We grow an exotic lychee tree on the window. Lychee: how to get exotic on your site

Some exotic plants that can be grown at home not only decorate the interior with their fresh and unusual appearance, but also produce delicious and healthy fruits. These include lychee, an Asian exotic that has successfully taken root in apartments, offices and winter gardens Central and Eastern Europe.

Litchi chinensis (lychee, fox, ligi) is an evergreen fruit tree belonging to the Sapindaceae family (sapindaceae). You can highlight the following features:

1. Lychee is also called Chinese cherry, Chinese plum, chinese grapes.
2. Judging by the name, botanical or folk, one can understand that the birthplace of the plant is the southern regions of the Middle Kingdom. Today, it naturally grows in India, Siam, Korea, as well as in the tropical regions of the American continent. Madagascar lychee is actively exported to Europe. Also, this fruit is a popular Thai food souvenir.
3. An evergreen tree grows in nature up to 10-30 meters, on a windowsill in a pot or on the floor in a tub - up to 1.5-3 m.
4. The root system is fibrous superficial.
5. The plant has a spreading crown. Its leaves are complex, they consist of 4-8 simple lanceolate or ovoid leaves. The edges of the leaf plate are solid, from the outside it is glossy dark green, from the inside it is gray-green.
6. During flowering, small flowers, collected in inflorescence umbrellas, appear on the lychee. These flowers are devoid of petals, their calyxes are colored yellow or green color... Despite the fact that the inflorescence often reaches more than half a meter in length, only about a dozen fruits develop from it.
7. Lychee fruits are small, about 4 cm, oval berries. They are dressed in a red bumpy skin. The pulp is translucent, whitish or yellowish, reminiscent of jelly. There is a large dark pit inside the berry. Due to the color of the seed and its oval shape, the tree is also called the dragon's eye. The lychee fruit tastes like grapes.

In China, many legends and beliefs are associated with lychee. For example, they say that the concubine of the emperor Yang-guifei adored the berries from this tree, and the ruler sent a whole army of soldiers to the southern territories of the country to provide the favorite with her favorite delicacy.

Is it possible to grow an exotic lychee fruit at home

All those flower growers who want to plant lychees at home or in the country need to know two important points:

• Fruiting trees grow very slowly, therefore, having undertaken growing from seeds, you will have to wait a long time.
• Caring for a lychee is not easy, you need to be well aware of what conditions he needs to organize.

Soil and dishes

Planting lychee is possible in any soil for deciduous or exotic plants with a pH of 5.5-7.5. They plant it in spacious pots, tubs and containers.

Lighting

Since the tree is a tropical inhabitant, it needs a long day of light. It is necessary to choose the right place where to put the plant, and figure out how to organize additional lighting for it for the autumn and winter period... It is better to put the lychees on or near the southern windowsill and shade slightly, and from October to March in the evening, rearrange them under the lamps daylight.

Temperature

In the countries from which lychees are brought to Europe, it is quite hot, therefore, at home, exotic plants must be kept at temperatures from 25 ° C to 30 ° C in summer and from 18 ° C to 25 ° C in winter. Unfortunately, due to such demanding temperature, the fruit rarely takes root in the country, except if it is grown in a greenhouse.

Humidity and watering

You need to water the lychee in moderation, but wet air the plant loves very much. It is necessary to spray several times a day not only its leaves, but also the air in the room itself. Watering is done sparingly as the top layer of soil under the plant dries out.

Top dressing

For the first time, three-month-old sprouts are fed. Further, in turn, compost and mineral liquid fertilizer are applied to the tree every 1 or 2 months.

Pruning

The branches of the plant are cut off only in the first two years of its life in order to give the crown a neat shape.

How to plant lychee

Since the fruits of tropical exotic can be bought in many supermarkets and fruit and vegetable stores, many are interested in how to sprout lychee from a bone.

Indeed, it is quite possible to propagate a plant in this way. You must buy fresh fruits. They are gently peeled. Seeds are extracted from the pulp (by the way, it is better to eat the pulp, since it is very useful, but its properties will be mentioned later). They should be rinsed well, but not with running water, but with well-settled and warmed up water to room temperature. In a prepared dish (usually this plastic cups with holes made in the bottom) one seed is planted. Under a polyethylene hood at a temperature of 30-35 ° C, they emerge for two to three weeks. Once the seedlings have risen, the temperature can be reduced to 25 ° C. Usually, seedlings grow up to 20 cm and go into a dormant state for a year or even two. At this time, it is actively developing root system plants.

