Plant mix is new in the flower business. Knowing some of the secrets of floristry and floriculture, everyone can acquire a unique specimen of flora that will decorate and enliven any interior. But, like any living creature, it needs care and attention.
Due to inexperience, sellers in flower shops can stick the name “Plant mix” on any small or unfamiliar plant. But this is fundamentally wrong, because Plant mix translated from English means “Mixture of plants”. That is, a single specimen cannot bear such a name, with the exception of representatives that combine the characteristics of different varieties of the genus. But in this case they bear the name of the genus with the addition “mix”. For example, Dracaena mix or Anthurium mix.
Plant mix - what is it?
Plant mix is a miniature garden of several young plants of the same size, planted in separate identical pots. All specimens are collected on one decorative pallet or in a box and represent a unique colorful composition.
You can often find such compositions planted in one container. This could be an aquarium, terrarium, decorative shells or caves. To create such compositions, several varieties of plants of the same species are selected. Their foliage can be different colors, have variegated, intricate patterns, and they can bloom in different shades or at different times. The most common compositions are those made up of cacti, ficus and succulents, which do not have a fast growth rate.
To create a Plant Mix, plants with similar conditions and appearance can be selected.
One such set can include up to 25 representatives of indoor flowers. Typically, all of them are undemanding in care, require moderate watering and are well adapted for living in apartment conditions.
Many flowers in Plant Mix not only have a spectacular appearance, but also provide benefits to humans. Dieffenbachia, spathiphyllum, ivy, palm and fern plants release substances into the environment that can purify the air from fumes from household chemicals, tobacco smoke and other harmful substances, which has a positive effect on the health of households. They are also able to humidify too dry air. Dracaenas, ficuses, cacti and succulents resist radiation well from the use of office equipment and computers.
Basically, Plant mix, consisting of different plants, prefers moderate watering and periodic spraying in the hot season. They should be placed in well-lit rooms, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight. In spring and summer, plants should be provided with a temperature within 20-23 degrees. And in autumn and winter - no lower than 15 degrees. Also, in winter, watering and fertilizing should be reduced, because most plants enter a dormant period.
Description of the kit
Plant Mix is a combined set of plants that creates a picturesque composition. Flowers for the composition are selected in such a way that they are similar in appearance and require the same care.
To improve the decorative properties of the entire set, they are planted in identical pots. The diameter of the pots is small, no more than 10 cm. They are placed in a beautifully decorated box or tray.
The largest flower mix consists of 25 pots. This composition looks like a miniature garden. Similar compositions:
- Fittonia Mix. Fittonia consists of 10 species and belongs to the Acanthaceae family. Each species has its own leaf color. It comes in green or red and lilac shades. There is even a variety with white leaves. To create a Fittonia Mix, 6 plant species are planted in one flower pot at once.
- Dracaena palm mix. Often in flower shops you can find compositions called dracaena mix. This crop should not be confused with a palm tree. It has nothing to do with her. The composition includes some types of decorative dracaenas.
Each plant flower differs not only in appearance, but also brings benefits to humans. For example, cacti, ficus, succulents and dracaenas can absorb radiation from computer equipment. And ivy, dieffenbachia and spathiphyllum are capable of clearing the air of harmful substances and saturating it with oxygen.
Sometimes you can see the name Plantin Mix 8/25. The numbers mean: 25 is the diameter of the pot, 8 is the height of the flower.
Features of plant mix flower care
Since there is a wide variety of indoor flowers combined in Plant mix, it is impossible to give specific advice on caring for them. But florists and experienced flower growers advise adhering to standard rules of agricultural technology.
- Watering in the summer. Almost all flowers like moderate watering and it is better to underwater them than to overwater them. The best option is to irrigate when the top layer of soil dries out. If it is established that the composition is made up of moisture-loving plants, then additionally regular spraying is carried out, which helps not only to maintain the level of humidity, but also to free the leaves from contaminants. For watering and spraying, you need to use clean, settled water at room temperature. The frequency of watering will depend on the genus of the Plant Mix plants.
- The soil. Since Plant mixes are made up of plants with similar requirements or from different varieties of the same genus, choosing a suitable soil mixture is not difficult. You just need to figure out what composition of soil is needed for a specific set of colors.
