Aukuba Japanese home care photo propagation by cuttings photo of a golden tree. Aukuba japonica: original golden tree Aukuba species

Among decorative leafy plants, there are not so many shrubs and trees. The most interesting variations of speckled patterns on luxurious leaves are offered by a rare, but therefore even more valuable aucuba. Despite the presence of bright berries and many unique features, it is for the drawings on the leaves that this beauty is considered one of the brightest exotics. Aucuba is not the easiest plant to grow. But all she needs is a cool winter and regular standard care.

Japanese aucuba (Aucuba japonica). © pflanzmich

Plants of the genus Aucuba (Aucuba) represent the family in room culture Gariyevs (Garryaceae), although earlier they were attributed to the Kizilovs. This plant is a typical inhabitant of the humid subtropics. In nature, aucubas can only be found in the forests of East Asia. As an ornamental plant, aucuba began to be considered immediately after its import into Europe; by the beginning of the 19th century, the plant was widely distributed in room and greenhouse culture.

Aukuba are dioecious evergreen shrubs and trees. Even in nature, their maximum height is limited to 3 m. The leaves sit opposite, large, lanceolate or oval-lanceolate, with a pointed tip. Shoots are thin, but strong. Basic species are rare, superseded by varieties and decorative forms with original small or large specks on the leaves. Aucuba blooms can be disappointing, but when grown with male and female plants and cross-pollinated, very beautiful berries ripen after it. Outwardly, the fruits of aukuba most of all resemble the fruits of dogwood.

In room culture, aucubas are mainly represented by a plant that has earned the nickname sausage or golden tree - aukuba japanese (Aucuba japonica). Shoots are green even after lignification. The oval-lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate leaves of the plant seem elegant and bright. The maximum length of the leaves is up to 20 cm with a width of about 6 cm. The edge of the leaf can be either solid or serrated. On a bright green base color, speckles and spots of various sizes and shapes appear, but always golden in color. The play of the mottled pattern on the bright surface was the reason for the nickname of the sausage tree. Speckled drawings really resemble a cut of a slice of sausage or a piece of gold-bearing rock. When cross-pollinated, bright red fruits are tied on the bushes.

The basic variety, the species plant, is quite rare for sale. Japanese aukuba is represented mainly by varieties and decorative forms. The most popular to this day are:

• variegata with small golden specks over the entire surface of the sheet;
• painted form with a yellow center and dark green edges of leaf blades;
• marble form with a beautiful creamy golden speck on the leaves;
• long-leaved form with narrow lanceolate leaves, outwardly somewhat reminiscent of willows;
• golden form with almost yellow foliage;
• palmate form with decorated jagged edges of elongated oval leaves;
• crotonoid form with white and golden spots on the leaves;
• variety "Gold Dust", in which, under numerous spots on the leaves, the basic dark green color is almost invisible;
• dark-leaved variety "Hillieri".

In addition to the Japanese aukuba, it is found on sale and aucuba himalayan (Aucuba himalaica) is a larger plant with dark green, lanceolate leaves and bright orange berries. The patterns on the leaves are more faded, and the base color itself is a muted dark green. Due to narrow leaves and lower brightness, it is considered a less attractive plant.

Aucuba care at home

Aukuba are rightly considered hardy and unpretentious plants. They are low-maintenance, forgiving of slips and resistant to changing conditions. In fact, there is only one difficulty in growing this plant - a cool winter. After all, even to different lighting aukuba adapt very well.

When working with aucuba, it is worth remembering the toxicity of all parts of the plant and taking measures to protect the skin and mucous membranes from contact with the plant.

Aucuba Lighting

This is one of the most light-demanding shrubs. Aukuba grows well in any light - and light diffused (without direct sunlight), and in partial shade, and in the shade. The ability to tolerate even strong shading without stretching in growth allows you to actively use the plant in the design of the interior of the rooms. Flowering and fruiting suffer from shading, but since it already depends on cross-pollination, such an effect is not considered a big loss. Color intensity and spotting may decrease in heavy shade.

In winter, it is better to move the plant to a more lit place, but only if it is possible to move the shrub to a new place without changing the temperature regime. If the aucuba winters in the warmth, then the plant is exposed in places with bright diffused lighting.

For aukuba, northern window sills and similar lighting are perfect.