Lychee grown from seeds bears fruit very slowly. In addition, it is difficult to predict whether a young tree will have decorative qualities. Therefore, flower growers often prefer another method of its reproduction - vegetative.

The benefits and harms of lychee

For those who still did not know what lychee is, the way its fruit looks in the photo, especially if it is peeled from the skin, can make a double impression. The vitreous pulp will seem very appetizing to some, while to others it will remind the human eye, it is unlikely that they will want to eat it.

Nevertheless, lychee fruits are very useful, they are widely used in cooking and traditional medicine.

They taste sweet and refreshing. The pulp contains ascorbic and folic acids, other vitamins, fructose and glucose, proteins, pectins, as well as such essential minerals as potassium, iron and phosphorus. At the same time, the calorie content of the fruit is only 66 kcal per 100 g. If the diet for weight loss is such that you need to count calories, lychee can be entered into its menu as a snack.

Fruits similar in taste to grapes are widely used in cooking. Dessert dishes are prepared from them. Homemade lychee jam is perfect for filling pies and cakes. They are added fresh to fruit salads. Fruit juice is boiled with sugar and jelly candies like "Jelly" are made from it for children.

Lychee bone is not eaten, it is poisonous.

Lychee pulp and tincture from its seeds are used in folk medicine, they treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system, metabolic disorders.

If a woman has edema during pregnancy, she can eat lychees to get rid of them. Lychee fruit contains substances that promote the movement of water in the body. But pregnant women should not overdo it. There are contraindications to the use of exotic fruits: individual intolerance and the possible presence of allergies.

Berries are also used in cosmetology. The pulp gruel is mixed with other ingredients and used as a face mask that has a rejuvenating, moisturizing, nourishing and protective effect.

Lychee (Litchi) or Chinese plum is an evergreen tropical fruit-bearing tree 10-35 meters high (rarely exceeds two meters at home) of the Sapindaceae family.

Lychees are also called liji, laysi, lisi, "Chinese plum", "Chinese grapes", "heavenly grapes", "fruit of love", "Chinese cherry", "Chinese plum".

For the first time, lychees began to be grown in China. Today, the lychee tree is widespread in America, China, Africa, Japan.

Lychee trees are highly prized for their delicious fruit.

The lychee tree has a dense crown and a smooth trunk with gray bark. Begins to bear fruit at the age of 4-6.

The lychee tree bears fruit with small red fruits similar to strawberries, but with white flesh and large brown bones.

Litchi fruits are oval, pointed, 3-4 cm long, red. The peel is pimply. Lychee pulp has a jelly-like consistency and a sweetish, peculiar slightly astringent taste with a pleasant aroma. Lychee tastes a bit like grapes.


Inside each fruit there is a large dark bone brown.

Lychee leaves are oblong, pointed.

The fruits ripen within 120-130 days after flowering ends.

The lychee tree is very sensitive to low temperatures and will not grow in others climatic zonesexcept tropical. Therefore, lychees can only be grown in a house or in a greenhouse.

Growing a lychee tree at home is not that difficult.

Growing lychee at home

Many gardeners ask themselves: is it possible to grow lychees from a bone at home?

You can, and it's not that difficult. You just need to buy a lychee fruit in the store and separate the pulp from the seed. The bone should be wrapped tightly damp cloth and leave in this state for 5-7 days, periodically dripping water onto the bone to ensure constant moisture.
In about a week, the seed will swell and it will be possible to plant it in a pre-prepared pot of soil.

Punch holes in the pot and place a large drain on the bottom. Drainage is needed in order to avoid stagnant moisture.

The land for sowing must be loose, sufficiently moisture-absorbing and nutritious. A universal substrate for growing seedlings is very well suited.

Lychee care

After the first 4-5 leaves appear, the lychee can be transplanted into a larger pot.

A lychee tree needs 13-15 hour daylight hours. This means that additional lighting is needed in winter and autumn.