- Fertilizer application. It is customary to feed plants during the period of active growth and development - twice a month in spring and summer. You can use complex mineral fertilizers for decorative foliage or flowering indoor flowers. Alternating mineral and organic mixtures is also acceptable.
Watering in winter. In winter, watering is reduced because the flowers enter a dormant period and regain strength for the spring set of green mass or flowering. Also, the temperature in winter is much lower than in summer, so moisture evaporates longer, which means the soil should be irrigated less intensively.
All deviations from the general care scheme will depend on what genus or species the composition belongs to.
Set components
Usually the composition includes ornamental plants that do not bloom, but differ in the color of the leaves and their structure. Even their approximate height is the same, which allows them to be rearranged and even taken out into the garden in spring and summer, if possible.
Crassula
The flower has another name - Crassula, and belongs to the Crassulaceae family. The plants have dense, shiny leaves that have the ability to retain moisture. The plant is a succulent.
There may be several types in the mix. The main difference between them is the structure and structure of the leaves, as well as the difference in shades. They can be either green or greyish; there are also variegated ones.
It is convenient to make mixes of Crassula or money tree species, since the plants do very well in the shade. Therefore, any place in the room will be acceptable for them.
cacti
For these plants, an acceptable temperature will be approximately +10 - 12 degrees. Watering should be done no more than once a month. Then some species are able to bloom.
The flowering period begins only at 3 or 4 years of age. The different structure of the above-ground part looks very original in the set. It is better to place these exotics near equipment (TVs and computers that emit harmful energy).
The leaves of these decorative flowers are cylindrical in shape. The inflorescences form into inflorescences. Blooms can be subtle shades of orange and yellow. Red flowers look very beautiful. Each variety has its own shade and color.
How to transplant flowers correctly
Plant mix is usually composed of young, slow-growing flowers. Plants should not be replanted immediately after purchase - they need to get used to the new conditions. Containers for flowers should be taken of the same size and compatible colors so as not to disturb the composition and maintain the decorative nature of the set.
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The procedure is standard:
- in each pot you need to lay a layer of drainage, which consists of crushed stone, pebbles, fragments of ceramics or expanded clay
- Nutritious soil is placed on the drainage layer, taking into account the size of the roots
- carefully place the plant in the ground, straightening its roots, and add the missing soil
- the final stage is abundant watering
Plant mix compositions began to spread from Europe and it is not customary to replant them there. But it is known that purchased plants do not live long without replanting. Therefore, everyone should spend a minimum of effort in order to preserve the decorative composition for a long time.
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Possible problems during cultivation
The most common problems when cultivating Plant Mix kits are damage by diseases and pests. Diseases develop due to non-compliance with agricultural practices and can be fungal or viral. The danger of diseases lies in the fact that if one plant becomes infected, the entire mini-garden will soon become ill. Therefore, you should be careful about care and follow the norm in everything.
The most common disease is black rot, which develops with excessive watering and first affects the roots of plants, and then the above-ground part.
To save the flowers, they need to be replanted with a complete replacement of the soil, treating the roots with a manganese solution. The plants themselves need to be treated with fungicides and watering reduced.
Plants can be attacked by different pests, it all depends on the types of plants in the set. For example, aphids often attack, but if the composition consists of conifers or palm trees, then this parasite will bypass them. Most often you can find:
- Aphids are small, immobile insects that envelop leaves and stems with sticky webs and feed on plant sap.
- Scale insects are small winged insects.
- Thripsov.
- Spider mites, whose activity leads to curling and drying of leaves. They are distinguished by the rapidity of spread. Parasites must be removed manually using a cotton pad soaked in alcohol.
If signs of infection are detected, the flowers should be isolated from the rest, because this parasite multiplies very quickly. If the infection is minor, remove all damaged parts of the plant and treat with insecticides. As a preventive measure, all other plants should be sprayed with a soap solution.
A plant mix of plants with smooth and dense leaves, succulents and cacti are the most resistant to diseases and pests, so they will not cause any problems.
