How to prune a myrtle tree. How to grow and care for myrtle at home

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Like ordinary myrtle, it is not found in apartments too often. But this plant harmoniously looks in any interior. It looks very attractive and unusual, as you can see if you look at his photo. However, lovers of home floriculture may experience some difficulties when growing myrtle, as it needs to create certain growing conditions and provide proper care.

plant description

Exist different varieties and varieties of this plant, but in indoor floriculture the most famous and popular is the common myrtle. At home, it can grow up to 0.6 m, maximum - up to 1 m.

Can be grown as a compact tree or ornamental bush. Its leaves are small, leathery, shiny and as if polished. Inflorescences of single type. The color of the flowers can be white, cream, pinkish. They have a very pleasant and rather strong aroma. When flowering, many stamens are formed. They give appearance myrtle tenderness and airiness. If pollination occurs, then fruits appear.

Features of growing myrtle

The homeland of the plant is the subtropics with a humid climate. Similar conditions need to be created room myrtle and at home. It grows well on the southern windows in the apartment, feels good on the western and eastern ones, and in winter it can be kept on the north side.

Myrtle needs to create a humid and warm microclimate

loves warmth and high humidity. In addition to abundant watering, the plant should be sprayed with settled water at least 1 time per day, and more often - up to 2-3 times. For creating high humidity the flower pot itself is placed in a tray with wet gravel poured into it. You can also place water containers next to it.

Attention! Myrtle also reacts negatively to short-term drying of the soil. From drying out, it sheds leaves and may even die.

In order for this plant to feel comfortable, it is provided, in addition to high humidity, by the following conditions:

good lighting - in poor light, the myrtle begins to wither and does not bloom, but it is better to shade it from the direct sun on the south side in order to avoid darkening and burns of the leaves;
fresh air - the plant needs ventilation, it is not even afraid of drafts. And in summer period a flower can be placed on the balcony or planted along with a pot in a suburban area;
dormant period - in winter, the myrtle should rest, it should be placed in a cool place with a temperature of about 10 degrees. Water and spray it at this time less often, but without complete drying of the soil. In a cool place, the dormant period lasts about 3 months, while in a warm place it is shorter and is half of this period.

Myrtle Care

A plant like any other home flower need attention. Caring for myrtle, in general, cannot be called too complicated. It consists of:

watering;
spraying foliage;
top dressing;
forming cut.

Myrtle tolerates shaping pruning well

Watering during the warm period is done several times a week. It should be plentiful, but without flooding the flower. excess water immediately removed so that the roots do not rot. In winter, water less often if the flower is kept cool. But when the plant is in warm room, normal watering mode.

Often, lovers of home floriculture do not prune plants, but this is necessary for myrtle. Without this procedure, its crown acquires an unattractive appearance over time. It is better to prune in early spring or after flowering.

Advice. After spring pruning, myrtle may not bloom at all this year. Therefore, for those who expect lush flowering from the plant, it is better to postpone this procedure for autumn.

Myrtle responds well to fertilizing. In the warm period, it is fed about 2-4 times a month. In winter, myrtle also needs top dressing at least once a month. In spring and summer, fertilizers intended for flowering plants are more often used, and in cold period- for decorative and deciduous.

flower transplant

Young plants are best replanted annually. It is not recommended to immediately plant myrtle in a large pot with a margin, it is better to increase its size gradually. To prepare the soil, take 30% of sod and peat land, 20% of humus and sand. You can take purchased soil for planting a plant.

Be sure to use drainage. And for better survival, the roots of the flower can be treated with a stimulant. After transplanting, water abundantly until water begins to seep out of the pot. It is then removed from the pallet. Adult flowers no longer need an annual transplant. In one substrate, they can grow up to 3-4 years.

Advice. In order not to unnecessarily injure the roots of the myrtle during transplantation, it is better to use the method of transferring the plant along with the old clod of earth into a larger prepared pot.

Plant propagation

Many people prefer to independently propagate indoor flowers. To propagate myrtle, you can use one of two methods:

seeds;
cuttings.

myrtle cuttings

Cuttings are a popular and easy way to get a new plant. It can be carried out in winter time early spring or mid-summer. They take a cutting 6-8 cm in size, but not from a flowering branch, process the cut in a stimulator, then plant it in the ground, covering it with glass or transparent film. Rooting will take about 2-3 weeks, after which the plants can be planted individually.

