Amaryllis: secrets of care and growing at home

Types and varieties of miscanthus with photos and names

Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus)

This species has long been cultivated by gardeners, and experts believe that it is a complex hybrid, but no one knows how it originated. Erect shoots can reach a height of 300 centimeters. Weeping leaf plates are about 0.25 m wide. They are colored dark green, with a white stripe running along the central vein. From the escape, the leaves diverge in different directions, which outwardly is very similar to a large fountain. Flowering is observed at the end of the summer period, while light pink panicles appear, acquiring a silvery color over time. If the summer period in the region is cold, then miscanthus may not bloom at all. Often this species is planted as an accent in the background. It should be noted that at the end of the summer period, the lower leaves of it fade, in this regard, the lower part of the miscanthus will need to be masked.

Chinese Miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis)

Under natural conditions, this species can be found in Korea, Russia, China, and also Japan. This perennial is a grass with a loose bush. He has a fairly short rhizome, and erect shoots in height can reach about 300 centimeters. Rough rough linear leaf plates are about 15 millimeters wide, with a rough rib running along the central vein. During flowering, single-flowered spikelets appear, which can reach 0.7 centimeters in length, while they are part of loose panicles. It has been cultivated since 1875. It does not differ in high frost resistance, in this regard, it simply needs a dry shelter, while by winter one should not forget to sprinkle the area with a thick layer of mulch. This type is most popular with gardeners and there are about 100 of its varieties, which differ in the shape and color of the inflorescences, as well as in the shape and size of the bush itself. These include both frost-resistant varieties and those that prefer to grow in warm climates.

Varieties:

1. Blondeau. It can reach a height of 200 centimeters. It is frost-resistant enough, no shelter is required for the winter.
2. Variegatus. In height, a dense bush can reach only 150 centimeters. On its leaf plates there are longitudinal stripes of white color.
3. Miscanthus Zebrinus (sometimes referred to as Miscanthus Zebrina). The variegated bush on green leaf plates has yellow stripes that are located transversely.
4. Ferner Austin. The bush can reach a height of 150 centimeters. On narrow green leaf plates along the central vein, there is a white stripe, which turns reddish-red in autumn. In August, the fan-shaped panicles of a deep red color with white tops bloom, over time they change their color to bronze-silver.
5. Morning Light. A beautiful not very tall bush has narrow leaf plates with a white edging. Flowering is observed quite late and not annually.
6. Strictus. The bush reaches a height of 2.7 meters, the width of its rich color of variegated leaf plates is about 15 mm. On the leaves, green and rich white stripes are alternately located, loose panicles consist of single-flowered pale red spikelets.

Sugar-flowered Miscanthus, or Sugar-flowered (Miscanthus sacchariflonis)

Under natural conditions, it can be found in Russia in humid areas from the south of the Primorsky Territory to the Amur Region, as well as in China, Korea and Japan. In height, a bush with bare shoots can reach 200 centimeters. The drooping linear leaf plates are painted in a pale green color, they are one and a half centimeter wide, and about 0.6 m long.Panicles reach 0.25 m in length, and they are painted in white or pink-silver color. This species belongs to the thermophilic species, therefore, its growing season begins at the end of the spring period, however, its growth is highly intensive throughout the warm season. Flowering begins in July, and such a cereal can maintain its decorative appearance until October. It is frost-resistant enough, no shelter is required for wintering, but it is better to mulch the site in case of a little snowy winter period. The most popular form is Robustus; it has a slightly larger bush than that of the main plant.

Varieties of the main varieties of amaryllis

Breeders, breeding all new varieties of this plant, are trying to achieve:

• the largest inflorescences with a large volume of petals;
• different unusual colors;
• unusual shape of the peduncle.

Perhaps the most popular in household use are the following amaryllis varieties:

• Durban is a variety with large bell-shaped inflorescences. The petals are bright red with whitish spots at the very base.
• The Parker variety has a delicate pink color, but with a yellow spot.
• The flowers of the Vera variety are light pink in color, slightly smaller than their "brothers", having a pearlescent shade of petals.
• The large-flowered variety of the Snow Queen will be white with a cream shade. The flower has an unusual glossy coating.
• Nymph is a very unusual double flower of bright pink color.

