Alstroemeria flower cultivation. Alstroemeria flower: cultivation and care (photo). When is the best time to plant flowers

Alstroemeria is a rhizomatous perennial herbaceous plant native to South America. The plant is called Peruvian lily or Inca lily. The outlandish flowers of culture surprise and amaze even the most sophisticated flora lovers. Flowers for a long time do not lose their charm in the cut. The plant is cultivated on an industrial scale; in greenhouses, the flower is distilled twice during the year.

Planting these flowers is a great attempt to add a touch of flair to your garden. Wonderful flowers have no fragrance, so people who are predisposed to allergies will like it. In the language of flowers, a bouquet of alstroemeria symbolizes a touching message: “You are so desired!”.

Alstroemeria belongs to the Alstroemeria family and genus of the same name. Peruvian lily is rare in flower beds, more often grown for cutting. This fragile flower can be found and bought in flower shops. The plant has been known for a long time. The ancient tribes of the Indians attached magical significance to the flowers of alstroemeria.

The root is branched, large, shaped like a spindle. The stems are straight, elastic, up to 150 cm high. Two types of shoots: vegetative (powerful leaves connected at the top) and reproductive (tiny leaves, equally distributed along the stem). Unique bright - emerald leaves in the process of growth rotate around the axis by 180 degrees - scientists call this resupination.

The flowers make up large umbrellas, inflorescences can be up to 30 pieces. Tiny flowers, 5 cm in diameter, are similar in shape to lilies. The culture blooms in May. The colors of the plant are so different that everyone will choose their own shade without any problems. Scarlet, lemon, raspberry-pink. Many varieties of flowers are decorated with dots or stripes. Flower shops sell mixtures of alstroemeria seeds, such as Alstroemeria Exotic Butterflies or Jolly Moths. Flowers are easily pollinated by insects. The fruit is a capsule with seeds that crumble when ripe. Reproduction of the plant is carried out by seeds and division of the roots.

In the language of flowers, alstroemeria has many meanings. For those who understand the magical language of flowers, a bouquet of luxurious Peruvian lilies means friendship, good wishes.

Alstroemerias with golden petals symbolize success and luck. The purple petals of the flower mean that the giver is enchanted, while the pink hues of the buds speak of tenderness. Inca lilies with scarlet flowers are given as a declaration of love.

Species and varieties

Many types of culture are known, differing among themselves in the height of the stem, the diversity of flowers and the nuances in the growing process. Breeding specialists have created a colossal number of species varieties and hybrids.

The Alstroemeria flower is a culture that loves warmth. Modern experts breed varieties that consistently respond positively to the climatic conditions of the middle zone, which are quite harsh for the plant.

The following varieties and species are best adapted.

Beauty

Alstroemeria Beauty

Delightful lilac alstroemeria, with a tall stem up to 170 cm high. It blooms in spring, and with impeccable care, lilac-colored flowers reappear.

Golden

Alstroemeria golden lutea

Alstroemeria golden lutea - a plant reaching a height of 150 cm. Flowers with different colors: it varies from lemon yellow to orange. The main feature of this type of Peruvian lily is comparative frost resistance. Representatives of the variety tolerate frosts down to -12 °.

orange

Alstroemeria Orange King

The culture is distinguished by original, bluish leaves below, and golden-orange flowers. Blooms all summer. The inflorescence contains up to 30 flowers. There are several varieties: Lutea (yellow), Orange King (orange) and Dover Orange (orange red). Alstroemeria Orange King or "orange king" is an extremely heat-loving plant, it needs to be covered in winter, otherwise it is not capricious.

princess lilies

Alstroemeria Princess lilies

The variety grows well in containers. Plant height - 70 cm.

Peruvian

Alstroemeria Peruvian

The variety is resistant to low air temperatures.

Brazilian

Alstroemeria brazilian

Stem up to 2 m high. Petal spear-shaped, scarlet or bronze hue. Inflorescences are fluffy, they can contain more than 30 flowers.

