What needs to be done to make a laurel tree bloom. Laurel: home care

What needs to be done to make a laurel tree bloom.  Laurel: home care
What needs to be done to make a laurel tree bloom. Laurel: home care

In pursuit of a beautiful appearance, you may stumble upon a beautiful Laurel tree. An additional effect of growing it indoors will be a pleasant aroma, and a bonus - protection from blood-sucking insects!

Laurel (from Latin Laurus) – low evergreen laurel family. The most common and popular is the Nobilis or Noble laurel variety. The homeland of this tree is the Mediterranean region, from where it then spread throughout the subtropical part of Europe. In Russia it is often found in the southern part Krasnodar region and in Crimea.

Types of laurel

Noble (from Latin Laurus nobilis)

– in open air and soil conditions it grows up to 12 meters high. It has a pleasant and strong aroma of leaves.

Canarian, also Azorean (from Latin Laurus azorica)

- the tree is even taller, reaching 15 meters in height. The leaves are larger than those of the noble one, have a wavy edge, but the aroma is somewhat weaker than that of its brother.

How to care for laurel at home?

Lighting

First of all, choose a bright place, preferably with a bright diffused light– east or west window, spacious ventilated balcony without direct sun rays. Then you need to select the soil and prepare the plant itself - germinate a seed, root a cutting or root layer, or take an already grown bush from a flower shop.

The soil

The tree is unpretentious to soil, but it is better to choose a light soil for indoor laurel - for example, a mixture garden soil with sand in a ratio of 5:1. When buying soil in a store, pay attention to mixtures for indoor palm trees or cacti - they will also suit the composition. It is better to grow Laurel nobilis in pots small size, gradually changing them - it is recommended to replant the young plant regularly.

Temperature and watering

At home, caring for laurel is quite simple. After the small tree has taken root and turned green, it is important to provide it comfortable conditions and proper regular watering. IN summer period The laurel is watered with water at a temperature of 25–30 degrees. If tap water is too hard in your region, it needs to be filtered or boiled first. The plant should not be flooded - too wet soil damages much more than dried soil, and can even kill a tree. On particularly hot days, you can also spray the leaves with a spray bottle twice a day (morning and evening). This will help remove dust and dirt from the leaves and reduce the likelihood of pests.
IN winter period common laurel prefers special care: a relatively low temperature - +15 degrees at room humidity. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the pot with the plant away from heating devices, leaving it on a cool windowsill or insulated but not heated loggia. Watering in winter is usually less intensive - a couple of times a week is enough.

Fertilizer

Caring for laurel at home includes feeding during the period of rapid growth. For this purpose, ready-made mineral or organic fertilizers for domestic plants are used, both special “Lavr” and those intended for cacti and palm trees. The frequency of feeding is up to two times a month.

Transplantation and transhipment

Laurel transplantation is carried out, depending on the age of the plant, once a year for young tree and after a year or two - for an older tree. Carry it out better in spring before the start of the active period. Growing laurel is usually done in small pots, each new pot selected 5-6 centimeters larger in diameter. Laurel transplantation at home occurs in the following order: first, the root ball is removed from the old pot and some of the soil is carefully shaken off; then transfer it to a new pot with drainage placed on the bottom and half filled with soil; The roots are carefully straightened, covered with earth and compacted so that the tree holds tightly. It is important not to add too much soil, maintaining the same relative level as in the old pot. If everything is done correctly, the laurel will grow with renewed vigor, continuing to delight with its beauty and aroma.

Reproduction

How to grow from seeds?

Growing laurel from seeds at home is not a difficult process, but you need to be patient. Seeds can remain viable for up to a year after ripening on the tree, but this is only possible if the correct storage conditions are met, so most often they are recommended no later than 3 months. Before planting, you can remove the “shell” - the pericarp - from the seeds, this will speed up the germination process. Laurel from seeds at home without pre-treatment It sprouts quite slowly - sometimes the sprouts can remain in the ground for up to six months. There is no need to despair; it is only important to water the soil periodically. When the seedlings hatch and unfold two or three leaves, it is time for picking - the plants are dug up and the root is pinched to 2/3 of its length. After this procedure, laurel seedlings are planted for a permanent “place of residence.”