Comfortable temperature conditions

Aucuba belongs to houseplants, which are very resistant to heat. It is best to grow this crop in a cool, at a temperature of 15 to 18 degrees Celsius during even summer. The maximum temperature at which the plant does not begin to age rapidly and lose leaves is 20 degrees Celsius. Choosing the coldest rooms and north-facing rooms, it will be difficult to make a mistake.

The winter mode of keeping for aukuba should be even cooler. The maximum temperature at which the plant will retain its decorative effect is 13-14 degrees. The higher the air temperature in winter, the faster the aucuba will shed its foliage and lose its beauty. The temperature minimum for a plant is 5 degrees Celsius, but it is better if the air temperature does not drop to 7 degrees. Partially compensate for too high temperatures for this plant can only be a maximum increase in lighting and very high humidity.

During the summer months, aukuba can be taken out into the fresh air if desired. When placed on balconies and in the garden, the plant must be protected from bright light, precipitation and drafts.

Watering and humidity

It is important for aucuba to maintain stable soil moisture, but the plant should be protected from excessive waterlogging. Watering for aucuba is rarely carried out, changing only the amount of water: during the active growth phase, the aucuba is watered abundantly, but during the dormant phase - with a small amount of water. This plant can be considered drought-resistant, but omissions should not be repeated regularly, because if the drying of the substrate threatens the plant constantly, the aucuba will rapidly lose its decorative effect. Between waterings in summer, only the top layer of soil in pots is allowed to dry, in winter the substrate is dried partially and in the middle layer. Water from pallets must be drained a few minutes after watering.

The humidity of the air when kept at the optimum temperature for the aucuba is not important: in the cool, this plant will put up with even the driest air. But any upward deviation from the recommended temperatures requires compensation in the form of a sharp increase in air humidity. In summer, the plant is sprayed, focusing on the loss of decorativeness and appearance, but in autumn and winter, at high temperatures, aukube provide accurate frequent spraying or raise air humidity to 70% by installing a humidifier. When kept in the cold, spraying is not carried out or carried out very carefully.

Both for watering and for spraying, you can use only soft settled water slightly warmer than the air temperature.

Japanese aucuba food

During the period of active growth, from the beginning of spring to the end of summer, the aucuba is fed by introducing standard top dressing into the care program with a frequency of 1 time in 10 days.

The type of fertilizer for this plant can be selected at your discretion. Aucuba responds well to organic fertilizers, but you can also use universal fertilizers for indoor plants. If possible, it is better to alternate mineral and organic top dressing.

Pruning and shaping the Japanese aucuba

In order for the Japanese aucuba to remain attractive and compact, the plant needs regular shaping. For aucuba, it is preferable to prune immediately after transplanting or in early spring in those years when transplantation is not carried out.

Transplant and substrate

Aukuba is very afraid of root injuries, and transplantation for this shrub is carried out no more than 1 time in 2-3 years, as needed. It is undesirable to touch the plant before the roots completely braid the earthen clod and begin to appear from the drainage holes.

You don't have to worry about finding a special soil mixture for growing aucuba. If the substrate is sufficiently loose, water and breathable, the plant will feel very good in it. For aucuba, you can use universal substrates. If you mix the soil yourself, then it is better to make complex mixtures:

• a substrate of peat, sand, leafy and soddy soil in a ratio of 2:1:2:6;
• a substrate of equal parts of leafy and soddy soil, humus, peat and sand.

Aucuba grows well in hydroponics and in pots with automatic watering.

For aukuba of any kind and variety, wide, spacious pots are used. In narrow containers, its root system suffers.

When transplanting, they avoid contact with the roots and remove only the top layer of contaminated soil, transferring the plant while maintaining an earthy clod. Drainage is required.

Diseases and pests of Japanese aucuba

The greatest danger to aucuba is rot. With any excess moisture or the wrong choice of dense soil, the plant suffers greatly, black spots appear on the leaves, indicating a problem. With its timely detection, it can be dealt with with a simple correction of care. Emergency transplants are ineffective: root injuries most often lead to the death of the plant.

Of the pests on aucubs, only mealybugs and spider mites are found, which are best dealt with immediately with insecticides.

