For many gardeners, land improvement is a priority. Harvesting, of course, is good, but beauty should be pleasing to the eye. There are many ornamental plants that will decorate the garden. This includes eustoma, or lisianthus. The description of this flower contains the best epithets. A charming plant can be grown both in pots and in open ground.
Eustoma - what is it?
Eustoma is a perennial ornamental plant. Central America is considered his homeland. Relate eustoma to the gentian family. Today this plant has many varieties and hybrids. The flowers of lisianthus (second name) have the most diverse color. They are large and resemble a rose inflorescence. Due to its external data, eustoma, planting, propagation and care of which require certain skills, has become the most popular decorative flower among gardeners and florists.
Description
A perennial plant, which in cold climates can be annual, has large flowers of various shades - from white to multi-colored. They resemble a half- opened rosebud, but the stems of the eustoma do not have thorns. They reach a height of no more than 50 centimeters. However, due to strong branching, one branch may look like a bouquet. The leaves of lisianthus are matte with a bluish tint and a wax texture. For planting in pots and growing in a room, dwarf varieties are used that have a height of not more than 30 centimeters. One bush of a plant can have up to 35 buds.
Varieties and hybrids
Eustoma perennial, planting the root of which is considered in most cases ineffective, has a sufficient number of varieties and hybrids. This is a moody plant that prefers warmth and humidity. However, thanks to breeders, varieties and hybrids were developed that are more adapted to modern weather conditions. Today, the seeds and seedlings of this plant are available not only to professional florists, but also to simple amateur gardeners.
A large number of varieties and colors made eustoma very popular. For example, the terry series “Kyoto” and “Echo”, as well as the non-double species “Twinky” and “Mermaid” found a good response from florists.
Features of eustoma
Eustoma blooms, the care of which has its own characteristics, from early July to October. One plant can produce peduncles this entire period, if not cut. After cutting the bush under the root, new shoots appear, but they only bloom again in warm places. Low-growing varieties are more suitable for balconies and window sills. Tall species of eustoma are used to decorate personal plots and for cutting. Florists love this flower for its portability. Even after cutting it remains beautiful and fresh for a long time.
Breeding methods
Perennial eustoma, planting of which is possible only from seedlings grown from seeds, has its own characteristics of reproduction. A vegetative method of diluting eustoma is not considered correct. This plant has a very delicate root system. Therefore, careless actions during the division of the bush can lead to its death.
The effectiveness of such operations is very low. Cuttings of the plant take root poorly, so this method is also not suitable. The best option is the seed or finished seedlings. They can be purchased at specialized stores. This method is more troublesome, but also effective. Planting and caring for the eustoma flower will fully pay off when it delights its magnificent view.
The soil
In order to grow a beautiful, healthy plant, it is necessary to observe all that is required to plant an eustoma (soil, sowing dates). You can simplify the process and buy ready-made soil mixture in the store. It should be identical to the one intended for violets or saints. For greater efficiency, you can add sand to it. Soil for eustoma should be light with good air access and a neutral reaction. The second option is to prepare the soil yourself. To do this, take two parts of good garden soil, one part of sand, four parts of peat and 1-2 tablespoons of ash for each liter of the mixture.
Prepared soil must be decontaminated by any means and method. It can be hot potassium permanganate or steaming. If planting is done in pots, then they also need to be disinfected. It is better to choose wide, spacious containers with good drainage holes. Planting seeds can be carried out in peat tablets, which subsequently can be easily transferred to the main place. The tablet container also needs to be decontaminated.
Pollination
Perennial eustoma, planting by the root of which is carried out in the form of already formed seedlings, in most cases, still propagated by seeds. To get good seed, you need to conduct a simple pollination process. All you need is a soft brush. With its help, pollen is transferred from one plant to another. After a while, the seed box ripens. They are very small, but are characterized by increased germination. From one box you can get up to 15 thousand seeds. After ripening, they will be ready for sowing.
Sowing
Eustoma (lisianthus), the landing and care of which require special conditions, is very capricious. In the prepared containers with soil, we plant the seeds and cover the pots with a film on top, creating the effect of a greenhouse. The optimum temperature for this stage is 25 degrees.
After two weeks, you can already observe the first seedlings, which develop very slowly, which is the norm for this plant. Gradually, young shoots of such a plant as eustoma (lisianthus) should be accustomed to room temperature conditions.
Cultivation and care, planting and selection of soil - all this is very important and requires a certain patience and diligence. The plant is very thermophilic, therefore adaptation to the natural environment is necessary. This period will take about two months.
Pick
Seedlings should be planted in separate small pots, since up to 5-6 shoots can grow from one seed. After a pick, we place the seedlings in a shady place where the temperature should be about 18 degrees. As you grow, you will need another transplant to more spacious containers. Perennial eustoma, the root of which should be carried out very carefully, has a delicate root system that is easy to damage.
We plant seedlings in the garden
Seedlings can be grown in a room on a windowsill or in open ground. How to plant and care for eustoma in the garden? To grow a beautiful plant, you need to create the right environment for it. Landing in open ground is carried out in May-June. At this time, the earth will already be warm enough, and the threat of frost will disappear. Eustoma is a heat-loving plant, and therefore it must be planted in sunny areas. But the first time the seedlings need to provide a shadow so that it can adapt faster. The soil must be cultivated and nutritious. It is better to disinfect it before landing. Then they dig a hole that will correspond to the root system.
In such conditions, a perennial eustoma will take root better. Root planting in spring is preferable, since the plant can take root well during the warm season. The seedling must be carefully, without damaging the earthen lump with the root system, removed from the pot and placed in the prepared hole. Then the free space is covered with earth. Strongly press and compact the soil should not be so as not to damage the roots and leave room for oxygen.
Eustoma is a moisture-loving plant. Therefore, care, first of all, consists in regular watering. Drying of the soil should not be allowed, but waterlogging will also not be beneficial. Loosening the soil around the flower is carried out with extreme caution. You can limit yourself to pulling weeds. Only proper care loves eustoma perennial. Planting the root in the fall is a more troublesome business. The plant may not have time to take root before the first frost. This method is only suitable in regions with a warm climate or for growing in rooms and greenhouses. Eustoma loves moisture, light and warmth. Therefore, in indoor conditions, she needs to find a bright place with enough heat and spray regularly.
Breeding eustoma is a creative and painstaking process. Many varieties, which undoubtedly delight the eye, allow you to decorate the garden and make it bright. Eustoma goes well with other plants, shrubs and flowers. It can be used to create compositions and decorate flower beds. Amazingly this flower looks in bouquets. That's why florists love him so much. And if you take into account the excellent property of eustoma to remain fresh for a long time even in cut, then it can be called simply a universal flower. Caring for lisianthus is difficult due to its capriciousness, but the result of the work will be amazing.