What flower is the air plant (Bryophyllum)? How to grow Bryophyllum
Bryophyllum is a relatively uncommon plant in daily life, so many people are not very familiar with it. So today, the editor will introduce to you what flower Bryophyllum is, how to grow Bryophyllum, and the effects and functions of Bryophyllum.
What flower is Bryophyllum?
Many people may have seen it but do not know its name, so do you know its other names? Bryophyllum is also called Hua Hudie, Dao Diao Lian, Tu San Qi, Ye Sheng Gen, Fan Gui Mu Dan, Ye Bao Ya, Tian Deng Long, Qiang Dao Cao, Hou Mian Pi, Zhuo Sheng Yao, Shang Yao, Da Bu Si, Shai Bu Si, Gu Zai Deng, Xin Niang Deng, Da Ding Huang, Da Huan Hun, and Fu Ye Luo Di Sheng Gen.
Many people may have seen it but do not know its name, so do you know its other names? Bryophyllum is also called Hua Hudie, Dao Diao Lian, Tu San Qi, Ye Sheng Gen, Fan Gui Mu Dan, Ye Bao Ya, Tian Deng Long, Qiang Dao Cao, Hou Mian Pi, Zhuo Sheng Yao, Shang Yao, Da Bu Si, Shai Bu Si, Gu Zai Deng, Xin Niang Deng, Da Ding Huang, Da Huan Hun, and Fu Ye Luo Di Sheng Gen.
Bryophyllum is a perennial succulent herb of the Crassulaceae family (Bryophyllum pinnatum). It can grow into a subshrub form, with thick leaves. At the serrated edges of the leaves, two opposite small leaflets can sprout. In humid air, slender aerial fibrous roots can grow on both the upper and lower surfaces. These small buds are evenly arranged along the edges of the large leaves, falling off at a touch, and they will take root after landing. The plant is native to Madagascar off South Africa, on hillsides or in streamside shrub thickets. It likes a sunny, warm, and humid environment, is relatively tolerant and even very cold-tolerant, and is suitable for growing in well-drained acidic soil.
How to grow Bryophyllum - propagation methods for Bryophyllum
Cuttings, adventitious buds, and sowing are commonly used for propagation.
For leaf cuttings, May to June is best. Place healthy leaves flat on a sand bed, closely against the sand, and maintain humidity. One week after insertion, small plantlets can grow from the notches at the leaf edges. After they grow, cut them off and move them into pots. For stem cuttings, cut 8-10 cm long tip branches, let them dry slightly, then insert them into a sand bed. Rooting begins after 1 week, and after 2 weeks they can be potted. Propagation by adventitious buds is even simpler. Peel off the larger adventitious buds growing along the leaf edges and put them directly into pots.
For sowing, the seeds are very small. Do not cover with soil after sowing. They germinate about 12-15 days after sowing, with a high germination rate.
How to grow Bryophyllum - pruning requirements for Bryophyllum
When potting, use a mixture of 3 parts leaf mold and 1 part sandy soil as the substrate. For newly potted young seedlings, pinch off the growing tips in time to promote branching. For older plants, their stems become semi-lignified, bare at the base, and often curved rather than upright, reducing their ornamental value, so they should be cut back to make them sprout new branches. Repot and renew the soil every spring to maintain a graceful plant shape.
How to grow Bryophyllum - water and fertilizer requirements for Bryophyllum
For routine watering, wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. There is no need to worry that it will die of dryness. Do not fertilize too frequently, otherwise it will cause excessive growth and may even cause the plant to rot. Applying fertilizer 1-2 times a month during the growing season is enough. In midsummer, provide slight shade; in other seasons, there should be sufficient light, otherwise the color at the leaf edges will disappear. After the weather turns cool in autumn, reduce watering. After bringing it indoors in winter, it can overwinter as long as the room temperature remains above 0°C. But keep the potting soil slightly moist.
How to grow Bryophyllum - pest and disease control for Bryophyllum
Bryophyllum is mainly harmed by gray mold and powdery mildew, which can be sprayed with a 1000-fold dilution of 70% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder. Pests include scale insects and aphids, which can be killed by spraying with a 1000-fold dilution of 40% dimethoate emulsifiable concentrate.
Effects and functions of Bryophyllum
[Nature and flavor] Bland, slightly sour, astringent, cool.
[Meridian entry] Lung and kidney meridians.
[Effects] Detoxifies and reduces swelling, invigorates blood and relieves pain, draws out toxins and promotes tissue regeneration.
[Indications] For external use, treats carbuncles, sores, and swellings, mastitis, erysipelas, felon, traumatic bleeding, bruises, fractures, burns and scalds, and otitis media.