Common Growing Problems:

• discoloration, loss of spots due to insufficient lighting or soil depletion;
• blanching of leaves in too bright light;
• falling leaves in the absence of top dressing;
• yellowing of the lower leaves with gradual fall off: temperature fluctuations or problems with watering;
• drying of the top and yellowing of the upper leaves in too bright light;
• shredding of leaves with improper feeding and depletion of the substrate;
• the appearance of black spots on the leaves during a warm wintering without compensating care.

Aucuba breeding

Japanese aucuba, and other types of indoor aucuba, are propagated only by cuttings. Cuttings can be cut during the entire stage of active development. Both spring and summer cuttings take root equally well. The tops of shoots or stem cuttings can be rooted in a shrub, but it is when using the tops that you can get decorative bushes faster. Cuttings are cut from last year's branches, leaving 2-3 leaves and making a standard oblique cut. Aucuba cuttings can only be rooted in a substrate (sandy or sandy-peat). For rooting, it is necessary to ensure a stable temperature (about 21 degrees) and stable humidity. Plants dive immediately after rooting into individual containers and a standard substrate.

You can also get a plant from seeds, but this method does not preserve the varietal characteristics of plants. Cross-pollination is carried out with a soft brush, the seeds ripen slowly, before picking the berries must be allowed to fully ripen. Only fresh seeds are used for sowing, so it is very difficult to find aukuba seeds for sale. Seeds lose their germination very quickly, and even after a month you can not get a single plant from them. Sowing is carried out in a peat-sand soil mixture, sowing on a moist substrate and lightly sprinkling with soil. When covered with glass or film and a temperature of about 21 degrees, you will have to wait several months before germination. Soil moisture must be kept constant. Diving into individual containers is carried out only after the appearance of the third true leaf.

Aucuba japonica belongs to the dogwood variety (Cornaseae) and is distinguished by its decorative effect. The flower is called the golden tree because of the unusual pattern on the leaves in the form of yellow spots. The plant has become widespread for indoor and greenhouse cultivation.

Photo gallery

What to do immediately after purchase?

After the acquisition, the decorative bush needs to be transplanted into a large container and placed in a comfortable place with medium illumination. Experts recommend the method of transshipment. Aukuba with a clod of earth is moved to a container.

The bottom of the pot occupies a layer of drainage:

• crushed stone up to 5 cm;
• pieces of foam;
• small pebbles or expanded clay.

The plant is sprinkled with earth. The distance from the edge of the planter to the top layer of soil should be at least 3-5 cm. Watering is necessary the next day after transshipment.

The shrub needs adaptation to the environment. For at least a week, it is necessary to take care of the plant without abundant watering, fertilizing, the bush is kept in a shady state. Then the pot is transferred to a permanent place.

A universal location for an evergreen is the windowsills of the east and west sides.

The flower is suitable for a temperate climate, without temperature extremes. The bush is unpretentious, can live not only on the windowsill with enough light, but also in the darkened part of the room. The air temperature in summer is +18…+20°С.

In winter, admissible indicators drop to + 8 ... + 14 ° С. It is necessary to ensure that in the cold season the air does not drop to a temperature of less than +5 degrees. Aucuba lighting should be dimmed, the plant should be removed from direct sunlight.

Landing and transplant

Aucuba is planted in voluminous ceramic pots. Drainage is laid in the tank to avoid stagnant water, on top - a layer of soil. In the spring, after frost, Japanese aucuba can be grown on a balcony or in garden conditions.

Before reaching the age of 5 years, the aucuba needs to be transplanted annually. The process is carried out in the spring - from March to April. The procedure is recommended to be carried out carefully so as not to injure the fragile roots.

The best method is to transfer the plant with a clod of earth into a container of a larger diameter. The bottom of the pot is occupied with a drainage layer and filled with soil. After transplanting, you can cut the leaves or pinch the tops of the shoots.

Adult bushes must be planted when the roots are completely entwined with an earthen ball, that is, every 2-3 years. A more gentle procedure can be carried out - transshipment. This allows you to transfer the plant without damaging the root system. An adult and overgrown Japanese aukuba is recommended to change only the top layer of the earth annually.

Soil Requirements

To grow an ornamental plant, it is necessary to prepare the soil. It must contain nutrients. The natural habitat of the aucuba is the subtropics, so the earth mixture consists of:

• leafy soil;
• clay-turf;
• humus;
• peat land;
• sand in the ratio 1:2:1:2:0.5.

