The Amaryllis family (Amaryllidáceae) includes more than 70 genera of bulbous (or bulbous) plants, distributed on all continents. Some of them are found in the area temperate climate, such as snow-white snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis), narcissus (Narcissus), but most of them grow naturally in the tropics and subtropics.
Many heat-loving representatives of this family are well known as indoor plants (,), others (- blue amaryllis, or) are quite rare in home collections of amaryllis, they can be seen in greenhouses or at flower shows.
The main reason for the popularity of amaryllis is the incredible beauty of the inflorescences, which can consist of one or many flowers.
The name of the family was given by the genus Amaryllis. Now this genus in the botanical classification is represented by one species - beautiful Amaryllis (Amaryllis belladonna). Amaryllis grows in South Africa. It is quite rare in collections. The plant that most indoor floriculture lovers call amaryllis (and it can be found on sale under this name, which introduces confusion) is actually hippeastrum. Hippeastrums are native to the tropics and subtropics of America.
The taxonomy of these genera is full of confusion and confusion. In 1954, the International Botanical Congress recommended that only one be called amaryllis. african view- Beautiful amaryllis (Amaryllis belladonna), and all American amaryllis belong to the genus Hippeastrum (Hippeastrum). But for many decades, hippeastrums, clivias, and many other bulbous plants with beautiful inflorescences were called amaryllis, so the name amaryllis is still used. In the literature, the names hippeastrum and amaryllis are found as synonyms.
These beautiful plants are very similar - both during the flowering period throw out thick and long peduncles with umbrellas of large funnel-shaped flowers. In amaryllis, peduncles bear 6-12 flowers; in hippeastrum, it usually blooms from 2 to 6 buds (but there are many hybrids that differ in flower size, number of buds and aroma). In amaryllis, flowering occurs in summer-autumn, in hippeastrum, flowering occurs at the end of winter - early spring, but it can also bloom twice a year.
The main difference is that the hippeastrum peduncle is hollow inside, while the amaryllis is dense. The bulbs are large (8-10 cm in hippeastrum, about 6 cm in amaryllis), the leaves are long, belt-like.
Zephyranthes
With all this, there is a huge number of interspecific and intergeneric hybrids with different properties.
The leaves of most members of the Amaryllis family are long and narrow, often covered with a waxy coating. The midrib often forms a keel on the underside of the leaf. The size of the leaves ranges from a few centimeters to a meter or more.
All representatives of this family are required (except krinum) for successful flowering. The duration and timing of the rest period differ and depend on natural conditions their homelands. So in hippeastrum, amaryllis, zephyranthes, sprekel, the dormant period can last 3-4 months, which is explained by the aridity of their natural habitat. Euharis wakes up in a month to bloom.
Most amaryllis plants are quite unpretentious plants. To successfully grow them at home, it is enough to follow some simple rules.
- All amaryllis plants are photophilous and very sensitive to excess moisture and their bulbs can simply rot from excessive watering.
- Representatives of the family do not like large pots, you need to fertilize regularly during the period of leaf growth and flowering.
- Despite the fact that dormant amaryllis bulbs are sold without roots (it’s more convenient to transport), most of them can hardly tolerate the loss of roots. Do not take them out of the pot for a dormant period.
- They reproduce by daughter bulbs-children, which inherit the characteristics of the mother plant.
Almost all types of amaryllis are poisonous. They contain alkaloids which may cause poisoning if swallowed, in rare cases irritating on contact with skin or mucous membranes.
Narcissus- one of the very first awakening spring flowers. These primroses are not afraid of cold weather and are absolutely not whimsical in care.
Gardeners love this flower for its independent growth and combination with tulips and hyacinths, both in the flower bed and in the bouquet.
Daffodils belong to the Amaryllis bulb family.
This genus of monocot plants, in nature, has many species, more than fifty. Most actively grows in the countries of Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean.
In garden cultivation, about 25 species of daffodils and their hybrids are used.
Flower growth begins from the bulbs, narrow, long, ribbon-like leaves. Basal leaves grow much earlier than the peduncle.
At the top of a leafless long stem is a flower. Flowers sit straight or can be directed down. Grow single or collected in inflorescences, from 2 to 8 pieces.
Blooms are white, yellow, and hybrids are bicolor. Blooms in April-May.
The bulbs are different in shape, round, ovoid, pointed, depending on the type and variety. Every year, the old roots of the bulb die off and new ones grow. Life expectancy up to 10 months.