How to grow from cuttings?

If among your friends there is already a gardener who grows laurel, a new seedling can be obtained from an old tree by cuttings. The most suitable time for propagating indoor laurel by cuttings is spring, but if necessary, you can root the cuttings in both summer and autumn. Branches are cut 6-8 cm long (two or three internodes) from mature but not yet lignified young shoots. Then, for better rooting, they are kept in a solution of heteroauxin or potassium permanganate for a day, after which they are buried in the ground half their length and cared for in the same way as in the case of growing laurel from a seed.

Visual design

Forming a laurel at home is a simple and, one might say, optional process. Regular, careful pruning creates a beautiful crown shape and enhances branching, due to which it is possible to make even a small indoor tree look like its tall outdoor counterparts, giving it the appropriate appearance - a ball, a pyramid or a classic standard one.

Pests

Among the pests of indoor laurel, scale insects, spider mites, mealybugs and aphids. At the first signs of an unhealthy tree: massively falling yellow or gray leaves, white cobwebs on the leaves and branches, damage to the bark and sprouts of the plant, you should immediately begin isolating it from its healthy neighbors. Scale insects damage almost the entire plant: leaves, branches and trunk. If the infestation is weak, the pests can be removed using a cotton swab with a soapy solution, but if the infestation is severe, you will need Actellik or Karbofos insecticides (after this treatment, the leaves become unsuitable for consumption). Spider mite appears on trees in dry rooms with high air temperatures. The signal for tick damage is grey colour fallen leaves, the juice of which it feeds on. Aphids migrate to Nobilis from other plants, including those brought from the garden. To combat it, it is recommended to use tobacco decoction with soap, which is sprayed repeatedly on the plant.

Diseases

Improper care at home leads to the deplorable state of home laurel. Overwatering causes leaf spots and root rot, while underwatering causes leaves to turn yellow. IN winter time Without proper care, the tree may lose its leaves.

Application

At home, some housewives grow bay laurel as a fresh and affordable spice. The leaves of the plant have pleasant aroma and a bitter taste that goes well with fish and meat. They are often found in soups, main courses, and autumn preparations. The light scent of wood essential oil refreshes the air and helps reduce the number of insects in the room - for example, mosquitoes do not like it. Home laurel is unpretentious in care and takes root in the most different apartments. With proper care, this decorative foliage plant will delight you with its beauty and aroma for many years.

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  • Bay leaves grow in warm Mediterranean climates, but it is very interesting to talk about whether bay leaves can be grown at home? After all, today there are a large number of opportunities to create a microclimate on your windowsill that will completely suit this plant. Moreover, it is widely known that laurel is not considered a very demanding plant. It easily tolerates temperature changes and is not very demanding on moisture. Therefore, growing a tasty, fragrant seasoning at home is quite simple. And when the shoots grow enough, you can delight your family and guests with rich borscht, spreading the mouth-watering aromas of your own bay leaves!

    The subtropical climate of the Mediterranean is ideal for good growth of the bay tree. In our country, the plant feels good in the natural environment of the Krasnodar region. However, there are many known cases when own plots gardeners grow good bushes and middle lane. The leaves are quite fragrant and are perfect for seasoning homemade broths.

    Laurel trees belong to the Laurel family. Today three types of these plants are known. They are evergreen, for home grown Noble laurel is best suited.

    Growing homemade bay leaves

    In general, we can say that laurel is not a picky plant, therefore, with proper care, moisturizing and feeding, it is not even the most experienced gardener can grow a big tree at home. Not only can its leaves be used in the kitchen for all types of dishes: both first and second, the incredible fragrant aromas of the growing tree will soar in all rooms.

    It is known that growing laurel secretes phytoncides, which very effectively fight bacteria and fungi. So we can say with confidence that home tree will protect the family from frequent illnesses and colds.

