Anigozanthos is an ornamental plant belonging to the Hemodorium family. In its natural environment, the flower is found in Western Australia. Botanical sources mention 13 perennial species. The unusual structure of inflorescences explains another name for the culture - "kangaroo legs".
Description of anigosantos
Shoot height is about 2 meters in wild species. The foliage of a belt-shaped or lanceolate shape is collected in a root socket. The color of the leaves may vary in tone. Stems with thin walls end at the crown with original panicles. Curved petals stand out in pink, yellow, or green. There are also varieties with two-color "paws", in which the petals have a different palette of shades. On the surface of the panicles, barely noticeable hairs stick out, which coincide with them in color and are often located on both sides of the shoot.
The blossoming of the first "legs" occurs in May and continues until mid-summer. In countries where the weather is mild in winter, the plant can be grown in a garden area.
After cutting, the flowers stay fresh for several days and look attractive in any arrangement. Juicy colors and a rare cup shape make the bouquet expressive and interesting. When dried, the stems with flowers retain their intense color and do not crumble for a long time. In Australia, bouquets of anigosantos are offered in souvenir shops.
In flower markets and greenhouses, hybrid varieties of perennials are sold. The compact size of anigosanthos bushes is great for home growing.
Indoor plant species produce arrows of peduncles 25-50 cm long. The growth of the culture is slightly slowed down. Adult seedlings form sprawling, lush shrubs adorned with numerous paniculate flowers. To extend the flowering period, it is recommended to collect wilted peduncles in a timely manner.
Caring for anigosanthos at home
Caring for anigosanthos is not particularly difficult even for beginners in floriculture, however, some requirements must still be observed.
Location and lighting
The plant loves sunlight, so in the summer it is more expedient to transfer flowerpots to fresh air. If the bush feels a lack of light or is in the shade, the foliage withers over time, and flowering is disturbed.
Temperature
Anigosantos is comfortable with high temperatures. Mild frosts will not harm, but severe cold can lead to freezing of the roots. Therefore, in winter, flower pots are best placed in a lighted room, where the air temperature will be 10-14 ° C.
Humidity level in the room
The flower is safely cultivated at low humidity. Dry but cool air in the apartment is also suitable for growing.
Watering
In the summer months, watering of anigosantos is carried out frequently. When wetting, it is important that the water does not splash the foliage.If the earthy clod begins to dry out, the "legs" fall off.
For planting, a substrate is used that allows water to pass well, then the liquid will not stagnate inside the flowerpot. Dense and poorly drained soil can cause root rot.
Top dressing
While the flower is actively growing greenery and blooming, it is fertilized once every 2-3 weeks. In winter, the substrate is left without feeding, only watered.
Transfer
At a young age, Anigosantos bushes are not transplanted. The transplant procedure is arranged only if the roots do not have enough space in the pot. The culture is transferred to a new container at the end of spring, while the old bush is divided into several parts. Some drainage material is pre-poured at the bottom of the flowerpot.
Soil composition
Earthen mixture for growing anigosanthos is collected from peat, sand and leafy soil. If possible, it is better to purchase soil from a specialized store, but add a handful of chopped bark to it before planting. In nature, perennial prefers rocky or sandy soil. A heavy and impermeable substrate, poorly permeable to air and water, should not be used.
Dormant period
The dormant period for a flower begins with the arrival of winter cold weather. During this time period, the plant is watered less frequently than usual, and the soil is stopped feeding. The flowerpot is kept in a bright, cool room.
Breeding methods for anigosanthos
Reproduction of anigosanthos is carried out using seeds or by dividing the rhizome.
Sowing will be successful if the seeds are lowered into the ground immediately after harvest. Seed material retains its germination properties for several years. The grains are sown in a small container containing sand and peat. The emergence of young shoots is expected after 15-40 days. Seedlings sprout equally well both in summer and in winter if the tray is kept at room temperature. The hardened green sprouts dive into different pots.
A perennial plant with widely branched shoots is suitable for division. The culture takes root faster if the division is carried out in the spring or autumn after the end of flowering. The rhizome is cut into pieces with a sharp knife, carefully removing the dried leaves. To keep moisture in the substrate longer, it is better to remove half of the foliage altogether. When watering the bush, it is necessary to exclude the ingress of water droplets on the leaf blades. Otherwise, the owners will face the development of the disease. The planted cuttings are stored in a dark place for a couple of weeks.
Growing difficulties
- Greens become thin and long, losing color - a sign of insufficient lighting. In this case, the pot is rearranged closer to the window, and in winter it is kept in a bright and cool room, preferably a veranda.
- In the leaves, turgor pressure decreases, yellow spots appear, root decay occurs - errors in watering, too thin drainage layer. To save the bush, it is transplanted into another pot with new soil and diseased roots are cut off. The sections of the cuts are treated with crushed charcoal.
- Lack of inflorescences - little light falls on the flower, or the culture is disturbed during the dormant period.
- Drying tops - dry air in the apartment. Pebbles are poured into the pallet and water is poured. You can put a special humidifier in the room. The dry ends of the diseased bush must be cut off.
Diseases and pests
With an excess of moisture in the room, the ground part of the anigosantos is covered with dark spots. A spider mite settles in the leaf axils.