Lychee is afraid of direct sunlight, the leaves may begin to dry from them. Also afraid of drafts.

Optimum temperature in summer period - 22-34 ° С, in winter - 18-25 ° С.

Lychee - tropical plant, which means accustomed to constant moisture, and this suggests that the plant needs to be sprayed. Spray the tree twice a day.

Watering should be moderate, without drying out, but also without excessive soil moisture.
Lychee does not tolerate a bay or drought.


Watering is necessary only after the topsoil has dried.
The shallow root system and, at the same time, the strong "deep" roots require careful hydro-regime.
It is recommended to combine "top" and "bottom" (from the pallet) watering the plant.

Lychees need to be fed 1-2 times a month mineral fertilizers or manure. Top dressing will enrich the soil with useful substances and will promote flowering, and subsequently fruiting.
In the first year, feeding is applied no earlier than 3 months after germination. For the 2nd year and further - once every 1-3 months.

Ripe fruits should be picked immediately, as overripe, they lose their delicious taste and appearance (they begin to darken).

In the first two years of life, the lychee tree needs pruning in order to form a beautiful crown.

If it happens that your tree does not bear fruit, do not be upset - at least, the lychee tree will perfectly decorate your room with its exotic appearance.

The benefits and uses of lychee

Lychee fruits in places of natural cultivation are used mainly fresh. They can also be eaten stewed, canned and fried.

Lychees are used to prepare various dishes and soft drinks. South-East Asia lychee fruits are dried. Dried lychee fruits look like walnuts, since their peel becomes hard after drying, and the dry pulp becomes similar to the kernel of a nut. This dried lychee fruit is called "lychee nut" and can last for several months. Under this name, these fruits are exported to other countries.

Fresh lychee fruits are not easily transportable, since they are stored for no more than 3 days.

Scientific studies have shown that the use of lychee fruit helps to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, helps to relieve constipation and lose weight, and also normalizes blood sugar levels in diabetes.

Lychee also normalizes hormones.


Lychee fruits can be eaten not only fresh, but also dried and dried. They keep well in canned form, they are added to ice cream, they are used to make delicious soft drinks and even wine. Lychee seasoning makes a great addition to meat or fish.

In addition to the above, lychee fruits have a rich vitamin composition. Therefore, it is recommended to use them for vitamin deficiency and weakened immunity, as well as for the prevention of atherosclerosis.

But it should be remembered that excessive consumption of this fruit can lead to bloating or cause an allergic reaction.

How to grow lychee from a bone

Lychee is a fruit that is often found fresh on the shelves. It is a small, rounded fruit with a dense pink skin. Inside it is a white juicy pulp and a large bone. By planting a seed in the ground and following all the care recommendations, you can grow lychees indoors.

How to grow lychee

For growing, take seeds from fresh fruits. In canned or dried lychee, the seed is not viable.

Source: Depositphotos

Lychee fruit

The process of seed germination is simple, and most importantly, it does not take much time. However, for its implementation, certain step-by-step actions are required:

• • Pour loose earth into a pot, you can use a regular store-bought one.

• • Plant the bone in the substrate to a depth of 1–2 cm.

• • It is better to plant vertically, so it will be easier for the sprout to come out of the ground, since the seed coat remains on the cotyledons.

• • The pot must be covered with a bag and kept constant humidity.

• • The temperature of the content should be at least +25 ° C, therefore, it is best to plant the seed in the summer.

If all conditions are met, seedlings will appear no later than 2 weeks later. At first, the aerial part will quickly stretch out. Then the development of the root system will begin, and if the plant is initially planted in a small glass, it will have to be transplanted.

Growing lychee at home

Despite the fact that the lychee is a native of exotic countries, it is also grown in the room.

To grow a plant, the following conditions are met:

• • For a pot with a plant, they choose the brightest place, and in winter they organize lighting.

• • It is necessary all year round support high temperature, in the region of +25 ° С. In winter, it should not fall below +18 ° С.

• • For the full development of lychee is supported high humidity air. Therefore, it is often sprayed with a spray bottle, especially in winter.

To grow lychee, take a spacious pot, preferably ceramic or clay, so that the roots do not overheat.

The young plant is periodically pruned to form beautiful crown... With this technique, you can get a beautiful tree in a few years.

