Lemon Eureka variegated: description and characteristics of the variety, care and cultivation

Homemade citrus plants attract many hobby gardeners. They have an attractive appearance, have beautiful fragrant leaves, bloom spectacularly. In addition, citruses are able to produce a small harvest of tasty and he althy fruits. But the variegated indoor lemon Eureka also has the original coloring of foliage, flowers and fruits, which makes it even more desirable.

History of variety, value in culture

The variegated or variegated lemon Eureka is a variation of the original plant of the same variety. It has a long history, it was known in the middle of the century before last. Then lemon trees were grown in the greenhouses of European kings and nobility.

In the second half of the 19th century, the plant came to the United States, where it was cultivated in warm states - California and Florida. Selection work was also carried out there. By selecting plants with unusual variegated leaves, a new variety of the old Eureka variety was obtained - variegated. She instantly became a favorite among thousands of connoisseurs of indoor and greenhouse citrus fruits around the world.

Description and characteristics of the plant

Lemon Eureka is a compact plant up to 50 centimeters high. In room conditions, in greenhouses and greenhouses, this is a completely full-fledged tree up to 170 centimeters tall. Dark green leathery leaves characteristic of all citrus fruits have an original variegated color.

Splashes of various shapes and sizes are randomly scattered on a green background, painted in all shades of white, cream, beige, yellowish and light pink.

The crown is sprawling, the branches tend to stretch strongly, so the tree needs to be shaped and pruned. The branches are thin, drooping, taking on a “weeping” shape when loaded with fruits.

During the formation of buds, the lemon becomes even more beautiful, as future flowers are painted in lilac, pinkish and purple tones. When blooming, the flowers gradually change their color from pale greenish to pure white. They have a pronounced citrus aroma, which is very much appreciated by lovers. Like most other members of the family, you can see buds, open flowers, and ripening fruits on the tree at the same time.

Like everything in this variety, the ovaries of Eureka variegated also have the original color. They are formed at the ends of the shoots, green at the initial stage of development, then become striped with yellow sectors gradually appearing. A ripe lemon is almost yellow, with a thick porous peel, the zest of which exudes a delicate aroma.But the flesh of the fruit is most remarkable. It has a pink hue, which made it possible to give the plant a second name - Pink Lemon.

Pros and cons

Pros and consexternal attraction. The catchy coloring of foliage, buds and fruits makes the plant decorative and elegant.Subtle, delicate and pleasant aroma that fills the room.It is believed that lemon essential oils have volatile properties, that is, it is able to destroy a number of pathogens and purify indoor air.The tree produces edible fruits with pink flesh. Let the harvest be small, but for an amateur grower this is the best reward for his work.Capriciousness in care. The plant is demanding on temperature, air and soil humidity, does not tolerate drafts.Like all variegated plants, lemons need full sun with protection from direct sunlight.

The merits of colorful Eureka are clearly worth paying more attention to.

Application, useful properties

Eureka variegated lemon has several uses:

1. As an ornamental houseplant.
2. For growing in greenhouses.
3. This variety produces few fruits, so for industrial purposes, the variant of the same variety with green foliage is more suitable.
4. Fruits can be used for food.
5. Lemon juice is used for cosmetic purposes: it whitens the skin, removes yellow stains from the nails, and is added to the water to rinse the hair after washing.

The useful qualities of the variegated plant include its smell. Exquisite aroma improves mood, eliminates unpleasant odors and stimulates appetite.

Tree care

In order for the Eureka variegated lemon to grow, bloom and bear fruit, the owner will have to pay attention to care.

Temperature conditions

The plant is southern, therefore heat-loving, requires bright sunlight during the formation and ripening of fruits. Cannot be kept in drafts.

Feeding and soil

The tree needs light and nutritious soil, a small pot, because otherwise it will begin to grow roots at the expense of flowering and fruit formation. It is better to choose a special substrate for lemons.

Before the period of flowering and fruiting, the application of complex fertilizer is necessary.

Irrigation

Lemon is planted in a pot with drainage, because stagnant moisture, like drying out of the soil, is equally destructive. In hot weather and when fruits are pouring, watering is increased, as is air humidity, avoiding waterlogging.

Transfer

Variegated Lemon Eureka does not need frequent repotting. They do this every 4 years, choosing a pot with a diameter larger than the previous one by 1-2 centimeters.

Problems with growing and how to solve them

A plant with variegated leaves has a number of features that you need to consider if you want to have it at home. Eureka variegated lemon is less cold-resistant, so it needs to provide optimal temperature conditions. Drafts should also be avoided, because in this case the plant may shed its leaves and die.

Variegated seedlings are sensitive to lack of light, so they should be placed closer to a window or supplemented with light during the dark winter season. Compared to representatives of the same variety with green leaves, the variegated lemon Eureka produces fewer fruits, but pleases with an original multi-colored crown and unusual fruits.

In case of pest or disease infestations, it will be necessary to carry out treatment with drugs approved for use in room conditions. Lemon is affected by root rot, which occurs due to excess moisture in the ground. When moving during flowering, it can shed flowers and ovaries.

Lemon needs crown formation. This is necessary not only to obtain a compact plant, but also to correct the strong elongation of individual shoots. When pruning, strong and he althy branches are left on the plant, on which buds and ovaries will subsequently form. A variegated citrus tree in bloom and with original fruits will become a luxurious decoration for your home, apartment or office.

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