Feeding alstroemeria. Alstroemeria, planting and care

It is also called the Peruvian lily and the lily of the Incas. Its meaning is sweet, desirable. It comes from the Alstroemeriaceae family, it belongs to the order Liliaceae, this explains the second name of the flower and its similarity to it. All of them come from South America, but almost each of the subspecies is limited to the territory of distribution - this is either Chile or Brazil. They have some differences - in Brazil the plant most often grows in summer, while in Chile it most often grows in winter. By the way, it is also worth noting that all subspecies of alstroemeria are long-lived perennials.

Where does such an unusual name come from, you ask? It turns out that the alstroemeria flower is named after the great student of the famous Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish baron Claes Alstroemer.

The alstroemiria flower is grown primarily as an ornamental plant, which is either cut or made into home gardens. Suitable for any gardens.

Description of alstroemeria flowers with photos

Judging by the description, alstroemeria has quite extensive roots, and reaches almost one and a half meters in height. The leaves are arranged alternately, slightly turned on the back and curled at the petiole in such a way that the lower leaves are placed face up. They can have different shapes, but all have a smooth texture. They are located in large numbers at the very top of the flower.

The flowers are arranged singly or collected at the top in the form of an umbrella. Each of them has six petals, five centimeters each. The most common colors are red, white, orange, purple and green. But they all definitely have spots.

There are also six curved stamens and a fruit that is a capsule with three valves. We offer photos of alstroemeria of various varieties:

Alstroemeria varieties and their description

Alstroemeria has up to 60 species in its arsenal. I'll tell you just about a few of them

Alstroemeria aurea has a simple vertical stem reaching a height of about half a meter. In summer, the flower can turn from bright yellow to orange with spots of red. The six leaves are arranged in the shape of an umbrella, and inside there is a fruit in the form of a capsule. Continues to grow normally even at temperatures of minus 12 °C. Look at the photo of this alstroemeria variety:

Alstroemeria brasiliensis is native to sunny Brazil. Its leaves are ring-shaped and have a rich red color with a slight bronze tint. It amazes the eye with its height - the stem together with the flower is up to two meters in total.

Alstroemeria nana comes from Patagonia and is very small in size - no more than ten centimeters, the smallest of all species of this plant. The color is yellow with black spots and a small white border on each of the petals.

Alstroemeria haemantha is native to hot Chile and has the same hot, blood red hue with yellow spots. Most often, these are usually very large bushes - up to fifteen flowers can grow on each peduncle. This makes this type of alstroemeria unusually beautiful and memorable. In the photo - alstroemeria flowers of this variety

Alstroemeria psittacina is also known as Peruvian lily, parrot flower, parrot lily and princess lily. Its homeland is the expanses of hot Brazil and Argentina. It is most often cultivated as an ornamental plant for use in landscape design and garden interiors; for example, residents of California often use it as such. It is also very popular in New Zealand, it is even called the New Zealand Christmas bell - Alstroemeria usually blooms there during the Christmas holidays. The flower has red petals with a green border around the edges.

Planting alstroemeria and caring for plants

In regions with cold summers, it is necessary to ensure that the plant is in a sunny place, and in hot regions it is recommended to place them in shade or partial shade in the summer. If you want alstroemeria flowers to last for more than a year, you should make sure that the roots go as deep into the soil as possible - this will ensure its longer life.

The flower will grow well in moderately fertile but well-drained soil (it should be constantly moist during the summer and flowering period). And don’t forget to feed it with mineral fertilizers.

In late autumn, the entire part of alstroemeria flowers that is above the ground is cut off and covered with a leaf and then with film. It’s good if you can sprinkle some soil on top of it, the plant will only be grateful to you. This way, you will provide the flower with an excellent winter, and in the spring you will get a new flower (by the way, it begins to grow at the same time as daffodils and tulips).

Most often, alstroemeria is grown using seeds, but we warn you that the whole procedure can take a whole year. Unlike other species and varieties, you can immediately plant the flower in soil from turf and leaf soil at the end of spring (April-May). The process of planting alstroemeria is very simple - place the seeds on the ground and lightly press them, and then cover with soil. If you want to increase the period of plant growth, gardeners advise using the following method: place the seeds in a moist substrate at a low temperature (from 2 to 5 ̊C).

The first shoots will appear after 15-20 days. It is only worth planting seeds in this way only in February-March, and transplanting them to open ground in mid-spring. Make sure your alstroemeria has access to bright light, and also remember to provide good drainage and slightly acidic soil. It can also reproduce by division, but it is best to do this during a flower transplant.

Caring for alstroemeria consists of timely watering, loosening the top layer of soil, applying fertilizers, watering and controlling diseases and pests.

Diseases and pests

Alstroemeria flowers are unusually resistant to common and common diseases in open ground. To combat common pests, we recommend using insecticides (karbofos should never be used - the plant is very sensitive to it).

Alstroemeria flowers very similar to lilies, they are the same large, bright, with silky petals with a pattern of specks and long stamens protruding from the center. Many people call alstroemeria flowers “lilies of the Incas”, since this plant comes from South America, the mountainous regions of Peru and Chile. Flower shops sell cut alstroemeria flowers; they are often used to make wedding bouquets, but alstroemeria flowers are rarely grown in gardens or as indoor plants due to a lack of knowledge about caring for this plant.

Total genus Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria) includes about 50 plant species. Alstroemeria has roots with thickenings in the form of tubers; erect flexible stems, covered with dark green lanceolate leaves, grow from the buds on them. A loose inflorescence is formed on the upper part of each shoot, which can bear from 4 to 15 flowers. Alstroemeria flowers, depending on the type and variety, can be white, yellow, orange, pink, or purple. Some flowers have 2-3 petals of a different shade and a pattern of spots or strokes.

Alstroemeria flowers funnel-shaped, reaching 5-7 cm in diameter. Alstroemeria stems are cut into bouquets when the first buds begin to bloom. Alstroemeria flowers remain in water for up to 3 weeks, and all formed buds bloom. Professionals grow cut alstroemeria in greenhouses or conservatories for sale.

These beautiful exotic flowers cannot overwinter in the middle zone, so their rhizomes are planted in the garden in the spring, like dahlias. In the fall, the rhizome is dug up and transplanted into a container, stored all winter in a cellar or cool place at a temperature of about 5 degrees Celsius.

Sustainable and unpretentious species of alstroemeria are used for growing in the garden.. In open ground, alstroemeria blooms at the end of June and continues to bloom until mid-September without interruption.

Alstroemeria orange-red (A.aurantiaca) has distinctive yellow-orange flowers with two upper petals in a red hue.

Alstroemeria chilean (A.chilersis) unpretentious and stable in our climate with bright pink flowers with a yellow spot.

Used for wedding bouquets Alstroemeria peregrina flowers (A.pelegrina), which can be colored white, pink, lilac or cream, and the two upper petals are distinguished by a pattern of dark red strokes and dots.

The height of the plant depends on the variety. Flowers on tall stems over 1 meter in length are intended for cutting. For growing in the garden or as potted plants, low plants are used; they form a compact, lush bush and look neat in mixed flower beds or in pots.

Alstroemeria planting and care

In specialized gardening stores you can buy pieces of alstroemeria rhizomes for planting. If you bought planting material in the spring, then plant it in open ground when warm weather arrives. Having bought alstroemeria for planting at the end of summer or autumn, it is better to plant it in a pot and grow it in winter as an indoor flower.

Alstroemeria is demanding on the soil and place of growth. To plant alstroemeria, it is better to choose a well-lit place, but not in the sun. On the north side you need protection from cold winds - a wall or fence.

Alstroemeria loves loose, breathable and well-drained soil. If the soil in the garden is heavy, then you should dig a planting hole about 40 cm deep and fill the bottom with drainage made of gravel, expanded clay or broken brick. Mix the excavated soil with peat, sand and humus and cover the roots on top. First, pour a cushion of earthen mixture onto the drainage layer, place the rhizome at a depth of 10 cm and cover it with soil to the level of the soil surface.

Watering alstroemeria it is necessary abundantly, but after the soil dries out. Constant waterlogging of the soil leads to rotting of the roots.

For active growth and abundant flowering, alstroemeria must be fed with complex fertilizer 2-3 times a month. Alstroemeria reacts positively to the application of fertilizer and grows quickly over the summer, forming a lush bush of shoots, and at the top of each - an inflorescence with buds.

Alstroemeria is a plant native to tropical South America, so leaving it in the open ground for the winter is risky. To preserve in winter, the rhizome is dug up, transplanted into a container and transferred to a basement or other cool place. If winters in your region are not frosty, then alstroemeria will overwinter by mulching the rhizome on top with straw, dry leaves, peat or humus. To prevent the roots of the plant from getting wet in wet weather in autumn or spring, when the soil dries out in late autumn, lay a film or other waterproof material on top.

Alstroemeria reproduces It is good to divide the rhizome into parts; the plant quickly grows in breadth, so at the end of the season you will receive enough planting material. The rhizome is dug up, divided into parts, leaving 10-15 eyes on each, and planted in different places.

Alstroemeria flowers can be grown from seeds. Sowing is carried out in March in a small seed box with loose soil. Then, as the seedlings grow, they dive into pots, and in the summer they can be planted in open ground. Young plants do not tolerate heat well, so they should not be placed on a sunny windowsill or planted outdoors in the hot summer sun.

Most often, preference is given to more familiar flowers, the cultivation features of which are clear and simple. However, today in nature there are flowers that simply amaze the imagination with their beauty. But growing them poses some difficulties. These plants include alstroemeria, a flower of the Incas, which can so often be found in flower shops in bright and delicate bouquets. In the world, the rose is traditionally considered the most beautiful flower - alstroemeria is in no way inferior to its beauty. And with a little effort, you can grow this overseas miracle on your own site.

In this article we will look at the features and description of alstroemeria, describe its main types and varieties. We will also highlight the nuances of agricultural technology for growing alstroemeria in open ground, at home and in a greenhouse.

Features and description of alstroemeria

Alstroemeria is a rhizomatous perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family and genus of the same name Alstroemeria. This plant is very rarely found in flower beds or flower beds; most often this delicate flower can be purchased at flower shops. The natural habitat of alstroemeria is the territory of South America, or rather countries such as Chile and Peru. It is in these countries that alstroemeria flowers can be found on the side of roads, in vacant lots, just like dandelions grow in our country.

This flower has been known since ancient times. In the ancient tribes of the Incas, alstroemeria was revered as the flower of the gods. It is not for nothing that this plant was endowed with magical properties. Nowadays, alstroemeria is considered a symbol of good luck, prosperity, friendship and wealth.

When the territories of the Incas Indians began to be developed by the Spaniards, the alstroemeria flower came to Europe, or rather to Spain. At first, few people paid attention to him. Until, while traveling in Spain, Clas Alströmer noticed a small and delicate flower that he had seen before. The scientist sent the discovered flower to Carl Linnaeus, who was engaged in the systematization of plants. It was Linnaeus who assigned it to a separate family and named it in honor of his botanist friend, zoologist Claes Alströmer.

In appearance, alstroemeria flowers resemble lilies or daylilies, so very often this plant is popularly called the “Peruvian lily” or “lily of the Incas.”

Description of Alstroemeria:

Alstroemeria is only a perennial plant.
The root system of the plant is represented by a rhizome, which has the shape of a spindle. It is very highly branched and contains a large amount of starch.
Alstroemeria is a herbaceous plant whose stems are very flexible and erect.
Alstroemeria grows in height from 80 cm to 150 cm.
This plant produces two types of shoots: vegetative (presence of large leaves collected at the top) and reproductive (small leaves evenly spaced along the stem).
The leaves of this plant are quite unusual. During growth, they rotate around an axis - in science this is called resupination. The degree of rotation of the leaves is approximately 180 degrees. On the flower, the leaves can be seen with the bottom plate facing up.
The leaves have a bright green tint.
Alstroemeria flowers are small in size, only 5 cm in diameter.
In shape they resemble lilies or, as this form is called in science, a zygomorph.
All flowers are collected in large and sparse umbrellas, which consist of 10-30 inflorescences.
Alstroemeria blooms in late spring or early summer.
The colors of alstroemeria are so diverse that you can easily choose exactly your shade. Most often they are red, yellow and pink. Some varieties may have flowers with dots or stripes.
These plants are easily pollinated by insects.
Most often, alstroemeria is grown on an industrial scale in greenhouses for sale, but you can decorate your garden or room with this plant.
The fruit of the plant is a capsule containing seeds, which scatter around the flower when ripe.

Variety of alstroemeria species and varieties

Today there are several dozen species of alstroemeria in the world, which differ in different stem heights, flower colors and cultivation characteristics. Breeders all over the world have developed a large number of species varieties and hybrids. Since the alstroemeria flower is considered a heat-loving plant, scientists are trying to develop more resistant varieties to our climatic conditions. Let's look at the most common types and varieties of Peruvian lilies.

Golden Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria aurea)

The natural habitat of this type of alstroemeria is the highlands of Chile.
This is a fairly tall plant that can reach 150 cm in height.
Golden alstroemeria flowers come in a variety of colors, ranging from golden yellow to bright orange.
The main feature of this type of Peruvian lily is its relative frost resistance. Golden alstroemeria tolerates frosts down to minus 12 degrees.
Thanks to its hardiness, this type of plant is perfect for growing in our climatic conditions.

Alstroemeria brasiliensis:

It is a Brazilian species of this flower.
It can be classified as a tall plant that can grow up to 1.5 m in height. Some plants reach 2 m.
A distinctive feature of this type of alstroemeria is the spear-shaped petal.
Flower color can be red or bronze.

Alstroemeria nano:

This plant is a Peruvian species.
Alstroemeria nano is characterized by its short growth, the stems reach only 10 cm in height.
The flowers have a bright golden hue with black spots.
A small plant usually produces a large number of bright flowers.

Alstroemeria blood-flowered:

The natural habitat of this type of alstroemeria is South America, namely the territory of Chile and Peru.
Characterized by rapid growth.
The root system is represented by a rather fleshy rhizome.
Alstroemeria blood-red is valued for its lush flowering. About 15 flowers of a bright red hue appear on the plant at the same time.

Alstroemeria psittacina:

The natural habitat is the territory of Argentina.
The main value can be called flowers of unusual colors. During flowering, the plant is covered with bright orange flowers with a green border along the edge of the petals.

Popular varieties and hybrids of alstroemeria:

Alstroemeria "Cosmo". This variety belongs to tall plants. It amazes with the beauty of its snow-white flowers, which densely cover the entire plant.
Variety "Alicia". Also quite a popular plant variety. It features two-tone flowers. Alstroemeria 'Alicia' blooms with white and pink flowers.
Alstroemeria "Virginia". This plant reaches an average height of 80 cm. It thrives in light shade. Flowering begins in early June. This alstroemeria variety blooms with large white flowers with a wavy edge.
Variety "Beauty". A tall plant variety, average height from 150 cm to 170 cm. Flowering begins in spring, and under favorable conditions it can bloom again. The flowers are lilac, less often with a lilac tint.
Alstroemeria "Harmony". A tall and powerful plant that can grow on average 160 cm in height. It blooms twice per season: in April and September. Bronze flowers with black strokes on the petals.
Variety "Canaria". A powerful plant whose height reaches 1.5 m or more. It blooms twice per season: the first time in March. and the second - in the first half of autumn. As the name suggests, the flowers have a bright canary color with subtle black speckles.
Variety "King Cardinal". A medium-sized plant with fairly large peduncles. It has a long flowering period, from late spring until the first frost. It blooms with large red flowers similar in shape to orchids.

Alstroemeria propagation: the most common methods

You can grow Alstroemeria yourself on your own site. To do this, you need to decide on the method that is suitable for you. This plant reproduces in two ways: by seeds and by dividing the rhizome. Both paths have their own characteristics and difficulties, but with due attention and effort, you can grow this amazing plant without any problems.

Seed propagation

Growing alstroemeria from seeds is possible for species varieties, since hybrid plants may lose their maternal characteristics.
If you want to collect the seeds yourself, keep in mind that after ripening the fruit cracks and the seeds scatter around the plant. To collect, you can wrap the faded bud with a piece of gauze so that the seeds fall there.
Before sowing, alstroemeria seeds must be stratified. To do this, place them in a damp cloth and put them in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2-5 degrees for 1 month.
Seeds should be sown at the end of February or at the beginning of March. In this case, you will receive seedlings for planting in open ground.
After stratification, prepare containers with fertile soil, moisten it and place the seeds to a depth of no more than 1 cm.
The top of the containers is covered with glass or film.
The optimal temperature for seed germination is 18 degrees.
Seedlings appear within a month. After they have 3 leaves, be sure to pick the seedlings.
Seedlings are planted in open ground at the end of spring.
Alstroemeria planted from seeds will bloom only in the 3rd year.

Propagation by dividing rhizomes

Hybrid varieties of alstroemeria are most often propagated using this method.
The planted plant will bloom by division the following year.
It is necessary to divide the rhizome after flowering. However, many gardeners do this in the fall, spring, and summer.
Carefully dig up the alstroemeria bush. Make sure that the roots of the plant are not damaged.
Experts recommend dividing the rhizome into a small number of parts, a maximum of 2-3 parts.
Each part must have a sufficiently strong and powerful root system.
The cut areas must be treated with a special disinfectant solution or charcoal.
Alstroemeria seedlings should be planted immediately after division.
Alstroemeria plants divided in this way will take quite a long time to take root, so they need constant care.

Stages of preparation before planting alstroemeria

Alstroemeria is an exotic plant and therefore requires serious consideration and attention. It is important to prepare thoroughly before planting. To do this, you need to select healthy alstroemeria seedlings, choose a suitable place on the site, or find an ideal indoor pot for this plant. It is also important to properly prepare the soil.

Stage 1. Selection of varieties and alstroemeria seedlings

Alstroemeria is a heat-loving plant; it needs a warm climate with mild winters. However, there are varieties that can withstand light frosts with shelter.
Currently, breeders have developed varieties for the middle zone.
It is best to buy alstroemeria in specialized stores or agricultural companies that professionally breed plants.
When purchasing alstroemeria planting material, choose only varieties adapted to the climatic conditions of your region. You can ask your consultant about the peculiarities of growing individual varieties.
You can purchase alstroemeria seedlings or seedlings.
Before purchasing, carefully inspect the seedling. There should be no visible damage, as well as signs of diseases and pests.
Different varieties of alstroemeria have different heights, so before purchasing, decide on the planned garden composition. Lower growing varieties are great for growing in containers or indoor pots.

Stage 2. Selecting a landing site

Alstroemeria can be grown in greenhouses or greenhouses, as well as in pots indoors. More frost-resistant varieties can be grown in open ground in central Russia and the CIS countries.
Low-growing varieties, such as alstroemeria nano, are excellent for growing in containers that can be placed around the site and brought into a loggia or greenhouse for the winter.
Tall varieties are suitable for growing in flower beds and flower beds.
Warm and sunny places are ideal for planting alstroemeria. However, the sun should not be too hot. For full growth, it is better to create light partial shade.
The selected area should be protected from strong winds and drafts.

Stage 3. Selection and preparation of soil

Slightly acidic or neutral soil is suitable for alstroemeria growth.
The soil should be light and nutritious. Sandy or clay soils are suitable.
The planting site should be dry and well drained.
If the soil on your site is heavy, then alstroemeria will not grow well. In this case, add peat and rotted manure before planting.
One day before planting the plant, carefully dig up the selected area, loosen the soil and add compost.

Technology for planting alstroemeria in open ground

Alstroemeria is planted in open ground in the spring, around May, when the air and soil warm up to 20-23 degrees.
The day before planting the seedlings, loosen the soil in the selected area, as the plant prefers to grow on light soil.
Next, it is important to correctly make the planting holes, which should be at a sufficient distance from each other. The root system of alstroemeria grows very quickly and plants can interfere with the growth of neighboring ones.
Planting holes for alstroemeria should be approximately 60 cm in diameter and 35-40 cm in depth. Leave a distance of at least 50 cm between the holes.
Place a drainage layer of small stones or gravel at the bottom of each hole. This is necessary to prevent water stagnation at the roots of the plant.
Next, add a handful of rotted compost to each hole.
Place the plants in the holes and gently cover them with soil, lightly compacting the soil with your hands.
After planting, water each plant generously.
It is recommended to mulch the soil around the plant to prevent moisture evaporation and to maintain the looseness of the area. Peat or dry sawdust is used as mulch.

Agricultural technology for growing alstroemeria in open ground: secrets and nuances of care

Alstroemeria requires some attention and care efforts. The process of caring for alstroemeria includes watering, loosening, feeding and shelter for the winter. Let's consider the features of each process separately.

Watering alstroemeria

Alstroemeria does not tolerate overly dry or waterlogged soil, so you should pay close attention to the watering regime. The plant needs to be watered regularly, but moderately. You should not overwater, as the root system of the plant may begin to rot. An approximate watering schedule is once a week. during dry periods - 2 times. The soil around the plant should always be slightly moist, about 2 cm deep. If the watering regime is not followed, alstroemeria may lose its decorative appearance.

Loosening and mulching

After each watering, the soil around the plants must be loosened, since alstroemeria prefers to grow in light and airy soils. While loosening, remove all weeds. An important step in caring for this plant is mulching. To keep the soil loose as long as possible, the tree trunk circle can be covered with mulch. Use peat, dry sawdust or tree bark as mulch.

Top dressing

The first fertilizing is applied during planting. Compost is used for this. In the future, it is necessary to regularly feed the plant to obtain lush flowering and bright foliage. Fertilizers need to be applied approximately 3 times a month. Either mineral complex fertilizers or organic ones are used. During the growing season, it is best to use fertilizers with a high nitrogen content. During the appearance of buds and flowers, fertilizers should contain phosphorus. From time to time you can sprinkle wood ash under the plants.

Trimming and covering

During flowering, it is recommended to remove faded buds. This will stimulate new growth and more luxuriant flowering. Before the onset of cold weather, the upper part of the plant must be trimmed and the root system covered. To do this, use peat, fallen leaves and spruce branches. You can also cover the top with covering material. In the spring all this is removed.

Disease and pest control

Alstroemeria is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. However, if watering rules are not followed, the plant may be affected by gray rot. To combat it, a solution of foundationazole or fungicide is used.

The plant is sometimes affected by slugs and caterpillars, which are best collected by hand. Against pests such as spider mites and thrips, it is better to use special preparations - Actellik.

Growing alstroemeria in a greenhouse

Alstroemeria is most often grown in greenhouses on an industrial scale for cutting.
Before planting in the greenhouse, carefully prepare the soil, which should consist of peat, sand, deciduous soil and humus. Everything needs to be carefully dug up.
Also, before planting alstroemeria in a greenhouse, the soil can be treated with a disinfectant.
When planting, you can use a net that is placed on top of the surface. It is needed to support adult plants.
Temperature in the greenhouse: during foliage growth - 15 degrees during the day and 13 at night, during flowering of the plant - 18-20 degrees. If the plant is grown in a greenhouse constantly, in winter the temperature should be at least 10 degrees.
Care. Timely and regular watering in the greenhouse is achieved by drip method. In winter, watering should be reduced. Periodically you need to loosen the soil around the plants. Fertilizers are applied twice a month. For this purpose, nitrogen-potassium fertilizers are used. In winter, alstroemeria requires additional lighting.

Growing alstroemeria at home

Alstroemeria can be grown at home, but you need to know some subtleties.

The root system of the plant is quite long, so you need to choose a spacious pot. Its depth should be at least 25 cm.
Be sure to make a hole in the bottom of the pot.
For optimal growth of alstroemeria indoors, you need to choose the right place. A place where the sun shines for half a day and light shade for half a day is perfect.
At home, alstroemeria needs to be watered once every 3 days.
Plants do not require fertilizer indoors.

The use of alstroemeria in landscape design

Alstroemeria is a very beautiful and bright plant, which has recently begun to be used to decorate the site.

Alstroemeria is grown for cutting into bouquets.
Low-growing varieties of this plant are perfect for edging borders and garden paths. Low alstroemerias can be planted in flower beds next to other flowering plants.
Tall alstroemeria can be placed in the background of flower beds or planted in a group against the background of a lawn.
Low-growing flowers are often grown in containers and pots and placed on verandas, balconies and steps.

Photo of alstroemeria

You can more clearly see all the beauty and uses of alstroemeria in the photos below.

Chic bouquets of alstroemeria

Alstroemeria in a pot

Alstroemeria is a rather exotic plant that requires attention and care. However, do not be alarmed; if you follow all the rules, you will get a beautiful plant that will delight everyone with its lush flowering.

Growing an indoor garden requires a lot of effort and time to organize the care of green pets.

But in addition to this, the florist must have a good understanding of flowering beauties and their varieties. After all, there are representatives of the flora who are undeservedly ignored.

We are talking about Alstroemeria domestica flowers, which belongs to the Alstroemeriaceae family. Look at the photo of alstroemeria flowers - they illustrate the richness of shades and the special exquisite beauty of the buds:

“Alstroemeria” in the language of flowers means “cute”, “lovely”, “desire to make a compliment”. A bouquet of this type of flowers is usually given to those girls who are in constant motion.

The name of the flower was given by Carl Linnaeus in honor of the Swedish botanist Claes Alströmer. The plant can be found wild in South America and in the cold regions of the Andes Mountains.

On one stem of the plant you can find approximately 10-15 small flowers. Their size is 5 centimeters in diameter. When you look at the flowers, you get the impression that they have specks and lines drawn on them.

Flowers have a variety of colors: yellow, orange, pink, red, crimson, white, burgundy, purple. The leaves on the flower are narrow, medium-sized, and green. The flower reaches one and a half meters in height.

This plant blooms almost the entire summer period, starting in mid-June. It is often grown specifically for cutting, since a bouquet of them can last for a very long time - up to two weeks.

At home, alstroemeria is grown as an evergreen crop, the flowering of which depends on the time of sowing the seeds. Well, and another portion of colorful photos of various varieties and cultivars:

Growing home alstroemeria and caring for the plant

Alstroemeria prefers moderate temperatures. In summer, room temperature will be enough, but no more and no less than 20-22 degrees Celsius, and in winter - 13-15 degrees Celsius, minimum - 8 degrees Celsius, despite the fact that the flower can withstand even slight frosts.

But they all equally do not tolerate heat. Please note that at temperatures above 28 degrees Celsius, the plant freezes in growth, quickly drops flowers, and fades.

Too high an air temperature in winter is an obstacle to the formation of buds on a flower, and accordingly the plant will not be able to bloom.

Growing homemade alstroemeria requires regular air spraying and protection from dry air from heating devices getting on its buds. Under the influence of dry air, all foliage and accumulated color may be shed.

Important! The flower is light-loving, and in no way can it be classified as a plant that tolerates shaded areas.

However, if in autumn and winter it can be placed on a window located on the south side, then in spring and summer shading is required during the daytime.

Caring for the home alstroemeria plant includes regular watering and fertilization with a predominance of potassium and phosphorus. With a high percentage of nitrogen, excessive growth of green mass and lack of buds may be observed.

In order for the plant to bloom well, the day must be at least 14 hours long, so the flower is illuminated with fluorescent lamps.

Watering the plant

Important! The flower does not tolerate stagnation of water in the roots or excess moisture, but dry soil will not lead to anything good.

During the growing season, it is advisable to water the plant in such a way that the soil is always slightly moist. By the way, water for irrigation should be soft and free of chlorine.

It is recommended to fertilize Alstroemeria flowers, but it is necessary to monitor the nitrogen content; there should not be a lot of it. Transplantation... as for it, it is recommended to replant the flower every year in the spring.

The soil should consist of leaf soil, peat, humus, perlite and pine bark in a ratio of 2:1:1:1:1. The acidity of the soil should be weak. Drainage is required.

Look at the photo of alstroemeria flowers, which are properly and regularly cared for:

Growing alstroemeria from seeds in a pot

The alstroemeria flower propagates by seeds or by dividing the rhizome. Seeds should be sown in February. And in May you can transplant them into open ground.