The lychee plant is grown from a seed extracted from a fresh fruit. The growing process consists of just a few steps. A novice florist can also master it. The grown plant will feel great on the windowsill and, with careful care, it will bloom and tie several fruits.

An exotic plant can also be grown at home. In this article, we will show you how to grow a lychee tree at home.

Lychee or Chinese lychee is an evergreen fruit tree that belongs to the Sapindov family. Its fruits will not only become a decoration of the windowsill and a delicious fruit on the table, but will also bring considerable benefit to the body.

It is very problematic to get fruit on the shelves of the store in good condition and at a reasonable price. Therefore, this article will provide material on how to grow and what conditions to create for the growth of Chinese plums at home.

How a lychee plant grows in a pot, at home: photo

Lychee refers to exotic species fruits that prefer tropical and subtropical climates. But it can also be grown at home. To do this, you should choose a suitable fruit in the market or in a store that has no damage or dents. The seed itself is brown and oval in shape.

By the way, remember - its viability is only three days after removal from the fetus. Therefore, try to plant the seed faster for a better chance of germinating.

• The tree grows up to 30 m in height, but on a windowsill in a pot or a tub on the floor, its dimensions can reach only 1.5-3 m. The first sprouts at proper care may appear within a few weeks or a month. And in six months the tree will have about 3 leaves.
• The root system is fibrous and superficial, and also very powerful. After rapid and intense growth, a period of calm begins. It is at this moment that the root system grows stronger. The phenomenon is often observed when the root pierces the plastic glass. If you haven’t transplanted the fruit yet.

• This plant is not particularly picky, but it loves the “golden mean” in everything. It tolerates shade well, but needs light for at least 12 hours. Therefore, it must be placed near a window, but not in direct sunlight, and additional artificial lighting must be provided.
• Lychee does not tolerate dry soil, but watering, like most plants, loves in moderation. By the way, you need to take water at room temperature and infused for several days. Also, do not forget that there must be high humidity in the room and that the plant needs regular spraying.
• Lychee branches well, so it needs regular pruning. This is very important for growing at home, since not only diseased and dried branches are removed, but a compact and neat crown shape is also created. Only this procedure can be done only after two years.

What is lychee fruit, what it looks like, where is its homeland: description

Lychee cannot be confused with any other fruit or berry. It has specific and narrow historical roots, and appearance can be called original and unusual even in comparison with other exotic exhibits. This fruit also has a lot useful propertiestherefore, the Chinese have long taken it for medical purposes.

A little about the origin:

• This tree takes its roots, in the truest sense of the word, from southern China, where it was discovered in the 2nd century BC. According to legend, Emperor Wu Di, after a losing attempt to cultivate seedlings in the northern region of the country, executed all the gardeners who were engaged in these experiments.
• Then, over time, the fruit began to capture most Asia, and already from the XVII beginning to "get acquainted" with european countries... By the way, its first name was "Chinese plum".
• But in the Celestial Land about this plant there are many legends that describe the berry itself as a "dragon's eye". Yes, it has a slightly unusual and peculiar appearance - a dark bone in a light pulp. Therefore, the association with the eye went.

Important! This plant is a long-liver. In tropical countries with suitable climatic conditions Lychee can grow up to 1000 years old.

• Now lychee is naturally distributed in India, Korea and Siam. The tropical climate of the American and African continents is also suitable for its growth, about. Madagascar.

• Some populations have different names. Some refer to lychees as "Chinese grapes". Since it has general flavor notes to taste. Others are more reminiscent of cherries, which is why they named them "Chinese cherry".

Botanical Description:

• The tree has dimensions from 10 to 30 meters, but the average size is up to 15 meters. It has a wide spreading crown.
• The leaves of the tree are complex, consisting of 4-8 leaves. Their shape is elongated, ovoid or lanceolate with pointed ends. At the edge, the leaves may be slightly wavy. Leaves of a dark green color with a glossy finish on outside... Below they have a grayish tint, and there is no that eye-catching shine.
• The inflorescences are in the shape of an umbrella. By the way, they are a bit like chestnuts, but much smaller in size. The length of the inflorescence itself - the umbrella reaches 70 cm.The flowers themselves are small, collected in yellowish or greenish baskets. But such a bunch gives only 3-15 fruits.
• In general, this tree is characterized by slow growth and maturation. Younger trees bear less fruit. And the increase in yield occurs gradually and over the course of 20 years. By the way, 140 days after flowering, fruits begin to set. Trees begin to bear fruit at an average age of 5 years.