At first, Plant mixes were created to decorate offices and study rooms. They were small in size and could easily be placed on the corner of a table or on a windowsill. But flower growers fell in love with the compositions and began to appear more and more often in houses and apartments. They impress with their ease of care and spectacular appearance, which is why they are very popular. There are also outdoor kits that can be used to decorate patios or outdoor verandas. And their mobility makes it easy to winter in a warm room.
More information can be found in the video:
Both amateur gardeners and beginners can grow a plant mix flower at home without any problems (translated from English as “a mixture of plants”). This species appeared relatively recently on flower markets, but despite this, it managed to interest many flower lovers.
The new product in question is, first of all, a living organism that needs constant care and attention. Knowing how to properly care for a plant mix flower and taking into account the recommendations of experts, all flower growers, without exception, will be able to grow a magnificent specimen at home that will decorate any interior.
External characteristics
Peduncle height
The phalaenopsis itself is small. Depending on the hybrid, there is a variety in the size of the leaves and peduncle.
The peduncle can be from 30 cm to 1 m
in an adult and healthy plant.
The average size
usually is about
50-70 cm.
Number of leaves
The normal amount is 10-12 leaves
. There must be a minimum of 3 sheets. Different forms of the mix have different sizes of leaf plates, sometimes reaching up to half a meter.
Diameter, flower shape
The size or diameter of the flower varies from 2-3 cm to 14-15 cm
. Its shape resembles a fluttering butterfly or moth. This is where the name of this type of orchid comes from.
Features of flowering
Among the characteristics of flowering, we can highlight it. Some phalaenopsis bloom for up to six months.
The majority of hybrids bloom for up to 3 months and can bloom up to 3 times in a year. It is the long flowering, beauty and rich color of the flowers that captivates many.
Mixed phalaenopsis can bloom for up to six months.
Rules of care
Let's consider simple recommendations provided by experts that will help raise a healthy and beautiful green pet:
1. Following watering rules and maintaining optimal humidity is, of course, important for green friends. But giving general advice on these issues regarding the plant mix flower is not so easy. The fact is that the houseplant in question is not a single specimen of a representative of the flora, but several at once. The name itself speaks for itself. But knowing that this new product usually contains plants that are easy to care for, experts recommend not to overdo it with watering. The fact is that excess moisture is considered more destructive for such unusual green pets. Ideally, water the planting only after the top layer of soil has completely dried. 2. It is equally important to follow the rules of watering, taking into account the season. Since in the summer, almost all representatives of the flora are more demanding of moisture, and in the winter, when the dormant period begins, the plants almost do not need watering at all. You should use only settled water at room temperature. In the summer heat, it will not be superfluous to spray with a spray bottle, especially moisture-loving varieties. 3. It is important to take care of the correct location for the flower so that direct sunlight cannot damage the delicate leaves. Ideally, place the plant on a windowsill facing west or east. Temperature conditions are also important for the normal growth and development of indoor plants. The optimal summer temperature is considered to be +20…+23 degrees; in winter, the temperature should not fall below +16 degrees. 4. Soil for replanting and fertilizing should be introduced from the beginning of spring to the end of summer 2 times a month. In this case, you need to choose taking into account the varieties that make up the flower arrangement. It is best to address this question to a sales consultant working in the store. Fertilizers are applied to the soil of both organic and mineral types. In winter, the green pet does not need fertilizer at all. 5. Every day you need to monitor the health of your garden on the windowsill in order to promptly help the plants cope with pests. Most often, indoor flowers are damaged by aphids, scale insects, spider mites and black rot. Pest control measures depend on what kind of parasite has begun to annoy the flower. For example, if a scale insect is noticed on a plant, you will need to use an insecticide to thoroughly spray the leaves, trunk and even the soil. If the plant is damaged by black rot, a fungicide is used for treatment, watering is immediately reduced and the plant is transplanted into another soil.
Before treating flowers with insecticides, you need to take them out into the fresh air and put on special protective gloves. If treatment is required to be carried out in winter, the procedure should be performed in a well-ventilated area.
