Caring for a Myrtle Houseplant at Home (+19 photos)

Myrtle was known as far back as Ancient Greece, where its inhabitants considered it a symbol of happiness. Wild myrtle varieties can be found in Europe, North Africa, the Azores, and the Caribbean islands. Wild myrtle can reach 5 meters in height, while indoor plants form small trees up to 1 meter tall.

Characteristics of indoor flowers with photos and species diversity

Myrtle forms upright stems that branch well. The dark green leaves are oblong with slightly pointed edges. The leathery leaves grow on short petioles, creating a fairly dense crown. Leaflet length varies from 2 to 5 cm. Leaf shape varies by species; for example, Hekwen myrtle has wrinkled edges. A distinctive feature of the flower is the pleasant scent of the foliage.

The plant's flowers are borne singly in leaf axils or clustered in inflorescences. Most myrtles have white flowers, but some have pink hues. Flowering begins in early summer, and in autumn, the tree bears edible fruits, which are red or dark blue.

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There are over 100 known species of this plant. Florists distinguish the following varieties:

1. Variegated myrtle produces beautiful variegated leaves with stripes and dots along the edges. To maintain its vibrant color, this species requires good light. In a comfortable environment, the plant produces compact white flowers with a beige tint.

   

   

2. Myrtus tarentina is a dwarf plant derived from the common myrtle. It is characterized by abundant, snow-white blooms. The small flowers are gathered in small inflorescences. The plant has a pleasant aroma due to its high essential oil content. The elongated leaves grow up to 1.5 cm in length.

   

   

3. Lemon myrtle is quite common in the tropical climate of Australia. This variety is widely used in cooking due to its distinct lemon scent. The leaves are used to make sauces, drinks, syrups, and various seasonings. The snow-white flowers are gathered in dense inflorescences, which can be seen in the photo.

   

   

4. Myrtus communis is a compact evergreen tree. A profusion of snow-white flowers forms among the elongated leaves. This variety is popularly known as "dead tree."

   

Caring for myrtle at home

Like most houseplants, myrtle requires specific conditions and attention from the grower. With proper care, the tree will surely reward you with beautiful and abundant blooms.

Location and lighting

The plant prefers bright light, but on hot days it is better to shade it a little from direct rays.

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Temperature and humidity

From the onset of spring until the onset of winter frosts, the optimal growing temperature is 20°C. In winter, myrtle requires cool conditions with an air temperature of around 7°C.

This tropical plant requires high humidity. Dry indoor air negatively impacts both flowering and overall health. Regular foliar misting is recommended, especially on hot days.

Watering and fertilizing

In spring and summer, water the plant regularly and generously with settled, room-temperature water. Watering should begin after the top layer of the soil has dried. During the fall and winter, watering should be significantly reduced. It's important to constantly monitor the soil; it should remain moderately moist. Don't allow the soil to dry out completely. Also, avoid stagnant water in the pot, which promotes disease.

During the growing season, the plant requires weekly feeding, although some gardeners feed it every two weeks. For abundant flowering, choose fertilizers high in phosphorus. If you prefer a compact tree, feed with nitrogen-containing fertilizers. Beginners are advised to purchase complete liquid fertilizers. It's best to apply nutrients the day after watering.

There's a fertilizer specifically designed for this species called "Myrtle." It contains concentrated vermicompost and water. Shake the contents of the container and dilute with water at a ratio of 1:5. Water the plant generously until water appears in the tray.

Kemira Combi mineral fertilizer is a pink powder that dissolves easily in water. This fertilizer is ideal for flowers, as it does not contain calcium, which negatively impacts their development. It contains a balanced blend of the following nutrients:

• phosphorus;
• nitrogen;
• magnesium;
• potassium;
• copper;
• sulfur;
• zinc;
• manganese;
• selenium;
• molybdenum.

There's also a similar fertilizer called "Fertika," which has the same properties and composition. These solutions can be used twice a month.

Pruning, pinching

Regular pruning promotes crown formation. This procedure is performed in the spring. Timely pinching as needed, regardless of the time of year, increases crown density.

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Particular attention should be paid to shaping pruning. Without shaping, the tree will likely develop a pyramidal shape. Topping the plant creates a bushy appearance. Removing the sides can result in a more lush tree. Pruning does not affect the flowering period, but it's important to remember that too frequent pinching will reduce the number of flowers.

