Content of the article:
Fatloss is an insectivorous perennial plant that belongs to the family Lentilus( Lentibulariaceae).Despite the fact that it is a predatory flower, it is often grown in indoor conditions. However, it is difficult to call zhiryanka decorative culture. Its use in the interior is rather exotic. In the people, this unusual indoor flower is often called oil grass.
Zhyryanka: photos and general description of
The extratropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere mostly serve as natural environment. Another homeland plants - South America. In the European part grows at least twelve species. In Russia, this genus is represented by only 6-7 species. Most common zhiryanka ordinary. Its leaves practically "sit", have an oblong-elliptical shape. They taper to the base and reach a length of not more than 4 cm. This species mainly grows on peat bogs, mosses, meadows, along the banks of streams.
How to feed a plant?
Zhiryanka is an insectivorous plant, and therefore fertilizing should be appropriate. It should be fed exclusively by insects. To do this, put a small piece of sweet fruit next to a flower( you can melon).In a short period of time small fruit flies will fly to it. However, many experts urge not to feed the plant on purpose. Under suitable conditions, the flower will independently find "food" by catching the midge.
How does insect fishing occur?
In Zhiryanka delicate flowers, resembling in appearance the inflorescences of violets. The leaves are brightly light green in color, form a rosette in the aggregate. This is the only plant of its kind, which has real roots. Its name comes from the word "pinguis", which means "fat."This name is due to the presence of fleshy, succulent leaves that have a shiny surface. There are many tiny pieces of iron on it that secrete a secret in the form of mucus.
First of all, sugar is formed on the leaves in order to attract insects, and then digestive enzymes for their digestion. If the “victim” is small enough, then the plant is limited to the sticking effect. If the prey is larger, then the zhiryanka plant can roll its leaf, but not as pronounced as happens with sundew.
Watering and Humidity
As with all insectivorous plants, fatty plants need to be watered with distilled water from a pan. Unlike other species, it is quite unpretentious and can even put up with rainwater. In extreme cases, tap water will do. But if you want the plant to develop successfully, it is better to avoid water with such a composition. Watering must be lower, from the pallet, otherwise the flower may die. In summer, the frequency of watering - every 2 days. In winter, watering can be reduced to once a week.
The humidity in the room should vary between 40-75%.
Very low moisture levels can be disastrous. In general, the plant feels great in the terrarium, as it prefers a moist atmosphere. The only thing that should be strictly avoided is spraying the plant, because its leaves constantly produce mucus that is necessary for the nutritional process.
It is strictly forbidden to wash the flower under the shower or to carry out any other procedure in which water falls on the leaves.
Location and lighting
Zhiryanki able to grow normally even with poor natural light. In order for a flower to develop properly, it will be enough just 3 hours a day to leave it under intense sunlight. It is advisable to do this in the evening or in the morning. Daytime ultraviolet will have a negative impact. The most optimal growing environment is windowsills in the western or eastern part of the house. Worst of all, the plant suffers heat in the summer, so this crop is often grown in florariums, where lighting devices are installed. Deep shadow is also not the best condition for Zhiryanka, but in the penumbra she will feel comfortable.
Transplantation and substrate
The most successful substrates are acidic, having a classic composition. It should be noted that the soil should be mandatory for predatory crops. It can be a mixture of peat and perlite. Instead of perlite, coarse sand or other additional components for the substrate are suitable. The transplanting process is extremely simple. To do this, simply remove the flower from the soil with a lump, and then remove the substrate from the root system. After this, a small depression is made in a pot completely filled with a new earthen mixture. This predatory flower is installed in it. The final touch is watering with suitable water composition.