Diseases and pests
Common problems with growing dipladenia:
- Dipladenia leaves turn yellow and fall off at extremely low air temperatures;
- Dipladenia grows slowly due to the absence or insufficient supply of minerals;
- Dipladeniya does not bloom if the flower is in the shade; it lacks bright light;
- roots rot when the soil is very waterlogged as a result of too frequent watering;
- rapid fall of flowers occurs after a sharp change in temperature;
- brown spots on the leaves form in dry conditions and too high a temperature;
- reddish spots and thin cobwebs indicate that the flower has been infected by a spider mite;
- white spots on the underside of leaves appear when mealyworms appear;
- drooping leaves of dipladenia indicate a severe lack of moisture.
Among other things, dipladenia is most susceptible to pests such as whitefly and scale insects.
Step-by-step transplant
To create mixes, representatives of the flora that are characterized by slow growth are most often used. After purchasing a green arrangement, you should not immediately replant it in a new flower pot. It is important to let the plants get used to the new growing conditions.
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The soil mixture must be selected taking into account the varieties that make up the composition. For example, if succulent varieties were used to create the mix, then soil must be purchased specifically for succulent plants.
The transplant is carried out in the following sequence:
• a drainage layer, for example, made of crushed stone, is poured onto the bottom; • a suitable soil mixture is poured over the drainage; • carefully move the plants into a new container, try not to damage the root system.
The top layer is lightly compacted by hand and watered generously with settled water.
It is worth noting that in its homeland, in European countries, it is not customary to replant an acquired plant mix. However, experienced gardeners are well aware that if the plant is not replanted in a timely manner, it will be able to please the eye for a negligibly short period of time.
Having seen for sale a separate specimen of a representative of the flora, on the pot of which there is the inscription “Plant mix”, you need to understand that the inscription is not the name of the plant, but simply the sellers decided to sell the only specimen from the composition.
Plant Mix is a new product on the flower market; like any living organism, it needs care and attention. Comfortable conditions and knowledge of the little tricks of floriculture will allow you to get a specimen that will be the pride of the owners and an excellent decoration for the house.
Home care requirements
Let's look at the basics of how to care for an unusual pet.
Humidity and watering
In summer
It is impossible to give general recommendations for watering , since the mix may consist of different plants. It should be noted that almost all of them are usually easy to maintain and excess moisture is much more harmful for them than insufficient watering. Water after the top layer of soil dries out.
For irrigation, use clean, settled water.
Water with settled water and be sure to find out what specific plants your home flower bed consists of. This will help you avoid mistakes in creating optimal conditions for flowers.
in winter
In winter, watering is reduced. This happens for two reasons:
1 | Because a period of rest . |
To give them a rest and gain strength for spring growth and flowering, water much less frequently than in summer.
Temperature and lighting
Almost any option will feel good if it is not exposed to direct sunlight and at the same time the flowers have enough diffused sunlight. Flowers for a set are usually selected so that they develop well in the temperature range from +18 to +23°C in summer, and +15°C and above in winter.
Like any indoor flowers, the components of the set do not like direct sunlight
Soil and fertilizers
Since this is a collection of similar varieties or one species, choosing a soil mixture and fertilizer for it is not difficult. You just need to find out which fertilizers and soil mixture are suitable for your flowers.
Diseases and pests
This also depends on the composition of the garden on the windowsill. For example, aphids attack very often, but if your mix consists of several varieties of dwarf palms, then the aphids will not like it. Others are quite often affected:
- Aphid . Small, motionless insects are clearly visible. It is necessary to isolate the pet and carefully examine it. If the aphid has not yet managed to capture the flower and only a few leaves are affected, then they must be torn off and burned or carefully packaged and thrown away.
The flower itself can be treated with a solution of laundry or tar soap. Dissolve 30 or 10 g of soap in a liter of water and spray your pet. A suitable insecticide can also be used for this purpose.
- Shield . Small winged insects feeding on the sap of leaves. An insecticide can be used for treatment.
- Thrips . Treated with insecticides.
- Spider mite . A sticky web appears on the stem, the leaves dry out and curl. The affected areas must be treated with a cotton pad moistened with an alcohol solution and then rinsed with water.
- Black rot . Usually occurs when overwatering. Black spots appear on the leaves, the stem, leaves and roots begin to rot and the plant dies. If a disease is detected, it is necessary to treat with a fungicide and reduce watering.
Treatment with insecticides is carried out wearing protective gloves in the open air or in a well-ventilated area.