    Location and lighting

    Laurel - rightfully refers to unpretentious species vegetation. He even tolerates it easily difficult conditions. But, still, if you want to see a fragrant, healthy and beautiful tree, then it is better to create the most favorable conditions.

    Thus, many gardeners note that a flower pot can be placed in any part of the room: be it southern or even north side. The plant will grow in both limited light and excessive sun exposure. The only thing is that the size of the pet depends on the conditions. On the south side you will become the owner of a large and stately bush that can easily overcome even a two-meter height. In different lighting, your bush is unlikely to please the eye with its lush growth.

    Watering and fertilizing

    Lavrushka is good at frequent moisturizing. In general, you should try to thoroughly water the soil in the pot about once every 5 days in winter and at least once every 3 days during hot days. To prevent the soil from becoming too moist, it is better to organize good drainage at the bottom of the pot, allowing excess liquid to pass into the saucer. However, it will not be superfluous to water the plant even every day during particularly hot seasons. The need to moisten the soil must be monitored based on the degree of drying of the upper layers of the soil.

    It is advisable to settle the water in advance, because most often in our country the liquid contains a lot of iron. Hard water It is unlikely to please any representative of the flora, especially those grown at home.

    Please note that bay bushes will be very happy if you sprinkle a small drop of warm water over them. Let it fall on the leaves, trunk, top layer of soil. You shouldn’t do this frequently, but in the warm season it is better to spray water at least once a month.

    Very good decision A container of water placed next to the pot will serve. In the warm season, the liquid will evaporate and moisten the surrounding air, creating pleasant conditions for the normal growth of the bush.

    Trimming

    Laurel grows slowly, but can grow to quite impressive sizes. In wildlife, trees easily reach six meters or more. Of course, a home specimen is unlikely to boast such growth. But this does not mean that over time your compact bush will not outgrow the room's capabilities.

    The first pruning procedure is best done on a fully grown plant. When it reaches two years, the bush is carefully cut off top shoot crowns Then, when the top acquires side shoots, they are also carefully thinned out.
    It is best to prune in late summer, when the plant has finished growing. There is no point in not working on flower formation at all. Otherwise, you will end up with an untidy tree.

    Air temperature and humidity

    Laurel is extremely unpretentious to temperature conditions. Few pets can boast of resistance to quite low temperatures winter, and this tree will happily overwinter at 10 degrees Celsius. Of course, such a regime is not typical for a living room, but, anyway, try not to keep laurel in winter at high temperatures.

    Advice. As soon as the cold weather passes, and at night average temperature stops falling below zero, you can safely send the tree to Fresh air. For example, a balcony or summer garden is a good choice.

    In summer, try not to overheat the bush. 20-25 degrees will be enough. Laurel does not like dry air. Therefore, artificially increase the humidity by spraying. Place a saucer of water near the flower.

    The soil

    Soil for your bay leaf Absolutely anyone will do. The main thing is to ensure good drainage of the pot and try to feed the flower so that it grows beautifully, with the correct shape.

    Reproduction methods

    Many gardeners advise using one of three simple types bay leaf dilutions:

    • seeds;
    • cuttings;
    • bends.

    Seeds

    Most reliable method Growing laurel involves using seeds. Many stores offer bay leaves. Today it is not a problem to place an order online. The right time for sowing is January. This is due to the fact that the seed can lie in the ground for quite a long time. The first shoots appear no earlier than a month later, but may not emerge for up to six months. Therefore, planting in winter will result in the plant growing in spring and summer: the most favorable time in terms of temperature and humidity.

    Attention! Many gardeners advise propagating laurel using seeds. This is explained by the fact that from the very beginning the bush will grow and form in the same conditions and will not experience stress from changes in temperature or humidity environment. In addition, purchase required amount seeds can be affordable price and in almost any store.

    Store seeds in a cool place until sowing time. For example, a refrigerator or a shaded buffet. Before planting the seeds, they must be soaked because they have a thick skin. This will significantly speed up the process of new shoots appearing.