• The fruits are small and densely dotted with tree branches. They are up to 4 cm in size and oval in shape, but at the base it is slightly wider than at the bottom. The fruit itself does not exceed 20 g. The peel is red, but after being plucked from the tree it turns brown. The prominent trait is the many peaked tubercles all over the skin.
  • The pulp is light with a white or cream shade, jelly-like and translucent. It lags and separates very well from the peel. The fruit tastes sweet with hints of sourness, with slight viscous characteristics.
  • When compared with other tastes, the opinions are very different from each other. There is something in common with plums or grapes, but a bit like cherry or pineapple. The aroma is fresh and sweet at the same time.
  • Inside there is a relatively large oval brown bone. By the way, some people draw an analogy with strawberries or raspberries.

Important! There are about 100 types of lychee. The fruit is propagated by grafting, cuttings, through the stone or seeds. But the most valuable and tasty variety is considered to be propagated by pollination. That is, a seedless lychee.

Application and useful properties:

• Vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates are found in the fruit in a large number, therefore, it is used both fresh and as preservation. Also, lychee contains many pectin substances.
• By the way, the fruit is even fried and stewed. It is widely used for making sweet foods such as jelly and ice cream, as well as for various drinks. By the way, traditional Chinese wine is produced from it.

Important! Lychee is stored for no more than three days. Therefore, for delivery to other countries, it is dried or canned.

• Another well-known and popular use in Asian countries is drying. The procedure is carried out for whole berries... The rind then becomes hard, and the inside resembles the kernel of a nut. Therefore, another name is "chili nut".
• Due to its high zinc content, it is classified as an aphrodisiac. Therefore, in eastern countries, such a delicacy must necessarily be on the table of the newlyweds.

• The most important distinguishing quality is the huge content of nicotinic acid. That is, vitamin PP, which is responsible for the prevention of atherosclerosis.
• Lychee normalizes blood sugar levels, which is very valuable in diabetes. It improves the functioning of the liver, kidneys, lungs.
• The Chinese have established a positive link between lychee and cancer. The fruit not only helps to better resist ailments, but, by increasing immunity, helps to cope with the consequences.
• The heart and circulatory system are also cleansed after consuming this berry from cholesterol. It is useful to take it with vitamin deficiency.
• And one cannot fail to mention the ability to regulate the water-salt balance. Lychee helps relieve puffiness and cope with excess weight.

Important! Unripe fruits can cause poisoning and even death. A raw bone is considered poisonous at all. It must undergo special heat treatment.

• And, of course, lychee is considered the most beautiful plant. It will decorate not only the garden, but also your windowsill. Therefore, it is very widely appreciated as an ornamental culture.

How to choose a pot, soil for planting lychee?

The land, as for most plants, should be fertile, medium acidity and rich in nutrients. It is especially important that there is plenty of potassium and phosphorus. Since they are the main pillars in plant immunity.

• The ideal option would be the land for exotic or deciduous plants... The acidity level should be within the range of 5.5-7.5 pH.
• Also, do not forget to mix it with peat, because it will supplement the soil with the necessary minerals. Or replace it with humus.
• The pot should be small at first. After all, the plant's root system is still poorly developed, therefore, moisture stagnation simply forms in a large pot. And he in the future will cause rotting of the soil and even the seed.
• Therefore, for a seed for the first month, a plastic cup or a plastic pot for violets is suitable. Their diameter should not be more than 10 cm. In the future, the powerful root system of the plant will need a lot of space, so regularly monitor the size of the pot. It should be reasonably spacious and large.

The soil for lychee should be of medium acidity.