The seed method is also used, but it takes much more time. Just keep in mind that the germination of myrtle seeds lasts only about a year. In addition, the characteristics of the variety with this method may be lost, and the myrtle will begin to bloom much later than with cuttings.

Common myrtle is a beautiful and fragrant plant that creates a special microclimate in the room. Of course, there are some nuances in its cultivation that can scare off newcomers to home floriculture. But caring for myrtle is not as difficult as it seems at first glance, to refuse such an amazing flower.

Myrtle is perfect home plant for lovers of peace, silence, connoisseurs of harmony. The shrub is compact, evergreen, very decorative and, moreover, has healing properties. We will learn how to properly care for myrtle at home, find out all the subtleties and nuances of the content of this wonderful plant.

Myrtle - evergreen shrub small size, comes from a large Myrtle family. The homeland of the plant is the warm regions of the Mediterranean, myrtle is also found in tropical and subtropical zones.

In our country, the plant can also be cultivated in open ground - but only in the south, in the Crimea, in the Caucasus. In most of the territory of Russia, it is better to grow heat-loving myrtle at home, in a pot on the windowsill.

In greenhouse conditions, the bush grows especially strongly, sometimes reaching a height of two meters. In a pot, of course, it is unlikely to reach such sizes.

External characteristic

In myrtle, both leaves and flowers are decorative. Its foliage is rather small, but plentiful. Individual leaves are ovate, elongated, rich dark green and glossy.

The flowers are located either in the axils of the leaves one by one, or are collected in small brushes. There are always an even number of petals: either four or six. More often, myrtle has the usual structure of flowers, but hybrid varieties are also terry. Most of the flowers grow at the top, as the lighting there is the best. Flowers are either white or pink. In addition, the myrtle has fruits - and they are edible. Black berries are formed when the buds fade.

The aroma emanating from the leaves and flowers of the plant has calming properties, helps to relax, unwind. Aromatic glands are located on the leaves of the flower - they can be seen even with the naked eye.

Note that myrtle is a poisonous plant, but to a small extent. In sensitive and allergic people, prolonged inhalation of the aroma of its leaves can cause headaches and nausea.

Species, varieties

Let's take a look at the most common indoor cultivation species and varieties of myrtle.

Ordinary

The most common variety in our country, in literal translation is called Communis. This type of myrtle grows up to half a meter in height, but when grown in open ground and in a greenhouse, it can reach large sizes. The plant is evergreen, has small leathery foliage, shiny and decorative.

Variegated

The foliage of this plant is more decorative due to its variegation, spotting. On the surface of the leaves you can see stripes, spots, dots of an interesting amber hue.

The flowers of variegated myrtle are also beautiful: although they are small, they have a wonderful beige-white hue, decorative golden stamens. In addition, the flowers also smell very pleasant. Perfect option for home cultivation.

large-leaved

This species is distinguished by particularly pronounced healing and antibacterial properties. In the fight against colds, sore throats, flu, SARS, large-leaved myrtle can provide invaluable assistance. In addition, the plant is able to disinfect the air in the room, kill the pathogenic microbes and sticks that are in it.

This myrtle reaches a height of 3-4 meters, that is, it is not cultivated at home. The leaves are large, pointed, the flowers are snow-white with pronounced golden stamens.

Growing conditions

We will find out in what conditions myrtle should be grown at home.

Location and lighting

It is better to grow myrtle under the condition of abundant bright lighting. The plant is able to tolerate direct sunlight, but in summer, with especially scorching heat, it is still better to shade. In the shade, the plant, although it can survive, will not bloom. In this way, the best choice places for this plant will be a window sill on the south or west side of the house.

Temperature and drafts

Myrtle grows well in cool conditions, despite its southern origin. Moderate air temperature is what you need: a range from +18 to +23 degrees is suitable. But in winter, you need to keep the plant in a cold room, at a temperature not higher than + 6-8 degrees. This measure will ensure that myrtle blooms luxuriantly next season.

An adult plant is not afraid of drafts and cool breaths of air. On the contrary, frequent airing will benefit the myrtle, and besides, it will help spread the healing phytoncides emitted by the plant throughout the house. In summer, you can take the plant to the balcony, to the garden: moist, clean air will only benefit the plant.

