Zephyranthes

Zephyranthes is a plant of the Amaryllis family. It is a herbaceous bulbous perennial. Zephyranthes grow in the subtropics and tropics of central and southern America. The name of the flower (Zephyranthes) is of Greek origin: "zephyr" means "wind from the west" and "anthos" means a flower. Literally - a flower of the west wind, as well as various interpretations: a flower or a rain lily, a fairy lily. But more prosaically - Upstart. All names characterize certain characteristics of the plant.

It is named upstart because of the rapid development of the peduncle, which appears literally before our eyes. In just a day, as if "jumping out" of the ground, he carries a flower that resembles a miniature lily. "What does the west wind and rain have to do with it?" - you ask. It's simple: in the homeland of the plant, the wind from the west is a harbinger of the rainy season, at the end of which, as if delighted with the long-awaited moisture, flower stalks of zephyranthes rapidly appear, crowned with fresh and delicate flowers of white, all shades of yellow and pink.

Description of the flower

Root: small, up to three and a half centimeters in diameter, ovoid bulb, sometimes rounded. The neck of the bulb can be either short or elongated. Leaves in most species are linear and herbaceous, less often tubular, hollow. Flowers are solitary, crocus-shaped or star-shaped, medium-sized, more often monochromatic.

Home care for zephyranthes

Location and lighting

Plants grow well both in bright sunlight and in diffused color. In summer, it is advisable to take indoor views to the balcony or plant them in flower beds. Outdoors, by the end of summer, the plant will produce a larger bulb that will allow for abundant flowering the following year. All windows, with the exception of the northern ones, will be good for placing indoor species.

Temperature

The optimum temperature for the growth of zephyranthes is 18-25 degrees. During the dormant period, it is advisable to relocate the plant to a cooler place.

Air humidity

Rain lilies prefer medium or slightly high humidity. When grown indoors with low humidity, there is a high risk of disease.

Watering

Zephyranthes needs moderate watering, which is not stopped or reduced even during dormancy. An indicator of sufficient watering is the constantly moist soil in his pot.

It happens that for a dormant period, the upstart sheds its leaves. If this happens, then reduce watering: the bulbs must be dry.

Top dressing and fertilizers

With the appearance of leaves and until the end of flowering, marshmallows are fed twice a month. Any liquid mineral fertilizer for indoor plants is used as fertilizer.

The soil

Loose, nutritious and neutral soil is ideal for zephyranthes. The earthen mixture is made up of the same parts of turf, humus and sand, adding a small amount of phosphorus-containing fertilizers.

Transfer

When leaving the dormant state, the plant must be transplanted. A low and wide pot is suitable for a plant. Several bulbs are placed in it at the same time, the root collars should be on the surface of the earth.

Dormant period

The dormant period of zephyranthes usually begins in September-November or December-February. At the plant, the leaves begin to wilt and fall off. It is necessary to stop watering and place the pot with the plant in a dark place with an air temperature in the range of 12-14 degrees.

Breeding zephyranthes

Most often, at home, zephyranthes are propagated by children and seeds.

Reproduction by children

Zephyranthes can be easily propagated by babies of bulbs that fill the pot very quickly. It is better to separate the babies from the mother's bulb before the plant leaves for "rest".

Children are planted in a separate pot for several (6-12) pieces. If the species you are growing has a short neck, then the bulb is buried to its full depth. The elongated neck is not deepened.

Seed propagation

Zephyranthes seeds are also easy to propagate. However, in practice, this method of reproduction is rarely used, since flowering will come only after a few (2-5) years.

Diseases and pests

Upstarts are often amazed. scabbard... Their presence is diagnosed by the presence of small brown plaques on the leaf blades and stems. These are the bodies of insects that feed on the sap of the plant. Over time, the affected leaves will lose color, dry out and curl. The buds will also dry up.

To get rid of the scabbard, it is enough to rinse the leaves several times with a 15% Actellik solution or use Karbofos or Decis preparations for this purpose.

When grown in dry air conditions, the plant can be affected spider mite... At the first signs of the appearance of a cobweb, the leaves are treated with soapy water, leaving it to dry completely. After that, the leaves are rinsed with warm running water. In case of severe damage, it is advisable to immediately carry out the treatment with the same Actellik solution.

The worst enemy of plants of the Amaryllis family is the amaryllis bug. This three-millimeter whitish insect settles among the bulbous scales, feeding on its pulp. The worm with its secretions provokes the appearance of fungi, doubling the threat to the life of the plant. The affected plant looks depressed, grows slowly, gradually losing leaves.

The plant affected by the worm is treated with insecticides. After processing, the flower is watered moderately, trying to avoid waterlogging. Severely affected bulbs are immediately destroyed.

Popular types of zephyranthes

The division into species is based on the color of the petals.

Zephyranthes with white flowers

Zephyranthes Atamas - differs in an ovoid small bulb with a shortened neck. In contrast with the snow-white, lanceolate-shaped flower petals, graceful, narrow, linear-shaped leaves look spectacular. The plant blooms in March-April and develops well at temperatures just below room temperature.

Zephyranthes snow-white - externally and in terms of growth, it differs significantly from its closest relative - Atamas Zephyranthes.

Appearance features:

• A bulb with an elongated (up to 5 cm) neck.
• Tubular and long (up to 30 cm) leaves, appearing simultaneously with the peduncle.
• Peduncles, rising to a height of 20 cm in height, bear funnel-shaped, up to 6 cm in diameter, buds.
• The pointed petals of the snow-white marshmallow are elongated. Their length is about 6 cm, and the outer side is painted pinkish. The plant blooms in July. Flowering lasts until October.

Types of zephyranthes with yellow flowers

Zephyranthes golden - has a rounded or ovoid bulb and long, up to 30 cm, leaves.The calyx of the flower is funnel-shaped and narrowed at the bottom and top. Blooms in winter: December and January. In regions with warm mild climates, the species is grown outdoors.

Types of zephyranthes with red flowers

Zephyranthes grandiflorum differs in:

• ovoid bulb with a shortened neck.
• Long (minimum 15, maximum 30 cm), linear, grooved, leaves.
• Quite large (7–8 cm) flowers of pink shades with bright orange stamens.
• Flowering begins in April and lasts for several months.

Two-color species of zephyranthes species

Zephyranthes multicolored - has an oblong bulb, covered with a dark film on the outside. The inner part of the petals is white, the outer part is reddish-greenish in color. Flowering begins in January.

Upstart or zephyranthes - growing a house (video)