedlings can be completely opened.
When the seedlings have two true leaves, they need to be pruned. A wide container or seedling cassettes are suitable for this. Seedlings should be planted at a distance of 4 cm.For this purpose, you can use universal soil or prepare the substrate in the following proportion:
- 2 hours of turf;
- 1 tsp sand;
- 1 tsp leaf soil;
- 1 tsp peat;
- 1 hour humus.
After transplantation, seedlings should grow in this container until the leaves close between adjacent plants. After this, it is necessary to carry out a second pick and plant the primrose at a distance of 8 cm from each other. Transplantation into separate pots with a diameter of 9-10 cm should be carried out only when the leaves of “Obkonika” close again.
How to care for primrose Obkonika at home
Many gardeners complain that the indoor primrose Obkonika has a capricious disposition. However, this is not the case if you comply with the basic requirements of the plant. Therefore, in order to avoid mistakes, it is necessary to study them in advance. Caring for Obkonika primrose is not difficult, the main thing is to strictly follow all the recommendations.
Microclimate
Primrose "Obkonika" belongs to the category of light-loving plants, but when exposed to direct sunlight, burns appear on the leaves.
In cloudy weather, a fluorescent lamp can be used as additional lighting
The optimal temperature is +15-20 degrees. It is important that during flowering the regime approaches the lower mark, as this will significantly extend this period.
If additional lighting in the evening is not provided in winter, then it is recommended to keep Obkonika primrose cool within +10-15 degrees.This will allow the flower to save strength and increase its potential for the new season.
Watering and fertilizing
Indoor primrose does not tolerate stagnation of moisture in the soil and drying out of the roots. But in case of short-term drought, the situation can be corrected, even if the leaves of the plant have lost turgor. To do this, you need to saturate the earthen ball for 15 minutes. and move the plant to partial shade. When the leaves are restored, the flower can be returned to its original place.
For the full development of the Obkonika primrose, it is necessary to carry out regular watering as the top layer of soil dries. It is important that the water remains in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes so that the substrate can be saturated. After this time, the remains should be poured out.
To prevent water from stagnating in the pan, it must be drained 10 minutes after watering.
It is recommended to use water for irrigation at room temperature.
Primrose "Obkonika" reacts poorly to excess nutrition. In this case, its leaves begin to turn yellow. Therefore, organic and mineral fertilizers should be used for flowering crops, but reducing the indicated dosage by 2 times. With sufficient lighting, fertilizing should be carried out once every 2-3 weeks from February to September, and in the remaining period - once a month.
To prevent alkalization of the soil in the pot, which has a depressing effect on the primrose, it is necessary to add iron chelate once a month when watering, according to the instructions for the preparation.
Care during the flowering period
In addition to timely watering and fertilizing, during the flowering period it is necessary to regularly remove wilted flowers. This will save the primrose’s energy and redirect it to the formation of new buds.
During this period, it is necessary to maintain the temperature within +15 degrees. You also need to worry about air humidity. To do this, it is recommended to place additional containers of water near the flower pot to increase evaporation.
Transfer
The reverse conical primrose must be replanted periodically. But before carrying out the procedure, it is necessary to trim off all the old leaves of the flower.
The new pot should be selected 1-1.5 cm wider than the previous one. The composition of the substrate should be identical as when picking young seedlings.
Primrose transplantation must be carried out annually
Algorithm of actions:
- Place a layer of drainage 1 cm high on the bottom of the pot.
- Sprinkle a little soil on top.
- Remove the plant from the container.
- Lightly remove the old substrate from the roots.
- Place the flower in the center of the new container without deepening the root collar.
- Fill the voids with a new nutrient substrate.
- Lightly compact the surface and water.
After transplanting, the flower must be placed in partial shade and covered with a bag to create a greenhouse effect. As soon as the flower takes root and begins to grow young foliage, it must be returned to its original place.
Pests and diseases
If the rules of care are followed, primrose "Obkonika" is rarely affected by diseases. But if grown incorrectly, the flower loses its natural immunity.
Common problems:
- Gray rot. As this disease develops, light spots appear on the leaves of the plant, which subsequently grow.The affected areas become watery and soft. This leads to disruption of metabolic processes in tissues and wilting of the flower. For treatment, it is necessary to remove all affected leaves and spray the plant with such preparations as “Chistotsvet”, “Ronilan”, “Fundazol” and “Euparen”.
- Root rot. At the beginning of the development of the disease, the lower row of leaves turns yellow and withers, and then the entire rosette. The cause of the damage is stagnation of moisture combined with low room temperature. The disease cannot be treated, so diseased plants must be discarded.
- Spider mite. This pest does not exceed 0.2 mm in length, so it is difficult to see with the naked eye. The lesion can be recognized by small yellow dots along the edge of the leaf blade. Provoking factors are dry air and elevated room temperature. To destroy, it is recommended to treat the flower twice with an interval of 7 days. Effective drugs: Actellik, Fufanon, Fitoverm.
- Aphid. This small insect feeds on primrose juice. As a result of its vital activity, leaves, buds and flowers are deformed. Aphids form a whole colony, so the plant does not have the strength to withstand such a large invasion. To destroy the pest, it is recommended to spray the primrose with Inta-Vir, Iskra, Decis and Aktara.
Primrose transplantation must be carried out annually
Conclusion
Primula Obconica, with proper care, can decorate any home and delight with its flowering regularly. But this plant does not forgive serious mistakes.Therefore, the basic requirements of the culture should be observed, and then this flower will not cause much trouble.