Transplantation step by step
Mixes are usually made up of young plants that grow slowly. After you have found out the species composition of your mix and brought it from the store, you need to give some time for the flowers to get used to the new conditions.
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When replanting, do not forget to choose the right flowerpots so that the composition is not disturbed
Since the plants in the mix are planted in identical pots , when replanting you should pay attention to this and select the pots accordingly. This will preserve the decorative nature of the set.
The soil is selected individually for each Plant Mix. If your set consists of succulents, then the soil must be appropriate.
Usually it includes plants that require a similar soil composition . Therefore, having learned what kind of soil one flower from the set needs, you can easily understand what the rest will need.
A drainage layer is poured onto the bottom of the pot, then a layer of suitable soil is placed, carefully, trying not to damage the roots, the plant is placed in a new pot, soil is added and watered.
To be fair, it should be noted that in Europe, where the new design solution came from, Plant Mixes are usually not replanted , but experienced flower growers know very well that without replanting the purchased plant will not please for very long.
What beneficial properties do they have?
Initially, Plant Mixes were created so that they could easily be placed on a table in an office, on a small window sill in an office, or on a shelf by a window. The plants included in the set perfectly purify the air, saturate it with oxygen and absorb harmful radiation from computers and other devices.
They do not require complicated maintenance, and not only perfectly decorate any room, but also allow you to breathe much more freely , protecting you from exhaust gases, plastic fumes when plastic windows are heated in the sun, and similar troubles.
How a flower blooms
Plant Mixes are usually made from plants that do not flower. Often consists of succulents, which are one of the most unpretentious plants.
When kept indoors, they all bloom very rarely. For example, aloe has cylindrical flowers on cone-shaped inflorescences . Depending on the variety, they can be orange, reddish or yellow-pink.
Aloe and succulents do not require special care, so they often end up in the same sets
Cacti usually bloom after 3-4 years of age. To achieve flowering, it is necessary to provide the cactus with a winter dormant period. Exist within the boundaries of no higher than +10-12°C and watering no more than once a month.
Agave blooms at the age of 10-30 years; after flowering, the plant, having devoted all its strength to it, usually dies. Agave usually blooms only in its natural habitat and then the inflorescences reach 1-2 meters in height and consist of small, inconspicuous flowers.
The inflorescence itself looks very beautiful.
Crassula , in order to ensure its flowering, the flower also needs a period of rest. It is necessary to completely stop watering for at least a month. At the same time, the leaves of the fat plant lose moisture and may even wrinkle.
Reproduction
The easiest way to propagate all succulents in Plant Mix is by cuttings. The cutting can be placed directly into the soil. It takes root quickly and does not need to be covered with film. The main thing is to let the cut of the selected cutting dry.
Cuttings are a recognized reliable method of flower propagation.
Similarly, these plants reproduce by leaf.
Basic description of the kit
As many people mistakenly think, a plant mix is not the name of some unknown flower, but a modern novelty. This name refers to a whole set of flowers that can be planted in identical pots or placed in one tray. Translated from English, “Plant mix” means “Mixture of plants.”
Experienced gardeners, when compiling such a set, select plants of the same species, the care of which is similar. This way, watering, transplanting and planting can happen for almost all plants at the same time.
Let's analyze in more detail how to carry out these processes correctly so that all the flowers grow and feel good.
- Flower pots take no more than 10 cm and select them of the same color. This greatly improves the overall decorative appearance. The largest mix consists of 25 pots. In such quantity, the flowers resemble a small garden.
- An example is Fittonia Mix. This plant has about 10 species. This flower is a representative of the Acanthaceae. The multi-colored leaves of one plant, collected together, look very beautiful. There are even white leaves. At least 6 species are collected in one Mix. The result is a very impressive floral arrangement.
- Dracaena, which is not a palm tree, is often used in mix compositions.
- They try to select ornamental plants in such a way that they bring not only aesthetic pleasure, but also benefits. It is recommended to place cacti, ficus, succulents and dracaenas near the computer, while dieffenbachia and spathiphyllum saturate the surrounding air with oxygen.
- When in a flower shop there are 2 numbers 25/8 next to the name Plant Mix, this means: the first number is the diameter of the flowerpot, and the second is the height of the flower itself.