The plant reaches up to 0.5 meters in height.
How to grow daffodils in garden plots
Site selection and lighting
The flower is undemanding to the soil and adapts to any soil.
It will grow on fertile soil with clay inclusions and on soil enriched with compost or humus.
But excessively sandy soil will not work, in winter it can lead to cooling and death of the bulb, and in summer to drying out.
Suitable for both sunny and shady places.
On a note!
To reduce acidity, wood ash is added to the soil.
And excessively alkaline soil is diluted with dolomite flour. In the proportion of 1 tbsp. per 1 sq.m.
Planting bulbs in open ground is carried out from late summer to October.
You need to start preparing the soil in advance.
Mount Hood (Mount Hood) - large, resistant flowers up to 10-15 cm in diameter. They bloom in a creamy white color, eventually brighten to a snow-white hue. Cream or greenish crown.
The height of an adult bush is up to 40 cm.
The flowering period falls on mid-April-May.
Small crowned
It has a small short crown, which does not exceed the length of the petals. The shades of the crown are pink, pearl, orange. The peduncle is short and persistent.
This unpretentious species grows quickly and pleases with long flowering.
Sabine Hay is a small flower with a bright rich crown.
Fragrant flowering is observed from the end of April.
Terry
Hybrid form, highly decorative and unpretentious.
Peduncles are with single or several flowers. The crown of the flower is terry. There are varieties where the entire flower is completely terry.
The perianth is white or yellow, and the crown is red, orange, milky.
Electrus - the size of the flower is up to 10 cm in diameter. White with a bright orange crown.
Triandrus
Undersized variety. 2-3 flowers grow on one peduncle. They have a small crown and slightly recurved petals.
Ice Wings is a long flowering variety.
Very beautiful, bright narcissus, with a large crown opening up and snow-white petals.
multi-flowered daffodils
Unique formation from 2 to 20 flowers on one pedicel. The flowers are fragrant, collected in lush inflorescences.
Colors are white, yellow, peach.
This species easily tolerates winter.
Poetic daffodils
Everyone knows white delicate flowers.
They grow from a small bulb.
A thin stem with a peduncle gives one flower with a small bright crown. Perianths are white.
Absolutely not whimsical variety, winter-hardy and shade-tolerant.
Flowering time depends on the variety and weather conditions.
Pests and diseases of daffodils
In garden plots, plants quite often infect root mites, narcissus flies, nematodes, slugs.
The way to destroy them will be treatment with a solution of Fufanon, Nemaphos.
For prevention during the formation of buds, treat the bushes with a diluted Fitoverma solution
Viral diseases, fusarium, gray rot are extremely dangerous for daffodils. The disease begins with root rot: the infection penetrates from the soil through small roots, and then enters large roots, after which it rises along the stems and leaves through the outlet vessels.
Possible reasons:
- Too dense landing;
- Acidic or heavy soil;
- Stagnation of moisture, poor aeration of the roots;
- Excessive application of fertilizers to the soil
Before planting the bulbs, a careful selection is carried out. It is recommended to use the largest, undamaged seed.
For prevention at the beginning of the growing season, young sprouts are treated with a Bordeaux mixture.
And also in the gardens to carry out timely treatment from pests and insects that are carriers of viruses.
If the plant is affected by mosaic disease or ring spot, yellow or green streaks and patterns can be found on the stems and leaves. The plant stops growing.
In this case, it is necessary to dig up the plant and burn it, in order to avoid infecting the entire area.
Myths about narcissus
This flower has been praised so much by poets of all countries and centuries. He was admired by the Persian kings, the prophet Mohammed, the poets Shakespeare, Isidore Orientalis, Edgar Allan Poe.
There is an ancient Greek legend about the beautiful Narcissus about the origin of the flower.
The river god Cefiss and the nymph Lirioessa had a son, a beautiful young man who rejected the love of the nymph Echo.
The young man grew up of extraordinary beauty, and many women sought his love, but he was indifferent to everyone.
The nymph Echo fell in love with him and withered from passion. But before her death, she uttered a curse: “Let not the one whom he loves reciprocate with Narcissus.”
For this he was punished: when he saw his own reflection in the water, he fell in love with him. Tormented by an insatiable passion, he died, and in memory of him there remained a beautiful, fragrant flower, the corolla of which leans downwards, as if wishing to once again admire himself in the water.