A mixture option may consist of soddy soil, sand, humus, peat and leafy soil in a ratio of 2: 1: 1: 1: 1. A mandatory requirement is to fill the bottom of the tank with drainage from expanded clay, pebbles, so that water easily reaches the root system during irrigation.

Suitable for plants and hydroponic cultivation.

Pruning and rejuvenation

Aucuba care includes regular pruning to help form a beautiful crown. To achieve the density of the aerial part, the shoots are cut. The procedure is carried out in the middle of spring - from March to April, so that in winter the plants are decorated with berries.

If there is no requirement for mandatory flowering, pruning can be done in winter. Excess shoots are removed, the top of the remaining stems is pinched.

In the first spring after planting, leaf growth must be pruned to stimulate the growth of the bush. In mature plants, it is necessary to remove twig-like shoots, dried leaves that spoil the crown. After the procedure, the aucuba bush blooms well.

Pruning is also undertaken to rejuvenate the plant. It allows you to remove elongated and bare branches.

It is necessary to cut the damaged shoots to the ground, leaving at least 2-3 live buds on the stumps.

After intensive pruning, the plant begins to develop and produce fresh shoots.

Bush rejuvenation can be phased: first, half of the stems are removed. After the shoots grow up, the next batch is removed. The procedure is recommended before the start of the period of intensive growth. After pruning, top dressing is required.

Top dressings and fertilizers

The plant needs regular feeding to maintain the crown in a decorative form. The procedure is carried out from spring to autumn. During this period, the golden tree is in a period of active growth. Experts recommend feeding aukuba shoots with mineral and organic compounds in dissolved form 3 times a month.

Top dressing is added to moist soil so as not to harm the root system. The procedure is combined with watering the plant. From spring to the end of summer, top dressing is applied once a week, it is recommended to alternate mineral and organic fertilizers. During the wintering period, the plant is not advised to feed.

How to water?

To grow and maintain the aesthetic appearance of the bush requires regular watering. Aukuba is a moisture-loving plant, but experts do not recommend pouring the soil abundantly. Therefore, the remaining water is removed from the pot, because the root system of the plant is damaged from excessive moisture. The top level of the earth must be dry.

In the warm season, the decorative flower needs more watering than in the autumn-winter period. From March to October, the shrub needs watering once a week. In autumn and winter, the soil of the plant needs to be moistened once every 2 weeks. The flower tolerates periodic dryness of the earth in a pot, while excessive soil moisture can damage the leaves and root system.

Natural conditions for aucuba are humid subtropics, so the plant also requires maintaining sufficient air humidity at home. Spraying in the summer can be periodic. From autumn to the end of winter, the flower requires regular spraying.

The water required for the procedure should be warm, with a soft structure. With a decrease in air temperature in winter to + 6 ... + 12 ° C, spraying is carried out less frequently to avoid damage by fungal diseases.

reproduction

Propagation of an evergreen plant is carried out using seeds or apical cuttings.
Breeding is recommended only with fresh seeds, because. during storage, they lose their germination. Planting material is laid out in a container with a substrate from a mixture of peat soil and river sand. It is required to organize a small greenhouse by covering the pot with a plastic bag or glass.

It is recommended to maintain the temperature up to +21°C until the first shoots. Mandatory ventilation and frequent spraying of the earth and air. After the appearance of sprouts, seedlings with fresh leaves must be dived into separate containers.

A popular way to propagate aucuba is by cuttings. Material for cuttings is harvested during warm periods:

• from March to April;
• from August to September.

It is necessary to cut off parts of shoots up to 10-20 cm long. Each cutting should have at least 2-3 leaves. Then the material is placed in moistened sand or a mixture of sand and peat soil. After the roots appear, the cuttings can be planted in containers with a filtered substrate based on peat and agroperlite.

Seedlings should be covered with a plastic bag or a glass jar. The recommended temperature for maintenance is + 22 ° C, regular spraying and airing is necessary.
After rooting, the cuttings must be planted in separate containers. The required soil for seedlings is a composition with humus, soddy soil and sand in a ratio of 1: 1: 0.5.

Growing problems

Experts note mistakes in caring for room aukuba:

• from a lack of watering, the ends of the leaves dry out and the ends of the leaves become brittle;
• lack of fertilizers and nutrients leads to shredding of foliage after transplantation;
• when the plant is in direct sunlight for a long time, the shoots become covered with burns, which are indicated by brown spots;
• excessively dry air and lack of spraying causes dark spots on the leaves.

