Rodophiala (Rhodophiala) is a rare bulbous plant in the amaryllis family. The natural habitat of the flower is the countries of South America. You can meet him in the mountainous regions of Chile, Argentina or Uruguay, as well as in the state of Texas.
Unpretentiousness helps these flowers to withstand the scarcity of soil, sudden temperature changes and moderate frosts. The bulb of the plant spends long periods of drought in suspended animation. With the onset of the rainy season, she wakes up, throwing out an arrow with large flowers resembling a lily. Closer to the end of flowering, Rodophial begins to grow narrow long leaves, which disappear with the onset of the next drought.
In countries where Rodophiala grows, it is appreciated for its undemandingness and beauty of rapidly appearing inflorescences. But out of 3 dozen plant species, only a few are suitable for home cultivation. The harsh conditions of natural growth impose a number of conditions on flower growers. Most often, Rhodophiala bifida with rich red flowers is used as a room culture. You can admire them towards the end of summer, but the flowering period does not last very long.
A greenhouse or winter garden is best suited for growing Rodophiala.
Caring for Rodophial at home
Location and lighting
The long dormant period allows the container with the bulb to be stored almost anywhere. But with the appearance of the arrow, the pot must be rearranged to a sunny place. Both partial shade and southern direction are suitable. For uniform development, it is better to periodically rotate the flower.
Temperature
Under natural conditions, Rodophiala experiences daily temperature drops. Thanks to them, the plant develops better and blooms more abundantly. Cold resistance allows the bifida species in dry ground and with sufficient cover to withstand frosts slightly stronger than -10 degrees. During the dormant period, you can store the bulb in a room where it keeps about 5-10 heat. But at above-zero temperatures, the ground should be watered from time to time.
In summer, Rodophiala can be taken out onto the balcony or even planted in open ground. She will be satisfied with a daytime temperature of about +25 degrees.
Soil composition
Rodophiala can grow in almost any soil. But the best for her is a mixture of leafy earth with peat, to which a little sand has been added. You can put a few pieces of broken brick or rubble in the ground. The peculiarity of planting is that the bulb is completely buried in the ground - only the neck remains on the surface.
Transplant rules
Rodophial should be transplanted into a new pot once every 2-3 years. At the same time, good drainage is placed on the bottom of the pot. Several bulbs can be placed in one container at once - this will contribute to flowering.
Dormant period
Under natural conditions, Rodophial goes into hibernation before the onset of the summer drought. For some time after the end of flowering, it continues to grow and during this period it also needs watering. Gradually, his rate is reduced, and then completely reduced to nothing. Even during active growth, it is not worth pouring the plant so that the bulb does not rot.
Liquid fertilizers are applied once a month through a pallet, it is very important not to overdo it with them. An excess of nutrients can lead to a lack of buds. As a rule, flowering in a potted culture begins by autumn, but there are exceptions. Upon completion, the peduncles are cut off at a height of 4 cm from the base.
Reproduction of Rodophial
There is a possibility of reproduction of the Rodophial flower by daughter bulbs, but they appear quite rarely. Therefore, plant seeds are most often used for this. They can be purchased in the store or ordered. But it is worth remembering that only fresh seeds are suitable for planting.
Pre-planting material should be soaked in a damp cloth or moss. If it has not lost its germination, the sprouts will appear quite quickly: after a couple of days. Seeds with noticeable roots are sown in a low, wide container. It is better to use a mixture of sand and leafy soil as a soil. Sprinkle the seeds with a thin layer of soil - no more than 0.5 cm. Instead of watering, you should use a spray. After that, the container is covered with glass or foil and placed in a warm, well-lit place.
When the sprouts grow up and get stronger, they are planted in individual pots. Not too much volume is required for each plant. For the first two years, young Rodophials develop without passing into a dormant period.