• Please note that there should be 3-5 holes at the bottom, as excess moisture should not accumulate. It is necessary that it flows freely along the walls into the stand. In the future, the roots of the fruit will absorb it. But if there is too much of it, then it is better to drain.
• A drainage with a height of 1.5-2 cm must be placed at the bottom. For this, ordinary crushed stone or pebbles are suitable. By the way, charcoal, which has not completely burned out, will additionally enrich the earth with minerals and act as a preventive measure against diseases and pests.
• Since such a plant is a little capricious in matters of moisture and temperature, therefore it is not necessary to plant lychees in plastic container... An ideal pot would be a clay or ceramic container, that is, made of natural materials. AT plastic containers the plant may suffocate or even rot.

How to plant lychee from a bone, germinate a lychee bone at home?

Growing lychees from the seed, you can get a harvest for 4-5 years. By the way, it is in this way that the plant grows and develops faster. There are also early ripening varieties that bear fruit in the second year.

• Initially, the bone must be carefully removed from the pulp so as not to damage it. It is released quite easily and freely. No additional processing does not require.
• The only thing that needs to be done is to rinse warm water... Don't delay planting and don't need to pre-soak. Lychee loses its germination capacity on the third day. Therefore, you need to plant the seed immediately after extraction.
• You do not need to dry the bone, but immediately place it in the prepared soil. If you have big pot, then plant a few grains. But for the first time, it is better to plant the seeds in disposable plastic cups, one grain in each.
• Place in the middle of the glass, but not deep - 1.5-2 cm is enough. Lightly sprinkle with earth on top. Never tamp or press down firmly on the ground. It should be loose.
• Moisture is the main criterion in the first period. The soil should always be moist, but do not pour. Better use a spray bottle. And so that the water does not have time to evaporate, cover each glass with cling film or all the pots with glass.

• Saplings need warmth immediately after planting, but bright sunlight is undesirable. Therefore, do not put them on the windowsill, or even better - put them in a darkened room. But place near batteries or heaters. The temperature should be between 30-35 ° C.
• On average, the first shoots will appear in a month. After that, watering is slightly reduced, and the film or glass is removed. At this stage, the seedlings already need more light, but the sun's rays should not fall on the sprouts. They are still too vulnerable.
• In six months, the first three leaves will appear. After that, all forces are spent on feeding the root, which will develop as much as possible. All this takes about 1.5-2 years. And don't forget to change the pots in time. Just increase them at a time by a maximum of 5 cm.

How to care for a home lychee flower?

Planting is considered the easiest of all processes. The plant cannot be called harmful and demanding, it just needs the conditions in which it is used to developing. That is, in a tropical climate. Therefore, you need to create similar conditions at home. But also keep in mind that a home or indoor lychee will not produce as many fruits as grown trees in an open garden.

• Shine. This aspect is very important for the normal development of the tree. Lychee needs 12-15 hours a day. There should be no problems in the summer. But in the period from October to March - April, you need to install additional lamps for lighting in the evening.
  • The plant loves the sun and its homeland "bathes" in the sun's rays, but a direct hit of rays on the leaves can negatively affect the further development of lychee. Therefore, place on a darkened window or choose a slightly covered area near the window.
• The active and maximum growth of the tree occurs in the summer. By the way, at this time the lychee needs temperature conditions 25-30 ° C, but for the winter, lower it to 15-20 ° C. Indeed, at this time the plant does not grow, but seems to fall asleep.

Important! Alternatively, can be used to warm up infrared lamp... Just don't place it directly above the plant. Place nearby.

• Watering. Lychee loves moisture and absolutely does not tolerate drought. Therefore, regularly monitor the condition of the earth, it should not be dry. But don't fill! Better arm yourself with a spray bottle. By the way, it will not hurt them to humidify the air in the room several times a day.
• Don't forget from time to time loosen land!

• Be sure to spend top dressing after 3-4 months. Up to 4 years of age, it is carried out 1 time in 1.5-2 months. Mature trees can already be fertilized only once every 2-3 months. Phosphate, potassium and nitrogen fertilizers... If possible, then add manure or ash.
• Pruning. It needs to be carried out only after 2 years. For indoor exhibits, it is more aesthetic in nature, since too massive or overgrown crown will be inappropriate. It is carried out as needed.

Video: Growing lychee at home

More and more exotic products can be found on our table. Litchi also belongs to such curiosities.

These trees are distinguished by a unique refreshing taste, bright color, and also have a large bone. Therefore, more and more gardeners are interested in how lychee grows and whether it is possible to grow it on their own.

