Worsley (Worsleya) or blue amaryllis is a bulbous perennial and occupies an important place in the genus Amaryllis. Wild forms are found mostly in tropical areas in eastern Brazil. Here, the plant settles on the hills next to the flowing waterfalls. The culture grows on rocky ground. In indoor floriculture, Worsleya procera is grown, which has not yet earned much recognition.
Description of vorsley
The underground part of the blue amaryllis is a large bulb. The flower in its natural environment lengthens by several meters. The foliage is oblong and narrow. The length of one leaf is about 90 cm. In most species, the green color of the leaves predominates.
Vorslea blooms with spectacular dark blue or blue flowers, which are striking against the background of bright greenery. As a rule, the peduncle sits in the center of the bush. The diameter of the inflorescences does not exceed 15 cm. The number of flowers forming an inflorescence reaches up to 15 pcs.
The flowering phase for indoor species occurs in the summer. As for wild plants, their flower stalks can open at any time throughout the year.
Experienced growers note the fact that blue amaryllis is one of the most interesting representatives of its kind. Abroad, the flower has gained widespread popularity among Americans. Not everyone can afford to buy a seedling for home growing, since the cost of a crop in botanical stores and nurseries is quite high. In addition, the plant requires special care.
Hair care at home
Worsley is a rather capricious perennial and home care is rather difficult. The growing medium should be rocky and rich in nutrients. Choose a place that is well lit. Since the perennial came from the tropics, it is necessary to maintain a humid climate in the room. The optimal solution is to breed hairs in the winter garden. If this is not possible, a flowerpot with a flower is placed near the window opening, which faces the southern part of the building. Seedlings of blue amaryllis prefer high humidity, therefore they happily coexist with representatives of aroid, bromeliads and cyperus.
To succeed in growing hairs and avoid a number of problems, you should take care of the conditions of its maintenance in advance. In addition to moisture and bright lighting, the presence of a nutrient substrate is important. Watering is organized daily. In order to reduce the risk of moisture accumulation at the bottom of the flowerpot, a thick drainage layer is laid. Thanks to this, it is possible to create an imitation of a rocky environment inherent in the natural habitat of a flower.
Lighting
The pots of fluff are kept on the windowsills, which are exposed to the sun's rays during the day.
Temperature
Wild blue amaryllis species prefer a temperate climate. Bushes do not tolerate extreme heat when the air temperature exceeds 30 ° C. Provide coolness at night.In summer, it is better to put containers on the balcony or take them out into the garden. Lowering the temperature to 2 ° C does not pose a serious danger to the leaves and roots of the hairs.
Air humidity
The plant belongs to the representatives of the tropics, therefore it develops normally only under conditions of high humidity.
Watering rules
Water the hairs every day. Watering is stopped for a while, when the bush goes into a dormant state, namely, it stops growing. At the same time, they make sure that the root system of the perennial does not dry out, the soil is still periodically moistened.
The soil
The right choice of soil for growing plays a big role. Worsley develops in a loose substrate that allows air to pass through well. Otherwise, due to frequent watering, the roots can quickly rot. The planting container is filled with pieces of any tree species 5-10 mm long. Moisture and nutrients will not be washed out of the soil if the soil is mixed with coconut shells or peat. The top layer of the earth is covered with sphagnum.
Top dressing
To grow healthy and strong seedlings, they are regularly fed. It is advisable to carry out the procedure simultaneously with watering. Mineral fertilizers are dissolved in settled water. It is enough to feed the flower once a week.
Transfer
Adult vorsle bushes are transplanted occasionally. When buying a new flowerpot, they are guided by the size of the grown onion.
Dormant period
With the arrival of winter, it is better to rearrange the flower in a cooler room and stick to scanty watering. In nature, the plant is able to bloom a couple of times a year, so it is impossible to reliably indicate the exact time boundaries of the dormant period.
Voslei breeding methods
Worsley reproduces in all possible ways: by seeds, babies and by dividing bulbs.
Seed material taken from the store must be pre-processed. The seeds are soaked in a solution of epin, a growth stimulant. For preventive purposes, antifungal drugs are added.
For sowing, a mixture of sand, peat and vermiculite is used. Soon, sprouts will begin to show under the film. This usually takes almost two weeks. Seedlings are systematically ventilated.
The babies are separated during the transplant process. Choose bulbs up to 2 cm in diameter and immerse them in moist soil.
Growers are very rarely involved in dividing the bulbs. The percentage of germination during seed reproduction and through children is much higher than during division.
