Zephyranthes is an unpretentious, but unusually delicate and beautiful flower, named after the god of the west wind, and is very popular among flower growers. With proper care, the almost continuous flowering of zephyranthes lasts 4–5 months, and the rest of the time, as soon as the gaze touches its long green leaves, the memories of this event never cease to delight. The plant is ideal for beginning flower growers, because growing it at home is a pleasure!
Zephyranthes flower Planting and care at home Reproduction Photos of species and names
Zephyranthes is a perennial plant native to South America and the West Indies.
Prefers wet places, peat bogs, and swamps of tropical forests. The growing season occurs at the time when the wind begins to blow Zephyr - hence the official name of the plant; it is popularly called upstart, house daffodil, indoor or rain lily. The plant belongs to the Amaryllis family. The root system of zephyranthes is bulbous. Basal leaf rosettes consist of belt-shaped leaves 20-35 cm long and about 3 mm wide. The color is bright green.
Flowering lasts from April until almost the end of summer. Flowers of white, pink, yellow color are located singly on a long peduncle. Petals in the amount of 6 pieces have a pointed shape. The core consists of yellow stamens of equal length. The diameter of the opened flower is 4-8 cm. After 1-3 days, the flower is replaced by a new one.
Why was Zephyranthes called an upstart?
The botanical name of the genus Zephyranthes consists of the ancient Greek words: “zephyr” - the name of the god of the warm western wind, “anthos”, which translates as “bloom” or “flower”. The result is a “divine flower” for resting the soul and eyes.
The plant is known in its native tropical South America as the "rain lily", "marshmallow lily" or "rain flower". Since in southern countries the flower grows on the streets and in gardens, these names reflect the main feature of zephyranthes - the buds appear immediately after rain.
The Russian name “upstart flower” is presumably given for the rapid appearance of buds. After the bulbs absorb moisture, the flower arrows seem to “jump” out of the ground. The plant was called “upstart” for several features. One flower arrow appears from the soil, blooms rapidly, and fades after 2-5 days. Other flower stalks are already growing next.
Planting and replanting zephyranthes at home
How to transplant zephyranthes
There is no need to replant immediately after purchase if the bulb has not yet taken up all the free space in the pot.
Transplantation and planting of plants is usually carried out in the spring. The bulbs must be freed from dry scales, rotten or dry areas must be removed and kept in the fungicide solution for 30 minutes.
For planting, take a shallow, wide container. Usually several bulbs are planted in one bowl at once.
The soil needs to be loose, nutritious, with a neutral reaction. A mixture of turf soil, humus and sand in equal proportions is suitable.
Be sure to lay a drainage layer about 2 cm thick, consisting of fine expanded clay, brick chips, and foam.
Fill the container halfway with soil, place the bulbs, keeping a distance of 3 cm between them and fill them with substrate up to the neck. Moisten the soil, avoiding getting water on the neck. After planting, place in a warm (25–29° C), bright (out of direct sunlight) place.
Growing Robusta roses yourself
Rose Weasley - description of varietal scrub
In addition to the scarlet park Rose Robusta, there is also Pink Robusta, which has minor differences. The larger buds are pink and the size of the bush is slightly lower than that of the scarlet beauty. Although the differences are not significant, beginning gardeners still have a question about whether there is a difference in the agricultural technology used when planting different Robusta shrubs. The process of growing and planting is not significantly different.
Robusta Pink
Rose Robusta is relatively resistant to arid climates and is not picky about the soil. But for better decorativeness, you should choose a place with enough light and partial shade. It is also necessary to pay attention to the agricultural background of the soil. The soil should be medium loamy. You can use the following mixtures:
- humus, turf and sand – 2:2:1;
- turf, humus, sand and deciduous soil - 1:1:1:1.
As a rule, planting is done in the spring.
It is important to know! Rose Robusta is a native root species of the plant. This means that planting measures are carried out only with those seedlings that already have their own root system.
Standard agricultural technology:
- A few hours before planting, the Robusta rose is placed in a root growth stimulator solution.
- A hole is dug approximately 60 cm deep and approximately 70 cm in diameter.
- A drainage layer is laid on the bottom. This could be expanded clay or other small stones.
- The seedling is carefully placed in the hole so that all the roots are facing down, after which it is gradually covered with earth.
The last stage of planting is to mulch the soil in a circle and overwater.
