Miconia, also known as the velvet tree or the baby doll tree, is a fast-growing, flowering plant native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. The Miconia plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and produces large, dark green leaves that are velvety to the touch. The plant produces clusters of small, white flowers that have a sweet fragrance. Miconia is a popular houseplant in the United States and can be found in many garden centers and nurseries.
Is it easy to grow Miconia plant? Eventually, it may have small difficulties, but it is easy to take care of the Miconia plant. It does not require a lot of attention and can prosper in different types of soil and climates. The Miconia plant is a beautiful addition to any garden and is relatively easy to maintain.
How big can it be? Sometimes, the leaves of Miconia calvescens can reach gigantic size, up to one meter long and half a meter wide. However, in natural conditions, the plant usually only grows to 15 meters in height. The plant has many branches in the upper part of the main trunk.
How fast is the growth? Although it grows relatively quickly compared to other plants, Miconia require some upkeep to prevent them from becoming overgrown. They can grow up to 1 meter per year under ideal conditions, so regular trimming of new growth is necessary to keep them manageable.
| Plant Form | Shrub |
| Family | Melastomataceae |
| Origin | The extensive genus Mi?onia has over 1000 species, native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. For decorative purposes, the Miconia calvescens, Magnifica and Cyanophyllum magnificum is grown. Now in its wild form it is found in Sri Lanka, Australia, on some islands of the Pacific basin, cultivated in gardens and parks in the Philippines. In Europe, miconia first appeared in the mid-19th century, as a new exotic plant for botanical gardens and greenhouses. In the 30s of the last century, as an ornamental shrub, it was brought to Hawaii, where very soon it grew over a considerable area and began to pose a threat to local plant species. Due to the large surface of the leaves, the miconium thickets prevent the penetration of sunlight into the lower tier of the forest and thereby suppress the growth of the rest of the flora.For this reason, in the US and Australia, M. Calvescens is listed as the most dangerous weed species. |
How long is the lifespan? The Miconia plant is a perennial. Perennials live for more than two years. They often have deep roots and large flowers. Some Miconia plants can live for more than 100 years.
What is the ideal temperature? When growing Miconia it's important to maintain a consistent temperature. The plant is thermophilic, which means it prefers warm temperatures. For successful cultivation, the temperature in the room should not be below 20 degrees. fluctuations in temperature are contraindicated, as the plant will drop its leaves.
What about the humidity? When growing Miconia, it is necessary to maintain high humidity in the room in conjunction with frequent spraying of leaves with warm water. The soil should be kept moist at all times, but not soggy. Miconia can tolerate some drought, but will drop leaves if the soil is allowed to dry out completely.
What amount of light this plant needed? Sometimes, people forget that Miconia is a shade-loving plant. The best lighting arrangement for this plant is to place it on the border of shadow and penumbra. This location provides the Miconia with bright light without causing any harm. However, too much direct sunlight can cause burns on the leaves.
What is good soil for Miconia? Common ly, Miconia plants are found in the rainforest understory. Because of this, the ideal soil mixture for Miconia plants is a loose, fertile mixture of light type, consisting of equal proportions of garden soil, peat, and sand. This type of soil is easy to find and is also relatively inexpensive. However, it is important to make sure that the pot or container in which the Miconia plant is placed has claydite drainage, which is at least a quarter of the volume.
How much I must water Miconia? The reason it needs to be watered so often is to prevent the soil from drying out. The plant does best when the soil is moist but not soggy. If the soil does dry out, the leaves will start to droop and the plant will eventually die.
About fertilizer. If you want your Miconia plant to really thrive, you should feed it once a week during the most intense growing season (spring and summer). The best way to do this is to add the fertilizer directly to the water for irrigation. Use a fertilizer that is specially made for Miconia plants, and dilute it to twice the recommended concentration. This will give your plant the nutrients it needs to grow big and strong.
How to reproduce Miconia? When the temperature is + 71,6-77 ° F, apical cuttings can be rooted in sand and then put the pot on a battery. The pot should be covered with polyethylene. Miconia can also be multiplied by dividing the plant. Another way is probably to sow seeds in early spring. The seeds should be sown in a mixture of moss and peat, sprinkling them on the surface and lightly pressing (do not cover the ground). Pots with seeds should be poured from below, placing in a vessel with water. Next, put the pots in a warm place (on a battery or on a refrigerator) and regularly spray.
Why Miconia won't bloom? If you are looking for a plant that will brighten up your garden with its beautiful blooms, then the Miconia plant is the perfect choice. This plant is known for its ability to bloom 2-3 times a year, and each bloom is characterized by its high fertility. The inflorescence of the Miconia plant resembles a fluffy panicle, which is made up of many small flowers that have a pleasant smell. These flowers can be either white or pink in color. After the flowers have been pollinated, small violet fruit-berries will begin to form. These berries are about 0.4-0.6 cm in size, and there can be more than 500 of them on one panicle. Each of these berries contains 200 very small seeds. This means that one inflorescence of the Miconia plant can yield 100,000 seeds.
How much I must water Miconia? When the Miconia plant blooms, it releases a chemical that inhibits the growth of other plants around it. This allows the Miconia to take over the area, crowding out native plants and eventually killing them. The Miconia plant is native to Central and South America, but it has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including Hawaii. In the spring every year, the Miconia plant blooms and releases a chemical that inhibits the growth of other plants around it. This allows the Miconia to take over the area, crowding out native plants and eventually killing them. The Miconia plant is native to Central and South America, but it has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including Hawaii. The Miconia plant is a major problem in Hawaii because it crowds out native plants, which are important for the ecosystem.
How to care the plant? When planting, it is important to choose a site with well-drained, moist soil and partial shade. The plant does not tolerate full sun or full shade. It is best to plant miconia in the spring or fall. Be sure to water regularly and fertilize monthly during the growing season. In winter, it is important to keep the soil moist, but not wet, and to reduce watering. It is also important to keep the leaves dry, as wet leaves can lead to fungal diseases.
What is the challenge when caring Miconia plant? The leaves are very big, up to 1 meter long. It is quite difficult to grow, not for beginners. In the room collections is very rare.
Are Miconia poisonous? So, the miconia plant is a beautiful, flowering plant that is unfortunately toxic to humans and animals if ingested. The miconia plant is native to South America, specifically Brazil, and can grow up to six feet tall. The miconia plant has large, green leaves and can produce flowers that are either white or pink in color. While the miconia plant is stunning to look at, it is important to keep in mind that it is poisonous if ingested. If you or your pet ingests any part of the miconia plant, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