In fact, breeders have bred a large number of different varieties of amaryllis. But the most traditional is the Red Lion, a deep red.

Description

Marsilia is one of the most popular foreground aquarium plants. It is a perennial herb with a thin, creeping and branched rhizome, with leaves growing upward along its entire length. Roots are formed at each node of the rhizome, they anchor the plant in the soil. The rhizome is green to light brown in color, 0.4-0.8 mm thick and densely covered with brown hairs. The leaf consists of four leaves, resembles a four-leaf clover leaf in shape, grows on top of a thin flexible stalk extending from the rhizome. Young shoots of leaves are covered with numerous hairs.

The stalk can grow up to 10-15 cm, but it can be pruned to stimulate a shorter plant growth. The plant is spread by outgoing shoots. Up to five tubercles are formed along each shoot - future cuttings. Under optimal conditions, Marsilia forms a thick, dark to lemon-green carpet with numerous shoots. By forming a carpet, Marsilia provides fry and shrimp with excellent hiding places. Can grow partially or completely submerged in water.

There are several types of marsilia, for example, marsilia minute, narrow-leaved, drummondia and others. There are 65 species in the world.

Description of the amaryllidaceae family

The homeland of these plants is sultry southern 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. this is the rainy season, the soil is abundantly saturated with moisture, the bulbs of the plants form flower buds.

The flowers of the plant are often colored in different shades.

In just two months, the desert region changes its appearance and literally flourishes. Flowers of various shapes and colors appear on the massive greenery of the grasses. Amaryllidaceae at this moment stand out from the crowd, because their flowering is amazing. A thick stem emerges from 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. Some 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 striking specimens from this family. Despite this feature, the bulk is thermophilic crops that grow in the tropics or subtropics.

The list of plants successfully grown at home includes:

• clivia;
• hippeastrum;
• zephyranthes;
• crinum;
• sprekelia;
• eucharis;
• vallot;
• lint;
• hymenokallis.

Plants are valued for the unusual structure of the inflorescence. They are endowed with a 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.

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 different continents are the birthplace of plants. So, at the International Botanical Congress, it was decided to classify these crops, starting from their homeland. Amaryllis are found in South Africa, and hippeastrum in the South of America.

The following video will tell you how to distinguish between amaryllis and hippeastrum.

Next, we will consider in detail all the popular plants of the listed genera and provide useful tips for their care.

Amaryllis characteristics and species diversity

Amaryllis is a monotypic genus of perennial bulbous plants belonging to the Amaryllis family. The only representative of the genus is Amaryllis Belladonna, or the Beautiful. The underground part of the plant is represented by a pear-shaped bulb, consisting of a large number of scales. The diameter of the bulb can range from 6 to 12 cm. The fibrous roots are located at the bottom of the bulb.

The dense and narrow leaf plates of the flower are arranged in 2 rows, growing directly from the bulb. The length of rich green leaves can reach half a meter, while their width rarely reaches even 2.5 cm. A smooth peduncle, represented by a bare stem, grows from the center of the bulb. As you can see in the photo, one peduncle can carry from 2 to 11 funnel-shaped buds, consisting of 6 elongated petals.

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The diameter of the flowers can reach 12 cm. In their natural habitat, you can find amaryllis with white or pink flowers that exude a pleasant unobtrusive aroma. However, thanks to the hard work of breeders on the basis of Amaryllis the Beautiful, several varieties with a wide variety of colors have been bred.

The most popular amaryllis varieties include:

1. Durban. This variety is distinguished by large red inflorescences with whitish stains at the base.
2. Parker. Parker amaryllis petals are bright pink, but a yellow throat can be seen at the base.
3. Terry nymph. The variety stands out for its soft pink double flowers.
4. The Snow Queen. Large-flowered variety, the white flowers of which are covered with a light glossy bloom.
5. Red lion. It is one of the most popular amaryllis varieties. On leathery peduncles during flowering, rich red medium-sized buds appear.