Soil composition

The following soil composition is optimal for growing myrtle:

sod land;
peat;
humus;
river sand.

All listed components are taken in equal proportions.

Features of home care

We will find out what kind of care myrtle needs at home.

Watering

The plant needs timely watering in sufficient volume. Myrtle loves moisture very much and will not last long without it. During the growing season, keep the potting soil constantly moist.

In addition to direct watering of the soil, the leaves of the plant also need to be moistened: they must be sprayed periodically. Shower procedures can be arranged from time to time. Showers and sprays are needed mainly in the heat of summer. In winter, these procedures are not required, and even harmful.

When the temperature drops by autumn, the amount and frequency of watering should be reduced. But in any case, it is important not to allow the earthen clod to dry out: in the dried soil, the myrtle will throw off all the foliage, and it may dry out itself. The transition to the "reduced rate" should be gradual, starting in the fall.

The other extreme is also undesirable - waterlogging. This can lead to rotting of the roots, so make sure that there is no stagnation of moisture in the pot. Use soft and warm water.

top dressing

The introduction of additional nutrition is necessary for myrtle for a prosperous existence. During the growing season, top dressing is applied once every couple of weeks; in winter, the plant does not need additional nutrition. You can use complex minerals intended for flowers.

If you want to enjoy the lush flowering of myrtle, use mainly phosphorus top dressing. And to get an evergreen bonsai, use nitrogen compounds.

pruning

In our country, ordinary myrtle is most often grown at home - and unlike some other varieties, it tolerates pruning remarkably. Even from a non-flowering plant, with the right pruning, it is quite possible to get a neat tree like a bonsai.

When cutting off the top of the myrtle, keep in mind that it will acquire a classic fan-shaped bush. And cut straight side shoots, you can end up with a lush elegant tree.

When pruning, the trunk of the plant should not be exposed much, it is necessary to leave more side shoots on it. And for flowering, not too strong pruning is important: if you get carried away, you can radically remove flower buds.

Transfer

Since the myrtle does not grow too fast, it can be kept in one pot for one year. He does not need an annual transplant, unlike many other plants. However, sooner or later, the old pot "outgrows" the myrtle and needs a new "home". We add that young plants for the first three to five years are still transplanted annually.

It is recommended to transplant in early spring- before sap flow begins after winter. Use a standard substrate of soddy soil, peat and humus and do not forget about the obligatory drainage layer. The pot must be selected only a couple of centimeters in diameter larger than the previous one.

reproduction

At home, myrtle can be propagated both by seeds and cuttings. The first method is long, but if there are no cuttings, it is indispensable. If there is a choice, then propagation by cuttings is preferable: it is simpler, more efficient and faster. More on both methods below.

seeds

In this case, the loss of varietal characteristics of the plant is possible, since sometimes the seeds are collected from hybrid bushes. It is necessary to understand this risk when deciding on seed propagation. Note that myrtle reproduces well only on condition of fresh seeds - they have the best germination.

Before planting, inspect the seeds and select the strongest of them, devoid of damage and rot. Free planting material from the pericarp, then washing for disinfection in a solution of potassium permanganate. Be sure to dry the seeds before dropping them into the ground.

Pour light nutrient soil into shallow containers. Seeds are planted to a depth of half a centimeter. From above, the container is covered with a film or glass, after which shoots should be expected in a warm, well-lit place. Protect the container from direct sunlight.

Seeds need daily ventilation, but for a limited time. It is recommended to moisten the soil by spraying, avoiding either waterlogging or overdrying of the soil.

After one and a half to two months, shoots appear. After that, the film should be removed and a little seedlings should be grown. When two leaves appear on the shoots, they dive into separate pots. When the shoots reach 15-20 cm in height, pinch their tops for greater branching of the shrub. Myrtle grown from seeds will begin to bloom in the fifth year of its life.

cuttings

This method is much simpler and more convenient than the previous one. Myrtle cuttings root easily, and long wait for flowering young plant won't have to. In addition, varietal characteristics in this case are transmitted completely.

It is recommended to plant cuttings of myrtle either in January-February or June-July. These periods are most suitable for the rooting of the shoot and its further development and growth. Most often, however, flower growers choose winter time.

