Alstroemeria flowers
Content:
Alstroemeria is a rhizome tuberous flower. You can also find such names as "lily of the Incas" or "Peruvian lily". This family received the name of Baron Klas Alström, who studied with the famous biologist Karl Linnaeus and was a philanthropist and industrialist (he brought the seed of two species of this flower to his mentor).
This genus includes about 50-100 species, most of which are cultivated as an ornamental plant for the garden.
Alstroemeria is a very beautiful plant
Origin
Alstroemeria is native to South America. The roots of the plant are spindle-like and very succulent. Shoots are straight, in their upper part there are linear leaf plates.
Description
Alstroemeria is a flower that amazes with its beauty. It is a herbaceous plant with huge flowers and powerful stems. Alstroemeria can be annual or perennial. It is necessary to describe the characteristics of this house plant.
The meaning of the name in the language of flowers is friendliness, as well as a wish for financial well-being.
What does alstroemeria look like? A characteristic feature of the flower is resupation, that is, twisted petioles by 180 degrees. Thus, the top of the sheet is at the bottom, which creates an interesting visual effect. The tone of the flowers can be of different shades from yellow to red, you can also see lilac, blue alstroemeria. The flower consists of 6 petals arranged in two circles. Often you can see interesting spots on them. The petals themselves may differ from each other.
On the flowers, longitudinal dark strokes are usually visible, which are thick closer to the edges, thin and small closer to the middle. The nectars can be found at the base of the inner circle. The stamens are also placed in two circles. The anthers are slightly elongated.
Alstroemeria in the form of a bush
The time for the appearance of flowers is spring. The plant finishes blooming in the summer, although, subject to the requirements for care at home or in the garden, the rhizome shrub can please with its flowering in early autumn. In natural conditions, hummingbirds and various insects that pollinate flowers help the plant to reproduce.
Instead of a fruit, the plant forms a capsule in which round seeds develop. When the flower reaches maturity, it bursts, the seeds are spread around the world with the help of the wind.
Types and varieties
At the moment, there are many varieties of alstroemeria. Basically, they are no different, except in colors.
Alstroemeria white
This variety is very often used in making bouquets for the bride. The main characteristics of this species are high growth, resistance to diseases, as well as to sudden changes in temperature.
Alstroemeria pink
As the name suggests, the key feature of alstroemeria pink is its matching hue.
Alstroemeria red
This type of alstroemeria will appeal to lovers of red flowers.
Bouquet of alstroemeria
Its stunning appearance will not leave anyone indifferent.
Alstroemeria purple
A stunning plant with purple flowers that resemble lilacs or violets.
Transplant after purchase in open ground
How to grow alstroemeria? You can grow alstroemeria from seeds, but then flowers can only be seen 1-2 years after planting. Therefore, it is much better to buy alstroemeria seedlings in a gardening store. Planting and maintenance in the open field is then much easier.
To plant alstroemeria, you need to acquire seedlings or seeds.
Optimal location
To plant flowers, you need to choose an area where there is rarely wind, and the sun only shines in the morning or evening. Therefore, it is necessary, if possible, to look for a shaded place. The soil must first be loosened. The optimal soil for planting a plant is slightly acidic or neutral. Alstroemeria is a flower that loves clay or sandy soils.
Before planting, you need to check the soil. If it is excessively heavy, then the day before planting alstroemeria, it is necessary to dig it up and add compost, humus or high peat in order to loosen it.
Step-by-step planting process
Alstroemeria grows in a standard way. You must follow these instructions:
Large alstroemeria flowers
- Landing holes are dug. A distance of about half a meter must be observed between them. The depth of the pits should not exceed 0.35 meters, in diameter, their size is about half a meter (slightly less, but not more). It is important to consider that the root system of the plant must be completely contained in them, including the earthen ball. The distance between the holes and their size depend on how vigorous the planted variety is.
- A drainage layer is made at the bottom from 1 handful of expanded clay or gravel, a layer of compost of 70-80 mm is placed on top.
- Each root must be placed in its own hole, without clearing it from an earthen coma. Planting directly in a peat pot is also possible.
- The hole is covered with fertile soil.
After that, the soil must be tamped, the plants must be watered.
Reproduction of alstroemeria
It is possible vegetatively or from seeds. Alstroemeria flowers, the cultivation of which and the first planting in open ground with the help of seeds are carried out according to a certain technology. The vegetative way is more convenient.
Dividing rhizomes
This procedure can be performed every 2-3 years. It is necessary to wait for the moment when the shrub stops blooming. After that, he is pulled out of the ground. First, it is necessary to sterilize the knife, with which the shrub is divided into several parts, each of them must contain a part of the rhizome, as well as several strong stems.
Different varieties of alstroemeria
Next, you need to put large dividers in pre-prepared pits. It is important not to forget to treat the sections with charcoal or activated charcoal.
Small pieces are placed in pots first. Then they should be placed on a windowsill or greenhouse and wait until they grow a little.
This method may be suitable for vigorous shrubs that have strong stems with a well-developed root system.
Growing from seeds
Growing from seeds is a more complicated way. If the seeds are collected with their own hands from last year's flowers, then the plants grown from them may not retain the characteristics inherent in the variety. Thus, seed reproduction is possible only for alstroemeria belonging to a certain species.
They can simply be sown in open soil without digging holes. After that, you need to wait 20 days, the first seedlings should sprout. If bulbs are used, they must be buried deep, but close to the surface (no more than 20 centimeters).
Care in the Middle Lane
In the Middle Zone, alstroemeria is a rather vulnerable plant that cannot withstand frosts for a long time. Therefore, it is imperative to prepare it for winter. There are also a number of care features.
It is necessary to regularly weed the area around the alstroemeria, loosen the soil, and also protect it from insects and other pests. It is important to mulch to prevent overheating of the soil. The ground temperature of 23 degrees and above can impair the ornamental qualities of the plant.
Watering mode
The plant requires systematic watering. If the summer is rainy, water the plant every week. If a drought strikes, you need to double the frequency of watering. It is necessary to monitor the degree of soil moisture. It shouldn't be too big or too small. Over-watering the plant can kill the root system. After watering, the surface must be loosened.
Top dressing
To achieve a rich color and increase the splendor of the flowering of the bush, it is necessary to feed the plant with a frequency of 3 times in 4 weeks. Mineral or organic fertilizers are best suited for this. In spring the plant requires a lot of nitrogen. During the growth of buds and their opening, it is recommended to fertilize the soil with phosphorus. Also, from time to time, it is necessary to feed the soil under the bushes with wood ash.
During flowering
When the plant begins to bloom, it is necessary to pick off the flowers as soon as they begin to wilt. In addition, if the bushes become too thick, they must be thinned out. For this, frankly weak stems are removed. It is important to maintain a temperature of 16 degrees during the active growth phase.
During the rest period
During the rest period, special care is not required. It is enough to water the plant from time to time so that it does not stop growing.
Preparing for winter
At the onset of November, the plant hides in a place that does not get cold.
Thus, alstroemeria is a beautiful plant, but it requires special care. It is best suited for experienced gardeners. People who are short on time need to look for other flowers.