There are many varieties of amaryllis, which differ not only in the color of the flowers, but also in their shape. Breeders are trying to breed as many interesting varieties with large variegated flowers as possible.

How to care?

The main goal pursued by flower growers when caring for amaryllis is to achieve regular and long-term flowering. To do this, you must comply with a number of conditions.

Lighting

The plant loves bright sun, but the light should be diffused, otherwise the amaryllis risks getting burned. In winter, the flower should be removed to a darker place and allowed to rest.

Temperature regime

A comfortable temperature regime during the period of active growth of amaryllis is 23-25 ​​degrees. At the same time, at night, you can reduce the indicator to 18-20 degrees.

To prolong flowering, it is enough to lower the temperature to 18 degrees, removing the plant in partial shade.

How to water?

Because the plant is used to dry tropical climates and does not like too much moisture. It is worth watering the flower only when the soil in the pot dries up. In addition, there are several rules for watering amaryllis:

• use only settled water;
• watering should be done in a pallet so that the bulb does not get damp and rot;
• during the rest period, watering is carried out no more than 1 time in 1.5-2 months, while its frequency decreases gradually;
• resumption of watering occurs when the peduncle reaches 10 cm in height.

The air humidity should correspond to the room temperature. In the very heat, the plant must be sprayed; in cold weather, this should not be done.

How to feed?

Amaryllis will need feeding with organic and mineral fertilizers during active growth. A solution of poultry manure and mullein is used as organic fertilizers. They need to be made at least 1 time a month, alternating with each other.

How to transplant?

You can transplant amaryllis at the end of flowering. This should be done every 3-4 years, but the top layer of the substrate will need to be changed annually.

The correct transplant is made according to the following rules:

• a few days before transplanting, abundant watering should be carried out;
• the flower is carefully removed from the pot along with the roots, while the damaged and decayed parts of the roots must be removed;
• the affected parts and sections are sprinkled with activated carbon or treated with a disinfectant;
• we separate the daughter shoots from the bulb and plant it in a pot;
• under the onion, be sure to pour a layer of sand (2 cm), and then sprinkle it around with earth so that only the bottom is covered.

After transplanting, the bulb will harden in fresh soil, and the flower will grow more actively.

Priming

The soil for amaryllis must be nutritious and include a number of components.

First of all, lay the drainage layer in the form of pebbles, brick chips or expanded clay - it should be at least 3 cm. After that, prepare the mixture for the earth - take sheet, turf soil, river sand and humus in equal proportions. You can also use a commercially available bulb growing medium.

How to plant in a pot?

For planting, you should purchase an elongated pot (at least 20 cm in length) of small volume. The plant should be transplanted into a pot, only 2-3 cm larger than the previous one.

A wide flowerpot will not work, because in this case, a large number of children are formed on the bulb, the flower will spend all its energy on them and will not bloom.

Pruning

At the end of flowering, prune the peduncle, and also reduce the frequency of watering. This should be done gradually. When the last leaves disappear, the bulb should be dug out or, together with the pot, transferred to a dark, cool place and allowed to "rest" for three months.

Differences between amaryllis and hippeastrum

It is possible to distinguish hippeastrum and amaryllis not only by some external signs, but also by the flowering period, which occurs in different months. Consider the main differences between amaryllis and hippeastrum.

Flowers and arrow

On the peduncle of the hippeastrum, there are never more than 6 buds, while they are always large in size (14-15 cm in diameter).

Hippeastrum flowers

As for the arrow that the amaryllis throws out, the number of buds on it varies from 2 to 12. It all depends on the size and health of the bulb, and the diameter of the flowers in amaryllis is somewhat smaller (up to 8 cm).

The smell of the flower

A characteristic feature of amaryllis is the pleasant smell of the buds during flowering. Hippeastrum has no smell.

Petals and inflorescences

The 6 petals on each amaryllis flower are the same and similar to each other - it seems that they have been specially selected. They create a funnel-shaped inflorescence, while the color gamut is quite narrow and can vary from pinkish undertones to deep purple.

