Many gardeners are interested in the question of what is the difference between amaryllis and hippeastrum? Photos of both colors look simply amazing, and plants at first glance are almost identical, therefore, having no experience, they are very easy to confuse. These crops have a very attractive appearance and will be an excellent decoration for any personal plot, so many people would like to cultivate them. Let's try to understand how amaryllis differs from hippeastrum, and also talk about the features of breeding and care for each type of flower.
general information
Before you learn how to distinguish hippeastrum from amaryllis, let's look a little at the history of the origin of these amazing plants. They are representatives of the same family, but belong to completely different genera. Amaryllis is home to South Africa, and hippeastrum is Latin America. They were introduced into the territory of modern Europe in the middle of the 18th century, when active colonial policy was conducted around the world. Today, breeders have bred a huge number of varieties that are grown around the world.
Amaryllis Features
This flower belongs to bulbous plants that can grow up to 60 centimeters. The flowering period is long and plentiful, for which many gardeners love it, and begins in early or mid-spring. In the summer season, amaryllis hibernates and foliage dies. The number of flowers can vary from two to twelve. In their shape, they resemble funnel-shaped bowls formed of six small petals of the same shape and size. Their color can be different, from pale pink to dark purple.
Hippeastrum features
What are they? Hippeastrum and amaryllis, the differences between which we consider, have some similarities. How to distinguish them? Compared with its closest relative, the height of the stem of the first under favorable conditions and proper care can reach one meter. In addition, with the right selection of soil, the plant can bloom up to four times a year. On one bush there can be from 2 to 6 inflorescences formed of four petals, one of which acts as a kind of substrate for the bud. Petals come in various shapes, colors and sizes. It all depends on the specific varieties, the total number of which is about two thousand.
Main differences
So, what is the difference between amaryllis and hippeastrum? If you look at the photographs of flowers, even beginner gardeners will be able to notice the difference. It consists in color, height, quantity and abundance of flowering, the arrangement of leaves on the stem and so on. In addition, both species have different homelands. As mentioned earlier, amaryllis was discovered in the southern regions of the African continent, and hippeastrum - in the Amazonian forests. Also, the seeds of the first ripen in 8 weeks, while the second they are ready for planting after only 14 days. The flowering period begins at different times of the year, while during the active growing season amaryllis leaves fall, and at his fellow they are present throughout the year. Both lilies also differ greatly in the number of flowers. One species may have from two to six, and the other two times more. At the same time, their shape, color and size are different.
Speaking of how amaryllis differs from hippeastrum, it is worth separately remembering the aroma of plants. The first during the active growing season exudes a pleasant incense, which makes it ideal for planting on open ground, and the second practically does not smell. Therefore, if you cannot distinguish flowers, then just smell the amber of crops. From it you can determine to which class each of them belongs.
Features of the breeding of amaryllis at home
What are they? We examined the main differences between hippeastrum and amaryllis. Photos of flowers look simply amazing, so there is nothing surprising in the fact that many people want to grow them at home. Plant breeding does not require any deep knowledge in the field of floriculture or great effort. The only thing required is to create the conditions suitable for them, as well as perform timely watering and top dressing.
Planting material is sold in any store for flower growers in the form of a bulb, which, when planting, deepens into the ground about one third of its height. In order for amaryllis to bloom profusely and continuously, it should ensure peace throughout the growing season. For this, the plant is placed in a dark room in which the air temperature does not exceed 10 degrees heat. At the same time, drying leaves are not recommended to be cut from the stem. They will act as a kind of top dressing for the soil and enrich it with organic substances. At rest, the flower should be around 90 days, after which it is planted on open ground or transferred to a living room if you grow amaryllis as a room flower.
Landing
Hippeastrum and amaryllis (the difference between the two species we examined) are grown differently at home. The best time for planting is the beginning of spring or mid-autumn. First you need to carefully inspect the bulbs, cutting out the blackened spots. Places of cuts are sprinkled with crushed coal to prevent the defeat of the poppy species by various ailments. To accelerate the process of germination, as well as increase the flower's resistance to diseases and pests, the bulbs should be decontaminated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Amaryllis can be planted both in a separate container, and immediately on the open ground. However, in the second case, the earth is pre-fertilized with mineral fertilizers.
Amaryllis Care Tips
The plant is unpretentious and does not need frequent watering. When the first plates appear on the bulb, the substrate is replaced, after which the pot is placed on the windowsill or in any other place with a sufficient amount of sunlight. Until the stem reaches 10 centimeters, the flower does not need to be watered at all. In this case, you should not fill it too much, otherwise the root system may begin to rot. It is only necessary to keep the soil moist. Amaryllis should be fed during the period of active flowering, adding universal complex fertilizers to the soil.
It is worth noting that the plant belongs to perennial species, so it should be replanted every 3-4 years. In addition, experienced gardeners claim that once every 12 months you need to change the top layer of the earth. In this case, you must be very careful not to damage the root system.
As for reproduction, it can be carried out both with the help of children and the traditional seed method. Both methods are highly effective and provide excellent results.
Hippeastrum cultivation
How to do it right? Amaryllis and hippeastrum (color differences were discussed earlier in this article) are bred in completely different ways. For the first, any containers are suitable, but for the second it is best to use high clay pots, since the root system of the plant develops very powerful and requires a sufficient amount of free space. As in the case of amaryllis, when planting a hippeastrum, the bulb does not go deep into the ground, but about two-thirds of its height. In order for the lily to grow and develop well, it is best to use a special substrate made from two parts of sod land and a mixture of river sand, last year's overripe leaves and peat. All components are thoroughly mixed so that there is good air permeability and the roots can breathe.
How to care for hippeastrum?
This variety of lily, like its relative, is unpretentious, therefore, you will not need to make special efforts when breeding it at home. However, some features must be considered. Hippeastrum loves heat very much, therefore it is best to keep it on the windowsill, located on the south side of the house. The room temperature should be approximately 23 degrees. As for watering, they should not be too frequent and plentiful. This is especially true for the period when the flower leaves the dormant state. An excess of moisture at this time can lead to the death of the bulb. It is best to place the pot with the plant in a pan with water so that it can itself take as much life-giving fluid as it needs.
Conclusion
So, in this article it was described in detail about the difference between amaryllis and hippeastrum. Given the differences between the two types of lilies, as well as following the basic tips and recommendations for breeding and caring for these incredibly beautiful plants, you can decorate your garden and enjoy lush and plentiful flowering.