Cibora variable(Cyperus alternifolius), also known as pot papyrus, is a plant that is quite easy to grow and grows in its natural environment in wetlands. Its exotic appearance is given by the pale green grassy leaves that radiate out from the tips of the stems. We present interestingvarieties for growing at home , as well as explain the requirements of this plant. We also suggest proven methodsof pot papyrus propagation !
Cibora variable - Cyperus alternifolius
Fig. depositphotos.com
Cibora variable, papyrus - variants
Cibora (Cyperus) is a plant genus with several hundred species. Some of them occur naturally even in Poland.
The most famous in the world isPapyrus Cibora(Cyperus papyrus), which was used by the Egyptians for the production of material in antiquity writing - papyrus (it was produced from the spongy stems of this plant). However, this plant becomes too large and is not suitable for pot cultivation.
In pot cultivation, the variable(Cyperus alternifolius) is the most common. It comes from Madagascar, where it grows on the banks of rivers and lakes.
Cibora variable is much smaller.It produces stiff stems up to 1.2 m long. At the tops of the stems there are bunches of narrow, pointed leaves, the arrangement of which resembles an umbrella frame. Due to the unusual appearance of the leaves,variable Cibora is sometimes referred to as an umbrella plant
Freethe flowers of the variable , surrounded by tiny stipules, are gathered in small umbels of pale green color. They grow in the top parts of the stems, in the pituitary angles.
Sometimes in cultivation there is acultivar of the variable 'Variegatus' , producing leaves with white stripes, and sometimes even completely covered white. We have not been able to find other potted varieties of tibiae in the professional literature.
Cibora variable - Cyperus alternifolius
Fig. pixabay.com
Cibora variable, papyrus - cultivation and requirements
The position of cultivating tibiacan be sunny (but not very sunny) or slightly shady. The plant works best with the eastern or northern exhibition. If the growing area is too shaded, the plant will overproduce stems and the leaves will turn pale. This is a sign that the pot papyrus should be moved to a more sunny place.
From spring to autumnpot papyrus can stay at an average room temperatureIn winter, due to the lower amount of daylight, the plant should be dormant and during this period, the temperature of the cultivation of the Ciborium should be lowered to about 12-15 ° C. However, be careful that the temperature in the room never drops below 10 ° C.
Cibora variable requires constantly wet soilIt is best to keep the pot in a bowl with water all the time. The plant can also be grown in large aquariums, and in the summer it can be moved to a pond (but remember to take it before the first autumn cold weather). Potted papyrus is also great for hydroponic cultivation. If the substrate is insufficiently wet,Cibora will react by turning the edges of the leaves brown.Brown spots may also appear on the leaves.
Cibora variable - Cyperus alternifolius
Fig. depositphotos.com
Moisture-loving tastes of tibora variablealso apply to air humidity. For this reason, frequent sprinkling of its leaves or the use of air humidifiers is beneficial.
In spring and summer it is recommendedfertilizing the potted papyrusWater-soluble fertilizers for pot plants or fertilizer tablets for of aquarium plants.
An important procedure in the care of potted papyrusis cutting dead stems. This promotes the growth of new and thickening of the plant, and also improves its overall aesthetics.
Cibora grows quite quickly, so it is recommended totransplant papyrus into a larger pot every yearReplant the plant to universal one in spring soil for potted flowers with the addition of charcoal. The addition of carbon reduces the unpleasant sour smell of constantly moist soil.
Cibora variable, papyrus - reproduction
"The propagation of the variable tibia is best done by dividingof older, strongly developed plants.We do this while transplanting papyrus. After removing the plant from the pot, carefully tear the root ball or cut it with a sharp knife. The parts obtained in this way are planted in separate pots.
You can also getcuttings of cyprus from the leaves cut off after the flowers dieThis is a more difficult and long-lasting process. To do this, take a leafy piece of the shoot about 5 cm long (the leafy tip is cut with a 5 cm section of the stem). The leaves are slightly shortened and the whole thing is put in a vessel with water, leaves down (thus opposite to the growth of the plant, i.e. upside down). After about two weeks, white roots should start to appear on the twig. When the roots grow a bit (wait another week to two), place the twig in a pot filled with soil and water it abundantly. "
Cibora variable, papyrus - diseases and pests
Diseases of the variableare extremely rare. Pests attack more often. Aphids and mealybugs can feed on young leaves of potted papyrus. The latter can grow into green flowers at the top of the plant.
Aphids appear in clusters at the tops of the stems and in the axils of young papyrus leavesThese are small, winged or wingless bugs, green or black in color, producing a sticky honeydew that favors the development of black fungus. As a result, it looks as if the plant is covered with a sticky black substance. Natural oil preparations are helpful in combating aphids on houseplants, which, after spraying, cause suffocation of these pests. We can use convenient preparations in containers with a sprayer, which are perfect for home cultivation. These are: Emulpar Spray 750 ml, Substral Multi Insekt 750 ml and Agrocover Spray against AL pests.
If the attack of aphids is very numerous or the spraying with the above-mentioned preparations turns out to be ineffective, you can use the ready-to-use preparation Spruzit Spray against AL pests, which, apart from natural oils, also contains pyrethrins (also of natural origin), which are harmful to aphids. You can also reach for chemical preparations Karate Spray 750 ml or Deltam AL 1L.In their case, the effectiveness is certain, but during spraying, the plant should be taken outside.
Mealybugs attacking potted papyrusare small pests from the group of scots that resemble small lumps of wool ( give off a white sticky woolly discharge that surrounds their bodies). Remove pests with a cotton swab soaked in water and spirit (100 ml of spirit per 1 liter of water). It is a good idea to add one or two drops of dishwashing liquid to the solution, which will make it more effective. After washing the plants, we spray one of the above-mentioned oil preparations: Emulpar Spray 750 ml, Substral Multi Insekt 750 ml, Agrocover Spray for AL pests or Spruzit Spray for AL pests. Repeating the spraying several times at intervals of 7-10 days will prevent the pest from reappearing.
All the above-mentioned preparations for pests of the European Ciborium variable are available in the shop of our guide. To see the offer, press the button below: -)
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