Hybrid ‘Regina’

Alstroemeria Hybrid ‘Regina’

The flowers are pink, the height of the plant is up to 200 cm. The first flowering is in mid-spring, repeated in autumn, but weaker and less bright. The distance between seedlings during planting is at least 80 cm. This variety is grown most actively in the country.

plant care

The plant cannot be called too fastidious and whimsical. Caring for Alstroemeria is not difficult, but there are a number of nuances that must be taken into account in order to continue to admire flowering. This is an outlandish plant, therefore it requires a thoughtful attitude and attention. Before planting, choose strong Inca lily seedlings, select the ideal place on the site, or buy the right indoor pot for this plant. Prepare the soil.

The culture is thermophilic, but there are varieties that, with timely shelter, will endure mild frosts.

It is best to purchase seedlings of a plant or its seedlings in flower shops or nurseries.

Before buying, carefully examine the seedling. It must be free of defects, signs of diseases and pests. Different varieties have different heights, so before purchasing, it is determined which garden composition will be created.

Home care

Alstroemeria is successfully grown at home, but some features must be taken into account. The root of the culture is long, thin, so it is important to use a deep pot for planting, at least 30 cm high. There should be a hole at the bottom of the pot. An important element in the care of alstroemeria is the choice of a comfortable place for the plant to develop harmoniously and actively grow. A corner where the sun and shade alternate each other during the day is perfect. Water the Peruvian lily every 3 days. Plants growing at home do not need to be fertilized.

Greenhouse care

Growing alstroemeria in a greenhouse takes place on an industrial scale for cutting. Before planting, carefully prepare the soil, consisting of peat, sand, hardwood and humus. The earth is carefully dug up, treated with a disinfectant. To support adult plants, a special mesh is placed on top of the surface when planting. They regulate and control the temperature in the greenhouse: when the foliage grows, then about + 15 °, when it blooms - + 20 °.

With constant greenhouse cultivation of crops in the cold season, the temperature should be at least 10 °. Proper dosed watering is carried out by drip method. Reduce watering in winter. The soil near the alstroemeria is loosened in a timely manner. Nitrogen-potassium fertilizers are applied monthly, at least twice. In winter, alstroemerias need additional lighting.

Outdoor care

Planting alstroemeria in open ground is quite simple. Alstroemerias are grown from seeds. In the spring, when the air and soil warm up to 20 °, the seedlings are planted in the ground. The root system of an amazing beauty grows intensively, so the landing pits are located at a distance of about 50 cm from each other. At the bottom of each hole, to avoid stagnant water, they put a layer of drainage from gravel and a little rotted compost on top. Plants are placed in holes, sprinkled with earth, slightly compacting the soil, watered abundantly. The ground around the flowers, to prevent evaporation of moisture, is mulched using peat or dry sawdust.

Further care

Alstroemeria care consists in proper watering, loosening, feeding, shelter for the winter. Consider the nuances of each process separately.

top dressing

Alstroemeria is fed 3-4 times a month. Before flowering, fertilizer with a high potassium content is applied. From the moment the buds appear until the end of flowering, fertilizers with a low nitrogen content are introduced. Organic fertilizers are used (rotted mullein, bird droppings, wood ash), but in small quantities.

Watering

Water sparingly once a week. The flower does not tolerate too moist soil, because of this, its roots quickly rot. Favorably on the structure of the soil and moisture, regular mulching of the soil at the roots of the plant close to the surface acts.

The soil

On heavy soils, the Inca lily grows slowly and hardly blooms. A pH value of 6.5 suitable for the culture. If the pH exceeds 7, then the value must be reduced by appropriately changing the composition of the soil with humus-forming substances. These include peat, animal manure, mature compost or commercially available special substrates.

When overheated, the root system begins to actively form, causing damage to flowering, therefore, protecting the roots, the soil near the roots is mulched. The ground is covered with a layer of compost, leaves, grass clippings or manure to a height of 3 cm. This nutrient layer simultaneously keeps the soil moist and suppresses the growth of weeds.

For growing alstroemeria at home in a pot, a loose moistened substrate is used.

Wintering

In autumn, the culture is not watered, the aerial part is removed, and in order to prevent the soil from freezing, the place is covered with spruce branches, dry leaves, covered with plastic wrap on top, which is sprinkled with a layer of earth or mulch. Mature plants are stronger, tolerate frosts much better. In the south, Alstroemeria can be left uncovered in winter.

