This plant belongs to a separate species and is considered an independent plant. Despite the fact that it is inherently Tradiscantia, it takes its definite place among indoor plants. At the same time, zebrina is very different from many Tradiscans. Firstly, by its colors, as a result of which it got its name. But not everyone knows that this plant has a whole range of unique healing properties. If you list a number of diseases that Zebrin can cure, this will be a huge list, which includes diseases such as cholera. At the same time, it helps to get rid of burns.
It has the natural properties of an air purifier, like the entire family of Tradiscantia, including spathiphyllum, chlorophytum, etc. Thanks to her abilities, she can successfully replace her other relative – Callisia, or rather, its kind of Golden Mustache. Its antibacterial properties and the ability to heal wounds put it next to well-known plants such as Kalanchoe and aloe.
Among other things, this plant is simply adored by pets, especially cats, who see in it a substitute for those herbs that they find on the street if they feel bad. It is quite possible that if there is a cat in the house, then he will definitely graze on it. At the same time, not only cats love her, but also birds, turtles, etc.
Caring for a zebra at home
Caring for this plant is the same as caring for Tradiscantia, with some differences.
Location and Light
This is an ampelous plant and its place on a separate stand or when organizing a suspended version. Zebrina is very fond of light, so the best place may be a partition between two windows, where there is enough light and there is no direct sunlight that can destroy the plant. In this case, it is very important that the room where the zebrin is located is constantly and regularly ventilated.
It should not be allowed that there is no smoke in the room due to smoking. Zebrin may not survive such extreme conditions.
In the summer, it will not be superfluous to take it out to fresh air. Sometimes it is planted in open ground, just like geranium or tuberous begonia, where it looks very good.
Temperature conditions
In the summer, she feels good at room temperature, and in the winter, it can be reduced to + 13 ยฐ C, but not lower.
Watering, feeding, air humidity
Many argue that this plant loves abundant watering, but the other half of the gardeners say otherwise. Most likely, optimal watering is needed for the normal development of this plant, because excess moisture is harmful and the plant begins to lose its decorative effect, while the soil should not be overdried. Optimal watering is that at normal room temperature, it is enough to water the zebrin twice a week. In winter, the dose is halved.
Air humidity does not particularly affect the development of the plant, since it feels great in dry air, although more humid is preferable. In order to somehow compensate for the lack of air humidity, the plant should be regularly sprayed.
You should be very careful with fertilizers so that they do not harm, because excess fertilizer also has a negative effect on the zebrin. Top dressing is done with full mineral fertilizers, while their dose should be half as much as recommended.
Planting and transplanting
Zebrin does not need a transplant, since its life, as a decorative element, is rather short. She is interesting in the first 3 years of her life, after which she will lose her attractiveness. Therefore, it is better to grow a new plant than replanting an old one, which is what many growers do, especially since this is quite simple to do.
When planting, you can use a fairly simple recipe for preparing soil:
- 2 pieces of leafy land.
- 2 parts of turf land.
- 1 part of the sand.
Reproduction
Propagating this plant is as easy as shelling pears and can be done throughout the year by rooting cuttings. The breeding technology of zebrins is similar to the breeding technology of Tradescantia, ivy, hoya, stephanotis, etc. Cuttings can be rooted in various ways, including in water. But it will be easier if the cutting is planted directly into the ground. To do this, you need to take a small (11cm in diameter) pot and plant several cuttings in it at once, next to the walls of the pot. Once the cuttings have taken root, they can be planted in pots or left to grow.
Useful properties of zebrin
Many breeds, even in ancient times, have used this plant as a medicine. In Buddhist monasteries, this plant had a cult character and was certainly cultivated. Latin Americans used the crushed leaves of this plant and applied to purulent and other wounds, as well as to tumors and bruises. Fresh zebrin juice helped soothe pain and help with tuberculosis. In Cuba, various diseases were treated by ingesting a decoction of its leaves. These were diseases such as colitis, flatulence, cholera and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Studies have shown that it contains unique elements that can lower blood sugar levels, as well as natural phytoncides that can kill germs and viruses. This is the reason for its high antibacterial activity.
Zebrina, settling in an apartment, will help purify the air, which will lead to ease of breathing. She very subtly feels how environmentally friendly the dwelling is. If the housing has geopathogenic problems, then the zebrin may not take root.