The term "narcissism" is applied to the narcissistic and selfish nature of a person.
So, according to the tradition of the ancient Greeks, this flower was considered a symbol of the dead or the dead.
And in ancient rome, on the contrary, they glorified the winners.
Widespread use of daffodils and to this day in perfumery. The plant contains essential oil and alkaloids.
The most suitable variety for this is Poetic, which has the strongest aroma.
Amaryllis is a large family whose representatives are herbaceous plants. Their root system is most often represented by a bulb of various sizes, leaves of different widths emerge from it. These plants are valued in indoor floriculture for their bright and long flowering. Some specimens are not only a decorative ornament, but are used in cosmetology, medicine and cooking. Next, consider the main representatives of this family, which are popular with flower growers.
Description of the amaryllis family
These plants are native to South Africa. The heat on the continent lasts up to 10 months a year, and a slight decrease in temperature can be traced only in August-September. at this time there is a rainy season, the soil is abundantly saturated with moisture, plant bulbs form flower buds.
@hidako stock.adobe.com The flowers of the plant are often colored in different shades
Attention! Before you buy a plant, you need to familiarize yourself with the conditions of its habitat in its natural environment. It is important to consider that for the normal maintenance of culture at home, environment needs to be adapted as much as possible.
In just two months, the desert region changes its appearance and literally flourishes. On the massive greenery of grasses, flowers appear that have a variety of shapes and colors. Amaryllis at this point stand out from the crowd, because their flowering is amazing. A thick stem comes out of the bulb, capable of reaching 60-80 cm in height, and there are buds at its end. Depending on the species and variety, their color can be varied: from white to pink, from red to burgundy.
The Amaryllis family is considered extensive, it combines more than 70 genera of bulbous plants. South Africa is considered their historical homeland, but this does not prevent the culture from spreading throughout all continents. Individual representatives of this group are able to survive in natural conditions (open ground) of a temperate climate. Not many people know that daffodils and snowdrops are bright specimens from this family. Despite this feature, the bulk are heat-loving crops that grow in the tropics or subtropics.
The list of plants successfully grown at home include:
- clivia;
- hippeastrum;
- zephyranthes;
- krinum;
- spreckel;
- eucharis;
- wallot;
- vorsia;
- hymenocallis.
Plants are valued for the unusual structure of the inflorescence. They are endowed with special appearance due to which they are able to fit into any interior. In the bulk of the representatives, the buds are collected in several pieces, but there are specimens with a single flowering.
@ spritnyuk stock.adobe.com Simple hippeastrum
It is worth noting that even experienced flower growers are able to confuse amaryllis with hippeastrum. they differ only in the structure of the root system. Flowering is similar, but the plants are native to different continents. So, at the International Botanical Congress, it was decided to classify these crops, starting from their homeland. Amaryllis are found in South Africa, and hippeastrums are found in southern America.
The following video will tell you how to distinguish between amaryllis and hippeastrum.
What do all family members have in common?
Consider the main characteristics that are similar for many species that are part of the large Amaryllis family:
- All plants have a bulb, which is their main part. This is where a fulfilling life begins. An adult tuber has a pear-shaped shape, scales form on it. As it grows, it increases in size several times. Please note that in many representatives of this genus, children do not appear from the sides of the mother plant, but from its center.
- Leaves. They are not always present in the plant, because during the dormant period the culture sheds them. The plates grow from the center of the bulb, have a grooved shape, are presented in different shades of green, depending on the variety.
- Bloom. Before flowering, the plant throws out an arrow with a bud. The size of the peduncle is diametrical to the bulb parameter, but old plants may refuse to bloom at all.
@ Sparkmedia stock.adobe.com Yellow-flowered clivia is rare in indoor floriculture.
Attention! The bulb is capable of putting out a few flower shoots during the growing season, but it needs some help. After the first bud blooms on the arrow, cut it off and put it in water. In this way, the bulb will not spend nutrients on the maintenance of the peduncle and will be able to release another one. The cut arrow will fully bloom and stay in the water for at least 2 weeks.
Hippeastrum is the brightest and most common representative of amaryllis in indoor floriculture. In nature, it grows in the mountainous zones of Mexico, Central and South America. An interesting fact is that there is confusion with the names of plants, because many flower growers call hippeastrum amaryllis. This is only wrong from a botanical point of view, since these two genera were separated not so long ago.
