Krossandra - very gentle and whimsical houseplant. Under fairly simple conditions of care, it does not make the slightest mistake and can easily lose its decorative effect, which is very difficult to restore. Reproduction of cross-country occurs in two ways: seeds and cuttings. It is not very popular among florists. Of the 50 species growing in nature, there are only 2 varieties, rooted in the home - cross-funnel and prickly.
This plant is beneficial to choose to grow at home due to its early and long flowering, which with good care lasts from spring to autumn. The flower is ideally suitable for humid air, frequent spraying and the presence of other indoor plants around.
Growing from seed
Such a method as propagation of cross-seeds with seeds has not received sufficient distribution among fans of this flower, since he does not guarantee the preservation of varietal characteristics. All species are hybrid and reproduce vegetatively. At the same time, with the successful cultivation of seeds, the flower grows healthy and beautiful, thus guaranteeing a good growth of all subsequent generations. Basically, the fruit of the plant contains up to four seeds. 
Did you know? Crossander is very popular in its homeland, in India and on the island of Sri Lanka, where women use its flowers as a hair ornament for traditional visits to temples.
Selection of planting material
For the cultivation of this plant is recommended to buy seeds in specialized flower shops. Freshly harvested seeds of this indoor dweller have excellent germination, respectively, do not need preplant treatment. But the purchased ones need to be treated in germinating stimulant solutions before planting or soaked for 2 hours in warm water (24-25 ° C).
Substrate and capacity
For growing home-grown cross-seeds from seeds, the most suitable substrate is a mixture of moistened peat and sand with the addition of coconut fiber and sphagnum, which can be easily purchased at garden stores. This soil composition has excellent breathability for planted seeds, well passes moisture and accelerates the growth of planting material. For the first time, small boxes or pots, which need to be covered with polyethylene or glass to accelerate the shoot and maintain an optimal level of moisture, will be suitable for germinating seeds. 
Planting flower
When the necessary requirements for growing seeds are observed, the first seedlings appear within 2-3 weeks. Seeds of their own collection germinate faster - within 1-1.5 weeks. This is achieved by maintaining an optimum temperature of 20-22 ° C and high humidity.
Your pill will be decorated with lush flowering pentasy, calceolaria, royal pelargonium, zigokaktusy, stocks, Cattleya, lantana.A month later, germinated seeds need to dive into separate small pots. After another month, the seedlings pinch and roll over 3-4 to large pots. It is advisable to use the soil from a mixture of peat, rotted humus and sod land in equal proportions. Top mixture must be sprinkled with sand or perlite.
As a result, young plants are able to quickly grow the root system, their shoots lignify, and the long-awaited flowering occurs. All these procedures of cultivation and transplantation are recommended to be carried out until August, since after this, any actions with the plant may adversely affect its growth and development. 
Not only beautiful, but also very useful: chlorophytum, aloe, geranium, Kalanchoe, chrysanthemums, cacti, sansevieria, yucca.
Cuttings
Another way of breeding cross-cutting - using cuttings - is more popular among florists due to its lightness and performance. It can be carried out throughout the year.
Procurement of cuttings
For reproduction, cuttings of 8-10 cm in length are suitable, which, after cutting, must be processed with a growth stimulator and the extra leaves removed. Planting for germination can be both in the soil and in the water.
Important! Before the beginning of the growing season, cut off the shoots of crossbands in half the length. This will help maintain the decorativeness of the plant.
Rooting methods
There are 3 ways of sprouting crossander cuttings:
- Rooting cuttings occurring in light ground. In order to save, you can plant several seedlings in one small container. This is a moisture-loving plant, so the soil must always be kept moist and spray the cutting with water. For successful germination, cover the pot with a plastic cap or film. In addition to light soil, cococoate is also suitable for growing. Perhaps the long germination of the cutting in the autumn-winter period, in which case only your patience and proper care is necessary.
- Rooting cuttings crossander in the water. A 10 cm cutting is separated from an adult plant and placed in a container with water. Waiting for the appearance of the roots and transplanted into a prepared soil, suitable for further cultivation.
- Rooting cuttings in peat tablets "Jiffy". One of the most relevant ways. Before placing the tablet in it, the tablet should be moistened with water, slightly squeezed and a small depression should be made. Dip the stem before planting in Kornevin, which stimulates growth, and plant it in the pill itself. After that, place it in a transparent cup or a cut bottle, cover it with the same container on top and secure with tape. Rooting place must be warm and bright. During the month, check whether the cutting has taken root.
Remember that the rooting of cuttings can occur much faster if you provide them with greenhouse conditions - cover with foil and warm the soil.Planting a plant
On average, crossander cuttings germinate within one to two months. Well-rooted sprouts pinch and roll 3-4 pieces into one big pot. In order for the plant bush to look lush and voluminous, drainage is imperative.
The ideal soil for growth and development will be a mixture of 1 part of rotted humus, 1/3 part of sand or perlite, 1 part peat and 1 part leafy ground. It is recommended to use a pot with a hole.
With further growth, young cross-overs are often pinched and transplanted every February into new soil enriched with useful substances and minerals. At the same time each time increase the size of the pot. In order to stimulate abundant flowering, remove withered flowers and spikes in time.
Crossander is a perennial, but over time, adult plants lose their attractiveness. Begins fall off of old leaves, stretching the stems. As a result, only one new shoot can grow from the top bud. Therefore, many growers practice growing this flower as an annual, each year replacing an old plant with a young one grown from seed or cuttings.
Did you know? The first cross-country hybrid called "Mona Wallhead" was launched in 1950 in Sweden. It differed from all natural species in greater stamina, compactness and unpretentiousness, which made it possible to grow it at home.
Departure after landing
After successful germination of seeds or cuttings, active growth of a young plant begins. The average time to reach a cross-age mature age is 6-8 months. At home, it reaches a height of 30-50 cm, in nature it can grow up to 1 m.
Caring for this flower may seem complicated, as it has an exotic origin. But there are a number of simple recommendations that even a novice grower can handle.
This plant loves bright light, but it should not be kept in direct sunlight on the windowsill, as the leaves may acquire a reddish-brown shade. Ideal in this case would be diffused light. The air temperature in the room for growing cross-country should be 18-20 ° C. In hot weather it is recommended to regularly spray leaves in the morning and evening with boiled or distilled water from the sprayer. Keep in mind that the plant does not like drafts, so you do not need to take it out of the room. 
Important! Pay special attention to watering the cross-country, as it may die due to excessive or insufficient moisture.Watering is carried out with water at room temperature as the soil dries. In the summer period - once in 7-10 days, in the winter in a dry climate of the room - once every two weeks. When watering twice a month during flowering, add special liquid complex fertilizers for indoor plants to the water.
Crossander can bloom in winter, but it quickly depletes the plant. Therefore, during long-term cultivation, provide it with a resting phase from October to February in a room with an air temperature of 16-18 ° C, excluding any methods of fertilizing or feeding.
As you can see, growing and caring at home for such a fastidious plant as cross-country requires sufficient attention and strict adherence to all rules. In response to your care, this flower will delight you with its abundant flowering, bring the atmosphere of a bright long holiday to your home and become a wonderful decoration at any time of the year.
