Stone desert rose magical properties. Adenium care at home - the secrets of experienced flower growers. Desert rose in your garden

Is the rose of the desert. It is represented by an aggregate having intergrowths of lenticular-shaped crystals, thereby resembling appearance flowers.

It is formed by absorbing the smallest particles of sand, so its color depends on the color of the sand. The process of formation of a desert rose is quite complex and occurs when certain conditions. When precipitation falls in the desert, water is instantly absorbed into the sand. When the sand contains a large number of gypsum, sand particles are washed out, which subsequently go deep into the water. During intense heat, water rises again to the surface layer, and its complete evaporation leads to the formation of new gypsum crystals. Due to the fact that desert rose formed in a layer of sand, it is integral part crystals. Gypsum crystallization occurs in a monoclinic syngony. Its hardness is very low - 2. Specific gravity- 2.3-2.4. Perfect cleavage is characteristic. The break is uneven.

Since ancient times, the inhabitants of the Sahara Desert have known about the existence of this flower. Nomads were the first to pay attention to this miracle of nature. They assumed that the desert rose was formed from camel urine. However, this flower, as it turned out later, appeared from gypsum. The rose petals, which have striking beauty, have a diameter of about 2-3 millimeters. There are desert rose crystals in places where the climate is hot and sandy soils rich in gypsum.

wonderful natural creation- the desert rose is of high value to collectors. Despite the fact that this unique natural creation is in great demand, the Algerian government has put a ban on its export. The desert rose is a symbol of most of the arid regions of the planet.

Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt and some other countries where there are many sandy deserts, a very popular souvenir among tourists is an unusual mineral called "desert rose".

In their form, these formations resemble flowers, most often roses, although their shape may be completely different from flowers.

Such minerals are intergrowths of gypsum crystals formed in a layer of sand.

"Desert rose" occurs only under certain conditions, when precipitation falls in the desert. Water quickly disappears into dry sand, carrying gypsum particles deep into it. During evaporation, the water rises again to the surface, forming new twisted gypsum crystals. Sand also becomes part of the crystal, and its size can be very diverse.

"Desert Rose" is sold both in the form of an ordinary crystal, and in the form of simple key rings, souvenirs, pendants and other jewelry.

The nomadic tribes of the Sahara have been familiar with these bizarrely shaped stones since ancient times. After a difficult transition, reaching the oasis, people and camels quenched their thirst and rested. Camel urine eroded the sand and a “desert rose” appeared on the surface. In the old days, it was believed that these peculiar “flowers” ​​are formed precisely from camel urine.

The diameter of the petals ranges from 2 - 3 millimeters to several decimeters. The color of the crystals depends entirely on the color of the sand in which they formed. White "desert roses" are found in the Tunisian Sahara, black - in the deserts of Argentina.

Similar spectacular splices can be found in many places on our planet with a desert climate and sandy soils enriched with gypsum. Of course, due to high content sand, such gypsum is not used in construction. But the "desert rose" is highly valued by collectors and jewelry lovers. Per last years demand for these beautiful stones grew so much that the Algerian government banned their export.

Many of us cannot imagine that roses can grow in the desert.

Desert roses are not quite ordinary roses and you can meet them quite rarely. If you went on an excursion and were able to see stone roses in the desert, this is considered a great success.

In our understanding, flowers should grow from the soil, which enriches them with minerals, moisture and other substances necessary for the life of roses.

However, in the desert they simply do not exist, especially moisture, so the roses here are not quite the same as ours ...

What do roses look like in the desert?

not alive. They don't just grow, but rather form.

It takes a lot of time for such a formation, and this process takes place not throughout the desert, but in some places.

It is customary to call the area where the main localization of roses in the desert is concentrated, the Valley of Flowers.

The materials that make up roses are crystals. They in turn consist of salt, sand and water.

Gradually accumulating, moisture falls on the surface of the salt, and the winds bring sands.

Stick to wet surfaces bulk materials, which are formed due to the movement of air and natural accumulation processes.

When a rose in the desert is already formed, it can be found at a depth of about a meter in the sands.

These natural materials they dig up and decorate the streets of African settlements with them, bring them to other cities where you can sell and earn money.

Sahara roses are a great option for gifts among the local people.

The stone desert rose has no smell, it does not have a velvety surface, but it does not fade either.