The birthplace of this culture is South China. Also, this fruit has other names: Chinese plum, Chinese or dragon's eye. There are more than a hundred varieties. Which are suitable for growing as a crop. Species with seedless fruits are especially appreciated.

it evergreen tree with a rounded dense crown. The leaf plate is elongated with a pointed end.

The color is dark green. The leaves are pinnate. The number of constituent leaves can be paired or unpaired.

The fruits are collected in large bunches. Have a dense skin of red or color pink... Their surface is bumpy. Pulp white, very juicy and tender. The taste is sweet with a slight sourness.

There is a slight astringency. The stone is large, brown in color with a smooth glossy surface, it can be easily separated.

The average height of an adult tree reaches 25 meters, and in some cases may exceed them.

The yield is 75-140 kg of fruits from one tree. The first fruiting occurs as early as 4-6 years after planting seedlings in open ground. The tree develops slowly, so its productivity increases gradually.

As an agricultural crop, lychees are grown in tropical and subtropical countries. In regions with hot and dry climates, lychee produces the greatest. When high humidity the productivity of this crop is significantly reduced.

Fruits ripen in natural conditions 120-140 days after flowering. Usually this is the third decade of May or the first decade of June. The fruits are removed from the tree in clusters. This extends their shelf life and improves portability.

When grown on open ground, grafted seedlings are planted. Seedlings from the stone are weak, develop for a very long time and the first fruiting on them is possible only after 9-11 years.

In others climatic zones lychee is grown as an ornamental crop. Typically, the tubular method is used for this. The height of an adult tree in such conditions does not exceed 3.5 meters. With this cultivation, the Chinese plum can be propagated vegetatively and grown from a seed tree.

Regardless of how it is grown, lychees need careful care. Only if all the conditions of agricultural technology are met, the tree gives good harvest, and also has a dense green crown. It is of particular value for landscape design or for room decoration.

How lychee fruits are used, their benefits and harms

Ripe fruits of the Chinese plum are used as an independent dessert and as an ingredient in various dishes. They are used not only in cooking, but also in the preparation of funds. traditional medicine... Also, on their basis, various cosmetic skin care products are made.

The most famous product made from fruits is Chinese wine. There are also many recipes for sweets based on them. These sweets are very similar to thick jelly or marmalade.

Ripe fruits are consumed fresh. They are used to prepare sweet desserts and drinks, jams and confitures. The pulp is used as a filling for confectionery.

Due to its velvety sourish taste, lychees are often added to meat and fish dishes. Sauces and dressings are made on their basis.

Fresh pulp is often added to alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. She gives them a unique original taste and aroma.

The large bone is also used as a condiment. It is added to oil when frying, meat, fish or seafood. A raw bone is not eaten, since in this form it is poisonous to humans.

Fresh lychees can be eaten only after the fruit is fully ripe. The fruit should not have external changes in the form of discoloration of the peel and violation of its integrity. Unripe and damaged fruits can cause food poisoning. It is also not recommended to eat this fruit on an empty stomach.

Dried fruits can also be consumed as a standalone product or as an ingredient in a complex dish. In this form, the fruit is called a nut. Their dried pulp is well separated from the skin and bone. They have a rich aroma and taste.

Lychee fruits are not only tasty, but also very healthy. Their regular use contributes to:

• Reducing cholesterol levels
• Improving the functionality of the cardiovascular system
• Normalization of the digestive system
• Prevention of atherosclerosis
• Increase libido
• Weight loss
• Normalize blood glucose
• Removing excess fluid

Naturopaths often use this fruit in the treatment of diseases of the lungs, kidneys and liver.

In alternative medicine, not only the fruits of the tree are used for the preparation of medicines. On the basis of its rhizomes, bark and leaves, medicinal decoctions are prepared for the treatment of various pathologies.

Tea with the addition of dried peel has a special tonic and antioxidant effect. Its light citrus scent gives a special freshness.

Fruit masks with the addition of lychee pulp fill the skin with micro and macro elements. This helps to improve its tone and rejuvenation. The lotion based on ripe fruits also cleanses the skin well.

Lychee fruits have practically no contraindications for use. In some cases, they can cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, it is recommended to use them with caution for people with hypersensitivity to the fruit and children in large quantities.