@ Qyzz stock.adobe.com White Hippeastrum
In closed ground conditions, only hippeastrums are able to grow, bloom and fully develop. Amaryllis is not able to grow in a room. Hippeastrum is valued for its bright flowering, the buds can be plain or multi-colored. The leaves are long, reach 1 meter, belt-like. When growing a plant, it is necessary to ensure the growth of the bulb. The plant must grow separately, the bulbs must be separated in a timely manner, otherwise flowering can not be expected. The longest, brightest and most abundant flowering will be in an adult bulb with a size of more than 10 cm.
| Temperature | Should be between 20 and 25 degrees. |
| Humidity | About 50%, in standard apartments additional humidification is not required. |
| Lighting | Bright diffused color, in the shade the plant will not bloom. |
| Watering | Abundant when the peduncle appears, it is stopped in September, so the plant is prepared for a dormant period. |
| top dressing | It is carried out during the period of active growth after the appearance of the flower arrow until the onset of autumn. |
| Transfer | It is carried out one month after the completion of flowering. |
| reproduction | Seeds and babies. |
After flowering is complete, the plant prepares for a dormant period. It must be provided from October and ended with an increase in daylight hours, in January-February, depending on the region. If the plant does not rest, the next flowering will not occur or will be scarce.
How to achieve flowering hippeastrum at home? Helpful Hints in the next video.
This is a flowering plant, which in its natural habitat is common in the subtropics of South America. In countries with a temperate climate, it is grown only as a pot crop, on windowsills. The plant develops at an average rate, with proper care it produces up to 8 leaves per year. It is cast for a fairly long period of life - about 40 years. Flowering begins in February, the plant releases a peduncle, on which buds bloom within a month.
@lizaveta25 stock.adobe.com Clivia flowers last more than a month after blooming
| Temperature | In summer, in the range from 20 to 25 degrees, in winter it is permissible to drop to 12-15. |
| Air humidity | Normally tolerates dry air, it is recommended to wipe the leaves of the plant with a damp cloth once a week. |
| Watering | Provided once a week, the plant does not tolerate waterlogging of the soil. |
| Lighting | Bright diffused light is needed, optimally placed on windowsills with an eastern orientation. |
| Fertilizer | From spring to the end of summer, liquid mineral fertilizer for flowering plants is applied to the soil once every 2 weeks. |
| Transfer | Young plants are transplanted annually, adults change the top layer of soil. |
| reproduction | Root shoots. |
Attention! The peduncle should be cut off immediately after the onset of wilting. Do not allow seeds to ripen. They have low germination, and an adult plant may not please the owner with flowering next season.
Why does a beautiful clivia not bloom and how to solve this problem? The answer to the question is in the next video.
Zephyranthes, which is also called the "upstart" in the circle of flower growers, also belongs to the Amaryllis family. Under natural conditions, it grows on a cube. It does not differ in special requirements for maintenance, blooms willingly, suitable for beginner gardeners. The size of the leaves reaches 40 cm in length. The plant is a perennial, flowering occurs in spring-summer. is of sufficient duration. The flowers are white, pink or yellow in color and last only a few days.
@ exsodus stock.adobe.com Special maintenance requirements, requires a cool winter to fully bloom
| Temperature | In summer - no more than 27 degrees. During the rest period, a decrease to 10-12 is permissible. |
| Humidity | Medium, it is recommended to moisten the air around the plant periodically. |
| Lighting | Bright, can be placed on the eastern and southern window sills. With a lack of sunlight, the bulbs stop blooming. |
| Watering | During the period of active growth - 1 time in 3-6 months. In winter, it is limited or completely stopped. |
| top dressing | It is provided 1 time in 2 weeks with liquid fertilizer. |
| Transfer | Held annually. |
| reproduction | Bulb division and seed method. |
Remember that during the dormant period, zephyranthes can also shed their leaves. this is especially true of varieties with pink flowers. White "upstart" has a less pronounced dormant period, so the plant can remain green.
@ dextorth stock.adobe.com Krynum is difficult to grow at home, most often the flower can be found in greenhouses
Crinum - not common, but very beautiful plant belonging to the Amaryllis family. Under natural conditions, it grows in tropical and subtropical areas of South America. Prefers moist soil, therefore it can be found near the shore of reservoirs. Valued for beautiful flowering, inflorescences are formed on the arrow - umbrellas, the petals are painted white or pink.
Attention! Translated from Latin name plants means "hair", the name is associated with the structural features of the leaves.