It's best not to prune a young tree, but to pinch it slightly to create the desired shape. Pruning is only done on plants whose trunks are already sufficiently strong.

Winter period

With the onset of autumn, the plant prepares for a period of rest. During this time, watering is reduced and fertilizers are gradually phased out. During the resting period, water once a week if the soil has dried out.

During rest, move the pot to a cool, bright room, where the temperature should not exceed 10°C. If the plant's leaves fall, it's a sign of high temperatures. This is not a concern, as new foliage will grow in spring. Misting is only necessary if the plant is overwintering in a warm location. Fertilizing should be avoided or applied only once a month.

Diseases and pests

Diseases and pests often attack plants due to improper care. Dry air and lack of moisture are ideal conditions for aphids, scale insects, and spider mites.

In the early stages of scale insect infestation, it's very difficult to detect the insects. The pest reproduces quickly, covering the above-ground parts of the plant with dark spots. Scale insects are removed with a damp cotton pad, and the myrtle is treated with Actellic insecticide.

Aphids live on the underside of leaves and suck the sap from the flower. Weakened leaves curl and dry out. Special insecticides are used to control them.

Spider mites can also be found on the undersides of leaves. The pest covers its habitat with a thin white web. The foliage should be thoroughly washed with water or a weak tobacco infusion. Insecticides can also be used to control the pests.

With proper care, the plant rarely gets sick. Frequent and excessive watering can trigger root rot. The disease can also be present in soil that wasn't disinfected before planting. The plant becomes weak and loses its leaves. To combat root rot, use the following products:

1. Maxim. Dilute one ampoule of the product in 1 liter of water and water the plant with 100 ml per day. The product is also suitable for spraying.
2. Discor. To prepare the solution, take 5 g of the active ingredient and 10 liters of water.
3. Baikal EM-1. The solution is made from 1 liter of water and 10 ml of the preparation.

If infected, cut off the damaged areas, replant the myrtle in fresh soil and reduce watering.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZnrzR6JijY

How to propagate and transplant a flower at home?

The tree can be propagated by cuttings and seeds. Both methods produce good results and are ideal for propagation at home.

Seeds

Prepare a substrate for the seeds, which should consist of equal parts peat soil and sand. Before sowing, moisten the soil with a weak fungicide solution.

Place the seeds on the soil and cover them with a layer of potting mix. Cover the container with glass or film. Regularly ventilate and moisten the mini-greenhouse. The first sprouts appear 7-10 days after planting.

After 2-3 leaves have formed, young seedlings are transplanted into separate containers.

Cuttings

Cuttings are taken as follows:

1. Cuttings are taken from a lateral or main shoot, making sure it is free of buds. The cuttings should be at least 7 cm long.

   

2. Leaves are removed from the lower part of the planting material.
3. The upper leaves are trimmed a little.
4. The cuttings are treated with Kornevin to stimulate the development of the root system and are planted in a substrate of coarse sand and leaf soil.
5. The container is covered with insulating material and transferred to a cool, shady place.

   

6. The planting material is regularly sprayed and watered, not forgetting to periodically ventilate the greenhouse.

Roots form within a month, after which the cuttings can be transplanted into separate pots.

Transfer

Myrtle isn't a fast-growing houseplant, so it's repotted once every three years. Don't forget this procedure, as the plant has absorbed all the nutrients from the soil during its growth, and new soil will have a positive effect on its development. Repotting is best done in winter.

A few days before repotting, stop watering the myrtle to make it easier to remove from the pot. Carefully lift the tree out of the container, holding it by the trunk.

The new pot should be slightly larger than the old one, as the myrtle is unlikely to bloom in a pot that's too spacious. Fill the bottom of the pot with a layer of good drainage material. Add a layer of potting soil on top, then place the plant in the pot and cover with soil. When planting, avoid burying the trunk; it should be above ground. Afterward, water the plant generously and place it in a shaded area for a while.

The beneficial and harmful properties of myrtle

Besides its decorative value, myrtle also has medicinal properties. The essential oils secreted by its above-ground parts have a detrimental effect on bacteria and viruses. The flower has a positive effect on productivity, normalizes the nervous system, and increases resistance to viral diseases.

In folk medicine, this plant is widely used to prepare various tinctures, poultices, and oils. Myrtle-based remedies are used to treat colds, skin conditions, herpes, sore throats, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

An indoor myrtle will make a unique addition to any home. However, before purchasing, it's a good idea to ensure you're not allergic to the essential oils this plant produces.