    There are no special soil requirements for seed growth. Anyone will do fertile soil, which you can prepare yourself or buy at a flower shop. The only thing is very important condition: the top layer should be laid out 2-3 centimeters with calcined sand. This is very important for the seeds to be accepted.

    By the way, many people advise thoroughly calcining the entire soil before planting seeds in order to kill bacteria and pests. It is believed that this recommendation is useful not only for propagation by seeds, but also for cuttings and layering.

    The seed is sunk about 1 cm. A mini-greenhouse is arranged above the pot. A plastic bag or even a glass jar is suitable for this. The greenhouse must be ventilated periodically.

    Ripening occurs in different ways and depends on temperature. But when the shoot throws out the first two leaves, the new plant can be replanted separately. It is not necessary to use store-bought pots. First time ideal home A yogurt cup will serve as a container for your baby.

    Cuttings

    Growing a bay leaf from a cutting is more difficult than from a seed. For the cutting, the middle or lower part of the branch is usually chosen. It is best to take a young bush, the stem of which has not yet been covered with wooden bark. The most important condition is that the new shoot has three free areas between the bases of the leaves (the so-called internodes).

    The bottom cut must be made oblique. The leaves at the base of the cutting are removed, and the top ones are cut to about half so that they do not evaporate too much moisture.

    The soil can be enriched with special additives that will promote rapid development of roots. Of course, a greenhouse is being built over the shoot. New laurel trees need to be watered frequently. Spray 4-5 times every day. After the root system appears (usually after a month), the shoot is transplanted to permanent place.

    By layering

    It's pretty easy to get an escape young plant using a method that is very often used to propagate grapes. To do this, layering is done from a young shoot. The lower branch is lowered and buried in the prepared small groove. There the stem is securely fastened so that it for a long time remained in the ground. In the place where the branch will be covered with earth, an incision is made in the bark.

    It is important to provide the sprinkled ditch with very good watering. After some time, a young shoot will emerge from the ground. It is dug up, carefully separated from the lower branch at the base and transplanted into its own pot.
    Next, as with cuttings: the first time good watering and greenhouse conditions.

    How and when to replant laurel?

    The bay tree does not grow quickly. At good conditions maintenance, bushes are replanted every two years. New dishes is taken on the basis that the width exceeds the previous one by several centimeters. Older plants are replanted every 3-4 years, as they grow. It is important to try to use the same soil for the same shoot.

    In order for the bush to form as healthy and beautiful as possible, already for annual plants It is customary to generously fertilize the soil. Manure is good for this purpose. The main thing is to dilute it with water so as not to burn the roots. You can enrich the soil no more than once a month. But fertilizing rarely, less than twice a year, will also not benefit the formation of a noble appearance of the pet.
    Laurel also prefers mineral fertilizers, which can be picked up in flower shops. It's good if you make it a rule to alternate different types fertilizers

    Diseases and pests

    Laurel does not tolerate dry air very well, as it historically grows near sea coasts. Therefore, when humidity is low, the bush begins to dry out and shed its leaves.

    The unpretentiousness of the plant allows almost any owner to grow a full-fledged bush. In fact, nothing but good hydration, bay tree does not require. And few flowers do not require watering. You also need to fertilize the soil at least sometimes, since bay bushes are replanted quite infrequently.

    Conclusion

    Growing bay leaves at home is very good idea. There are no particular difficulties with care or reproduction. Laurel most often develops well on its own. And if you monitor your pet’s growth especially carefully, then you can safely talk about a lot of advantages that the owner of this wonderful bush will receive.

    18.09.2017

    To grow bay leaves at home, you will need knowledge of its needs and growing conditions - all of which you will find in this guide. It is one of the most commonly used and well-known herbs and you can get fresh leaves any time of the year if you plant this plant. Find out everything about how to grow a bay leaf in a pot on a windowsill and appreciate all its benefits for yourself.

