Crinum is a tropical bulbous plant that prefers the moist soils of the coast of a river, sea or lake. Some species can thrive in arid climates. The plant has unusually large bulbs. With a diameter of about 25 centimeters, they can reach a length of almost 90 centimeters. The leaves of the krinum are also large, they can be up to one and a half meters in length. The plant blooms with beautiful white or pink flowers, similar to lilies.
Floral and interior decorators use crinum as decorative decoration in large rooms, lobbies and hallways. The plant develops well in a winter garden, and some species even in aquariums.
Crinum care at home
Location and lighting
Krinum is a light-loving plant. He needs active sunlight and no hint of shadow. The growth and development of the plant in bright sunlight is even more intense. If the plant is grown on a windowsill, then a south-facing window would be the ideal place. Protect krinum leaves from contact with window glass - you may get sunburn.
In the warm season, the plant can be outdoors, but do not allow heavy rainfall on it. When growing krinum at home, try to constantly ventilate the room all year round, even in autumn and winter.
The plant needs a lot of light constantly, even during short daylight hours. Due to its lack, krinum can shed the lower leaves. To prevent this from happening, you need to use additional artificial lighting for about sixteen hours a day.
Temperature
The correct temperature regime for krinum is determined by its origin.
Plants of South African origin in the warm season (spring - summer) thrive at an average temperature of 22-27 degrees Celsius outdoors. In winter, being at rest, the krinum needs a temperature of 2 to 6 degrees Celsius.
Plants native to tropical regions prefer the same air temperature, greenhouse conditions and no strong gusts in summer. But in the cold season, the krinum needs a room with a temperature of 14-17 degrees Celsius. In such conditions, he winters well.
Watering and humidity
The amount and frequency of watering varies depending on the season and the period of plant development. For example, during the period of active growth, watering is required abundant and regular. It is necessary to reduce watering at the end of flowering. While at rest, the krinum still needs watering, albeit very rarely.
The earthen lump of krinum should not dry out even during dormancy, because the plant has very powerful watery roots, which need moisture constantly.
With the help of watering, you can stimulate the beginning of flowering of the plant or its end. By reducing or temporarily suspending soil moisture, the flowering time changes.Therefore, it is possible for the krinum to bloom actively in the winter.
Air humidity does not in any way affect the development and growth of the plant. Leaves can sometimes be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Top dressing and fertilizers
When the first young leaves appear, the first top dressing can be applied. In the future, every 2 weeks, this procedure is repeated regularly until the end of the flowering period. It is recommended to use a complex fertilizer for flowering crops grown at home. Dilute and apply such top dressing strictly according to the instructions on the package.
The soil
For krinum, the following soil mixture is recommended: coarse river sand, peat, leafy soil, humus (one part of each component) and clay-turf soil (two parts). Pieces of charcoal added to this mixture act as a natural antiseptic.
Transfer
Krinum is a plant with a massive root system that requires careful handling during transplantation. Fleshy watery roots can be easily damaged. It is recommended to replant mature plants after about three years. Pick a time before the growing season has begun.
The plant must first be watered abundantly so that it can be easily removed from the flower pot. Examine the roots carefully and remove any damaged parts. The pot for krinum needs a large volume and depth. Be sure to fill the bottom with a drainage layer of expanded clay or river pebbles. The bulb is planted in the soil so that one third of it remains on the surface.
Reproduction of krinum
Krinum propagates by seed and bulbous. The seed method is used in very rare cases. Bulb propagation is considered the most convenient and common.
The more daughter bulbs on an adult plant, the more abundant flowering occurs. So take your time to separate them from the krinum. And their size is also reflected in the beginning of the flowering period of a young plant.
A small onion must be planted in a small pot (no more than twelve centimeters) and grown in this container for a year. Then the plant needs to be transplanted into a larger pot. For the development of young plants, abundant watering and timely complex feeding are very important. Plants obtained from daughter bulbs begin to bloom in the third or fourth year.
Diseases and pests
This tropical plant has two main pests - spider mites and mealybugs. The appearance of a spider mite can be seen by the presence of sticky cobwebs on the leaves and stems. The mealybug usually hides in the axils of the leaves. It is necessary to fight these pests only with the help of insecticidal preparations for flowering plants.
Rotting of the root system, which occurs due to excessive watering, is considered one of the common diseases of krinum.