In the northern regions, they try to dig up the tubers, dry them so that the roots do not rot, and keep them at positive temperatures.

Diseases and pests

Graceful alstroemeria is resistant to pests and diseases.

If the humidity of the soil or air is very high, then the Inca lily is affected by gray rot. Therefore, after heavy rains, the culture is treated with a fungicide, preparations containing benomyl. Re-treat after 3 weeks.

Pests attacking the plant: gastropods, spider mites, beetles and caterpillars. For prevention, various special chemicals are used.

How to grow alstroemeria?

Alstroemeria, like lilies, propagates by seeds and division of the mother bush. The second method is easier, and alstroemeria will delight you with buds much earlier. At the risk of buying a delenka of the wrong variety and color that you want, you will have to grow the desired beauty at home on your own. Alstroemeria seeds can be bought at any flower shop.

Seedling planting is used, as well as a seedless method, planting seeds directly in open ground. Growing Lily of the Incas from seedlings seems straightforward, but in order to grow healthy plants, you must follow the basic rules and avoid mistakes. Optimal time for sowing seeds for seedlings in early spring. When wondering how to grow alstroemeria, you need to know that the process of growing it is relatively simple and is similar to growing seedlings of many flowers. The beauty lands on the flower bed when stable warm summer weather is established.

When the bush of the plant has reached an impressive size, has faded, delenki are taken from it for subsequent reproduction. If the bush is still small, many divisions are not required from it, it is divided into 2-3 parts with powerful, dense roots. Delenki will quickly take root and charm with buds early.

An important part of the Peruvian lily breeding process is pruning. On an uncircumcised plant, many buds are formed, but tiny in size. In spring, the flowers are thinned out, leaving strong specimens, about a third of the shoots are cut off. As they grow, faded leaves, dried flowers are removed, old stems are cut off, keeping up to 15 cm of the shoot from the root. Pruning improves the appearance of the culture, is the prevention of diseases.

Landing

When choosing a landing site, the main preferences of alstroemeria are taken into account: light and light soil. Alstroemerias are grown by specialists in greenhouses and amateur flower growers at home on their windowsills. Relatively frost-resistant varieties are grown in open field. Varieties with a low stem are great for cultivation in containers that can be placed in different parts of the garden, and sent to a balcony or terrace for wintering. Varieties characterized by high shoots bloom beautifully in flower beds and flower beds. The site for planting alstroemeria should be calm, sunny, dry, drained.

For the successful development of flowers, one of the conditions is the presence of fertile, slightly acidic or neutral soil. Soils with a high proportion of sand are excellent. On soil with stagnant moisture, alstroemeria grow slowly, so before planting a plant, peat and rotted manure are introduced. Before planting the crop, the earth is dug up, loosened, compost is added.

flower reproduction

Alstroemeria flowers reproduce, like many other plants, by seeds and division of rhizomes. If a flower is grown from seeds, then such a plant will bloom only after three years. For flower growers, the priority is the reproduction of alstroemeria by dividing the rhizome, since after planting the crop in the fall, alstroemeria will surprise with beautiful buds in the spring. To divide the rhizomes, adult three-year-old specimens are taken, at least five buds remain on each division. Such a division provokes the rejuvenation of plants and controls their growth, does not allow them to grow too actively.

Growing from seed

Growing alstroemeria from seeds is troublesome.

Hybrid plants can lose their morphological features, so they are not grown from seeds, but alstroemeria species are perfect for this procedure.
When collecting seeds on your own, you need to remember that after ripening, the fruit cracks and the seeds spread around the plant. It is advisable not to lose the seeds, so the faded bud is wrapped with a piece of gauze, then the seeds will not fall past.

For the favorable cultivation of alstroemeria, before sowing, the seeds are subjected to stratification so that they germinate faster and increase their germination. Seeds are placed in a damp cloth and put in the refrigerator for one month, the temperature should be in the range of + 1 ... + 5 °. Thus, the seeds are simultaneously exposed to cold and humidity. At the end of February, prepared seeds can be sown.