    General information

    Bay tree leaves release an intense aroma that complements most Mediterranean dishes.

    At the bay leaf various applications: from decorative to culinary and medicinal.

    Although this plant in its native Mediterranean region - evergreen shrub or tree, its growth is easily controlled by pruning or planting in a container.

    Laurel grows very slowly, which makes it even more suitable for growing in a pot at home.

    Propagated by seeds and cuttings (twigs).

    Soil and pot

    The laurel doesn't have special requirements to the soil: it grows in any soil, with the exception of heavy and clayey soil, which causes waterlogging. Like many other plants, it prefers well-drained soil.

    Drainage is very important, so choose a pot with large drainage holes.

    Start your bay leaf plant in a small pot and transplant it into a larger container when you see roots coming out of the pot's drainage holes. Do not rush to plant this plant right away large capacity. The bay tree thrives when it is a little cramped.

    Types and varieties

    If you plan to use bay leaves for cooking, it is very important that you grow a plant called Laurus nobilis. Other species of this plant, also called "laurel", are not all edible.

    There are a few decorative varieties Noble Lavra:

    • Angustifolia - narrow green leaves.
    • Aurea – yellow foliage.
    • Sweet Bay, also called Bay Laurel, is bright green in color.
    • Undulata – the edges of the leaves are wavy.

    How to grow bay leaves from seeds

    Laurel seeds germinate very difficult and slowly, so many people prefer to purchase a ready-made plant in a pot. If you want to grow bay leaves from seeds, here's what you need to do:

    1. Fill a small flat container with damp, loose soil.
    2. Sow the seeds and cover with a 1-2 cm layer of soil.
    3. Cover the container plastic film, leaving a hole on the side for air supply.
    4. The required temperature for germination is 20 C. Be prepared to wait 5-12 months before the seeds hatch.

    This is the most the hard way, since germination takes a long time, and attempts to grow laurel trees from seeds sometimes end in failure.

    How to grow a bay leaf from a cutting (twig)

    Ideal if you have the opportunity to get branches of at least 15 cm from an adult healthy plant and plant them. The cuttings should be slightly firm, flexible and green. This material is well suited for growing new bay leaves at home.

    The more cuttings you take, the greater your chances of successfully rooting a new plant.

    Step-by-step instruction:

    1. Mix equal parts soil, sand and vermiculite and fill a small container with the mixture.
    2. Remove leaves from the cuttings, except for the top two. Cut the top leaves in half horizontally.
    3. Dip the bay sprig into the liquid root growth stimulator and soak in it according to package directions. required quantity time.
    4. Stick the bottom of the bay laurel cutting into the soil mixture to a depth of 5 to 6 cm.
    5. Firm the soil around the cuttings and water to settle the soil around the stems.
    6. Cover the container with a clear plastic bag to create a moist environment for the cuttings to root.
    7. Place the cuttings in a warm, well-lit place, but not in direct sunlight sunlight. The air temperature should be up to 22 C.
    8. Monitor the plantings daily and throw out rotten or wilted cuttings. Water when the soil layer dries 1-2 cm.
    9. Check the roots once a month to determine if they are growing. Gently pull the branches up to feel if there is resistance.
    10. Once the roots reach 2-3 cm, transplant the new plants into separate pots.

    Propagating laurel from cuttings can take several months. This time is necessary for normal root system, suitable for planting. Still, sometimes the branches never take root.

    If you are not a fan of challenges and experiments, then it is best to simply buy a small bay tree from a garden store. This way, you can enjoy it without frustration and effort.

    How to care

    To ensure that fresh seasoning is available at any time of the year, there are several recommendations on how to care for a bay tree at home.

    Watering

    Bay leaves are drought tolerant but appreciate regular watering. Always allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot, but do not allow the plant to go without water for long.

    Laurel responds well to showers at room temperature. The pot with soil is covered with a plastic bag.

    Lighting

    Laurel prefers a bright location, but can also grow in shade. Not afraid of drafts.

    In spring and summer, sun protection is required on south-facing windowsills.