To eliminate the consequences of improper care, it will be necessary to change the conditions for placing the decorative aucuba tree.

Diseases and pests

Failure to comply with the requirements for breeding leads to bush disease. Root rot is caused by temperatures below +5°C and excessive soil moisture. This happens due to poorly organized drainage. The plant must be transplanted into a pot, after laying the soil according to the rules. It is important to reduce the amount of watering.

Aucuba (Aucuba) is an evergreen deciduous plant from the Harrie family. Although in some sources it is attributed to the Kizilov family. The culture grows in Japan, Korea and China. It was brought to Europe in the 17th century. Since then, it has been cultivated as a houseplant. Popular names for aukuba are "golden tree", "sausage tree".

Aucuba is grown both indoors and in gardens. It has large leaves, which are covered with yellow spots of various sizes. This gives the culture a decorative appeal. It's easy to take care of her. But in order for the aucuba to always remain attractive, it is necessary to provide it with suitable conditions.

Types and varieties of aucuba for growing at home

The genus includes only 10 plant species. In room conditions, only 2 types of aucuba are grown.

Japanese

Occurs most often. It is an evergreen shrub with woody green stems. The leaves are glossy, oval in shape, with serrated sides. They can be either green or with a colorful pattern. At the top, small flowers of different shades of red bloom, collected in paniculate inflorescences. The fruits are orange or red.

There are many varieties of Japanese aukuba, which differ in the shape and color of the leaf plates:

• Variegata- large, bright green, their surface is covered with whitish spots.
• Gold Dust- oval, with jagged edges, covered with small, golden specks.
• Dentata- plain, bright green, with pointed edges.
• Picturata- oblong, yellow, dark green stripes along the edges.

Himalayan

A shrub that naturally grows up to 4 m in height. The leaves are lanceolate, the edges may be entire or serrated. The surface of the leaves is dark green, with rare golden dots. In March, small unisexual flowers bloom, collected in racemose inflorescences. After cross-pollination, instead of flowers, oblong fruits with a large stone are formed.

Home care

Aukuba cannot be called a very demanding culture. But for its normal development and preservation of attractiveness, certain care requirements must be followed.

Location and lighting

The plant should be placed under bright, diffused light. East and west windows are suitable for this. Although it can grow if there is light partial shade. On the south side, the aukuba needs to be shaded from the scorching sun to avoid burning the foliage. In winter, she will need additional lighting.

Soil and drainage

Aucuba should grow in light, loose soil. The main thing is that it passes air and moisture well. You can purchase a ready-made universal substrate for indoor plants. You can prepare the soil yourself.

There are several possible land mixture options:

• peat (2), sand (1), leaf ground (2), turf (6);
• leaf ground (1), turf (1), humus (2), peat (1), sand (1).

Aucuba grows well in hydroponics.

Landing and transplant

The root system of the aucuba is very sensitive. Therefore, it can be transplanted no more than 1 time in 2-3 years. Before the roots begin to peek out of the drainage holes, it is best not to disturb the plant. The procedure is best done in early spring.

Carrying out a transplant:

• Prepare a wide, spacious pot a few centimeters larger than the previous one.
• Put a thick layer of drainage (brick fragments, expanded clay). Sprinkle it with some fresh soil.
• Carefully remove the plant from the pot. Using a pencil, remove excess soil from the roots, being careful not to damage them.
• Place the aucuba in a new container. Fill voids with soil. Lightly tamp and water.

Video - instructions for transplanting Aukuba by transshipment:

Temperature

Aukuba cannot be called a heat-loving culture. In summer it should be kept at +18..20°C. If the room is hot, it can quickly lose foliage. You can take the flowerpot outside, choosing a place protected from precipitation and gusts of wind. In winter, the temperature should be further reduced to +8..14°C. But it cannot be allowed to fall below +7°C.

Important! If the plant has to winter in a warm room, then it must be sprayed often and provide good lighting.

Watering and humidity

Soil moisture must be kept stable. But you don't need to rehydrate it. In summer, the plant should be watered abundantly, allowing the top layer of the substrate to dry. Aucuba can tolerate relative drying of the soil. But excessive watering can cause black spots on the leaves and rotting of the roots. During the dormant period in winter, the amount of watering should be significantly reduced.

