Iglitsa is not very popular among flower lovers and is quite rare at home.
Nevertheless, this unusual plant deserves attention - let's get to know it better.
Botanical characteristic
Ruscus, or iglitsa prickly, belongs to the genus Asparagus. This is a perennial evergreen plant, growing shrubs, whose homeland is the Caucasus, Crimea, and the Mediterranean. Iglitsa has a straight branching stem, whose height can reach 1 meter. The root system is superficial, creeping type. The leaves are oval in shape, at the top may have spines, rather dense in structure, color is dark green.
Did you know? Ruskus leaves are actually phylloclades - this is such a type of shoot. True leaves are located in the center of such a shoot and resemble scales.A distinctive feature of the needle is bright red berries with a diameter of approximately 1 cm. Unfortunately, at home, the chance of the appearance of berries is minimal, since Ruscus is a dioecious plant (female and male specimens are necessary for the ovary).
Growing conditions
Consider the conditions that must be created for the favorable development of the plant.
Temperature and humidity
Iglitsa prefers a moderate temperature in the range of 18-20ºС, in winter it can be lowered to 12-14 ºС, but this condition is not necessary. The plant is able to withstand temperatures up to 0ºС. Due to its cold resistance, Ruscus is suitable for decoration of halls, corridors, foyer.
Important! In the summer it is recommended to take the plant to fresh air.Ruscus is quite moisture-loving, therefore he needs to be constantly sprayed, and it is also good to clean the leaves from time to time with a damp sponge.
Growth Lighting
Ruscus is contraindicated in direct sunlight - you need diffused lighting, you can and darkened place. In winter, the southern side is recommended for shrubs; in the summer, the western or eastern side is preferable.
To the evergreen shrubs also include chamelacium, tabernemontana, garden yucca.
Soil requirements
To the soil, this plant is not demanding, in nature it can grow even on rocks. However, the ground should be fairly loose to prevent water from accumulating. The best will be the substrate of sand, turf and leafy land (1: 1: 3).
Rules for planting and breeding iglytsy
There are two ways of reproduction of Ruscus: by dividing the rhizome and by seed.
Vegetative methods
Vegetatively, that is, by division, the butcher is propagated during the spring transplant. Rhizomes of heavily overgrown plants are separated with a sharp knife or shears and planted in new pots. 
Rooting occurs fairly quickly, after a couple of weeks, new shoots appear on the seedlings.
Seed propagation
In the Ruscus berries, or iglytsy, there are seeds, and reproduction can be carried out by sowing them in a sand-peat mixture. The most suitable time for this is February.
Important! Seedlings sprout very slowly, some seeds germinate up to a year.
To speed up the process, they carry out cold stratification. During the week, the seed container is kept at a low temperature (from 0 to 10ºС), after which the container is put in a warm place. A dive is made when sprouts reach a height of 7-8 cm. 
Ruskus care
Iglitsa is quite easy to maintain, easily adapts to adverse conditions. Particular attention should be paid to the plant in the spring, during the period of active growth.
Watering
During vigorous growth requires regular watering. Water is recommended to take separated. After stopping the growth, the iglitz perfectly tolerates rarer watering.
Did you know? The people Ruscus is known as the "butcher's broom" or "mouse turn".
Fertilizer
Ruscus fertilized during active growth about once a month. Complex fertilizers are used as top dressing. In winter, iglitsa begins a stage of rest, and it cannot be fed with fertilizers. 
Transfer
Transplantation is carried out in the spring as needed, when the shrub has grown strongly. Depending on the selected pot, you can set the shape of the plant. If you want to get a lush bush, you need to choose a wide pot: in it, creeping roots give rise to new shoots. In a narrow pot, bushiness will be minimal.
Important! Eating berries can cause severe poisoning.
The toxicity and beneficial properties of the plant
The healing properties have Ruscus roots. Before use, they are dried and ground into powder. Iglitsa has a beneficial effect on the venous vessels, prevents accumulation of venous blood in the extremities, and helps with hemorrhoids.
However, despite the beneficial properties of rhizomes, the needle is a toxic plant. 
In this article, we learned what Ruscus is. This mysterious plant with its appearance resembles a Christmas tree: there are thorns, and decorations in the form of bright berries - and besides, it also has healing properties.