Amaryllis Dancing Queen

Hippeastrum petals, also in the amount of 6 pieces, differ depending on the variety - their shape can be oval, elongated, etc. The color scheme of this indoor plant is more diverse, since about 2000 combinations of shades are known in total.

Hippeastrum flowers

The average length of the amaryllis peduncle does not exceed 60 cm, while the hippeastrum can eject an arrow up to 80 cm, there are specimens with a meter-long hollow stem.

Bulb

The easiest way to determine which representative of the bulbous is in front of you is by the shape of the bulb itself. Amaryllis has it:

• Has a pear-like shape (as in the photo);
• Covered with husk and slightly pubescent on the inner side of the plates;
• When separating the plates from the bulb, you can see weaves inside them, resembling a spider web.

Amaryllis Belladonna (bulb)

The hippeastrum bulb is characterized by the following features (see photo):

• Rounded or elongated in shape;
• The scales are always light (for healthy plants);
• Pubescence is absent.

Hippeastrum bulb

Leaves

Amaryllis always throws out an arrow on a bare bulb - there is no green mass during flowering. Leaf plates are formed in late autumn or spring, they are grooved in shape, narrow and smooth. After the air temperature rises, the plant sheds its leaves.

Amaryllis (leaves)

For hippeastrum, the presence of wide (in comparison with amaryllis) leaves is required, in the frame of which the stem grows. Depending on the variety, their appearance differs in smoothness and rigidity, however, the shape is always belt-like and elongated. It is often possible to observe a situation when the green mass of the plant wilted a little - this is a sure sign that it is hippeastrum in front of you.

A photo with a hint, how hippeastrum differs from amaryllis - can be seen below.

Flowering period

A characteristic feature of amaryllis should be called its inability to bloom several times a year, even in indoor conditions. Peduncles always appear in late summer or autumn.

Amaryllis Belladonna

Hippeastrum is able to delight with bright buds up to 4 times a year - growers manage to initiate frequent and abundant flowering, subject to the rules of cultivation. Often it releases an arrow in autumn, winter or spring - it all depends on the start of forcing the bulb. Keeps buds for quite a long time, within 2 months you can admire beautiful multi-colored "stars" (as in the photo). The arrow of the hippeastrum feels great in water, therefore it is very often used for cutting into bouquets.

Hippeastrum (photo of the bouquet)

Differences between species

It is difficult to distinguish plants from each other, but it is possible if you make a thorough examination of both crops. You can also recognize them during the flowering period, they have it at different times of the year.

Flowers and arrow

A distinctive feature of the hippeastrum is the peduncle, the height of which does not exceed 60 cm. More than 6 inflorescences are never formed on it. Blooming buds are always large, their diameter usually varies between 15-18 cm.

Amaryllis can have up to 12 inflorescences on the discarded arrow. Moreover, the peduncle can grow up to 80 cm, there are representatives with a hollow stem of 1 m.

The size of the buds is directly related to the number, the more there are, the smaller the flowers will be, but in any case their diameter will not exceed 8 cm. The condition and health of the bulb also affects the size.

Another significant difference is the aroma, the amaryllis buds exude a pleasant smell, the inflorescences of the hippeastrum do not smell at all.

The buds of both species have 6 petals, but in the amaryllis they are the same, as if they were made under a carbon copy. The color range is rather scarce, from pink to purple. In hippeastrum, petals can have absolutely any shape: oval, elongated. Shades can also vary, more than 2000 combinations are known.

Distinctive features of amaryllis and hippeastrum

Bulb

The easiest way to identify the species is by the bulb. They have the following features:

• The bulb is in the shape of a pear, which is slightly lowered on the inside. The entire surface is covered with husk, if you separate it, you can see the characteristic weaves, which outwardly resemble a cobweb.
• The bulb of the hippeastrum is round or slightly elongated. The surface is covered with light scales, and, unlike the previous specimen, it has no omissions.

