Callisia fragrans, also known as "golden mustache" (in Russia), "basket plant," or "inch plant," is a popular houseplant prized for both its ornamental appearance and its purported medicinal properties. It is a hardy, fast-growing tropical perennial that is easy to grow and propagate.
Description and Features
Callisia fragrans is a herbaceous plant with large, fleshy leaves gathered in a bromeliad-like rosette.
Appearance: Leaves may take on a purple or bronze hue in bright light. The plant produces long, creeping side shoots (stolons, or "whiskers") with "pups" (miniature copies of the parent plant) at the ends, which easily root upon contact with the soil. Flowering: With adequate light, mature plants produce small white flowers, gathered in clusters on long stems, which have a pleasant sweet aroma (hence the name fragrans - fragrant).
Size: Reaches 30 cm in height, but its tendrils can extend up to 90 cm, making it ideal for hanging pots.
Indoor Care
Fragrant Callisia is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives indoors if a few simple rules are followed.
Parameter Recommendations
Lighting: Bright, indirect light is ideal, but it tolerates partial shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist during the active growth period (spring-summer), but do not overwater. In winter, reduce watering, allowing the top layer of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Soil: A well-drained, lightweight substrate is required, such as a mixture of all-purpose potting soil with perlite or sand. Be sure to use a pot with drainage holes.
Temperature: Grows well in warm rooms at temperatures of 18–28°C (64–82°F). Protect from cold drafts.
Humidity: Does not require high humidity, but appreciates regular foliar misting.
Propagation
Callisia fragrans is very easy to propagate and is effectively done using stem cuttings or "pups."
Cuttings: Simply cut a healthy stem (or "pup," often with existing aerial roots) and plant it in moist soil or water until roots appear. This is best done in spring or summer.
Medicinal Uses
In folk medicine, particularly in Eastern Europe and Mexico, Callisia fragrans is traditionally used for its potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Infusions and extracts from the leaves are used externally to treat skin diseases, burns and joint problems (rheumatism, arthritis).
No comments:
Post a Comment