How to care for marshmallows at home
Marshmallow flower care at home photo
How to water
Regular watering is necessary: do it as soon as the top layer of soil dries. Categorically do not allow stagnation of water, as the bulb will begin to rot. If you skip a couple of waterings, the plant, on the contrary, will begin to bloom faster. During flowering, water more abundantly. When the above-ground part withers, watering is stopped altogether. In hot, dry weather, you can spray the leaves and flowers with a fine spray. For water procedures, use soft, warm water.
Top dressing
With the appearance of the first leaves after the dormant period, complex mineral fertilizers begin to be applied every 2 weeks. During flowering, apply fertilizer every 10 days. After flowering, the frequency of fertilizing should again be 2 weeks and continue until the above-ground part dries out, so that the bulb is stocked with nutrients.
Air temperature and lighting
The optimal air temperature during the period of active growth will be in the range of 25–29° C.
The best place is illuminated south-eastern or south-western window sills. Protect from direct sunlight.
Bloom
The onset of flowering for each specific plant depends on a number of factors: the variety, the duration of the dormant period, the individual characteristics of the plant and external conditions. In some species, flower stalks appear with the appearance of leaves, in others - after. Although an individual flower lasts only 1-3 days, each bulb contains several arrows and releases them alternately, creating the impression of continuous flowering (especially if there are several bulbs in one pot at once).
After flowering, trim the peduncle, leaving 5-7 cm in length, and when it dries, you need to carefully unscrew it. Dead parts of the plant should be removed in a timely manner (dried flower stalks, before the dormant period, also cut off dry leaves) to prevent the development of various infections.
Bloom
The buds of the indoor zephyranthes flower bloom 2–3 days after the peduncle emerges from the soil. White, pink, yellow, two-color “stars” appear as if by magic. Unfortunately, the flowers remain on the plant for only a few days, but new buds bloom instead. This creates the effect of continuous flowering for a long time.
Knowing the characteristics of the plant, it is easy to understand why zephyranthes does not bloom in the room. The formation of flower arrows occurs better in the fresh air, where there is a difference between day and night temperatures. In spring, it is recommended to plant zephyranthes in the country, under the windows of the house. Dig up and move the pot with the bulbs into the room before the onset of frost.
Other conditions without which zephyranthes often “refuses” to bloom: rare watering is needed, that is, an almost dry substrate, in the absence of leaves. This is an imitation of the dry season in nature, at the end of which the rains pour and the “upstart” blooms.
Zephyranthes, which has the necessary conditions, forms larger bulbs and blooms more luxuriantly and for a longer period of time.
Why doesn't zephyranthes bloom at home?
- The pot is too large and the bulb “fattens” and does not bloom. Transplant into a tighter bowl, do not rush to remove the daughter bulbs. Many gardeners recommend replanting the plant every 5 years.
- Incorrect lighting. Constantly being in the shade or in direct sunlight will negatively affect flowering.
- During the dormant period, humidity is high. Watering is not needed at this time, and the place of detention should be cool, with good ventilation.
- Excess nutrients also lead to lack of flowering. It is necessary to adhere to the correct feeding regime.
- If the root collar is covered with soil, the flower will not bloom.
Content Rules
Temperature
During the active growth of a flower, its optimal temperature ranges from 22-29 degrees above zero.
During the dormant period, the plant no longer needs such a warm climate, so it is recommended to reduce the air temperature to 12-25 degrees.
How to water?
In its natural environment, zephyranthes can wait a long time for the rainy season and live in drought. Therefore, with active watering at home, the crop quickly throws out new leaves and buds.
During flowering, water abundantly; it is advisable to take settled water at room temperature. The top layer of soil should have time to dry before the next watering. During the rest period, you can completely refuse any hydration.
Location and lighting
The plant needs plenty of light, but does not tolerate direct sunlight. The ideal sides are east and west. In summer, the crop can be taken out onto the loggia.
During the dormant period, the pot with the flower is placed in a dark, cool room.
Rest period
Flowering usually begins in early spring, but there are varieties that bloom in winter or summer. Therefore, the rest period begins and lasts at different periods.
You can notice the beginning of the dormant period by fading leaves. In order for the plant to rest and gain strength, the leaves need to be cut off, while the bulb remains in the ground. There is no need to water, feed or spray the flower at this time.
Why don't the flowers bloom?
The reasons for the lack of flowering may be the following:
- incorrectly selected container for the culture;
- excessive or insufficient lighting;
- excessive amounts of fertilizer;
- increased air humidity.
After improving and correcting errors in the conditions of detention, zephyranthes usually blooms quickly, actively throwing out buds.
Pot and soil
Often several bulbs are planted in one flowerpot at once to create a decorative effect. Therefore, choose a wide, but shallow pot. If there is only one onion, the diameter of the container should be several centimeters larger than the diameter of the onion.
A drainage layer is a prerequisite for planting zephyranthes.
Nutritious and loose soil with an acidity no higher than 6 is suitable for the plant. If you plan to use a ready-made substrate, then it is better to buy a mixture for ornamental flowering crops.
Planting bulbs
Landing algorithm:
- Place the bulbs on the drainage layer (the distance between them is at least 3 cm);
- straighten the roots;
- cover the bulbs with soil, compact it lightly;
- moisten the soil with a spray bottle;
- Place the pot in a warm and humid place.
Reproduction
Each bulb produces up to 10 children per year. Only those that have taken root can be separated. This can be done using a sharp blade. The algorithm for planting a young bulb is described above.
Zephyranthes, planted with seeds, will bloom no earlier than three years later.
The seed material is placed at a depth of 1 cm, maintaining a distance between them of 2-3 cm. The container after planting must be covered to create a greenhouse effect. Place the seeds immediately into the moistened substrate.
Fertilizers and fertilizing
It is recommended to fertilize every two weeks. The ideal option is liquid fertilizers for ornamental crops. Zephyranthes will also respond well to organic matter - for example, an ash solution. You need to be careful with manure, as it can lead to rotting of the bulbs.
Diseases and pests
Problems with growing marshmallows arise only if the rules for its maintenance are not followed. Therefore, when a disease appears, the growing conditions are reviewed and fungicides are necessarily used. And if pests are detected, the crop is moved to a separate room and treated with an insecticide.
Medicinal properties of the plant
The culture is also used for medicinal purposes. It is used to treat burns, abscesses, wounds, kidney and liver diseases, as well as the respiratory system. When using marshmallows, remember that its bulbs contain toxic substances.
Diseases and pests of zephyranthes
Fusarium (red rot) is a dangerous fungal disease manifested by rotting of the root system, wilting and yellowing of leaves. The infected bulb must be destroyed along with the earthen clod. Keep healthy ones in the Maxim preparation for about half an hour and plant them in a container with a new substrate. Don't water for a while.
- Excessive watering leads to rotting of the bulbs - carry out an emergency transplant by cutting off the affected areas of the bulbs and treating them with phytosporin.
- Due to lack of moisture, the leaves turn yellow and wither - adjust the watering.
The amaryllis mealybug is a small insect that feeds on plant sap, which leads to yellowing, wilting, and falling leaves. It is necessary to treat with an insecticide. If the bulb is severely damaged, it will have to be destroyed.
The spider mite is a sucking insect that can be recognized by the presence of cobwebs and drying of the leaves. For prevention purposes, it is necessary to humidify dry air. Treat the affected plant with an insecticide.
The soft scale insect is a convex insect about 4 mm long. First of all, it is necessary to remove pests mechanically - moisten a cotton pad with soapy water and wipe the leaves of the plant, window, sill. Then treat the zephyranthes with an insecticide.
Whiteflies are small whitish insects that look like moths. They mainly settle on the underside of leaves. Move the plant to a cooler place (whiteflies do not like low temperatures) and treat with an insecticide.
Reproduction of zephyranthes
Seed and vegetative (separation of bulbs) propagation is possible.
Growing from seeds
Marshmallow seeds photo
To get seeds yourself, you need to cross-pollinate. The seeds ripen in seed pods for 2 months. It is necessary to sow immediately after harvesting in bowls with amaryllis soil with the addition of 1 part of peat.
- The seeding depth is 1 cm, maintain a distance of 2-3 cm between them.
- Cover the crops with a bag or glass, place them in a dark place and maintain the air temperature within 25° C.
- Ventilate the greenhouse and maintain soil moisture with regular spraying.
- Expect germination within 20-25 days.
- When the seeds germinate, the cover must be removed and the container placed in a bright place without direct sunlight.
- In spring, plant the bulbs in separate pots. Plants grown from seeds will delight you with flowering for 3-4 years of life.
Transplantation of Zephyranthes babies
How to plant zephyranthes photo bulbs
When transplanting, separate the daughter bulbs. Separate the bulbs that have their own roots. You can plant about 10 bulbs in one bowl. Soil and care required are the same as for adult plants.
Botanical description
- The bulb is 1-5 cm brown, round in shape, covered with scales.
- The leaves are 30-40 cm long, narrow, green.
- On a peduncle that reaches a length of 25-30 cm, single 8-10 cm buds grow, which are very reminiscent of crocus flowers.
- Colors: white, yellow, red, pink. There are buds with one-color and two-color petals.
Each variety blooms at different times of the year. Therefore, when planting several species, flowering can be enjoyed all year round.
Types of marshmallows with photos and descriptions
There are about 90 plant species in the natural environment, and about 10 are cultivated. Let's look at the most popular of them.
At home, all types of marshmallows grow equally well, but on windowsills you can most often see the popular indoor varieties described below.
Zephyranthes snow-white or candida Zephyranthes candida
Zephyranthes candida
The diameter of the bulb is about 3 cm. The above-ground part reaches a height of 3 m. Flowering occurs in July-October. The diameter of the white corolla is 6 cm.
Golden Zephyranthes Zephyranthes aurea
Golden Zephyranthes Zephyranthes aurea photo
In addition to indoor cultivation, the flower can be planted in open ground in the southern regions. The flowers are yellow, funnel-shaped. The diameter of the corolla is 8 cm. Flowering occurs in December-January.
Zephyranthes pink, pink or Lindley Zephyranthes rosea
Zephyranthes pink, pink or Lindley Zephyranthes rosea photo
Features purple-pink flowers. The corolla is about 7 cm in diameter.
Zephyranthes powerful Zephyranthes robusta
Zephyranthes powerful Zephyranthes robusta photo
The bulb is 4 cm in diameter. The rest period clearly falls on September-November. Flowering: April-July. The long petals are pastel pink. The diameter of the corolla is 5-7 cm.
Zephyranthes versicolor
Zephyranthes versicolor photo
It has creamy white flowers with reddish edges. The bulb is covered on the outside with a dark film. Flowering occurs in January.
Zephyranthes atamasca
Zephyranthes atamasca photo
It has small ovoid bulbs with a diameter of 20 mm. The flowers are small and white. Blooms all spring.
Lemon zephyranthes Zephyranthes citrina
Lemon zephyranthes Zephyranthes citrina photo
Medium sized bulb. The flowers are small with lemon-colored petals and bloom in winter.
Similarities and differences between zephyranthes and gabranthus
The name "rain lilies" is used for closely related botanical genera Zephyranthes and Habranthus. Upstart is a flower belonging to the genus Zephyranthes in the Amaryllis family. The genus includes about 90 species, 10 of them have long been grown as indoor flowers. Gabranthus also belong to the Amaryllis family. The name Habranthus means “exquisite” or “delicate flower”. This relatively new indoor plant is similar to zephyranthes, but there are differences.
On the left is zephyranthes, on the right is gabranthus
It is interesting to compare plants in detail to capture similar and distinctive features.
Features of indoor marshmallow:
- Zephyranthes bulbs are small - from 1 to 5 cm.
- The leaves are narrow, linear, from 30 to 40 cm long, up to 1 cm wide.
- On a long peduncle, single flowers develop that look like crocuses or stars (have several axes of symmetry), reminiscent of small hippeastrums.
- The diameter of the corolla is from 2 to 10 cm. The flowers of the Zephyranthes plant are wide open.
- Stamens of equal length.
Description of the home flower gabranthus:
- The leaves are straight or curved downwards, flat, linear, covered with a thin grayish waxy coating, bluish.
- The width of the leaf blade is up to 2 cm.
- Up to 5 buds develop in an inflorescence, although there may be single ones.
- Flowers with broken symmetry, larger, more curved than those of zephyranthes.
- The petals are white, pale pink or yellow, forming a tube at the base of the corolla.
- Stamens of different lengths.
The presence of toxic alkaloids is a common feature of zephyranthes and gabranthus. The latter contains lycorine or narcissin. In small doses this substance has a beneficial effect, in large doses it causes vomiting. Some alkaloids in gabranthus can be extremely dangerous to humans.
For this reason, warnings are sometimes heard that the upstart flower should not be kept at home. However, the zephyranthes plant contains a tiny amount of the substances mentioned and, if the usual precautions are taken, is not dangerous.
Zephyranthes: reproduction and care
Zephyranthes is a plant native to Central and South America, has an average height, loves light, is not afraid of direct sunlight and blooms annually. The optimal temperature during active growth is 18-250C, and during dormancy a low temperature is more favorable - 10-120C. During growth, regular watering is required, which is reduced during the dormant period. Watering marshmallows should be careful to avoid rotting of the bulb. There are no special requirements for air humidity.
Many hobbyists grow the zephyranthes without even knowing exactly what it is. And although it is sometimes sold under the name “water lily,” it is not a lily. This is a representative of the family. Amaryllidaceae, a relative of our hippeastrums. It has small bulbs, elongated at the top. Of the 70 species common in the warm regions of the Western Hemisphere, Zephyranthes grandiflora can occasionally be found in cultivation, but more often we are talking about hybrids that go on sale under the names pink (Z. rosea), habraitus rosea or habraptus powerful. How to distinguish zephyranthes from habranthus is described.
In moderately heated, ventilated rooms, growing marshmallows does not present any difficulties. They produce many daughter bulbs. Pink flowers appear only in sufficiently lit places. In shading, only elongated linear leaves are formed; they are not very decorative. There are still leaves at the w. white (Z. Candida), a vigorous species with beautiful flowering, in English gardens it grows in open ground.
Indoor varieties of marshmallows
There are about 45 species in the genus Zephyranthes. All of them have one thing in common - the incredible speed of growth of the peduncle with the subsequent appearance and opening of the flower.
White flowering
Let's start with those varieties that are famous for their white flowers. Among them, Atamascan and snow-white are especially distinguished. The white color of the petals contrasts strikingly clearly with the dark green of the leaves. Outwardly, these two varieties are similar, but they bloom at different times. All the beauty of the Atamas zephyranthes can be seen in March and April, while the snow-white one pleases with its flowers from July to October. However, the conditions for both varieties are similar - a cool room and no bright sunlight or high temperatures. By the way, this is some advantage of such plants - white-flowered varieties are not so demanding on lighting, and they can be successfully grown on windows facing north.
Yellow
For those who like brighter flowers, yellow varieties, such as golden and lemon. They are very similar in appearance, but also differ in flowering time (December–January for golden and August–September for lemon). Unlike white-flowered varieties, yellow varieties require good lighting and seriously reduce the quality of flowering, even if they are in light shade. They are a little more difficult to care for, but make up for this with beautiful and long-lasting flowering.
Pink
The main variety distinguished by many gardeners is called pink zephyranthes (sometimes you can find mention of the variety Powerful Pink). This miracle blooms from April to July, causing many to freeze in admiration when looking at these beautiful pale pink buds with yellow stamens. For many lovers of beauty in flowers, this color is considered perhaps the best choice.
Bicolor
Multi-colored zephyranthes is the name of the variety whose flowers have white petals mixed with red and green shades.
Some gardeners use a little trick - they buy elongated pots and plant several bulbs of different types with different flowering periods in them. It seems as if one large plant blooms continuously all year round.
Variety of zephyranthes in the photo
Zephyranthes white
Zephyranthes pink (Powerful kick)
Zephyranthes golden
Zephyranthes atamascus
Zephyranthes bicolor (pink-green)
Zephyranthes pink
Zephyranthes lemon
Zephyranthes care
Light: a bright place.
Temperature: room temperature; In winter, about 10 °C is sufficient.
Substrate: ordinary ready-made substrates, to which a little sand is added. You can use No. 6 with 1/5 sand or ceramis; pH about 6.
Humidity: Maintain constant humidity during growth, but avoid stagnation of water. In winter, they water only occasionally, but sometimes they use a different method - they keep the bulbs completely dry, with a complete dormant period. This eliminates the risk of bulbs rotting in winter. In February they begin watering, very carefully at first. 3. White is watered occasionally even in winter so that the plants retain leaves.
Fertilizer: from spring to autumn, water with flower fertilizer every 1 - 2 weeks.
Transplantation: annually at the end of the dormant period. The bulbs are planted in the ground so that only their tops are visible.
Reproduction: during transplantation, numerous daughter bulbs are separated.
Caring for zephyranthes, and especially propagation, is not particularly difficult and is very similar to growing hippeastrum.
Zephyranthes loves bright sun and in summer it is better to plant it in open ground. By the end of the season, a large bulb will form, which will bloom profusely next year. It is not for nothing that in subtropical parks zephyranthes are planted as a ground cover plant instead of a lawn. Low dense foliage, high reproduction rate allows it to quickly capture and hold space well.
The upstart bulbs are small, oblong, 1 to 3 cm in length, and grow in tight nests. They need to be planted several at a time in wide and low pots or deep bowls, burying them in the ground to the very top. For long bulbs, the neck is left on the surface. Prefers a fertile, loose substrate made from equal amounts of humus, turf soil and sand. You can add phosphorus fertilizers. Care should be taken to ensure good drainage, as zephyranthes does not like flooding.
In summer, zephyranthes needs abundant watering; it is better to water from a tray, in this case the soil in the upper part of the pot, where seedlings are expected, is not compacted and washed out. In winter, the “zephyranthes” plant may not shed leaves, but watering should be reduced and the pot should be placed in a bright, cool place. It is advisable to lower the temperature to 8 - 14 degrees. When growing marshmallows, you need to pay attention to soil moisture and not allow it to dry out or become waterlogged.
It is better to give only mineral fertilizers and feed them regularly during the season of active growth. After the appearance and opening of the first bud, feeding should be stopped and resumed only after the last flower has withered. Some sources, on the contrary, believe that it is necessary to feed during the flowering period (perhaps they are right).
Marshmallows usually have no problems with vegetative propagation It produces baby bulbs abundantly, which quickly fill the entire pot. The zephyranthes plant is propagated by transplantation, before or during the dormant period. It is necessary to separate the children and plant them in a well-fertilized substrate, provide them with light, and the next season the young bulbs will bloom.
Reproduction of zephyranthes by seeds is possible, but it is rarely resorted to. Sowing seeds should be done as early as possible after they ripen, as they quickly lose their viability. After storing seeds for a long time, the sowing result may not be very good. In order to obtain seeds, artificial pollination is necessary, and they ripen within 2 months after it.
When sowing seeds, the soil substrate needed is the same as when planting bulbs. You can add some more peat. The soil is moistened and leveled. The seeds are sown at intervals of 2-3 cm. The bowl is covered with film, placed in a shaded place and kept at a temperature not lower than 22 °C. You need to ensure that the soil remains moist at all times. Shoots appear in 3-4 weeks. The seedlings will bloom only in the third year after sowing.
Watering and fertilizing
You need to know how to properly care for these miracles. Zephyranthes survive drought well, but this does not mean that their watering can be taken carelessly. Water them regularly and lightly. After flowering is complete, reduce watering by half, and when the leaves fall, do not water at all. On too hot days, spray the flower with warm water from a spray bottle.
Fertilize the soil during active growth and flowering. Liquid fertilizers for flowering plants are well suited for this. The dosage should be as indicated in the instructions. After the leaves wither, stop feeding until new young leaves appear.
Zephyranthes - planting and care at home, photos of species
Zephyranthes (popularly known as upstart) (Zephyranthes) is a bulbous perennial plant from the Amaryllis family. Under natural conditions, the homeland of zephyranthes is Cuba. The flower is quite unpretentious and suitable for growing at home.
The size of this herbaceous plant can reach 40 cm in height.
It is a perennial plant. The flowering period can have different durations: it usually occurs in spring and summer, in some cases the plant blooms all summer. The flowers are pink or white, appear quickly and last only a couple of days, after which new ones bloom just as quickly.
Be sure to pay attention to such wonderful plants of the Amaryllis family as wallot and clivia.
4.Varieties:
4.1. Zephyrantes white or candida - Zephyrantes candida
Perennial tender bulbous plants. The flower stalks are leafless, do not exceed the height of the foliage, each bears at the top a small white flower with 6 petals, reminiscent of a crocus, with a diameter of 3 - 5 cm. The leaves are dark green, very narrow and thin, up to 25 cm long. In their natural habitat, flowers are often appear in late summer or early autumn after long and heavy rains.
↑ Up,
4.2.Zephyranthes robustus - Zephyranthes robusta, Habranthus robustus
Perennial bulbous plants with dark green, thin, glossy leaves. The flowers are soft pink, solitary, with a yellowish or green center, large - reaching 5 - 7 cm in diameter, appearing in August - September on the top of small leafless burgundy peduncles.
↑ Up,
Beneficial features
It is used for medical purposes due to the presence of biologically active substances in its composition: such as lycorin, neringene, hemantidine and others. There are even drugs that contain marshmallow alkaloids: they are used to treat oncopathologies, tuberculosis and diabetes. Also, its beneficial properties are used to treat liver diseases (abscesses, hepatitis, etc.).
Interesting notes about the zephyranthes flower
Since the foliage contains alkaloids, you need to be careful when working with the plant - use gloves and wash your hands with soap after finishing work.
Important!
Because of the poisonous foliage, zephyranthus should not be planted within easy reach of children and pets.
Zephyranthus foliage has the activity of fighting tumors, drugs based on it work as an anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic agent, so the plant is used in official medicine. Medicines prescribed for cancer, tuberculosis or diabetes are manufactured in the United States. For a long time, healers knew about the similar properties of the rain lily and used them with success. Thus, infusions and decoctions based on marshmallow (Zephyranthes grandiflora) will help cope with abscesses. Hot compresses were prepared from the plant and used to treat follicular tonsillitis and kidney diseases. Chinese doctors prescribe preparations from white marshmallow (Zephyranthes candida) for gastritis or convulsions.
If we talk about the energetic properties of the rain lily, then it will easily cleanse the home atmosphere, protect it from tension and fuss, and give peace. The plant alleviates the condition of elderly household members and is a talisman of good relationships with others.
Caring for marshmallows at home. Details
Bloom
The duration and beginning of this period vary: it depends on the specific plant, as well as on environmental factors. Peduncles may appear simultaneously with the appearance of leaves or a little later. A newly blooming flower quickly fades - in just a couple of days, but each plant bulb contains several flower stalks: due to this, it seems that the upstart is blooming constantly. This is especially noticeable when there are several plant bulbs in the pot at once.
After flowering has ended, the peduncle must be trimmed and then unscrewed after drying. Individual parts of the plant that have dried out must be removed immediately to prevent infections.
Temperature
During the period when the indoor zephyranthes plant is growing intensively, the optimal temperature for growth and flowering will be 25-28 degrees.
Spraying
Spraying is recommended in hot and dry weather to prevent drying of foliage and flowers. For this, a fine spray is used. To spray marshmallows indoors, it is best to use soft, warm water.
Lighting
It is best to place a pot with a flower in the southeast or southwest, since the plant requires light. But the foliage should not be exposed to direct sunlight: in this case, it is better to move the pot with the plant away.
Watering
The soil must be moistened regularly: watering is carried out immediately after the top layer of soil dries. You also shouldn’t pour a lot of water into the pot: this can cause the bulbs to rot.
A temporary cessation of watering (for about a week) can cause flowering, and when it occurs, it is recommended to water the flower more often.
Pot
A small pot is best suited as a container for a flower: several bulbs are planted in it at the same time.
You should not take a wide and deep pot, as in this case the flower will not bloom for a long time.
Priming
You can cultivate it at home in loose soil with a neutral environment filled with nutrients: a mixture of humus, turf soil and sand is suitable for this. A drainage layer is laid at the bottom of the pot, which should be approximately two centimeters thick. The container in which the flower will be located is filled with soil to half the entire volume.
Feeding and fertilizer
After the dormant period has passed and the indoor zephyranthes has given its first leaves, you need to start fertilizing the soil. Fertilizing is carried out with mineral fertilizers, which contain a complex of essential nutrients. Fertilizers need to be applied once every two weeks; when the plant is flowering, this should be done a little more often - once every 10 days.
Transfer
Immediately after the plant is purchased, it is not worth replanting. This should be done if the bulb in the container has taken up all the space and you need to select a larger pot.
Transplantation is best done in the spring. Before this, you need to treat the plant to remove dry leaves and remove dried scales from the bulbs. If there are signs of rotting, then these areas must be cut off and the remains immersed in a fungicidal solution for half an hour.
It must be remembered that to transplant marshmallows you need to use only healthy bulbs that have their own root system. Only in this case can we expect further growth of the plant and its flowering in the future.
Trimming
After the zephyranthes has bloomed, the peduncle is cut off. You need to leave 5-7 cm from its initial length. After this remaining part dries, it needs to be carefully unscrewed.
All other dry parts should be removed immediately, this way you can prevent the occurrence of diseases in the plant.
Rest period
The moment of the smallest growth of domestic zephyranthes occurs in winter-autumn. It manifests itself in the fact that the leaves begin to slowly dry out, wither, and then fall off. It is recommended to stop watering during this time, and it is advisable to move the plant to a dark and dry place where the air temperature will be approximately 12-15 degrees.
Reviews from flower growers
I bought myself pink bulbs this year. I overlooked it on the loggia and became infected with spider mites. This is the only way the marshmallow mite eats it. I trimmed the leaves and treated them with Actalik, and then with Fitovern. Very quickly it grew leaves again and bloomed. And the white one blooms wonderfully in my dacha. Still, it is considered more of a garden plant. That’s why I sent it to the dacha along with the hippeastrums and white callas. And in the fall I will return you to my family
egen,
https://www.orhidei.org/forum/79–1002–1
Zephyranthes is very cute, one drawback is that it blooms for 3 days. True, when several bulbs have already grown and can bloom, the flowering lasts longer, some fade, others bloom. But I started with one bulb, I could barely get it, I really wanted pink. I should also buy the yellow one, they are good too.
BelLena,
https://www.orhidei.org/forum/79–1002–1
The upstart is such a flower that you get the feeling that the less you fuss with it, the more grateful it is: my friend, who almost danced around her with tambourines, does not bloom - even if it bursts, but at work, where he sits in a nightmare land, without direct sun and without regular watering - sketched by the shooter...
morkovka,
https://forum.bestflowers.ru/t/zefirantes-vyskochka.1646/
Last year, in late autumn, my mother-in-law allowed me to separate the marshmallow bulbs. I ask her: why is it dry and not watered (the leaves have completely withered). She replied that this flower blooms for her after she dries it. Brought it, planted it, watered it. Bloomed for the New Year.
Galinka,
https://forum.bestflowers.ru/t/zefirantes-vyskochka.1646/
The beautiful flowering of zephyranthes is a truly amazing phenomenon that can only be observed if the rules of its cultivation are fully observed. It is very important to remember that although this flower is adapted to life in an apartment, it only performs well if you grow it in conditions close to natural. The variety of varieties allows you to choose not only the one that is suitable in color and appearance, but also in its relation to illumination. Even those whose windows face north can afford to have this flower at home. This only adds to the appeal of this already interesting plant.
- Author: Evgeny Udaltsov
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Diseases and pests
- zephyranthes does not bloom - this may be due to the wrong choice of container for keeping the flower; the flowering process is also negatively affected by excessive lighting or lack of light, high humidity and excess fertilizer;
- Meadows rot - this happens due to excess moisture due to frequent watering. To save the flower, the plant must be transplanted into a new pot, having first removed all the affected bulbs and treated them with phytosporin to prevent re-rotting.
- The leaves turn yellow - they dry out from lack of liquid. To correct the situation, you need to adjust the watering regime.
- red rot is a fungal disease that causes rotting of the root system of a plant. Healthy bulbs need to be kept in a preparation called Maxim for 30 minutes, after which they should be urgently transplanted into another container with new soil.
Pests that can cause disease: amaryllis mealybug, spider mite, soft scale insect, whitefly.
Advantages and disadvantages
Rose Prairie Joy - characteristics and description of the bush
Rose Robusta does not have any significant shortcomings that could complicate the care of the plant. At the same time, this flower has a whole list of advantages, thanks to which it has gained such widespread fame.
Here are some of them:
- continuous flowering;
- excellent survival rate even in poor soil;
- resistance to any weather conditions;
- frost resistance;
- resistance to fungal infections.
Scarlet Robusta
Types of marshmallow home with photos and names
Zephyranthes grandiflora
The plant reaches a height of up to 40 centimeters. The leaves are narrow, 15-30 cm long. During the flowering period, you can observe blooming flowers of bright pink color, orange stamens. Flowering can continue from early spring until early winter.
Snow-white zephyranthes, or white zephyranthes (Zephiranthes candida)
The plant grows very tall: it can reach three meters. The bulbs are approximately 3 cm in diameter. Flowering most often occurs in summer and early autumn: the flowers are white, about 6 cm in diameter.
Zephyranthes pink, pink (Zephyranthes rosea)
This species is distinguished by the presence of purple-pink flowers. Flowering begins in spring in April.
Zephyranthes versicolor
It has an interesting coloring of the flower petals: they are creamy white with brownish-red edges. Flowering occurs from January to March.
2.Growing in open ground
Bulbs are planted in open ground in the spring - in April or in the summer - in June , depending on the timing of flowering for a particular variety.
For cultivation, a sufficiently illuminated area, but shaded from the midday rays, located on a hill, is selected. Places in lowlands or with shallow groundwater are not suitable for planting.
They dig up the area for planting and prepare planting holes so that the bulbs are at a depth 3 times greater than their height .
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The planting pattern may be different, since zephyranthes can be used in single or group plantings .
At the bottom of the holes you can place a small layer of drainage in the form of river sand, on which the bulbs with straightened roots are installed.
After planting, the plants are dug in and watered with a small amount of warm water.
The plant does not tolerate wintering , so in mid-autumn, when the zephyranthes has faded and its foliage has withered, the bulbs are dug up, dried and stored in a cool place until spring. The flower winters successfully only in the Krasnodar Territory and Crimea.
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