Scylla (Scilla) is a bulbous perennial, common in the temperate zone of Asia, in Europe, in the center and in the south of the African continent. The flower belongs to the Liliaceae family, which is rich in plants with excellent decorative qualities. Just one of these is the scilla. Winter-hardy varieties are used to decorate open flower beds and for distillation, but there are several non-frost-resistant species that can be grown at home.
Unlike other bulbous plants, the scilla has slightly elongated internodes and a sturdy stem that lives for a long time. After some time, it forms a thin rhizome, on which many bulbs are formed. The flower range is presented in shades of pink, lilac, blue. Scyllas with white flowers are less common.
Scylla care at home
Location and lighting
The Scylla flower simply adores bright lighting, but in the summer months it needs to be shaded from the direct sun so that the plant does not get burned.
Temperature
In the hot season, the optimal temperature regime for the scilla is 22-25 degrees. Since October, it is gradually reduced, bringing the winter indicators to 10-12 degrees - if they are higher, the flower will stretch out a lot.
Air humidity
The indoor beauty is well adapted to low humidity, therefore it is not necessary to spray it. From time to time, it is necessary to wipe the leaves so that dust does not accumulate.
Watering
In the hot period, the flower requires moderate watering, otherwise the bulbs and roots will rot. In winter, the amount of moisture is further reduced, but foliage is prevented from shedding. It is better to pre-stand the water at room temperature.
The soil
The soil composition should be loose, breathable. To do this, use a mixture of humus and sheet soil - 1: 2. You can take a ready-made substrate for succulents.
Top dressing and fertilizers
During active growth, the Scylla is fertilized with compositions for succulents twice a month. With the beginning of autumn, the amount of dressings is reduced, and in the winter months they stop altogether.
Transfer
The flower needs to be transplanted only when the bulbs fill the whole pot. Diving, the bulbs are buried in the soil by only a third. It is very important not to forget to put a drain on the bottom of the container.
Reproduction of scilla
Daughter bulbs are most often used for propagation. They can be detached at any time. They take root even if they have no roots. During this period, they stop growing. To stimulate the rooting process, the container is placed in a warm (20-25 degrees) well-lit place. Watered sparingly, when leaves appear, the volume of moisture is increased.
Diseases and pests
Scylla suffers the most from the invasion aphids and scale insects... Too large pot volume, peat substrate, excessive moisture can also lead to disease, or even cause the death of the entire plant.If the requirements for the content are met, Scylla does not get sick and resists pests well.
Difficulties in caring for Scylla
- Insufficient lighting leads to blanching of the leaf color, elongation of internodes and sheets.
- Poor watering causes the scilla to shed its leaves.
- Excessive moisture provokes decay of roots and bulbs.
Varieties of the scilla
Scilla peruviana
She has a large bulb and shiny leaves with small cilia along the edge, forming a rosette of dark green color. The shape of the flowers is star-shaped, often of a rich blue hue.
The most popular varieties are Alba, which has white flowers, and Albida, which has pale blue flowers.
The plant stretches 15-20 cm, and its purple bulb does not hide in the soil, but protrudes significantly above it. In the process of growth, it forms many branches. The leaves are lanceolate, have small petioles, are up to 5 cm long. Their underside is painted either green or intense purple, and the top is flaunting with dark green spots scattered over the silvery aphid. The inflorescence is a panicle, which includes up to twenty greenish flowers, the anthers of which are bright purple in color.