When kept under favorable temperature conditions, air humidity does not play a significant role for the aukuba. If the room is cool, then dry air is quite acceptable. But if the plant is hot, then there is a need to increase the humidity to 70%. To do this, you can install a humidifier. You can regularly spray the leaves with soft warm water. But if the room is cool, then it is better to refuse spraying to avoid the appearance of mold on the leaves.

pruning

Aucuba lends itself well to pruning. Forming a crown should be read from an early age. To make the plant more bushy, pinch the growing point. Next, sanitary pruning is carried out, removing too elongated, dry and damaged shoots. To improve air ventilation and prevent thickening, you need to remove branches growing inward.

Top dressing and fertilizers

Aukuba need to be fed during the growing season once every 10 days. Complex mineral fertilizers are suitable for this. It is advisable to alternate them with the use of organic matter. If the leaves of the culture become smaller, you need to urgently additionally feed the plant. But do not overfeed it so that the leaves do not turn black. During the dormant period, feeding is stopped.

Reproduction methods

Aucuba can be propagated using cuttings and seeds.

seed method

Only fresh seeds can be sown. They are soaked for 1-2 days in a solution of potassium permanganate. Fill the planting container with a peat-sand mixture, close the seeds to a depth of 0.5 cm. Cover the container with foil and leave to germinate at a temperature of +21..23°C. The film must be removed daily to ventilate the crops and moisten the soil. Shoots can be expected within 1-3 months. Then the cover is removed. After the formation of 3 leaves, the seedlings dive into separate pots with a suitable soil mixture. Aucuba from seeds will bloom no earlier than in 3-4 years.

cuttings

Only last year's apical shoots are suitable for reproduction. They should have at least 3-4 sheets. The cuttings are rooted in a peat-sand mixture at a temperature of +22..24°C. They need to be sprayed every day. In order for the cuttings to take root faster, it is better to cover them with a film to create greenhouse conditions. After the roots appear, transplant them into individual containers with soil suitable for adult plants.

seasonal care

Aukuba actively develops in spring and summer. During this period, she needs a moderate temperature of +18..20°C, regular watering and top dressing. In winter, the plant needs rest. It is provided with cool conditions (+8..14°C). Watering is reduced, but complete drying of the earthen coma should not be allowed. Aucuba does not need to be fertilized. Lighting should remain plentiful. To extend the daylight hours, you need to turn on the plant in the evening with additional lighting.

Growing problems

The table contains frequently occurring problems when growing Aukuba and their elimination:

Diseases and pests, control methods

Most often, aucuba suffers from root and gray rot. These fungal infections occur due to excessive watering, unsuitable soil composition. If you identify the problem in time, you can save the plant by adjusting the care. Emergency transfers are not recommended. Due to injury to the root system, the aukuba may die.

Of the pests, culture is affected by:

You can get rid of them with the help of insecticides:

• Green soap;
• Decis;
• Karbofos.

Beneficial features

The leaves of the plant secrete active substances that are able to purify the air from pathogens. They can also be used externally for:

• injuries;
• burns;
• frostbite;
• superficial wounds.

When using aucuba for medicinal purposes it must be remembered that all its parts are poisonous. Therefore, in the manufacture of products with it, you must strictly follow the instructions, adhere to all safety measures. Do not let them get inside.

Aukuba in the house: signs and superstitions

The "Golden Tree" also has a special energy. It is able to unite family members, give a sense of unity. It is especially useful to keep a culture for people with high self-esteem. It creates an atmosphere of calm and peacefulness. Even communication with unfamiliar people who come to the house will be easy, without unpleasant moments, if there is an aucuba nearby.

It is believed that it is useful to give the plant to people born under the sign of Virgo. It is also suitable as a gift for a modest, insecure person. It is believed that the aucuba reliably protects its owner from insults, helps to reveal abilities and prove oneself.

Aucuba is an evergreen tree that is popular with flower growers for its decorative foliage that fits into any interior. It does not require complex care. But in order for the plant to be healthy and retain its attractiveness, it is necessary to create a suitable microclimate for its vital activity.

Want to know more about growing Aucuba at home? Watch the following video:

Aukuba is a small tree from the East Asian subtropical forests, originally from Japan. An amazingly beautiful, unusual appearance made this small tree a favorite decoration of European dwellings back in the 18th century.