    Fertilizer

    Bay tree needs to be fed universal fertilizer twice a year: in spring and summer. Liquid fertilizer for cacti or palm trees is suitable.

    Diseases and pests

    Bay leaves are rarely affected by diseases and insects. In fact, it itself is often used to control pests of other plants.

    • Laurel can be damaged by scale insects and scale insects, on whose secretions a sooty fungus settles. Clearly visible clusters of scale insects are removed with cotton swabs dipped in a soap solution.
    • If laurel leaves turn yellow and fall off, it may be caused by excessive or insufficient watering plants.
    • Leaf spots are often caused by waterlogged roots and excess moisture.
    • Yellowing leaves can also be caused by a deficiency nutrients in the ground. To eliminate this problem, repot your plant in fresh, well-drained soil.

    Transfer

    Bay trees do not grow very quickly in pots, so replant them no more than every two to three years.

    Replanting is best done in the spring. Use fertile soil and good drainage, since the plant does not like stagnant water.

    Trimming

    Pruning is an important part of bay tree care to control large growth and give it a decorative shape.

    It is usually carried out in the spring, when new shoots begin to grow.

    Regularly remove dried, damaged or diseased leaves if they appear.

    How to plant, propagate and care for a laurel tree at home - video

    Harvesting

    If you grew your plant yourself, from cuttings or seeds, then start harvesting from the second or third year of its life.

    To use as a seasoning, collect the largest leaves: the older the leaf, the stronger the flavor.

    The collected leaves need to be dried, as fresh bay leaves are quite bitter. From the moment of cutting, 48 to 72 hours should pass. Of course, the store sells bay leaves that have been dried much longer, but freshly dried ones have a more pleasant aroma.

    There are many reasons to plant a bay tree on your windowsill. It has attractive, shiny foliage that stays green in the home. all year round. This is a pleasure of sweet aroma with a hint of spicy nutmeg. Be sure to take up growing bay leaves and become the owner of an evergreen, glossy decoration for your home, the leaves of which are used in a large number of recipes.

    Everyone has known this plant since childhood, despite the fact that its roots (literally and figuratively) are from the subtropics. It's about about the noble laurel. Our mothers and grandmothers, great-grandmothers added and continue to add such a familiar “bay leaf” to soups and main courses for flavor, to various preparations for the winter: what would crispy pickles be without bay leaves?

    Perhaps this is one of the most famous spices in the vastness of Russia, and one of the most beloved and used in cooking. And who hasn’t read, all in the same times of distant or recent youth ancient greek myths, myths of the country where noble laurel revered as sacred tree? The heads of the winners were decorated with wreaths from it; laurel groves were also considered sacred; rituals were held in them with the goal of appeasing the gods, asking for protection, glory, victory in battle, on the lists.

    Since we are not in the subtropics, we will try to grow this “sacred” tree at home, in an apartment, especially since the plant is quite unpretentious and it will significantly decorate your interior. IN wildlife the tree reaches quite large heights (10-15 m), but in apartment living conditions - much less, however, think in advance where it will live, in the living room or kitchen, give it a fairly spacious and bright corner.

    Temperature

    He doesn't need too much heat in winter, +15 degrees is enough; in summer, it’s better to take the pot out onto the balcony, onto the veranda or outside; if possible, give it a vacation in the fresh air.

    Lighting

    The subtropical guest loves light, the sun, but not the heat - make artificial partial shade, if direct rays cannot be avoided, water generously, preferably with warm water.

    Watering

    In the warm season, laurel prefers abundant watering. The plant is watered immediately after the top layer of soil dries. For irrigation use warm and well-settled water. In winter, watering is reduced. Laurel does not like to be flooded, but the soil in the pot should not dry out completely.

    Transfer

    The tree grows slowly, however, it requires annual replanting while it is still young. Replanting involves changing the pot, which has become too small for the laurel, to a larger pot; do this carefully and carefully, without damaging the root system.