This is an ordinary stone that is formed in the shape of a flower, which is why it is called so.

Why is this stone called the desert rose?

Despite the fact that such a "plant" is not alive, it can bloom. All thanks unique properties sulfatets contained in the stone.

At the same time, it dissolves stone Flower after it hits an open surface, in contact with air and wind.

The color of desert roses is beige, even rather flesh. But the petals have a sharp shape - the salt is coarse, it can scratch the skin.

By the way, the colors of roses in different deserts do not always match.

There can be many shades of flesh and beige, and in some regions it is quite possible to find even black roses, white and some others.

However, black flowers are, rather, the highlight of the Argentine deserts, but white ones can.

Why roses do not grow in all deserts

In the Sahara desert, stone roses can be found far from everywhere. The explanation for this is quite concise and simple. It can be described in the process of forming roses:

• when precipitation appears in the desert, which is quite rare here, they fall on the surface of the sand and are immediately absorbed;
• gypsum, which is found in large quantities in sand, acquires a hard texture upon contact with water;
• the water evaporates quickly, but only after the hype heats up and turns into crystals, and then into desert roses.

Therefore, desert roses can only appear where the sand contains a large amount of gypsum.

What do roses symbolize in the desert of Africa

The roses of the Sahara desert are perceived by the inhabitants of Africa in a completely different way than by us.

They sincerely believe that these roses are the result of the deadly love of men who go to the desert in search of a cure for their loved ones.

When they cry, moisture appears and stone roses grow from it, and this happens only after the death of the beloved girls of the guys.

There is also a tradition in which the inhabitants northern countries Africans are specifically looking for stone roses to give one of them to a bride who wants to get married.

On the day of the wedding, the bride's parents give her a stone flower, which symbolizes love and care, a warm family hearth and a lot of bright emotions from life together with husband.

The Sahara desert is rich in such gifts, which actually carry all sorts of symbols for local tribes and even residents of large cities.

In recent years, African desert roses have been imported overseas, although this is prohibited.

For example, in America stone rose from the desert on Valentine's Day - a real highlight. It symbolizes unfading love that will live forever.

Living roses in the desert

In the deserts of Africa there are real roses. More precisely, they do not look like roses at all, but for some reason they are called that way on this continent.

The official name is adenium. The flower looks like home plant, can grow at home, on the windowsill. By itself, it is also found in the wild, in Central and South Africa.

Poisonous and adenium, they can neither be applied to wounds, nor, moreover, eat. Therefore, people who wish to have such a plant at home should remember that it should not be available to children and animals.

In Africa, adenum is quite rare, and it looks somewhat poor.

The height of a living rose from the desert is about a meter. The flowers are always pink, but the foliage and stems have a somewhat unhealthy appearance. However, for the desert area - this is normal.

Such is that many flowers here are used for rituals.

Adenum is no exception, and sometimes tribesmen go to the desert in search of this plant.

Not yet so widely known, but quite attractive and unusual is a representative of the kutrov family - the Adenium flower, also known as the desert rose. The genus Adenium includes almost 5 thousand species, among which there are small shrubs and trees.

The desert rose has a thick trunk, large flowers of various colors and velvety fleshy leaves. The flowers reach a size of 6 cm and grow in tassels on the tops of the branches. Adenium has a powerful root system, which tends to grow strongly.

Under natural conditions, it can reach up to 3 meters in height, cultivated grow up to only 35 cm. The plant comes from South Africa, belongs to the succulent. Domesticated varieties are whimsical and demanding on the conditions of detention.

Adenium got its popular name desert rose because of the flowers that look like roses. The juice of the plant is poisonous, so you need to be careful when working with a flower.

In order to keep adenium in a home flower garden, to see its beautiful delicate flowers and juicy showy leaves, you need to take good care of the flower and create the required conditions for it.

Desert rose care tips

The territory of origin of this flower has a special climate, which has shaped the needs of adenium, which must be satisfied so that the flower pleases the owners with its feed and flowering.

Choosing a place for a flower

Adenium is photophilous plant, and therefore the best place in the apartment there will be a room for him, the windows of which face the south, west or east side. When summer comes, it is better to put a flower pot on a balcony or loggia.