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Features of growing krinum at home |
|
| Temperature | In summer - 22-27 degrees, in winter - at least 12. |
| Humidity | Increased, for hygienic purposes it is recommended to wipe the leaves at least once a week. |
| refreshment | Very picky about this indicator. The light must be bright to get flowering in room conditions daylight hours should last at least 16 hours. |
| Watering | It is provided after drying of the topsoil, radical drying is not allowed. |
| top dressing | It is provided in the period from the end of February to the end of September with liquid mineral fertilizer 1 time in 2 weeks. |
| Transfer | Held in February. During the procedure, be sure to remove existing children, they can be planted in separate cups. |
| reproduction | It is provided by bulbs during the formation of daughter shoots or by seed. |
It is rather difficult to determine all the subtleties and nuances of growing krinum at home. The plant is poorly distributed in Russia.
@jordonstock.adobe.com
In summer, it is useful to plant spreckel in open ground.
Sprekelia or Sprekelia is an elegant bulbous plant, presented in two forms. Valuable bulbs were brought to Europe relatively recently, in 1950. Mexico is considered the birthplace of the plant. Flowering occurs in late spring or early summer. After its completion, a period of rest begins, which is not expressed. The plant is evergreen, its leaves do not fade, but their growth stops. The length of life in room conditions is no more than 5-6 years, so you should worry about growing a replacement baby in advance.
| Temperature | It is kept at a temperature of 20 to 22 degrees, a cool wintering is necessary. |
| Humidity | Increased, not less than 50%. |
| Lighting | Bright sunlight, exposure to direct sunlight is necessary for the development of the bulb. |
| Watering | During the period of active growth - plentiful, provided 1-2 times a week. In winter, it should be reduced. |
| top dressing | It is carried out 2 times a month with mineral fertilizer for flowering plants. |
| reproduction | Daughter bulbs. |
| Transfer | It is carried out 1 time in 2 years, the bulb is buried in the soil by no more than 2/3. |
The peduncle appears in warm and solar time years, but the buds themselves do not react well to high temperatures, they retain their freshness worse, therefore the flowerpot at this time should be protected from direct sunlight.
@Angela stock.adobe.com Eucharis flowers look like daffodils
This plant occupies a place of honor among all decorative flowering plants. It is valued not only for its flowering, but also for its aroma. In the people it is also called the Amazon lily. Eucharis flowers are similar in structure to narcissus, but they are much larger and form several times a year. Peduncle - long, reaches half a meter in height. The leaves are wide with a corrugated surface.
The following video will tell you how to properly care for the Amazonian lily at home:
Advice! After a stable temperature is established outside in the spring (above 12 degrees at night), the plant should be planted in the garden. There, its flowering will be lush and plentiful. In autumn, the plant is treated for pests and brought into the house.
This is a beautifully flowering bulbous plant, the inflorescences of which have a certain similarity with simple bells, but they have a rich bright color and are located on a high peduncle. The culture develops quickly, but does not exceed 50 cm in height. Actively grows in room conditions, willingly gives children. It is interesting to know that the name of the culture is given in honor of the French botanist who first discovered the plant - Pierre Vallot.
@enyushkin stock.adobe.com Wallotas are often referred to as common house lilies.
The plant does not shed its leaves for the winter, so it must be cared for year-round. The main thing is not to flood the wallot, otherwise it may rot. Remember that yellowing of the leaves is the first symptom of this. The plant must be pulled out of the pot, inspect the bulb and root. If there is rot, it should be cleaned, treated with a fungicide.
@ supanee2550 stock.adobe.com Hymenocallis is not common in Russia, the bulb can be bought from collectors
Gimenokallis is a flowering bulbous plant belonging to the Amaryllis family. During the flowering period, it exudes a pleasant aroma. The leaves reach 1 meter in height, and the peduncle can be even larger. This genus includes several species, therefore it is impossible to name the exact timing of flowering. For example, most plants bloom late spring or even in summer, and the variety "Caribia" pleases the owner most often in winter.
