Acidanthera

Gender Acidanthera consists of 20 perennial corm plants. Only one of them is widespread in culture due to its decorative nature-this is acidanthera bicolor (Acidanthera bicolor), as well as its garden form (A. bicolor var. murielae), which is grown more often. The plant is 40 cm tall with lanceolate narrow-linear green leaves, similar to gladiolus leaves, as well as creamy-white star-shaped fragrant flowers up to 5 cm in diameter with a Central purple spot. Flowers are collected in spike-shaped eight-flowered inflorescences. They bloom in summer.

Gender Acidanthera consists of 20 perennial corm plants. Only one of them is widespread in culture due to its decorative nature-this is acidanthera bicolor (Acidanthera bicolor), as well as its garden form (A. bicolor var. murielae), which is grown more often.

The plant is 40 cm tall with lanceolate narrow-linear green leaves, similar to gladiolus leaves, as well as creamy-white star-shaped fragrant flowers up to 5 cm in diameter with a Central purple spot. Flowers are collected in spike-shaped eight-flowered inflorescences. They bloom in summer.

Cultivation

Acidanthera is grown in the open ground in flower beds, mainly for cutting, as well as in pots on balconies and terraces. In spring, when the danger of frost passes, the corms are planted to a depth of 10 cm in fresh sandy or loamy soil, observing a distance of 20 cm. In a mild climate, bulbs can be left untouched for several years, only covered for the winter with mulch made of straw, dry foliage or other organic materials. If the winters are cold, during this period the corms are dug out after the leaves wither, dried, cleaned and stored in a dry, ventilated, warm (minimum temperature 4-6 °C) room to be used again in the spring for planting. When growing in containers, use 12-15-centimeter pots, placing one or more corms in each. Use the soil, which is a mixture of peat and sand, enriched with a complex fertilizer with trace elements (20-30 g per bucket of soil).

Acidanthera is grown in the open ground in flower beds, mainly for cutting, as well as in pots on balconies and terraces. In spring, when the danger of frost passes, the corms are planted to a depth of 10 cm in fresh sandy or loamy soil, observing a distance of 20 cm. In a mild climate, bulbs can be left untouched for several years, only covered for the winter with mulch made of straw, dry foliage or other organic materials. If the winters are cold, during this period the corms are dug out after the leaves wither, dried, cleaned and stored in a dry, ventilated, warm (minimum temperature 4-6 °C) room to be used again in the spring for planting.

When growing in containers, use 12-15-centimeter pots, placing one or more corms in each. Use the soil, which is a mixture of peat and sand, enriched with a complex fertilizer with trace elements (20-30 g per bucket of soil).

Location

This plant is light-loving, prefers a place in the open sun. But it also suits partial shade.

Temperature

Plants of the genus Acidanthera is thermophilic and tolerates high air temperature well.

Watering

Water regularly when the soil in the garden and the soil in the pot dry up, but avoid stagnation of water. In autumn, they water less, but in winter they don't water at all.

Care

Remove faded flowers.

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds and corms. In autumn, separate the babies formed around the main bulb, and use them in the future for reproduction. Floweringе occurs only after 2-3 years.

Diseases

Corms of plants of the genus Acidanthera is susceptible to soft and dry rot. It manifests itself in the form of large dark spots, often depressed. To avoid the disease, the corms should be disinfected with fungicides before planting. Snails damage shoots, leaves, and stems, leaving a sticky trail behind them. As for the leaves and flowers, they are affected by thrips. Produce treatment with special insecticides.

Acquisition

Potted plants and corms are not easy to get. They are purchased only in specialized nurseries and gardening centers. Make sure that there are no dark spots on the bulbs.