After stratification, containers with a moistened substrate are prepared, seeds are planted to a depth of no more than 1 cm. The containers are covered with glass or film on top. Favorable temperature for seed germination + 20 °. A month later shoots are shown. Seedlings dive after the appearance of 3 leaves. Seedlings are planted in open ground in May. Flowers grown from seeds will become the owners of the first buds only in the third year.

Alstroemeria seedlings

Seedling from parts of a tuber

In this way, hybrid varieties of alstroemeria are grown, which will bloom the next year. The procedure for dividing the rhizome is carried out after the beautiful alstroemerias have faded. However, some flower growers do this at any time of the year. Carefully dig up the bush of the plant, without damaging the roots, divide the rhizome into 2-3 parts. Each part should have an impressive root system. The cut sites must be treated with a disinfectant solution or charcoal. After dividing, Alstroemeria specimens are planted. Plants after division will be enough long time take root, so they need competent care.

Alstroemeria in landscape design

In landscape design, alstroemerias are planted next to noble roses, since these flowers are opposite to each other, the elegance and elegance of the Peruvian lily favorably sets off the captivating and powerful enchantress with thorns.

Varieties of alstroemeria with low stems are wonderful for decorating garden paths and flower beds. Undersized charmers are sometimes grown in pots and placed on terraces and loggias. Varieties of alstroemeria with tall stems can be planted in the background of flower beds or arranged in a group against the backdrop of a lawn.

The meaning of the alstroemeria flower in combination with scarlet roses in the language of flowers: "I give you a hand and a heart!" The presented bouquet says that the girl is unique and extraordinary, it means genuine admiration and sadness without a beautiful chosen one.

These flowers are also good in bouquets because they have no aroma, which means they are suitable for allergy sufferers.

How to use the flower?

Alstroemeria is a magnificent plant that is used both for decorating the site and for cutting into bouquets.

Combination

The combination of alstroemeria with chrysanthemums looks brilliant. They plant either chrysanthemums and alstroemerias that match in color, or the pastel colors of some colors become the backdrop for the bright inflorescences of others. They go well with gerberas, irises - the union looks very decorative, especially if you use blue, pink, orange and scarlet shades.

Alstroemeria and eustoma combine and harmonize with each other: their buds slowly bloom, giving their beauty.

Undoubtedly, the cultivation of alstroemeria causes some difficulties, but with a little effort, everyone will be able to admire the overseas miracle in their own area.

– a beautifully flowering plant that came to us from South America. In Russian conversation, you can find another name - alstroemeria.

In nature, there are more than 200 varieties of a beautiful flower. Alstroemeria is an ornamental plant, it is grown at home, in greenhouses, occasionally as a garden plant.

The flower can often be found in bouquets, as it can delight in a vase with its beauty for a long time. It is boldly attributed to one of the most beautiful perennial plants.

The only negative point of the flower is that its petals fall off rather quickly.. How to properly grow alstroemeria and how to care for it is described in detail in this article.

Did you know?In the tents selling flowers, there is an inscription that Alstroemeria is “a hybrid of a lily and an orchid”, but it is not true. In fact, it belongs to the family of tuberous herbaceous plants.

Planting alstroemeria seeds for seedlings

When growing alstroemeria using seeds, flowering occurs in about 2 years. In some cases, the period can be extended up to 3 years.

To plant a flower, you need to prepare the soil, a sunny place, but without direct rays. If you correctly follow all the rules when planting and caring, then the flower will delight with its flowering all summer.

When to plant

It is best to plant flower seeds in pots in early spring. The end of February-beginning of March is the ideal time for the start of flower growth. But for different plant hybrids, their planting time is selected. It is better to choose a non-cloudy, warm day for planting seedlings.

soil for alstroemeria

Soil for alstroemeria must be prepared in advance. To do this, take 2/3 of the leafy humus, and fill the rest of the container with soddy soil. Soddy land passes air and water well, has good acidity, which the flower needs.

Mix thoroughly, and then you can safely plant seeds. When planting, it is better not to use chemical fertilizers and growth stimulants.

Boarding procedure

After you have prepared the soil for the flower, you can start planting. In a pot or other container that you use, do not forget to put drainage on the bottom. You can use fine gravel or pebbles.