    When the laurel reaches three to four years of age, you can replant it once every two years or as needed: add peat, sand, humus to the soil for planting; the composition should be quite light, “breathable” and, at the same time, nutritious. You can add a little wood ashacidic soils the plant does not like it, ash compensates for excess acidity, if any. Be sure to spray the plant with water as needed; dust accumulating on the leaves does not allow them to fully “breathe.”

    Feeding and fertilizers

    The bay tree needs both organic and mineral fertilizers. It is fed during the growing season. It is better to use specialized fertilizers or reduce the recommended concentration. Laurel can and should be fed with fertilizers, but do not overdo it in this noble impulse: excess fertilizer can have a depressing effect on the plant.

    Laurel propagation

    Perhaps the most labor-intensive and least predictable process is reproduction. Laurel propagates in two ways - cuttings and seeds. This process is quite lengthy. Cuttings take a long time to take root, and it will take about three months for seeds to germinate.

    Seeds

    Seeds placed in storage in the fall may not germinate at the beginning of spring (this depends on the storage conditions; they should neither dry out nor freeze), and cuttings are also a very capricious material and take a long time to take root. Branches 10–12 cm long should be planted in light (with a fairly high sand content) soil, covered with film or a glass container. We put the plant in a warm place and wait until it takes root.

    This may happen a few weeks after planting, be patient and remember to water when the soil dries out. Don’t rush to “pluck” (for culinary purposes) the tree, let it grow, and it will thank you with wonderful, delicious-smelling leaves that cannot be compared with those that we buy in the store, because they are fresh and have not lost their unique aroma over long periods of time. transportation and storage and, most importantly, grown with your own hands.

    Cuttings

    The most suitable time for propagating laurel by cuttings is March. Semi-lignified branches, the length of which has reached approximately 10 cm, are suitable for this purpose. To ensure that the cuttings take root better, they are treated with Kornevin or Heteroauxics. They are rooted in a pot in a mixture of sand and peat, placed in a mini-greenhouse or covered glass jar. The room temperature should be between 24-25 degrees.

    Diseases and pests

    The main enemy of laurel is. When infected, the leaves become shiny and sticky, secreting essential oils. If the pest is controlled with insecticides, laurel leaves should not be used as a seasoning.

    Laurel is a plant known to everyone. Nowadays, it is difficult to imagine a dish prepared without adding a specific taste and aroma to the food. Also in Ancient Rome We grew homemade laurel. Caring for the unpretentious plant is simple, and it takes root well on loggias and balconies.

    Main characteristics

    Laurel is a houseplant that even novice gardeners can care for. Under natural growing conditions, this tree can reach a height of 18 meters. By the way, in the Sochi area you can find specimens that are 15 meters high.

    Despite the fact that laurel does not require special care, it is still desirable to create the most favorable environment for the plant. Indoor culture prefers to be on sunny place, however, it will grow well in the shade. Also, a plant such as laurel is not afraid of drafts and drought. Care at home should be carried out so that it does not experience stress due to lack of water, or, conversely, does not suffer from waterlogging of the soil. Laurel is resistant to diseases and pests, it can be trimmed to give various shapes. Many gardeners manage to grow big trees, having an openwork intertwined trunk.

    Varieties of indoor laurel

    This plant has only two types:

    • laurel;
    • Canarian laurel.

    Unlike its compatriot, the Canarian species has large, broad leaves, slightly wrinkled at the edges. But its aroma is somewhat weaker than that of its noble brother.

    Several varieties of trees are known Indoor plant, the care of which is quite simple, is in high demand among gardeners. The main botanical species has three varieties: narrow-leaved, golden and wrinkled. All of them differ from each other only in the shape and color of the foliage.

    Healing properties

    In addition to the fact that it is a fragrant, well-known seasoning, laurel also has a number of healing properties. This applies not only to leaves, but also to fruits. They contain aromatic essential oils and tannins. Thus, inhaling the vapors of tinctures prepared from plant components helps fight cancer.

    Experts also say that laurel, if cared for correctly at home, can prevent the development of diseases such as coronary heart disease.