How to grow lychee from a bone

Many gardeners and florists grow seed plants. It is quite possible to grow lychees in this way, but this will take a lot of time and most importantly patience.

Only high quality seeds are suitable for planting. Large bones from the fruit are mainly used.

They should be correct shape, smooth with a slight gloss. Shriveled and deformed seeds are not suitable.

For planting, the seeds are carefully removed from the pulp and washed with warm water. They are planted in the ground immediately after receiving. The planting cannot be postponed, since in just a few days the seeds lose their germination.

Special preliminary preparation no disembarkation is required. To plant a bone, you must:

Prepare the container. These can be seedling cups or flowerpots. It is important that the containers are natural material and with drainage holes. Use glass vases and containers made of polymeric materials Not recommended. In them, the bone can quickly rot.

Fill the flowerpot. It is advisable to pour a drainage layer on the bottom: expanded clay, polystyrene, pebbles. A layer of soil mixture is poured on top. It can be purchased at a garden store. A mixture of peat and black soil is best suited. The soil should be acidic and rich in organic matter.

Moisten. To do this, water the soil abundantly from the watering can and wait until excess water drains through the drain holes.

After the container is prepared, the lychee seed is planted. Planting depth is no more than three centimeters. It is not necessary to sprinkle it tightly with earth. A layer of 1-1.5 cm will be sufficient. Some growers recommend splitting the seed a little. Thus, you can accelerate its germination. But if there are no special skills, it is better not to risk it and plant a whole bone.

Stretches over the flowerpot polyethylene film... It should fit snugly around the edges. The container is placed in a warm place. But you cannot expose it to direct sunlight. After 15-20 days, a sprout should appear.

If there are multiple bones exotic fruit they can be planted in one flowerpot. This planting does not affect their germination.

After the seeds germinate, the film must be removed. Further development plants depend solely on care.

How to properly care for lychees

In order to grow a strong and healthy plant, you need to properly care for it. Litchi care is similar to standard care fruit trees... It consists in:

• Top dressing
• Crown formation
• Compliance with light and temperature conditions

After sprouting, the lychee seed begins to rapidly increase in size. But after a few weeks, the growth rate decreases markedly. During this period, the root system is strengthened.

After the lychee grows 20-25 cm, it must be transplanted into a larger pot. Further, the transplant is carried out as the plant grows. With each transplant, a flowerpot with a diameter of 5-7 cm larger than the previous one is selected.

When growing lychee, special attention should be paid to watering and moisture. The plant does not tolerate drought, but it also does not like waterlogging. Therefore, it is recommended to moisten the soil as needed.

The tree should be sprayed twice a day clean water from a spray bottle. For irrigation, settled water at room temperature is used.

Lighting also plays an important role. Lychee needs at least 12 hours of daylight per day.

Does not tolerate direct sunlight. The windows on the east side are best suited for growing it. In the autumn and winter seasons, when the daylight becomes shorter, additional lighting is needed for the lychee. The plant is placed under fluorescent lamps.

Lychee development directly depends on the composition of the soil. This crop requires regular fertilization. The first feeding is carried out no earlier than three months after planting. Special fertilizers are used, which include organic and mineral additives.

Lychee pruning is carried out during the first two years. This allows you to form a crown of the required shape. Further, sanitary pruning is carried out if necessary.

To improve aeration of the soil, the soil is regularly loosened. The loosening depth is small, since the roots of the plant are located in the upper soil layer. This manipulation contributes to better development a young tree.

Lychee belongs to heat-loving crops. Therefore, it can only be grown in tropical climates. If these conditions are not present, a fruit-bearing tree can be grown in a greenhouse. The fruiting rate in such conditions increases significantly, but it is still possible.

Growing lychees as decorative culture follow temperature regime also necessary.

In winter, it should not drop below +18. In the summer season, it is necessary to withstand the temperature within 25-30 degrees. Do not put flowerpots in the sun. Also, the plant does not like cold winds and drafts.

While watching the video, you will learn about growing lychee.

It is quite difficult to grow a fruiting lychee tree on your own at home. AT artificial conditions this culture can give its first fruits after several decades. But get beautiful ornamental plant really possible. Such a tree will be original designer decoration any room.