Place the seeds of the plant on the ground and lightly press down so that they go deep into two heights of their growth. Sprinkle soil on top, then pour and cover the pot with plastic wrap.

The procedure for planting alstroemeria for seedlings is completed, and you can send flowers for stratification.

Important!During flowering, alstroemeria can release substances that cause irritation to the skin.

Seed stratification

Alstroemeria stratification begins immediately after planting. Stratification refers to holding seeds at a certain temperature to accelerate their growth.

Planted seeds, covered with a film, are placed in an environment with a temperature of +2 to +5 °. There the flower is aged for about 20 days.

Some seeds may germinate more slowly, and the sprout will appear after 30 days. This low temperature promotes faster seed germination. Stratification ends when a young stalk is visible.

Planting seedlings in open ground

It is best to plant germinated seeds towards the end of May. At this time, the risk of night frosts drops completely, and nothing will threaten the sprouts. For planting, it is recommended to choose a warm, but without hot sun day, when the earth dries enough.

We dig holes at a distance of about 30 cm from each other. The depth of the hole is no more than 25 cm. At the bottom of the hole we put a layer of up to 10 cm of pre-prepared organic compost. We deepen the root of the sprout slightly and fill the hole with earth.

Sprinkle a few inches of mulch on top. It will help to fight the germination of weeds and retain moisture for a long time. But you do not need to completely hide the sprout under the mulch. Then the entire landing area is watered abundantly so that the water reaches the very bottom of the hole.

Important!Under no circumstances let the root overheat above 22 °. After exposure to such a temperature, the rhizomes may begin to die.

Proper care is the key to abundant flowering

In order for Alstroemeria to please you with the beauty of its flowering, you need to properly and timely care for it. In each stage of growth, a flower requires a separate approach. Regular watering and timely top dressing with fertilizers is the key to successful flower growth.

Despite the layer of mulch, weeds will still break through, you need to constantly weed the beds. Alstroemeria blooms already in the first year of planting, after about 2 months, and blooms until the end of August. After flowering, we cut off the peduncle, leaving about 7 cm of the stem.

Organic top dressing can be done no more than twice a year, in spring and summer. For the winter, the plant is cut off the upper part and dug up along with the root. And if the winter period is not so frosty, and it is older than two years, you can cover the landing site with dry leaves.

How to take care of the soil

The soil on which alstroemeria grows should be moderately acidic, with a small amount of fertilizer. The soil needs regular watering, moisture should penetrate 3 cm deep. When the soil dries out, the shoots will not die, but the plant will lose its shape and charm.

During the growth of bushes, the soil should be more saturated with nitrogen, and during budding - with potassium. It is better to use a balanced fertilizer containing potassium, nitrogen and magnesium. Top dressing of alstroemeria with fertilizers should take place in spring and summer.

How to prolong flowering

The flowering of alstroemeria largely depends on the care and fertilization of the soil. But in order to observe colorful flowering buds, the plant must be subjected to pruning.

After planting, the flower quickly shoots many shoots, about 75 - 110 shoots. They need to be trimmed every month. Weak and thin stems are removed. In general, about a third of the entire bush is cut off, which allows the remaining stems to bloom longer and brighter.

When to dig and how to store rhizomes

In the first year of flowering alstroemeria, it may not survive the winter, and leafy or branch flooring from above will not help it. Rhizomes with stems need to be dug up for both 2 and 3 years, until the plant is thoroughly strengthened.

In autumn, when the period of night frosts begins, it is time to dig up the flowers. To do this, we first cut the stems to a length of about 20 cm. We take a pitchfork and dig it out carefully so as not to damage the root.

We leave the dug root in the ground, only slightly cleaning it. The earth lump needs to be slightly dried so that the roots do not rot during winter storage. Roots should be stored in the basement or cellar, or in another place with a temperature not exceeding 5 °.

Did you know?If your girlfriend is allergic, give her a bouquet of alstroemerias, these flowers are odorless and do not cause allergic reactions.

