Acidantera

Acidantera is a flower of bulbous origin. The people call this flower a fragrant gladiolus due to its external similarities: in terms of growth, leaf formation, and straightness of the stem. But the similarity is limited by these features. Acidantera is more graceful, and the aroma is similar to daffodils. Not abundant in flowering, from one bulb, but blooms for quite a long period of time. Dried flowers must be removed, new ones bloom to replace the withered ones.

Acidantera: description of the flower and species

Acidantera: photo of flowers

• TWO COLOR (another name - gladiolus Muriel), reaches a height of 1 meter, the size of the leaves is up to 0.5 meters, the star-shaped form of inflorescences of a cream or white shade. There is a burgundy spot inside the flower. Such a range of colors attracts and mesmerizes.
• TROPICAL. The ribbing of the elongated leaves is a feature of this species. The stem is straight, about 110 cm in height, the color is pink, pleasant to the eye, with spots of a rich crimson color.
• WHITE ACIDANTER famous for its snow-white flowers without a hint of other shades, has a strong, intoxicating aroma.
• GREAT differs in the presence of narrow leaves and pink flowers with vertical stripes of saturated crimson color. The stripes run straight from the middle of the inflorescence.
• SHORT-TUBE ACIDANTER attractive for its lilac color, diluted with stripes of purple.

Acidantera: planting and care in the open field

Acidantera: photo of flowers

The Acidantera flower needs to be comfortable. It is best grown in warmer climates. If you nevertheless decide to grow it in a region where the winters are cold, then it is advisable to plant the flower in pots for the winter and move it indoors annually. The required temperature for a flower is at least +17 degrees. The area should be very sunny, but not in direct sunlight. In general, the flower is quite capricious and for better development, growth and flowering, a meaningful approach, knowledge of the necessary technology is needed. We will analyze everything that is needed in the article.

Watering is an important fact that has an impact on the health of the Acidanthera flower, therefore it must be correct. Frequent, but without excess moisture, as too much watering leads to wilting. Proper drainage will help prevent waterlogging. After the topsoil has dried, you can water it.

The number of tubers is 3-4, no more, in order to avoid crowding and growth disturbances. Hence, there will be no desired flowering. If fewer tubers are planted, the color will be less lush and attractive.

Acidantera requires a special soil composition: part of sand, part of turf, 2 parts of humus, and two parts of plain earth. Planting in the spring, fertilize in advance, loosen, moisten the prepared soil. The distance between the pits is at least 25 cm. By the size of the tubers, we choose the distance between them, adjust. A small secret, for earlier growth, lush and long flowering, the flower can be grown in pots indoors, in early March. In May, transfer to the street for transplanting into the ground.

If the flower is not propagated by seeds, then it is necessary to carry out timely pruning of dried buds, the plant will not lose its strength and nutrients will go to new buds.

Winter storage

Only in warm winter conditions can the plant be left in place of growth, covered with a layer of mulch or straw, creating a blanket.Without the threat of freezing, the flower will grow in one place for up to 4-5 years. If the winters are frosty in your area, it is better to move the plant to your home, cut the stems, dry and store in a paper bag, after making several punctures for airing.

Growing Acidantera from seeds

This method is rarely chosen. In this case, the seeds of acidantera germinate for a long time, the plant develops slowly and the expectation of flowering is delayed. In autumn, seeds are collected, most often they are bought in special stores. Seedlings are sown in the last month of winter. Ignite the earth in a furnace, destroying parasites and various bacteria. Spread over the soil surface, sprinkle, moisten with a spray bottle, tighten with foil. Open periodically for ventilation and humidification. For germination, it will take 2-3 weeks, immediately make a pick into separate pots, where the plant will live until the tubers grow of sufficient size for flowering. It can be planted in the ground after the first flowering.

Reproduction by children

The easiest way due to the large formation of them on the tubers. Separate and land on the site. You will need to make the most simple care: loosening, watering, feeding, digging for the winter. Again, flowering begins in the third year, when the tubers reach the required size for full development and flowering.

Diseases and pests

Rot, which occurs when watering is abused, is very dangerous for Acidantera. The tuber definitely dies, it cannot be saved, and the children, if the rot did not have time to spread, can quite successfully grow new plants. It is necessary to plant a flower in spring only if frost does not return. The soil temperature is warmed up to the required, night temperature is not lower than 5-8 degrees. In other conditions, the plant dies. In autumn, after removing the tubers for storage, they must be treated with a fungicide, be sure to dry them after the procedure for 2-3 weeks. After storage in a dry place. In principle, with proper care, the flower may not suffer from diseases, but if dampness prevails in the storage area, powdery mildew, rust, and root rot may develop.

Among the parasites you can find snails, slugs. They are collected by hand. If the weather is dry, you can find aphids, spider mites, thrips. The latter must be fought with insecticides.

Acidantera: photo of the variety

Acidantera: photo of flowers