Attention! The plant is easy to care for at home.
| Temperature | During the growth period, about 24 degrees, in winter - about 14 degrees. |
| Air humidity | There are no special requirements. |
| Lighting | Bright diffused light is recommended, but the plant is able to tolerate partial shade. |
| Watering | During the period of growth and flowering - plentiful, as the top layer of soil dries out. |
| top dressing | Liquid mineral fertilizer for flowering crops is applied to the soil every 10 days from March to September. |
| Transfer | It is held once every 3 years. |
| reproduction | Daughter bulbs or seed way. |
@sakhorn38 stock.adobe.com White zephyranthes is a popular plant in indoor floriculture
Plants from the Amaryllis family take pride of place on the windowsill. They are valued for their beautiful and long flowering, ease of care and maintenance. But, it must be borne in mind that all cultures have features, therefore, before buying a plant, it is worth studying all the nuances. For creating optimal conditions, any representative of this family will thank the grower with lush, colorful and long flowering.
Many amaryllis (Amaryllidaceae) - narcissus, amaryllis, krinum, hippeastrum, clivia and others - are magnificent flowering plants, both in flower beds and indoors. The main reason for their popularity is the chic inflorescences, which can consist of one or more flowers.
The Amaryllis family includes, according to various sources, from 60 to 75 genera and from 800 to 1000 species. According to GRIN, the family includes 66 genera, including two hybrid genera. Listed below are some of them that meet both in the garden and in the conditions of the apartment.
- Amaryllis (Amaryllis L.) is a popular garden and indoor plant; monotypic genus from South Africa.
- whiteflower(Leucojum L.) - about ten species of plants from Eurasia and North Africa, similar to representatives of the genus Snowdrop (Galanthus). One of the most known species- Spring white flower (Leucojum vernum) from Central Europe.
- Brunswigia(Brunsvigia Heist.) - about 20 species from North Africa. The flowers are similar to those of amaryllis, but smaller. In some species, the size of the bulb can exceed 30 cm.
- Worsley(Worsleya (W.Watson ex Traub) Traub) is a monotypic genus from Eastern Brazil with blue flowers. Among gardeners, vorsley is known as "blue amaryllis".
- Hippeastrum (Hippeastrum Herb.) - about 80 flowering South American plant species, formerly part of the genus Amaryllis.
- Gimenokallis (Hymenocallis Salisb.) - differ in large fragrant flowers. About 50 plant species from tropical and subtropical regions of the West Indies, Antilles and South America. Cultivated as ornamental plants mainly in closed ground.
- Zephyranthes (Zephyranthes Herb.) or upstart; has about 35 species.
- Clivia (Clivia Lindl.) - the most popular species, also grown as a houseplant: Clivia cinnabar (Clivia miniata). An oligotypic genus (containing a small number of species) of evergreen South African plants.
- Crinum(Crinum L.) differs from other amaryllis primarily in its gigantic size, although there are also small plants among the representatives of the genus. Some species are suitable for growing in a large aquarium or greenhouse with a pond (floating krinum (Crinum natans) and purple krinum (Crinum purpurascens).
- Narcissus (Narcissus L.) - about 20 Eurasian species, many of which are early flowering ornamental garden plants.
- Nerine(Nerine Herb.) - 13 to 30 species of perennial bulbous herbs from South Africa. Many species are ornamental garden plants.
- Snowdrop, or Galanthus (Galanthus L.) - about 20 species of Eurasian species are known, blooming in early spring with single white flowers.
- sprekelia(Sprekelia Heist.) - monotypic (according to other sources - oligotypic) genus of Central American plants. Sprekelia the most beautiful is also known under the names "lily of the Aztecs" and "lily of the Templars".
- Eucharis (Eucharis Planch. & Linden) is a popular houseplant that blooms with large, white, daffodil-like flowers. 10-20 species grow in the rainforests of Central and South America, mainly in Colombia.
Rest period for amaryllis
For most of the year, we are forced to look only at the green foliage or even at the leafless top of the bulb. Depending on the air temperature in the room, amaryllis inflorescences can please us from 5 to 14 days. This is where the ancient Chinese wisdom is especially relevant: "Grow whole year, admire for ten days. "Pollen on the stigma accelerates the wilting of flowers, but if the anthers are removed, the flowering process may be delayed.
While many amaryllis plants can continuously produce new leaves under favorable conditions, almost all require a dormant period to flower. Rest is needed not so much for the formation of flowers (they are laid in the bulb without it), but for the development of the inflorescence. If you do not take care of the dormant conditions for these bulbous plants, then the resulting inflorescence will die inside the bulb, without pleasing us with flowering.
Amaryllis flowers are widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Old and New Worlds, and depending on their natural habitat, dormancy is required different conditions. The only exception is tropical krynums: they do not need rest for flowering. However, they are extremely rare on our windows.
