A beautiful flowering plant, Pericallis Hybrida, has the power to bring vibrant colors into your garden or home. This hybrid plant, a combination of Pericallis Cruenta and Pericallis Lanata, belongs to the Asteraceae family and shares similarities with the Daisy. With proper care, you can enjoy the beauty of this plant all year round.
Pericallis Hybrida: Key Facts
- Common name: Cineraria
- Flower’s color: Purple, blue, pink
- Plant size: 6-12 inches
- Planting season: Spring, summer, and autumn
- Use: Ornamental
Pericallis Hybrida: Characteristics
- The plant has green leaves throughout the year, making it a perfect choice for your garden.
- It is an evergreen plant and lives for over two years.
- The plant does not have woody stems.
- It thrives in Mediterranean and subtropical climates.
Pericallis Hybrida comes in a wide variety of colors, including purple, blue, red, and pink. Some flowers even have vibrant bi-color combinations with white. The flowers bloom in clusters, measuring 1-4 inches in diameter, and last for a long time. The plant also boasts thick foliage, adding to its visual appeal.
How to Grow Pericallis Hybrida?
The most popular way to grow Pericallis Hybrida is from seeds. Start by planting the seeds in flat trays or small pots containing pot mix. Lightly press the seeds into the soil and leave them uncovered as they require sunlight to germinate. Keep the seeds moist and wait for 14-21 days for germination. Once the seedlings develop true leaves, transplant them into individual pots. It usually takes 16 to 18 weeks from germination for the plant to bloom. If you want them to reseed on their own and colonize, grow them as perennials. To prevent this, deadhead their flowers before the seeds mature.
Pericallis Hybrida: Care Tips
Growing and caring for Pericallis Hybrida is relatively easy. Whether you choose to keep them in pots or plant them in the ground, here are some top tips for managing this species.
Pericallis Hybrida: Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in moist and well-drained soil. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, ideally between 5.5 and 6. It is beneficial to have humus-rich soil, so consider adding peat moss to help the plant thrive.
Pericallis Hybrida: Sunlight Requirements
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Pericallis Hybrida prefers partial to full shade, making it ideal for growing both indoors and outdoors. Full sunlight may not be suitable for the plant’s growth.
Pericallis Hybrida: Water Requirements
Frequent watering is necessary to keep the soil moist. However, be cautious of overwatering as it can kill the plant and lead to fungal infections due to excess moisture retention.
Pericallis Hybrida: Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat or cold can be harmful to its growth. Pay extra attention to temperature fluctuations during seed germination. When kept indoors, the plant requires a cool temperature.
Pericallis Hybrida: Humidity Requirements
Pericallis Hybrida thrives in a humid climate. When growing indoors, it is essential to maintain humidity levels. Consider placing the plant on a pebble tray with some water to increase the air’s humidity.
Pericallis Hybrida: Fertilizer Requirements
Fertilize every two to three weeks after the flowering starts. While the plant benefits from proper nourishment, avoid excessive fertilization.
Pericallis Hybrida: Pests and Diseases
Aphids, spider mites, and other pests can affect the plant. To eliminate them, treat the plant with neem oil spray. In severe cases, removing the affected plant may be necessary.
Pericallis Hybrida: Pruning
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Pruning Pericallis Hybrida is necessary to encourage growth. Simply remove the dead flowers, and new buds will emerge. After the flowers dry, it is often recommended to replace the plant with new ones for the next season. Although the plant is unlikely to flower again, the leaves remain green throughout all seasons.
Pericallis Hybrida: Propagation
Propagation is commonly done from seeds. It is crucial to note that the seeds require light for germination, so avoid covering them. Germination usually takes around 10-15 days. Be careful not to overwater the seedlings to avoid the risk of fungal infection. Transplanting can be done four weeks later.
If you have these plants in your garden, they can reseed on their own, propagating naturally. After the flowers have blossomed and dried, they turn into seeds that fall on the ground and give birth to new plants.
Alternatively, propagation can be done through stem cutting. Take a 5-inch stem tip with no flowers, only top leaves, and plant it in a pot. Ensure the soil is moist with a cool temperature and indirect sunlight. You can expect flowering in approximately three months.
Pericallis Hybrida: Uses
Pericallis Hybrida is a unique and versatile plant that can be used as a houseplant or garden flower. It is renowned for its striking colors and large size. For centuries, this plant has adorned homes, gardens, and offices as a decorative item. The bell-shaped flowers add beauty to the branches while blooming. With no thorns or spines, the plant requires minimal protection when grown outdoors. However, you can also keep it inside your home to enjoy its year-round beauty. The flowers bloom all year long, showcasing different colors depending on the time of year.
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Category: Plants