Lighting

Adenium is one of the few plants that loves when the sun's rays fall directly on it. The more sun indoors, the better for this succulent. When the illumination becomes worse, which usually happens with the onset of winter, then watering is immediately reduced.

Temperature conditions

The homeland of succulents has a hot climate, which is why they love high temperature in the room where they are kept. The most favorable temperature range in summer is from +25 degrees to 30 degrees, and in winter from 12 to 15 degrees Celsius.

When the temperature drops below this indicator, the plant slows down its growth and sheds its leaves. When the temperature rises above 30 degrees, stagnation is also observed, that is, growth stops. In winter, with a decrease in temperature, watering is also reduced, otherwise the roots of the plant will begin to rot.

Watering mode

In the hot season, watering is needed moderate, the next time it is watered only after the earthen clod has dried. Watered in winter the minimum amount water and are guided by the condition of the plant.

The main rule of watering adenium, with a decrease in light or temperature, watering is also reduced.

If watering is reduced, while lighting and temperature are left unchanged, then the rose will stop developing, and in the worst case, it will dry out. Humidity does not of great importance, and you do not need to spray the flower.

Plant transplant

Transplanted pets as needed in spring or summer. Young succulents need to be transplanted every year, adult specimens every 2-4 years. The rose tolerates the transplant well, but it is not worth picking up a large pot right away for him.

Otherwise, the root system will begin to grow strongly and this will affect the vegetation of the ground parts. A large pot needs to be watered more abundantly, and water not used up by the roots will stagnate and cause the root system to rot.

When a young specimen is actively growing, it is better to pick up pots a little larger and transplant it every three months. When the plant gets older, it will not grow as actively and such frequent repotting will not be required.

In order for the transplant to go well, you need to water the plant a few days before it. When transplanting, do not destroy the earthen ball, and use the transshipment method. This method avoids injury root system and the plant will quickly take root in a new pot and grow. Adenium is placed in new pot with a lump and around fill up the soil.

Soil Requirements

Adenium loves light, humus-rich soil with a neutral pH. Various rippers are added to the prepared soil for cacti, which help to increase soil aeration. As such ingredients, you can take perlite, sand, expanded clay of small fractions or charcoal.

plant formation

The crown is formed by cutting and pinching the shoots. In order for the plant to branch well and to give it a cultivated appearance, it is necessary to remove the branches in full or in part in a timely manner. Pinching is the process of removing short segments up to 2 cm of apical and lateral shoots.

This is the same as pruning, the difference is only in the length of the pruned branches. Prune the plant in the spring, four weeks after transplanting. You can not cut the plant when it is in a dormant period. Water the plant two days before pinching. Cut off the shoot a little higher than the sleeping kidney.

Feeding

You need to feed adenium every three weeks. Fertilizers intended for cacti or universal complex fertilizers are suitable as top dressing. Feeding is best done more often, but in small doses.

Overfeeding the plant causes explosive growth all parts, but they grow weak and thin. Such a plant often loses decorative look and more often than others, suffers from rot.

Desert roses are well suited and organic fertilizers. You can add chicken manure or horse dung. These fertilizers are dug into the top layer of soil. If during the period when it is necessary to apply top dressing, the plant is sick or has undergone a transplant, then top dressing is canceled for a while. In winter, the plant is also not fed, as it hibernates.

Pests and diseases of adeniums

Like most indoor plants these . This pest sucks the juice and entangles them with cobwebs. Pests live in large colonies and multiply rapidly. The tick quickly depletes the plant and eventually it dries up and dies.

The first sign of the appearance of a tick is light dots on the leaves. In adenium, they are fleshy and dark, so the bite marks of these insects will be immediately noticeable. The best way to deal with it is with insecticides.

Adenium gets sick very rarely, plant diseases are most often associated with improper care. Mainly on roots and leaves rot develops. The reason for its appearance is waterlogging of the soil in a pot.

Then you need to dry the soil a little, and remove the rotten parts. if the soil is heavily flooded, then it is better to transplant the plant. A sharp drop in temperature, drafts, combined with dampness, cause the development of putrefactive bacteria that infect leaves and roots.

In fact, the maintenance and care of a desert rose does not require special skills. Subject to the recommendations, this beautiful tree can be grown even by a beginner. By implementing proper care and care for the desert rose, in return it will give many beautiful flowers and decorate the flower garden with dignity, becoming the pride of the owner.

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