In Japan, the aukuba tree has been called the "tree of gold" due to the elastic dark green leaves with bright golden spots, really resembling tiny gold bars. Aukuba is classified as a dogwood, although there is an opinion that aukuba is a subspecies of the Harryiaceae family.

Aucuba varieties

Japanese aucuba (Aucuba japonica). This aucuba is native to the Korean Peninsula. This aucuba has oblong-oval, large and leathery leaves with bright golden spots. The main color of the foliage is dark green, the length of the leaves reaches up to 20 cm and a width of about 6 cm. In the Japanese aucuba, the flower is small and inconspicuous, the berries are white, reddish or green.

Himalayan aucuba (Aucuba himalaica). The forests of the Eastern Himalayas are considered the birthplace of this species. The Himalayan aucuba is larger than the Japanese, reaching 4 meters in height.

Oblong-lanceolate leaves are large and dense, dark, muted green. Unlike the Japanese aucuba, the color of the leaves is more muted.

How to take care of an aucuba at home?

Temperature. A comfortable temperature for aukuba can be considered 17-19 degrees in summer and 8-12 degrees in winter. Temperatures above 20 degrees or below 7 degrees will cause the tree to die. You should also protect the aucuba from hot sunlight. In the summer, if possible, it is worth taking out the aukuba into the air.

As for lighting, the aucuba tolerates shaded places quite well, but it would still be preferable to place it in a place open to the sun, for example, on a table or windowsill.

Top dressing. Aucuba should be fed in the summer, about once a week with the help of mineral fertilizers. In winter, the aucuba is not fed.

The soil. Peat, sand, deciduous and soddy soil - this is what the soil mixture for the Japanese aucuba should consist of. It is preferable to buy specialized soil in a store, since it will already have the ideal proportions for a tree.

Pruning. To form a decorative crown in aucuba, it is necessary to cut off new shoots. This should be done in the spring during the growing season, pinching the tips of the branches, so that the aucuba will start young shoots.

Watering. Watering aukuba is necessary throughout the year, but in the autumn-winter period, the number of waterings should be reduced. Do not allow excessive dryness of the soil, but you need to be careful: too much water can lead to decay of the root system.

Humidity is not important for the aucuba, although it is certainly not desirable to keep it in excessively dry air.

How to plant aucuba using cuttings or seeds?

Aucuba is usually transplanted every 3-4 years, however, if the aucuba feels comfortable in its pot, you can transplant less often - once every 5-6 years. Aukuba should be planted using cuttings.

Cuttings are usually cut in March. It is necessary to leave four leaves on the handle. The cuttings are rooted in peat soil with the addition of sand, covered with a transparent film or sand on top.

The temperature for the cuttings should be maintained at about 20 degrees, ventilated and sometimes sprayed. When the cuttings take root, they are dived into separate pots.

Reproduction of aucuba with the help of seeds is a more complicated method. Aucuba seeds dry out very quickly, so it's best to use fresh seeds. Seeds are placed in peat soil and covered with a glass cap or transparent film. Periodically they need to be sprayed and aired.

It is necessary to maintain a temperature of about 22 degrees. After germination, wait for three to four leaves and transplant the sprouts into separate pots.

What problems can arise when growing aucuba?

Among the pests that can attack a tree, mealybugs are the most dangerous. The risk of infection is especially high in the summer if you take the aucuba out into the air. Get rid of pests should be immediately after detection, using specialized preparations.

Caring for aucuba at home requires attention to soil moisture, as a large number of problems with this tree occur most often due to excess moisture. Aucuba leaves turn black and the plant may die. In the pot in which the aucuba grows, drainage is required, the soil should not be too dense.

Aukuba photo

Aucuba is a flower that is used for decoration office space and home window sills. This houseplant first appeared in Europe in 1783 - it was brought from the humid subtropics of eastern Asia. According to the latest data from scientists, the flower belongs to the family of the Harriaceae, previously it was classified as a dogwood. In nature, it is a small shrub or tree with large green leaves speckled with yellow. For the abundance of this pigment, aukuba was popularly called the "golden" or "sausage" tree. The gourmet originals apparently gave it the last name, since the golden circles on the oblong foliage reminded them of sliced ​​\u200b\u200bsausages. The inhabitants of Europe were delighted with the evergreen beauty and quickly adapted it as a decoration both in and in household use.

Kinds

Aucuba has two varieties: