Hippeastrum charisma. Hippeastrum - home care. Reproduction by daughter bulbs

Every owner of residential real estate wants the premises to be attractive, comfortable to use and cozy. To do this, without fail, potted flowers are installed in each room, which are the main decorative elements and items that make it possible to exquisitely decorate window sills or other parts of the room. Hippeastrum is a great choice for any room. He is attractive appearance, lush and bright flowering, as well as ease of care, so even beginner flower growers can easily cope with growing this flower. So, hippeastrum - care at home.

Description of hippeastrum

Hippeastrum is native to the tropics, located in South America. He is represented bulbous plant relating to perennials. Its features include:

• the leaves may have a purple or green color, while they are linear;
• flower stalks are considered significant in height, since with proper care they can even reach 80 cm;
• on the peduncles of the hippeastrum are umbellate inflorescences, equipped with 3 to 7 buds;
• flowers can have different shades and shapes, and in diameter they can even reach 20 cm, so they become a decoration of any room.

Important! A specific feature of hippeastrum is considered to be flowering mainly in winter, as well as the absence of a bright aroma.

Varieties and types of hippeastrum

Hippeastrum is presented in numerous varieties. It belongs to the Amaryllis family, and it has more than 2 thousand varieties or 90 species.

For growing in pots at home, the hippeastrum hybrid is most often used, which has large sizes and lush blooms. All varieties and types are divided into several groups:

• Simple hippeastrums, which can be large-flowered, medium-flowered or small-flowered. The most popular varieties include Charisma, Lemon Star and Santa Cruz.

Hippeastrum Charisma (Charisma)

Hippeastrum Lemon Star (Lemon Star)

Hippeastrum Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)

• Terry large-flowered, medium-flowered or small-flowered hippeastrums. The most popular varieties are Sweet Nymphs, Lady Jane, Zombie and Pasadena.

Hippeastrum Sweet Nymph (Sweet Nymph)

Hippeastrum Lady Jane (Lady Jane)

Hippeastrum Zombie (Zombie)

Hippeastrum Pasadena (Pasadena)

• Sibister. This group includes Rio Negro and Melfi.

Hippeastrum Rio Negro (Rio Negro)

Hippeastrum Melfi (Melfi)

• Orchid hippeastrums. This includes Ruby Star and Papilio.

Hippeastrum Ruby Star (Ruby Star)

Hippeastrum Papilio (Papilio)

• Tubular hippeastrums. These include Rebecca and Amputo.

Hippeastrum Rebecca (Rebecca)

Hippeastrum Amputo (Amputo)

Before acquiring any hippeastrum, you should decide on its variety in order to accurately study the rules for caring for it, since its attractiveness, flowering splendor and other factors depend on it. important factors for every grower.

Hippeastrum Care

If you provide hippeastrum optimal care, then it will not only delight in lush and magnificent flowering in winter, but even in summer the owners of the plant will be able to enjoy bright, large and beautiful flowers.

To guarantee such care results, optimal conditions for the plant should be provided:

• in the process of hippeastrum growth, it is necessary that the temperature be set at a level of up to +25 degrees, but it should not fall below +20 degrees;
• if the bulbs are at rest, then the temperature should be within +12 degrees;
• humidity in the room should be at an average level, and it should not be too high, as this leads to short term hippeastrum blooms;
• if the air in the rooms is excessively dry, then it is allowed to spray the plants, but this should be done extremely rarely;
• hippeastrum is considered a light-loving flower, so it is recommended to place a pot with it on a windowsill or in another place where sunlight will fall on it throughout the day;
• during the dormant period, the pot should be installed in a cool and darkened area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room.

Hippeastrum Chico (Chico)

Hippeastrum transplant

Hippeastrum is considered a specific plant, since in just two or three years it depletes all the reserves of nutrients and nutrients that are contained in the soil where it is planted. Once every 2 years, it is recommended to transplant this flower into a high-quality and vitamin-rich substrate.

Important! This process is carried out a month after the flowering of the hippeastrum or in December, when the bulbs have not yet awakened.

The transplant process itself is divided into stages:

• hippeastrum must be gently shaken out of the pot;
• all the roots of the plant are carefully released from the old earth;
• if shoots are found that are damaged or affected by rot, then they are carefully cut off, for which you need to use a sharp knife;
• the resulting sections are necessarily processed charcoal, which is pre-finely crushed and pounded;
• a new pot is being prepared;
• a drainage layer is formed at its bottom, after which it is completely filled with soil;
• the root system of the hippeastrum descends into the ground along with the bulb.

Important! It is not required to transplant the plant immediately after its purchase.

It is not allowed to transplant during the flowering of hippeastrum, but if the soil is already of poor quality, then it is possible to replace the layer of earth with a high-quality nutrient substrate from above.

How to water hippeastrum

Hippeastrum must receive optimal care so that the grower can enjoy attractive and vibrant blooms. In December, the dormant period of the flower ends, so the pot with it moves to a place where they will fall on the plant. Sun rays, as it is important for him to provide high-quality lighting.

Hippeastrum should be watered abundantly after the flower arrows reach a height of 10 cm. For proper watering certain recommendations must be taken into account:

• watered hippeastrum not big amount water, otherwise intensive leaf growth will begin;
• no need to pour water into the pot, it is best to pour a small amount of water directly into the pan so that the liquid does not fall on the bulb, because if it is constantly poured, this can lead to rotting;
• hippeastrum watering increases with active growth flower arrows, since it is at this time that all the nutrients are given to the bulb, so it begins to grow rapidly;
• at the beginning of autumn, watering stops, as the dormant period begins, so the hippeastrum is installed in a cool place and is practically not watered at all.

Important! If during the dormant period of the flower it is impossible to install it in a cold room, then watering should not be stopped, otherwise it is likely that the hippeastrum bulb will dry out.

Hippeastrum Emerald (Emerald)

Hippeastrum reproduction

Hippeastrum can reproduce different methods. You can use them at home, and these methods are considered quite simple and understandable. These methods include:

• Reproduction by seeds. To obtain seeds, hippeastrum flowers are certainly pollinated, and it is recommended to do this in open field. After the end of flowering, seeds ready for planting appear in boxes within 2 months. It is advisable to sow them immediately, as they quickly lose their germination. Hippeastrum seeds are wrapped in a wet cloth, and then placed in a suitable container, which is covered with glass. Within 10 days, the seeds in this state are left in a warm place, and it is recommended to periodically moisten them with water. Next, the seeds are placed in the prepared mixture, which includes sand, peat and soil, and they deepen by about 2 cm. After three weeks, hippeastrum shoots will be visible, which is important to provide good lighting, but direct sunlight should not fall on them. After the appearance of about two leaves, you can dive flowers, after which they are planted in separate pots.
• Use of hippeastrum babies. Many flower growers want to preserve unique varietal characteristics, and for this reproduction by children is considered optimal. To do this, the child bulbs are separated, and their size should not be less than 2 cm. It is important to make sure that they are well formed and have small roots. The resulting babies are planted in a suitable container filled with nutrient soil.
• By dividing the bulb. Sometimes the hippeastrum does not form children, so flower growers often divide the bulbs for reproduction. To do this, the onion is cut into about 6 parts, and each part must have roots and a bottom. The resulting sections are processed with charcoal, after which they are well dried for a couple of days. well prepared planting material placed in the nutrient mixture.

Thus, hippeastrum reproduction can be carried out in different ways. The choice depends on the condition of the plant and the preferences of its owners.

Hippeastrum Tres Chic (Tres Chic)

Why does the hippeastrum not bloom?

Some owners this plant faced with such complexity that it does not bloom even with optimal care. The reasons for the lack of flowering include:

• the presence of depleted soil, therefore, a prompt flower transplant is required;
• hippeastrum damage by pests, for which attention will have to be paid to the treatment of the plant;
• excessive soil moisture, which leads to rotting of the bulb, and in this case it is often not possible to save the plant.

Thus, in order for the hippeastrum to please its owners with abundant and beautiful flowering, it is important to provide it with optimal care, periodically replant, fertilize and monitor the moderation of watering.

Hippeastrum Fairy Tale

How to speed up the flowering of hippeastrum?

Every hippeastrum owner wants to enjoy his attractive and lush bloom. For this, they can be used different ways for optimum flowering

1. the forcing of the bulb is performed, which should be large enough and rested from flowering for at least two months;
2. the selected bulb is buried halfway into the soil, after which the pot with it is placed in a warm and well-lit place;
3. it is important not to water the hippeastrum, otherwise the rapid growth of the leaves will begin, pushing back flowering.

After about four weeks, the first blooming flowers can be observed.

Thus, if desired, flower growers can get beautiful bloom hippeastrum for a specific date.

Important! It is not allowed to use one bulb for distillation twice in a row.

Hippeastrum flowering can be accelerated in another way. To do this, before planting the bulbs, they are treated with water, the temperature of which is approximately 44 degrees. This will induce rapid flowering in about three weeks.

During flowering, it is important to ensure that the plant is not too heavily watered, and it should also receive as much sunlight as possible.

Hippeastrum Red Lion (Red Lion)

Hippeastrum after flowering

After the flowering of the hippeastrum is over, it is important to provide him with competent care. It consists of the following actions:

• in the process of withering flowers, the arrows are certainly cut off, while about 10 cm are left above the bulbs;
• after the arrow dries, it is easily twisted and removed;
• plants are well watered, and it is also recommended to apply top dressing;
• watering should be done only after the final drying of the soil, and at the same time, water should not fall on the leaves or bulb of the hippeastrum.

Diseases and pests of hippeastrum

• spider mite, easily identified by small multi-colored spots that appear on the leaves;
• mealybug and scale insect, which are easy to detect under the scales of hippeastrum bulbs;
• red rot is the most complex illness bulbs.

Hippeastrum - photo

Hippeastrum Sumatra (Sumatra)

Hippeastrum Royal Velvet (Royal Velvet)

Hippeastrum Tosca (Tosca)

Hippeastrum Bogota (Bogota)

Thus, hippeastrum is considered an excellent choice for growing at home. It pleases with beauty and bright flowering. It is important to provide him with competent care so that the plant is strong and healthy.

Blooming hippeastrum fascinates with its beauty. Only once a year he pleases us with huge flowers-stars. And what is the disappointment when the long-awaited flower does not appear, or the plant begins to fade altogether. To avoid such troubles and be able to enjoy the contemplation of this wonderful flower, you need to know some care secrets and stick to them. A grateful plant will surely delight the eye with generous flowering.

Description of hippeastrum

Appearance

Hippeastrum (lat. Hippeastrum) is a perennial bulbous plant. The leaves are linear, shiny leaves, 50–70 cm long, 4–5 cm wide, have shallow grooves on the surface. The leaves are arranged in two rows. During the flowering period, the plant produces a powerful, tall (up to 60–80 cm) peduncle.

The name of the flower is translated from ancient Greek as "star rider".

Hippeastrum during flowering - a matter of pride and admiration

The flowers are funnel-shaped. Their color range is quite wide: red, white, orange, pink, purple, sometimes yellow or greenish shades. The main tone can be supplemented with strokes or specks.

The flowers are large - up to 20 cm in diameter, collected in an umbrella inflorescence. Hippeastrum has a very faint smell. Some species do not smell at all. This is a great benefit for people prone to allergic reactions.

Hippeastrum flowering - video

Natural habitat and home maintenance

The birthplace of hippeastrum is the American tropics and subtropics, in particular the Amazon basin. It was brought to Europe in the 16th century and quickly gained admirers around the world. In 1799, Johnson's first hybrid hippeastrum was bred. Today, these flowers are widely grown as houseplants and are also grown for cutting. Hippeastrums are not very difficult to care for. Even beginner flower growers can easily cope with this task.

A variety of varieties of hippeastrum

This plant belongs to the Amaryllis family and has about 90 species and more than 2 thousand varieties.

IN indoor floriculture most often cultivated hippeastrum hybrid (hippeastrum hybrida). The classification of varietal hippeastrums is based on two features: the size and shape of the flower. Depending on this, plants are conditionally divided into 9 groups, which are indicated in the table.

The most popular groups and varieties of hippeastrum - table

Magnificent hippeastrums in the photo

Simple large-flowered hippeastrum with a rim Simple large-flowered hippeastrum striped Simple mid-flowered hippeastrum Simple mid-flowered hippeastrum with curly margin Simple small-flowered hippeastrum "Star" splendor Charming bouquet Terry mid-flowered hippeastrum Terry large-flowered hippeastrum sibistre orchid hippeastrum Orchid Hippeastrum

Similarities and differences with amaryllis

Amaryllis is often referred to as a hippeastrum variety, but this is erroneous.

Drainage is a prerequisite for preventing excessive soil moisture and rotting of the bulb and roots.

The bulb is planted in a slightly damp soil mixture, deepening it to a maximum of 2/3 of the height.

The narrow pot and shallow planting contribute to the creation optimal conditions for hippeastrum

After planting, the plant needs only heat. It is not necessary to water until hippeastrum sprouts appear.

If any damage is noticed on the bulb, it must first be healed. This procedure includes pruning rotten parts, keeping for 30 minutes in a fungicide solution (Fundazol, Maxim) or ordinary greenery and drying for a day.

It is necessary to plant such a bulb in the ground, where the humus is replaced by a small amount of sphagnum (peat moss).

It is advisable to deepen the reanimated bulb into the soil by no more than 1/4 of its height. With such a landing, it is easier to control its condition and, if necessary, carry out spraying. After the bulb has recovered, it is easy to add the soil mixture to the usual level.

Having planted the plant in moistened soil, it is placed in a warm, slightly shaded place (you can cover it with an empty pot) and watering is excluded until the peduncle is forced to a height of 10 cm.

The optimal frequency of hippeastrum transplantation is once every 3-4 years. A favorable time is the threshold of the rest period or its end. It is advisable to use the transshipment method when transplanting - to move the plant along with an earthen clod. In this case, the root system is minimally damaged, which contributes to the rapid rooting of the bulb and its active development.

Transshipment method - a transplant method with minimal damage to the root system

Basic rules for caring for hippeastrum

Watering and feeding

As discussed above, the intensity of hippeastrum watering is directly related to its life cycle. However, it is important to provide the plant not only required amount moisture, but also correctly deliver it to the root system.

For example, it is not recommended to pour water on the bulb - it can rot. It is better to combine top watering with watering in the pan. Thus, moisture will be evenly distributed over the earthen coma, which will prevent root rot. The main rule for watering hippeastrum: it is better to underfill than overfill. You also need to regularly wipe the leaves from dust or wash them with warm water.

During the growth of the peduncle, when it reaches a height of 12–15 cm, it is useful to water the soil with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. After 5-6 days after this, you need to feed the plant with phosphorus fertilizer.

Hippeastrum fertilizing is carried out regularly, at the beginning of the growing season - once every two weeks with liquid nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (7:3:6) fertilizer (for deciduous plants). After the appearance of the leaves, to stimulate the active formation of buds, hippeastrum requires less nitrogen and much more potassium, so the ratio of mineral components changes to proportions of 4:6:12 (for flowering plants). The frequency of feeding is maintained.

A month before the onset of the dormant period, hippeastrum needs fertilizer with a small part of nitrogen and phosphorus and a large amount of potassium (4:4:12).

Carefully read the fertilizer application instructions on the packaging and do not exceed the specified concentration of minerals. Otherwise, you can burn the root system of the plant.

Timely balanced top dressing contributes to high-quality flowering and growth of deciduous mass. The bases of the leaves form the scales of the bulb and it increases in size. With insufficient nutrition or the complete absence of top dressing, the bulb will use the nutrients accumulated from the leaves, but they are not enough to ensure flowering.

Some flowering secrets

Sometimes hippeastrum disappoints flower growers by refusing to bloom. Why? There may be several reasons:

1. Most often, the plant does not throw out the peduncle due to the depletion of the bulb. Hippeastrum requires a solid amount for flowering nutrients. It is not surprising that the soil in the pot quickly becomes depleted. To avoid such problems, it is necessary to fertilize regularly and in sufficient quantities.
2. A plant affected by pests (spider mites, scale insects or scale insects) tries to fight them and does not have the strength to bloom.
3. Hippeastrum does not bloom even when the bulb rots due to waterlogging of the soil.

To admire from year to year blooming hippeastrum, should not be allowed similar situations. It is also useful to know some tricks experienced flower growers to ensure 100% flowering of this plant:

• processing the bulb before planting with hot (43-45 ºC) water for three hours will make the plant bloom in three weeks;
• if you stop watering from August, move the plant to a dark, dry place and keep it there until the end of January, then resume watering, the flowers will delight you in 1.5 months;
• if in July you cut off all the leaves and do not water the hippeastrum for a month, and with the first watering introduce liquid complex top dressing, the flowers will bloom in August or September.

To avoid burning the roots, fertilizer should be applied only after the soil has been pre-moistened.

Immediately after flowering, it is necessary to cut off the faded peduncle, continuing watering and top dressing. And prepare the plant for a good rest (rest period). The next flowering directly depends on this.

rest period

The natural dormant period of hippeastrum lasts quite a long time: from September to January. If your plant grew outdoors in the summer, by the beginning of autumn it should be brought into the house and gradually reduce watering until the leaves completely stop and the leaves dry out. You can independently cut the yellowed leaves, from which the bulb has already taken nutrients.

The quality of the next flowering depends on the dormant period.

After that, you should put (or put the pot with the plant on its side) in a dark and cool (5-12 ° C) room. Many flower growers contain them at more than high temperature- about 17–18 °С. The soil must be slightly moistened once every 2-3 weeks to prevent the roots from drying out. Wetting and spraying the bulb is not recommended.

The dormant period should last 1.5–3 months, depending on the planned time for the subsequent flowering of the plant. During this time, the hippeastrum does not "show signs of life." The development of leaves and peduncles occurs only inside the bulb.

After the dormant period, it is time for the hippeastrum to wake up. Leaves and flower stalks appear on the surface of the bulb.

Simultaneous appearance of leaves and peduncle

Problems waking up after hibernation

If the bulb does not wake up, you can, of course, be patient and wait for it to wake up on its own. But, as a rule, full-fledged flowering from a “late” bulb will not work.

In this case, it is worth remembering in what state the plant “retired”. After all, the peduncle is laid in the bosom of every fourth leaf. If last year the green mass was not sufficiently grown, the bulb will be weakened.

And if there were less than four leaves, then in the new season the hippeastrum will certainly refuse to bloom. Dry content can hardly help here. Need to provide very warm temperature, actively water and feed.

Care mistakes and their correction

Hippeastrum is not very difficult to care for, but follow the rules for watering, feeding and lighting at different times life cycle plants are a must.

Common hippeastrum care mistakes - table

Diseases and pests of hippeastrum

Hippeastrum is not too susceptible to disease. It is most often affected by red burn (red burn fungus or stagonosporosis), red rot and false powdery mildew. Some pests can also bother this plant: spider mites, scale insect, aphid, worm. You can determine what a plant is sick with by its appearance.

The main diseases and pests of hippeastrum and how to deal with them - table

The most common diseases and pests of hippeastrum in the photo

Red scorched bulb leaves affected by stagonosporosis Partial defeat of the bulb with red rot root system almost completely destroyed by red rot Leaves and peduncle affected by downy mildew Abundant distribution of mealybug on leaves

reproduction

Hippeastrums reproduce in two ways: seed and vegetative.

seed method

The seed method is quite complicated and lengthy. Seeds are formed only 1.5–2 months after flowering. But they do not form on their own. It is necessary to artificially pollinate pistils and stamens. The grown ovary looks like a large tricuspid box.

Hippeastrum seed ripening

Inside the box, rows of flattened seeds of irregular rounded shape are located. They are characterized by a black color with a brown tint and the presence of thin black wings.

Seeds ready for sowing

In the spring they are planted in sandy-leafy soil. It is important to consider that freshly harvested seeds have one hundred percent germination. From the dried seeds, as a rule, only 30% of the total germinate. Seedlings will please you in 15-5 days.

Germinated hippeastrum seeds

When the leaves grow to 6–10 cm, they are transplanted into pots, 6–7 cm in diameter. At this time, the bulb grows.

The grown seedlings of hippeastrum

The period before the first flowering of young plants different varieties ranges from two to five years. This method is more acceptable for breeders. Most amateur gardeners consider it costly and ineffective. However, there is no guarantee that the maternal signs plants.

Vegetative method

Much easier to propagate hippeastrum vegetatively. Several variants are being practiced.

Reproduction by daughter bulbs

This is natural, and therefore the most optimal and simple way. Three year old bulbs proper care give usually 3 children.

Bulb separation

They are separated with a sterile sharp instrument, after treating the cuts with crushed coal. Planted in accordance with the rules for planting an adult bulb.

For two years, the newly planted plant is not deprived of foliage and is not sent to rest. The growth of the bulb and the formation of a peduncle in it depends on the intensity of leaf growth. At good care children will throw out flower stalks in 2-3 years.

dividing the bulb

split bulb

The division is carried out during the maximum accumulation of nutrients in the bulb - in November.

Division process algorithm:

1. Remove the top layer of soil, leaving only the bottom of the bulb in the soil.
2. Remove outer dry scales.
3. Cut leaves together top bulbs.
4. Cut the bulb into four equal parts to the surface of the soil.
5. Insert needles with a diameter of 5–6 cm into the cuts to prevent the parts of the bulb from closing.
6. Adhere to all the rules for caring for an adult plant.
7. With the appearance of leaves, carry out top dressing and continue to fertilize according to the standard scheme.
8. Divide the bulb the next spring and plant the pieces in separate flowerpots.

You can divide the bulb in another way: cut it, leaving a piece of bottom and scales in each part. It is useful to sprinkle slices with wood or activated carbon. The resulting slices are planted in a light peat mixture.

surface planting in a light substrate

After 40–50 days, babies appear, which must be planted in pots in the spring.

Attention! When seating, one should not forget about the presence of toxic substances in the hippeastrum bulbs and adhere to safety rules.

Colour: bright red with white.
Flowers with wavy edges with a red border around the edge of the petals. Horizontally arranged flowers have excellent venation, the upper three petals are mostly red, the lower ones are speckled with red on a white background. Arrows are purple-brown, pedicels are bright red, attractive matt green glossy ovaries with darker edges.
Flower 15-16 cm. 4-5 flowers on an arrow 40-53 cm high.
Peculiarities:
The variety is slow growing. Blooms 8-9 weeks after planting. A cold period (13°C) up to 14 weeks is required. Arrows appear with an interval of up to 6 weeks. With a bulb size of 26-28 cm in a circle, it usually gives out two arrows, with a bulb size of 33-36 cm - three.

Gallery

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Photo: aka Vesna (Julia)	Photo: aka Vesna (Julia)