Naturally, it is not always possible to distinguish a flower by its bulb. Most often, the plant is purchased or received as a gift in a flowerpot. Actually, therefore, it is worth knowing about other characteristic features by which species are distinguished.

Sheet plate

As for the leaves, in the hippeastrum they are wide and belt-like. It is in their frame that a long hollow peduncle appears. The green mass of a flower often looks drooping, but this is normal for this culture.

Amaryliss has the opposite situation, an arrow appears on a completely bare bulb. During flowering, the plant has no leaves. They form in early spring or, conversely, in autumn, leaf fall begins after the temperature rises. The leaves are narrow and smooth.

Flowering and resting period

Another significant difference is the one-time flowering of amaryllis, the ovary of buds does not occur more often than once a year. The flower stalk is thrown out in August or September. After the buds dry, the plant must go to rest.

With his opponent, things are much better, the culture pleases its owners with bright buds several times a year. If desired, the florist can himself provoke this process by forcing the bulb. The plant blooms for quite a long time up to 2 months, moreover, the peduncle, even when cut, retains freshness for a long time. That is why they are often presented in bouquets.

The dormant period for both species begins at the end of autumn. Although in hippeastrum, it can occur immediately after flowering. During rest, it is better to remove the bulbs from the soil, place them in a cardboard box or wrap them in paper and put them in a cool place where the temperature is maintained at 15 degrees.

If the temperature rises higher, it can provoke stem germination. Accordingly, the flower will not be able to fully rest, and this will lead to a decrease in immunity, frequent diseases, and in some cases, the death of the plant.

Types and varieties of Iberis with photos and names

Gardeners cultivate only 2 species of annual Iberis.

Iberis bitter (Iberis amara)

This annual can reach a height of about 0.3 meters. On the surface of the shoots branching from the root collar, there is pubescence. The shape of the leaf plates is inverse lanceolate. Such obtuse alternate leaves have a serrated edge. The color of the flowers, which can reach from 1.5 to 2 centimeters in diameter, can be white or slightly lilac. They are part of racemose inflorescences that have a columnar shape. This species began to be cultivated in the 16th century. Popular varieties:

1. Tom Tumb. In height, the bush can reach from 12 to 15 centimeters. The flowers of this species are white.
2. Hyacintenblutige Riesen. The height of the bush can reach 0.35 meters. The color of the flowers is lilac.
3. Weiss Riesen. The height of the bushes is about 0.3 meters, while the flowers are white.

Iberis umbellata (Iberis umbellata)

This very showy annual plant can grow to about 0.4 meters in height. The branched shoots are glabrous and smooth. Alternately located leaf plates have a lanceolate shape. The highly fragrant flowers can be painted in a wide variety of colors from lilac to white.They are part of the inflorescences, whose shape is corymbose. From the moment of sowing to the beginning of flowering, as a rule, it takes 8-10 weeks. Flowering lasts about 8 weeks. This species has been cultivated since the 16th century. Popular varieties:

1. Fairy Mixtche. The bush can have a height of 20 to 25 centimeters. Most often it is represented by a mixture of seeds with different colors.
2. Red Rash. The height of the bushes is about 0.3 m. Their flowers are carmine-red.

There are quite popular perennial types of Iberis that are cultivated by gardeners.

Iberis evergreen (Iberis sempervirens)

This semi-shrub plant is a perennial. Its height can vary from 0.3 to 0.4 meters. The length of the oblong leaf plates is about 7 centimeters. Such glossy whole-edged leaves are dark green in color. The diameter of the umbrella-shaped inflorescences is approximately 5 centimeters. And the diameter of white flowers is about 15 mm. It blooms very luxuriantly for 20 days. In some cases, re-flowering is observed in the last summer days. It has been cultivated since the 17th century. Popular varieties:

1. Miniature flock. The bush reaches a height of only 15 centimeters. Most often planted on stony masonry.
2. Findall. The bush can reach a height of 0.2 m, while the diameter of the curtain is most often 0.8 m.
3. Dana. The height of the bushes is about 15 centimeters. It blooms very profusely.

