Alstroemeria is a perennial rhizome plant. It has several names - Inca lily, Peruvian lily, alstroemeria, alstroemeria, alstroemeria . There are many species, varieties, hybrids that differ from each other in shape and color of flowers, as well as in height.
From the rhizome of alstroemeria grow several erect flexible stems ending in inflorescences. The flowers are funnel-shaped, multi-colored, with stripes or contrasting strokes, in structure resemble a lily or orchid, depending on the variety. The leaves are elongated, “twisted”, i.e. the upper side is located below and vice versa. These features are distinguished by alstroemeria. The photo shows this well.
Most tall hybrids and varieties are grown in greenhouses. This is a highly productive crop, cut flower stalks of which can stand in a vase for up to three weeks and reveal all the buds.
Breeders derived and undersized forms and varieties. Alstroemeria at home can be grown as a potted culture. Its height ranges from 20 cm to 40. Large flowers up to 7 cm in diameter appear in the summer. The most popular Dutch varieties are Camilla, Sarah, Ella with white, salmon, pink flowers, respectively.
Alstroemeria at home grows better in diffused bright light. The temperature of the content should not fall below 5
0 C throughout the year. Flowering should be preceded by a period with a temperature of 15
0 C for 3 weeks. With the advent of buds, the
temperature regime needs to be maintained at 18
0 .
Watering is necessary moderate constantly, since the plant does not have a pronounced period of rest. Alstroemeria at home requires a transplant, when the roots have mastered the entire volume of the pot and come out of the drainage holes. It is preferable to transplant in the spring, in extreme cases - after flowering. With a strong growth of the rhizome, it must be divided. At least 10 stems (eyes) must be left on each part. If there is damage, foci of decay - they need to be cut with a sharp knife, and the slices should be treated with something disinfecting, drying.
Alstroemeria at home can be propagated by seeds, if they can be acquired (as a rule, they do not form on hybrids). Sow seeds in the spring in
container with loose soil. They need to be pressed a little into the substrate and sprinkled a little. Moisten the crops and create a mini-greenhouse (cover with glass or film). Shoots appear after 3 weeks. Seedlings bloom no earlier than the second year.
Alstroemeria is demanding on nutrition. Care includes weekly dressing. It is advisable to alternate replenishment with organic and mineral fertilizers. During the budding period, nitrogen fertilizing should be stopped.
It should be noted that the plant is poisonous, contains the tulipaline toxin. It is better to work with it with gloves, since irritation can occur when a toxin gets on the skin. Alstroemeria at home is a danger to cats, which can begin vomiting and diarrhea when a toxin enters the body, because cats like to chew plants standing on the windowsills.