The Amazonian eucharis needs a little rest (1-1.5 months). It is necessary to restrain the growth of the plant immediately after the flowering period, watering only in last resort- if the leaves begin to wilt.
In hippeastrums, zephyranthes from arid regions of the New World, the rest period is longer (3-4 months). Watering is generally stopped, and the bulbs rest in a leafless state. It is often recommended to keep hippeastrum bulbs in a cool room. In fact, this is completely unnecessary, just not watering the plants is enough.
Valotta, nerina, krinum mura and other immigrants from South America need not only a dry period, but also a cool period. Bulbs should be kept at a temperature of 5-10°C. Without refrigeration, these plants may not bloom.
The most difficult and long dormant period (up to 8 months) is found in Mediterranean daffodils. They need not only dry summer dormancy, but also relatively moist cold period before flowering.
On sale you can often see bulbs without roots, which is convenient during transportation. The plants survive, but they don't like the loss of roots. If you create peace for the bulbs, then you should not take them out of the pot, much less cut off the roots. Even dry soil will protect the roots from excessive drying out.
Some Amaryllis plants are used medicinally. The juice of some species contains alkaloids, which can cause burns on contact with unprotected human skin.
Amaryllidaceae is a large family of monocotyledonous plants, which includes about two thousand varieties. Most of them are herbaceous types of flowers. They have an aesthetic appearance, for which they are very fond of flower growers in Europe. In addition to ornamental purposes, some types of plants are used in medicine and cooking.
In this article we will consider the amaryllis family, photos and the main features of its representatives.
Homeland of the family
Amaryllis is native to South Africa. In this part of the hottest continent, nature comes to life only for a couple of months a year. This period is in July and August. It is at this time that the arid southern part of Africa is abundantly rained. The soil is saturated with moisture, and the bulbs of the plant of the amaryllis family acquire buds.
It is noteworthy that in such a short time the desert terrain of South Africa is changing. The landscape is covered with a colorful carpet of all kinds of flowers and herbs. Among this abundance of vegetation, large flowers stand out. On a massive thick stem, which can reach 60 centimeters in height, there are inflorescences formed from buds of various colors. The flower of the amaryllis family can have a different shape and shade, depending on which species it belongs to. It can be white, and burgundy, and pink.
general description
The Amaryllis family includes about seventy genera of bulbous plants. Interestingly, although South Africa is the historical homeland of this culture, this did not prevent it from spreading widely to all continents. Some members of the Amaryllis family are found even in temperate climates. These include daffodils and snowdrops. However, most of the species of the Amaryllis family grows in tropical and subtropical zones.
Most heat-loving species can be grown indoors. These include hippeastrum, clivia, vorsley and rhodofial. The main reason for the popularity of the Amaryllis family lies in their unusual inflorescences. They have a very aesthetic and beautiful appearance, thanks to which they are able to fit into any interior. Buds can be collected in several pieces. There are also plants with single flowers.
Amaryllis grows in the southern part of the African continent. An interesting fact is that flower growers often mistake it for another plant - hippeastrum. This culture is outwardly very similar to the Amaryllis family, but grows on the American continent. This introduced some confusion, and therefore certain recommendations were put forward by the International Botanical Congress in the middle of the 20th century.
- All amaryllis found in South Africa are combined into one species - beautiful amaryllis.
- All subspecies growing on the American continent were classified as hippeastrums.
However, for many years, clivias and many other bulbous flowers were also called amaryllis. Therefore, until now, often in the descriptions of the features of the Amaryllis family, the name hippeastrum can be seen as a synonym for this type of plant.
Bulb Description
The bulb is the key element of the plant. From it begins the life of amaryllis. The ripe bulb has a pear shape. As it grows, it acquires a brownish tint, has a large size. In diameter it can reach 12-13 centimeters. Distinctive feature bulbs of the amaryllis family lies in the fact that the "children" grow from its center, and not from the edges, as happens in other related crops.
The appearance of the leaves
For many people who see amaryllis for the first time, it may seem that this plant has no foliage. But she is still there. The leaves of the Amaryllis family are long and grooved. Their color varies from light green to deep dark. The bush has a peculiar structure. Leaves grow from the root, not from the petioles. They are absent in this culture. One of its main features is the death of leaves for a dormant period. This can only be observed in hybrid types. If we consider other species, then their foliage is preserved all year round.