The soil must contain peat. It is recommended to stratify the seeds at a temperature of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius for one or two months, later the temperature should be increased to 20-25 degrees Celsius.

Growing alstroemeria from seeds in seedlings allows you to obtain planting material for decorating the garden and windowsill. Such plantings look great on balconies and loggias.

This type of plant prefers warmth and moisture, so before you start germinating the seeds, you should definitely soak them in water for at least 5-6 hours.

Afterwards, it is recommended to plant them in a plastic container or in a wooden tray, which should be pre-filled with a mixture of river sand and leaf soil. Moreover, a separate hole is formed for each seed, and the distance between them should be at least three centimeters.

After you have planted the seeds, sprinkle them with substrate and water them well. Later, cover the container with plastic wrap. You can remove the film no more than once a day for a couple of minutes.

The place where the trays with seedlings are located should be warm and lit. Under the film, the air temperature should be 22 degrees Celsius, otherwise the seeds will not sprout. If all the above conditions are met, the seeds will produce seedlings in a week or 10 days.

After about two weeks, when you notice 3-4 leaves on young plants, they should be hardened off, gradually increasing the time they remain without a protective film.

However, this option for germinating seeds is suitable in cases where you want to leave the seedlings at home. Alstroemeria flowers in a pot will delight you with a lush bush and abundant flowering, if you choose the right container. For 1 bush, a large pot with a volume of at least 5 liters is required.

For flowers that you later plan to transfer to open ground, it is advisable to carry out the stratification procedure, that is, germination at a temperature no higher than five degrees Celsius.

Of course, in such a case, no more than half of the seeds will sprout, and this will take not a week or 10 days, but 2-3 weeks. However, the resulting seedlings will be more resistant to temperature changes and will even be able to safely survive spring frosts.

During the entire growing season, do not forget to weed. In the autumn, when frosts arrive, the top part of the plant is cut off and the roots are dug up.

And now another photo of alstroemeria, illustrating the richness of variations in bud colors:

Remember, when you work with a flower, it is better to use gloves, as the juice of its leaves can cause irritation on the skin.

When alstroemeria begins to bloom, it is advisable to place it in a pot that is large in volume and size. It is recommended to place the pot close to the window.

Belongs to the Alstroemeriaceae family, native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, named after the botanist and traveler Claes Alstroemer, who brought its seeds to Europe in the eighteenth century. Immediately after this, a stir around alstroemeria began in Spain; they began to cross it with other plants and grow it in greenhouses.

Continuing to tell the story of alstroemeria, one cannot fail to mention its special significance for the Indians: they revered this flower, elevating it to a cult and specially growing it. Due to this, alstroemeria is surrounded by a magical aura of secrets and legends.

Alstroemeria can remain fresh for more than three weeks. At this time, more and more buds continue to open. At the same time, alstroemeria is characterized by an almost absolute absence of odor. This allows the flower to be used in a wide variety of bouquets. Traditionally, alstroemeria is considered a female flower; its presence in floral arrangements gives them a certain charm and elegance.

Alstroemeria flowers do not exceed five centimeters in diameter, are loose inflorescences, and are shaped like orchids, lilies or azaleas. Tall flower stalks (up to eighty centimeters) need supports.

The color of alstroemeria varies significantly: the petals can be white, red, blue, yellow, pink, lilac, or with other inclusions.

Peak flowering of alstroemeria occurs from mid-June to mid-August.

Alstroemeria varieties.

Alstroemeria Parigo Charm. It blooms in summer and is a root-club plant. The leaves are narrow and wavy, their color can be either gray-green or neutral green. The inside of the petals has a pale yellow tint and reddish specks.

Alstroemeria aurea, syn. A. aurantiaca. It also blooms in summer and is characterized as a root-tuberous perennial. The leaves are narrowly lanceolate, curved, the inflorescences are loose, round, having orange flowers with green petals and almost burgundy strokes.

Alstroemeria MARGARET. The plant is a root-club plant, the leaves are lanceolate, bright green, wavy and narrow. The leafy branches are quite strong; they bear dark red funnel-shaped flowers, expanding with a bell.