The algorithm of actions in this case is as follows:

Cut off a shoot from an adult plant in early summer. The shoot must be taken from the top of the myrtle and must not bloom. On the resulting cutting, there must be 3-4 pairs of leaves.
The length of the cut off shoot should be from five to eight centimeters. It is recommended to cut off the leaves from below.
Place the lower part of the cutting (by 1 cm) in the Phytohormone solution, thus keeping it for two hours. After the root stimulator, rinse the cutting with clean water.
Landing is carried out in a peat-sand substrate. The cutting is deepened by three knots and placed in the ground at an angle of 45-50 degrees.
For more efficient and faster rooting, the cutting needs to create greenhouse conditions. To do this, it is covered with a film on top or plastic bottle with cut neck.
The cutting for rooting should be placed in a warm place, without access to sunlight. Regularly, the escape must be freed from shelter and aired.
A month later, the plant usually takes root. After that, the shelter is removed and the myrtle is placed on a well-lit windowsill.
Further care is standard, as for an adult flower. Propagation by cuttings leads to the flowering of a young shrub in 2-3 years.

Bloom

In the case of seed propagation, the myrtle blooms in the fifth year, and in the case of cuttings, in the second or third. However, it is important to consider that in order to obtain flowers in spring, the myrtle should not be heavily cut. Pruning removes flower buds, so you can not wait for the buds in the current season. If you want to enjoy flowering myrtle, we recommend that you postpone pruning until autumn.

Myrtle blooms in June-July. To get healthy and beautiful flowers, necessary:

properly care for the shrub;
regularly ventilate the room or take the pot out to the balcony, to the garden.

If the myrtle is not properly cared for or kept in inappropriate conditions, the plant may well get sick, which will reduce the likelihood of flowering to a minimum. In addition, the shrub rarely blooms when kept in a poorly ventilated room with stagnant air.

Diseases, pests and other problems

Consider what problems arise when growing myrtle and how these problems can be dealt with.

root rot

Myrtle often gets sick due to improper watering. It is important to prevent waterlogging of the soil and stagnant phenomena in it, while maintaining the substrate moderately moist. From an excess of water, the roots of the plant rot, as a result of which the flower sometimes dies.

fall leaves

Dry air with insufficient watering leads to falling and twisting of the foliage. But this problem is easy to deal with: you just need to start regular spraying of the plant and resume watering it.

Leaves can also wither when water stagnates in the ground. But in this case, they will not dry out, but will acquire a wet, sluggish structure.

Poor growth or no growth

The causes of the problem can be different: most often these are lack of care or improper maintenance of the plant. However, it should be noted that myrtle, in principle, grows slowly, so you should not panic ahead of time.

spider mite

Sometimes the myrtle is attacked by a spider mite. This pest can be recognized by the small white cobwebs that stand out against the background of the leaves. If found, wash the foliage with warm soapy water, you can also use tobacco infusion. If the mite has multiplied significantly, it is better to use insecticides: but only by taking the pot out into the open air.

Shchitovka

This pest can also attack myrtle: dark spots on the foliage will serve as a symptom. Insecticides are ineffective against scale insects, since the solid shield shell protects the insect well. Get rid of the pest by washing the foliage with a tobacco-soap caustic solution. If you can see the insects well, you can also remove them mechanically - with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

Aphid

This pest can quickly lead to drying and curling of foliage, and then to the complete loss of myrtle of its decorative effect. Aphids settle on the leaves from below, feeding on the juice of the flower. This pest will have to be controlled with insecticides, since folk methods are ineffective here. Yes, and the aphids multiply too quickly.

We learned how to grow myrtle at home. The plant is famous for its beauty and medicinal properties: you won't regret it if you get it. Well, the tips from the article will help you more competently approach the cultivation of this wonderful homemade evergreen shrub.

We take care of the myrtle correctly

How to properly care for myrtle at home

Myrtle - this is very interesting plant belonging to the corresponding Myrtle family. It grows in the Mediterranean countries with subtropical climatic conditions. Actually, the name itself is Greek origin and derived from the word "incense". This name is explained by the fact that the leaves and flowers of this plant contain essential oils which emit a very pleasant and soothing aroma.

Outwardly myrtle - This is a beautiful small tree with elongated and pointed leaves located opposite. The leaves have a bright green color, their petioles are short.

How to water?