What is Plant Mix
Plant Mix (they may mistakenly be called Plantin) is a relatively new direction in interior design using indoor flowers. It is a combination of several plants similar in conditions of maintenance and appearance into one picturesque composition.
Usually these are small plants that do not bloom . All of them are planted in identical pots to enhance the decorative properties of the composition.
Sometimes plants of the same species are planted in the same pot. Then several varieties are combined. They can have different leaf colors or patterns on the leaf plates, thanks to which an amazing mix is created that can steal the most sophisticated interior.
Dipladenia - types
Mandevilla has many varieties and varieties. Due to the rapid development of shoots and colorful flowering, the Dipladeniya flower is used to decorate rooms and walls. In home floriculture, it is grown as an ampelous (climbing) crop; with proper pruning, mandevilla can be formed into a small colorful bush. Different varieties of Dipladenia, the descriptions of which differ in growing conditions, are beautiful in their own way. They can decorate the veranda, garden, balcony, premises.
Dipladenia ampelous
Ampelous mandevilla is a vine plant. The stems of young specimens are pubescent and reach three meters. The leaves are large, up to 20 cm long, oval with sharp ends. Dipladeniya liana has bright pink flowers with a five-petal cup, up to 10 cm in diameter, collected 5-6 pieces in a brush. The hanging plant needs access to fresh air - it can be planted in hanging baskets, containers or on high supports. In summer, bushes are placed on terraces, balconies, and gazebos. The growing season lasts 6 months – from May to November.
Dipladenia sandera
Mandevilla sandera is an elegant, brightly flowering, evergreen vine. On flexible thin branches, glossy dense oval leaf plates, with pointed ends 5-8 cm long, are not densely arranged. In their axils, on the petioles grow racemose inflorescences (3-5 pieces each) of pink, white, cream flowers with a yellow throat, about 9 cm .in diameter. They are shaped like bells and have a pleasant smell. Such dipladenias are indoor plants; their length reaches three meters. Lianas can grow on walls, partitions, hang down or entangle supports.
Similar names
Fittonia Mix
Fittonia is a native of South America. The plant belongs to the Acanthaceae family and is represented by only 10 species . The plants are distinguished by beautiful unusual leaves, which, depending on the species, can be green, white, red or lilac.
This allows you to plant 5-6 species in one flower pot and get a bright and unique interior decoration. It is this, and not a single plant, that is called Fittonia mix.
Plant Mix
Sets consisting of several different plants that are similar in conditions of maintenance and create a unique composition. Small flower pots usually about 10 cm in diameter , are placed on a special tray or in a decorative box and represent a miniature garden.
Dracaena palm mix
Dracaena is often confused with palm, but it is a completely different plant. Varieties of dracaena, which combine the decorative features of several of its species, began to appear in gardening and flower shops with an unusual name, dracaena mix.
Caring for dracaena mix is no different from caring for regular dracaena.
Dracaena mix
This is the correct name for the dracaena that was described above. It should be remembered that considering dracaena a palm tree is a big mistake. Optimal conditions for keeping a palm tree are absolutely not suitable for dracaena. If you do not take this into account, you can destroy the plant .
The abundance of plants in its composition allows you to get acquainted with different species and get a large collection of plants at once, which, despite their diversity, are similar in care. At first, this is very convenient, it allows you to perfectly decorate the interior and not be disappointed in your chosen hobby.
2 | Due to the decrease in temperature, moisture evaporates much more slowly. Spraying is not carried out in winter |
Dipladeniya flower - benefits
When caring for mandevilla, it is important to remember that its juice has the appearance of white milk, has a pungent odor and is poisonous (in all parts of the plant). It is necessary to work with the vine using protective equipment - gloves. This culture is used with caution in a home where there are small children and animals. But the dipladeniya vine has a good effect on the microclimate of the apartment - it makes it healthier.
The plant absorbs carbon dioxide accumulated in the air and releases oxygen, absorbs harmful and toxic substances, microbes and dust. The invigorating aroma emanating from indoor Dipladenia flowers improves a person’s well-being, increases the body’s activity and its defenses. It improves brain activity and has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system.