    Features of care

    Despite the fact that there is no special hassle when growing laurel, it still needs to be looked after. Otherwise even this unpretentious plant may die. Possessing a lot of useful advantages, it can look very beautiful and decorative, but this requires care. Noble laurel loves to trim the crown and spray the foliage. It is advisable to constantly wipe the dark green fragrant leaves from the dust that collects on them.

    Temperature

    For good growth, it is advisable for each plant to create the conditions to which it is accustomed in its native places. This also applies to such a flower as indoor laurel. Care in winter is, first of all, the optimal air temperature (not higher than 18 degrees). And in January, experts generally recommend lowering it to 10 degrees. Therefore, especially in apartments with central heating, it is better to keep the plant away from heat sources.

    Reproduction

    A plant such as laurel, which is properly cared for at home, is quite easily propagated by cuttings. It can also be grown from seeds, but shoots and root cuttings take a very long time to take root.

    If you decide to grow a plant from seeds, be sure to check the expiration date of the seed. Take care of special soil and keep in mind that to obtain good seedlings, slightly different conditions are required.

    For greater efficiency experienced flower growers It is recommended to soak the material for sowing in warm water for several hours. The seeds should not be placed deep into the soil; it is advisable to sprinkle them with a layer of soil and cover them with film.

    If you propagate laurel by cuttings, then they should be cut from this year’s shoots, which have not yet had time to completely lignify. The preparation of future seedlings is carried out in the spring - in March or April. The cut shoots are planted in moist soil. It is advisable to remove most of the leaves, leaving two or three, which are best shortened. Length planting material should be 6-8 cm. For better and faster rooting, it is advisable to use very wet sand. It will take about a month for young seedlings to take root.

    Transfer

    Replanting should not be done frequently. You should not choose a large container for a small tree. The plant feels best in small pot. When it becomes crowded, the new container should be 4 centimeters larger. Replanting should be done by transferring the earthen clod, adding the necessary soil into a new pot. After planting, the laurel must be watered. Transplantation can be done in spring and summer.

    Top dressing

    All plants need periodic feeding, even laurel. Care at home does not require feeding the tree often; it is enough to do it twice a month, during the active growth period, that is, from June to September. For fertilizing, saltpeter, potassium salt, and liquid superphosphate are used. All fertilizers are diluted in water.

    Lighting

    In order to preserve the decorativeness and beauty of the laurel foliage, it is advisable to place it on a light, warm, well-lit side. Despite the fact that the flower feels fine in the shade, its color may change slightly, the leaves will no longer have such a bright color, and the tree itself may stretch out and the foliage may thin out.

    IN room conditions It is very difficult to get a plant like laurel to bloom. Care at home, consistent with natural factors, can help the tree bloom. True, his flowers are not very beautiful. Basically, these are small inflorescences of yellow flowers that have a pleasant aroma.

    Laurel is a plant that even children will enjoy caring for, since it is basically proper watering and location. If you do not know how to properly water an ornamental tree, then do it when the top layer of soil dries slightly. Do not overwater the flower, because even an unpretentious laurel can rot its roots from the abundance of water.

    Before planting or transplanting, do not forget to do drainage. Try to refrain from transplanting a one-year-old laurel. The only thing this tree doesn’t really like is frequent replanting; its roots are very sensitive.

    If you propagate a flower with cuttings, then when cutting, try not to completely cut the shoot from big tree, try to carefully tear it. The resulting “heel” will contribute to faster development of the root system of the young seedling.

    Do not forget about humidity and spray the plant in hot weather daily. Try to do this in the evening hours, since drops of moisture on the sheets, when exposed to sunlight, turn into very strong lenses that can leave severe burns on the foliage, which will not only lead to unsightly appearance, but also to their death.

    Do not feed the plant in winter during the dormant period, otherwise, during the natural time for active growth, the laurel will not be able to develop normally, since it will not have time to gain strength. In winter, it is also advisable to reduce watering.