When caring for myrtle, it is very important to ensure regular watering: we must not forget that the plant comes from the subtropics, and therefore loves moisture very much. Along with watering, the tree should be sprayed daily. If the earth is not sufficiently moistened, the plant will begin to turn yellow and dry.

Both spraying and watering should be carried out exclusively with settled water.

AT winter period irrigation rules are changing somewhat: it is necessary to switch to moderate regime, i.e. one watering per week. There is also no need for spraying (unless the tree is left in a warm room).

Lighting

It is best to have myrtle on the south side of the house. In principle, myrtle will grow on the east side, and not even the west. But it is in this place, on the southern windows, that the plant will feel as comfortable as possible and will be able to bloom. At the same time, keep in mind that at noon, especially in summer, the tree should be somewhat shaded. To do this, use a screen or curtain.

Temperature and Humidity

When choosing temperature regime again, the natural habitat of the plant should be taken into account. For this reason, summer optimal temperature is about 22-24 degrees. It will be useful to take the tree out into the garden or onto the balcony. With the constant presence of myrtle in the apartment, do not forget to ventilate the room.

In winter, it is necessary to reduce the temperature to 10 degrees.

With all this, it is necessary to provide an appropriate level of humidity: in summer it should be quite high.

A little about nutrition

When caring for myrtle, you can safely use comprehensive fertilizers intended for flowering houseplants. In the summer, the optimal feeding frequency is weekly. In winter, this can be done monthly.

Myrtle transplant

The process of transplanting myrtle

Myrtle is a slow growing plant, and therefore it is not recommended to transplant it too often. However, all young trees should be replanted annually, increasing pot volume. Adult plants can be in one pot for about 3-4 years.
The most optimal time for transplantation is the winter period, when the tree is at rest.

The whole transplant process looks like this:

It is first recommended to dry the earthen ball, for which do not water for several days. This will make it easier to extract the plant;
Then you simply need to turn the old pot over from the plant and carefully pull out the tree, holding it by the base of the trunk;
The roots of the plant must be treated with some kind of stimulant, which will improve the survival rate of the myrtle;
The new pot is filled with expanded clay. Do not forget about drainage;
Then the substrate is prepared. By the way, both during the initial landing, and subsequently the best option the substrate is peat and sod land (30% each), as well as humus and river or sifted sand (20% each);
The finished substrate is poured into the bottom of the pot;
The plant is installed in a new pot, covered with a substrate, leveled;
After transplanting, water the myrtle abundantly until water seeps out of the drainage hole;

After all the stages, the tree is transferred to a shaded place.

Reproduction of myrtle

Myrtle breeding methods

There are two ways of reproduction of myrtle:

cuttings;
Seeds.

Propagation by cuttings will occur if the soil temperature reaches 25 degrees. This is extremely important condition.

Reproduction is carried out with the help of apical cuttings.

The stalk, which has reached a length of 7-9 cm, must be cut from the side shoot. You can also use a shorter cutting (5-7 cm), but in this case it is necessary to cut it off from the main, but not flowering, shoot. The lower leaves must be removed, and the formed cut should be processed using Kornevin.
The next step is planting cuttings. A mixture of sand and peat is ideal for this purpose. The cuttings are placed in this mixture and covered with a loose film on top. The rooting process takes place room temperature. Its result occurs approximately 2-3 weeks later.

After the allotted time, the cuttings can already be planted in separate containers.

Another breeding option is using seeds. This method has a significant drawback: the seeds germinate for a long time. But many are already familiar with such difficulties and may try to grow myrtle in this way. For propagation by seeds, you need to prepare a substrate consisting of peat and sand. The mixture is also recommended to sprinkle a little soil. The substrate and soil are covered with plastic wrap on top.

For successful germination, two conditions are important:

Provide diffused light;
Monitor the temperature, which should be maintained at 21 degrees.

No less important when this method breeding to form a crown:

It is necessary to pinch the sprout at a certain height. Flowering of young plants should be expected in the second or third year.

Those who wish to receive myrtle flowers should know that for this they should not cut the plant in spring period. In general, it is better to postpone pruning until flowering is over.

The flowering period is the beginning and middle of summer, June-July. To make flowers beautiful, two rules must be observed:

Provide proper care for the tree;
Provide constant access to fresh air for the plant.