What is a peduncle
Before the beginning of the most beautiful period, an arrow with buds is thrown out. The size of the peduncle directly depends on the parameters of the bulb, in particular on its age. Also important factors are the conditions under which amaryllis grows. If the bulb is sufficiently developed, then the peduncle can reach a size of 55-60 centimeters. It has a dense fleshy structure and is not hollow inside. During the growth period, the peduncle is always directed towards the light. In order for it to have the correct even shape, the container with the plant is regularly rotated around its axis. The arrow is removed only after the full maturation of the seeds.
Some indoor plant lovers immediately after the first bud opens, cut off the peduncle and place it in a container of water. It is noteworthy that the rest of the flowers on it fully bloom and are able to exist no less than on the plant. Cut off the arrow so that the bulb has the opportunity to release a new one. However, using this method, it will not be possible to obtain amaryllis seeds.
Seeds of the amaryllis family, general characteristics
After the flower petals fall, bolls form in their place, in which the seeds are located. They initially have a rich green color and have a triangular shape. They consist of 3 chambers, where the process of seed ripening takes place. This period lasts at least 1 month. Up to 18-20 seeds are located in each of the chambers. Their color varies from white to pale red. For this, flower growers often compare them with pomegranate seeds. Amaryllis seeds become unusable very quickly, so it is recommended not to delay planting them after harvesting.
Flower
It is large and can reach 10 centimeters in diameter. The flowers form umbellate inflorescences. Each of them can have up to 10-12 buds. In conditions wildlife, growing in South Africa, amaryllis can often have a simple form, where 6 petals form a funnel. At the same time, breeders every year bring out more and more new hybrid species of this plant, where you can observe flowers of various sizes with a rich palette of colors.
How to plant and propagate
This plant with spread leaves and a high peduncle has insufficient stability. Therefore, experts recommend using large containers during transplantation. An important point when choosing a pot for amaryllis is its special shape. The container should be narrowed at the top and widen at the bottom. This will provide the necessary stability to the pot. When landing, certain requirements must be observed.
First, the bulb should be planted in the center. At the same time, the distance from it to the walls of the pot should be at least three centimeters. If several bulbs are placed in the container, then a gap of at least 10 centimeters should be left between them. The second important condition is the volume of the pot. It should be wide and deep. This is necessary because the plant has a powerful root system.
When planting, it is recommended to use soil, which will include river sand, garden soil and soddy soil. Such a mixture can be created independently or purchased at a specialized store. key role when landing, drainage plays. It is able to provide the necessary aeration of the roots. Gravel or expanded clay can be used as drainage. It is poured with a layer of no more than three centimeters, on top you need to add a little sand.
Care
With proper care, you can get up to three amaryllis blooms per year. This crop needs diffused lighting, moderate moisture, suitable soil drainage, comfortable temperature premises and proper fertilizer. Watering should begin no earlier than the arrow rises to a height of ten centimeters. It is important to know that amaryllis do not like stagnant water. In this case, it will be optimal to water no more than once every four days. It should be carried out so that water does not fall on the bulbs. It should be poured exclusively into the soil.
V winter months you need to spray the culture, but not more than once every ten days. Florists recommend using mixtures saturated with phosphorus and potassium as fertilizers. If we are talking about amaryllis growing in open field, then they can be fed with organic matter. The solution can be prepared from poultry manure.
Diseases and pests
The most dangerous and destructive disease for amaryllis is stagonosporosis. When the disease affects the crop, spots form on the bushes, which become larger and larger over time. This leads to the death of the foliage. As a result, the bulb will also certainly die. Without the right amount of leaves, it gradually becomes smaller and weaker. In order to cure the plant, as a rule, a 0.2% solution of "Fundazol" is used. Also perfect "Trichodermin" or "Fitosporin". The treatment process itself lasts for two years and consists in dressing the bulb before planting it, spraying the foliage and soil.
The most dangerous pests of amaryllis are considered to be: scale insect, worm, root mite, nematodes, slugs, mealybugs, narcissus fly and others. Florists recommend paying close attention to temperature regime. The greatest activity and reproduction of pests occurs at high temperatures. Therefore, it is important to periodically inspect the culture for unwanted insects. On the lower and upper sides of the leaves, you can find a scale insect protected by a wax shell. But the greatest damage to the plant is caused by tramps, which spread through the foliage and suck the juice out of it.