Iberis gibraltar

This species is semi-evergreen. There are many small pink flowers on the bush. The bush reaches 0.4 m in diameter and 0.25 m in height. The most popular variety is Gibraltar Candytaft. On the bush, flowers of a lilac color flaunt, which gradually change it to white.

Iberis Crimean (Iberis simplex)

The height of the bush varies from 5 to 10 centimeters. Greenish-gray spatulate leaf plates have pubescence on their surface. The buds of this species are purple, and the opened flowers are white.

Iberis rocky (Iberis saxatilis)

The height of such an evergreen shrub can vary from 10 to 15 centimeters. They can form dense round curtains. When the plant blooms, the effect is created that it is covered with snow.

Caring for ruella at home

How to care for ruelia

The ruella will not require special care from you, especially if you arrange it well. For normal growth and development, this plant needs bright diffused light, so it is better to place it on the eastern and western windowsills. If you have to keep the ruella by the south window, provide it with shade from direct sunlight, at least in the sultry afternoon hours: underneath the ruelle leaves will fade.

If there is not enough light, then the length of internodes will increase, and the ruelia will take on a painful appearance.

In a shaded interior, the showiness of the leaves of the plant is more pronounced, but in good lighting the ruelia blooms more luxuriantly, so try to find such a place for it to stimulate the plants to show maximum decorativeness.

In the warm season, ruella normally feels at the usual temperature for a home, and in winter it prefers a cooler content - 16-18 ˚C.

Watering and feeding ruella

Water the plant as soon as the top layer of the potted substrate dries up. Soil moistening should be systematic, but not too abundant. The entire earthen lump should not be allowed to dry out, since the plant may lose the lower leaves: as soon as the foliage loses its turgor and sags, immediately water the ruella. Water for irrigation should be not cold - a couple of degrees warmer than the temperature in the room - and kept at least for a day.

Despite its tropical origin, ruella does not require regular spraying, but dry air is also not good for it, so keep the plant as far away from heating appliances as possible, and if this is not possible, then place the flower pot on a tray with wet pebbles in this way so that water does not enter the ground through the drain holes in the pot.

Caring for ruella at home involves the introduction of dressings into the substrate. It is advisable to mix fertilizers into the soil when transplanting ruelia, and 2-3 months after changing the substrate, you can start feeding: once every 2 weeks, apply a solution of combined fertilizer for ornamental indoor plants.

In the photo: Blooming red ruella

Ruella transplant

Growing ruelia involves replanting it regularly as it grows from a smaller container to a larger one. At a young age, ruelia requires an annual change of pot and substrate, and an adult plant is transplanted as needed, when its roots have fully mastered the volume of the pot.

The plant tolerates this procedure most easily during the period from the beginning of March to the end of May. A mixture of equal parts of humus, sand, leafy and soddy soil is suitable as a substrate for ruelia, although ordinary commercially available universal soil can be used, however, a little vermiculite should be added to it.

I must say that ruelia grows quickly, but if you want to keep this plant in your home collection, you will have to systematically cut its shoots and root them.

Reproduction of ruella

Ruella is propagated vegetatively: the apical cuttings of the plant are rooted in water at a temperature of 20-25 ˚C, and when roots grow on them, the cuttings are planted in a wide shallow pot and grown like a bush of an adult ruella, not forgetting to pinch the tops for better tillering shoots.

In the photo: Growing ruelia

It is even easier to propagate ruella by layering: put another pot filled with substrate to the ruella pot, bend the low-growing shoot of the plant, put it in the next pot and fix it. When the shoot has taken root in the soil, separate it from the mother plant and grow it as a stand-alone plant.

The seed method of reproduction of ruelia is also possible, however, it is not so easy to acquire its seeds, moreover, ruella from seeds will require more effort and time from you.

Flowering ruella

As we already wrote, ruelia blooms only in good lighting, but for a long time and abundantly. The flowers of ruella, opening in the morning, wither by the middle of the day, but the plant immediately forms other flowers. You can make the ruella bloom all year round by installing an additional light source above it in winter.