Improper care will lead to the development of diseases, and in this case, it will no longer be necessary to talk about flowering. Flowering is not observed even with the content of myrtle in room conditions where stagnant air prevails.

The flowers themselves on the tree in question are arranged as follows:

Either in the leaf axils singly;
Or being collected in a brush.

Petals are usually 4-6, the flowers themselves are simple and double. The main part of the flowers is located in the upper part of the plant, since that is where the best illumination is.

Diseases and pests of myrtle, methods of dealing with them

To begin with, we note that there are no special diseases or serious problems in myrtle. But individual ailments can still sometimes occur.

For example, in conditions of poorly drained soil, a tree can develop root rot . Some problems may arise due to non-compliance with the key rules of care: providing insufficient lighting, poor watering. It is important to always take into account the fact that myrtle is a very whimsical plant, and therefore each condition for its care must be observed as accurately as possible.

Also, the tree is often attacked by insects: it can be thrips, scale insects, spider mites, aphid. For this reason, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the plant and, if there are any negative signs, carefully examine it for the presence of insects. This requirement is especially relevant in relation to old plants.

If there were pests discovered, then you need to purchase the appropriate drug to combat them. Such a tool must be used in strict accordance with instruction.

Frequently Asked Questions on Growing Myrtle

Questions most often asked by readers

Those who grow myrtle quite often have certain questions. We will consider the most common of them, and also try to give the most detailed answers.

Myrtle not growing?

The lack of tree growth may be associated with various factors. Here it is necessary, firstly, to take into account that myrtle, in principle, does not grow too fast. In addition, one should not expect active growth from him at the very first stages of development. For the rest, try to provide quality care and feed the plant well.

Myrtle not blooming?

The tree will not bloom in several cases. So, if you cut a plant in the spring, then about flowering in current year should be forgotten. There will be no flowers even when the myrtle is kept in a poorly ventilated room.

Are myrtle leaves withering?

In winter, myrtle may be left without leaves if the temperature of its content is too high for a dormant period. A similar picture can be observed if the basic rules relating to watering the plant, spraying it and feeding it are not followed. So, the leaves of a tree can wither when water stagnates in the pan. Or maybe, on the contrary, with excessive drying of the soil between waterings. Among other things, the cause of leaf wilting can be an excess of sunlight. Therefore, when the first signs of myrtle wilting are found, it is important to move it to a place protected from sunlight, adjust watering and start spraying more often.

Is he poisonous?

Myrtle leaves are slightly poisonous. Prolonged exposure to the substances contained in the leaves can cause most sensitive people nausea, headache.

Video on caring for myrtle at home

Thus, when caring for myrtle, it is important to understand that this plant does not accept any deviation from the key rules for caring for it. We must not forget about the frequency and abundance of watering, about spraying, about top dressing. It is necessary to provide the plant with an influx of fresh air. Finally, periodically it is necessary to transplant it. If you follow all the tips and take into account all the nuances, you can fully enjoy the beauty of this unusual tree.

Myrtle (Myrtus) belongs to the genus of evergreen shrubs and trees of the myrtle family. grows in North Africa, Western Asia, on the islands caribbean, Florida, Azores, Europe. Myrtle in Greek means "balm".

Myrtle is an evergreen woody shrub with straight, profusely branching stems. The leaves are dark green, leathery and dense, fastened on short petioles, oblong and pointed to the edge. Myrtle leaves have numerous small glands that can be seen in the light, it is they who secrete aromatic substances and essential oils. The flowers are white or pink, fragrant, arranged singly or in racemes on thin peduncles. The fruits are edible black berries, on which the flower calyx is attached.

When buying myrtle, you need to understand that the plant has a pronounced dormant period. This means that myrtle needs to be cared for differently in summer and winter. Because of this feature, myrtle can be in different places depending on the temperature in the house and the time of year. The most favorable time for the plant is summer. Mirt is very fond of Fresh air, so the plant can even be dug together with the pot into the ground, for example, in the garden. Before you dig in, you need to think and decide on the place where the myrtle will grow.

Myrtle is in great demand among flower lovers. But quite often, when growing myrtle at home, various problems occur. For example, myrtle sheds leaves. This may be due to improper content of myrtle. Something similar can be observed when growing such famous plants, like or . Caring for myrtle is quite simple, but still has its own nuances.