Agapanthus (Agapanthus) - a perennial herbaceous representative of the Onion family is presented in the form of numerous species and varieties. South African countries are considered his homeland.
Agapanthus consists of thick fleshy roots, thin and long basal leaves of rich green color, high peduncle (about 60-70 centimeters in height) with numerous flowers at the top. Agapanthus blooms profusely (more than 100 flowers on one peduncle) and for a long time (about 2 months) with blue, lilac or white flowers.
Agapanthus care at home
Location and lighting
Lighting for Agapanthus is vital. With its lack, the peduncles lose their strength and break. A perennial is best placed in a well-lit area, even in direct sunlight.
Temperature
The temperature regime of the content of agapanthus varies depending on the season. Agapanthus is not afraid of high temperatures in summer, so it feels good outdoors. With the approach of autumn cold weather, perennials need a lower temperature, and in winter it generally needs to be moved to a room with good lighting and a temperature of no more than twelve degrees Celsius.
Air humidity
Air humidity is not of fundamental importance for the development of agapanthus. The flower can be easily kept both in high humidity conditions and in dry indoor air.
Watering
From March to August, agapanthus must be watered regularly and abundantly. In the remaining months, watering significantly reduces, but controls the condition of the plant and its external signs. If there is not enough moisture, and the temperature in the room in the winter is very low, then it is possible that the flower will shed its leaves. To prevent this, you need to monitor the state of the green mass on a daily basis and adjust the amount of irrigation.
The soil
The optimal soil mixture for growing agapanthus should consist of four mandatory components: one part of river sand and leafy soil and two parts of humus and sod land.
Top dressing and fertilizers
Agapanthus fertilizing is carried out only from the beginning of spring to the end of summer, twice a month. Preference is given to mineral fertilizers.
Transfer
It is not recommended to replant young agapanthus due to the particular fragility of the rhizomes. If necessary, you can transplant an already adult plant, and then, no more than once every three or four years.
Reproduction of agapanthus
Propagation of agapanthus by seeds
To sow seeds, it is necessary to mix leafy earth and sand in equal parts, and scatter the seeds into small grooves to a depth of one and a half centimeters. Using a sprinkler, moisten the soil and cover with a thick transparent film or glass until shoots appear. Twenty minutes of airing is mandatory every day.Several seedlings with full-fledged 3-4 leaves are transferred to individual flower containers.
Reproduction of agapanthus by dividing the bush
This method is used in the spring. The cut rhizomes need to be powdered with ash or activated carbon, dried a little and planted.
Diseases and pests
In rare cases, the appearance of a scale insect, a spider mite and gray rot (with an excess of moisture) is possible.
Agapanthus species
The agapanthus family includes several dozen different species and hybrid varieties, which differ in the height of the peduncle, the shape and size of the leaves, as well as the color of the flowers.
Agapanthus umbellatus (umbrella or African lily) - reaches almost 70 centimeters in height and belongs to perennial evergreens. Dark green belt-like leaves are about 3 centimeters wide and up to 20 centimeters long. Umbrella inflorescence, located on a high peduncle, is white or blue in color. Seed ripening ends in about a month and a half.
Agapanthus orientalis (oriental) - an evergreen herbaceous representative, which differs from other species in wide and thick leaves. The plant blooms with blue flowers.
Agapanthus campanulatus (bell-shaped) - a perennial with linear leaves (more than 15 centimeters in length) and, similar to bells, blue flowers of medium size.