Alstroemeria in landscape design

Such a beautiful and delicate flower as alstroemeria can become the main decoration of your front garden, be a beautiful background, or exist in harmony with many beautiful inhabitants of the landscape. Due to the high height (in some cases up to 1.7 meters) and a variety of bright colors: from pink to purple, it looks great as a backdrop for roses.

The union of the fragility of alstroemeria and the powerful rose is one of the most popular plantings. Also a successful combination with them is the planting of chrysanthemums. Especially if the planting of both varieties is done in gentle colors.

And in the palette with gerberas, orange and pink tones are used. You can use alstroemeria in a dominant position in your flower bed. Only then do you need to choose shorter plants like stonecrops or irises as opponents of the flower. By fantasizing, you can achieve harmony in your area.

Did you know?A bouquet of cut flowers can last up to one month!

Alstroemeria breeding methods

Reproduction of alstroemeria occurs in 2 ways: by seeds and division of rhizomes. In both cases, you need to disturb the flowers in the spring, before the plant begins to grow. If fertile shoots are disturbed during growth, they will no longer bloom this year.

Seeds can be collected by yourself, and they can store their fruitful function for up to 4 years. The roots are also best divided in the spring.

Division of rhizomes

The division of rhizomes should be done in early spring, before the plant begins to grow. It is best to choose thicker rhizomes, too thin can give weak shoots, or not rise at all. For digging, it is better to use a pitchfork, so as not to damage the rhizomes.

The South American rhizomatous tuberous herbaceous plant Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria), also called Alstroemeria, or Alstroemeria, is a member of the Alstroemeria family. This beautifully flowering plant is also called "lily of the Incas", or "Peruvian lily". This family and genus was named after a student of Carl Linnaeus - Baron Claes Alström: he was a Swedish philanthropist, industrialist and botanist who lived in the 18th century, it was he who brought the seeds of two types of alstroemeria to his teacher Linnaeus. Very often in the literature such a plant is called "alstroemeria". It is found naturally throughout South America. This genus includes approximately 50–100 species. Most of them are widely cultivated as ornamental flowering plants. garden plants, which can also be used for cutting.

Alstroemeria has succulent spindle-shaped roots. The shoots are flexible and upright, in the upper part they have one-piece thin slightly curved leaf plates in the next order. linear form. Such a culture has one feature - resupination: in the foliage, the petioles are strongly twisted by 180 degrees, as a result, the front surface of the plate is on the bottom, and the wrong one is on top. Flowers can be painted yellow, orange, pink, red or lilac, and spots are often located on their surface. The composition of the flowers includes 6 petals of a spatulate or lanceolate shape, which are placed in 2 circles, while the petals of each of them, as a rule, differ in shape and color. On the surface of the petals, there are almost always longitudinally located strokes of a dark color, as they approach the middle, they become thinner and shorter. Nectaries are located at the base of the petals of the inner circle. In another 2 circles there are 6 stamens with elongated anthers. Such a plant blooms in spring and summer, and if you take good care of it, then most varieties and species can bloom again in September. Alstroemeria flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and various insects. The fruit is a capsule, inside which there are spherical seeds. The ripened fruit bursts, and the seeds scatter on their own and spread without intermediaries.

When grown in mid-latitudes winter time such a culture often freezes out. In this regard, it is recommended to cultivate it in such regions in a greenhouse, greenhouse or at home. Such a plant is grown in open soil only in the southern regions with a mild and warm climate.

What time to plant

You can grow alstroemeria in your area from seeds, but such plants will begin to bloom only 1–2 years after the seedlings appear. If you want to see flowering already this year, then buy seedlings of such a plant in a special store.

If self-collected seeds are used for sowing, then it must be borne in mind that the flowers obtained from them will not be able to preserve the varietal characteristics of the parent plant. In this regard, this method of reproduction is only suitable for species alstroemeria. By the way, from such seeds you can try to grow a new variety of this crop.

Buying seedlings can also be complicated by the fact that sellers will not have a certain variety that you simply need. But the seeds can be purchased almost any kind, garden form and hybrid. In this regard, if your garden plot does not yet have such a flower, then it is best to buy alstroemeria seeds for primary cultivation.

Seeds can be sown directly into open soil. They do this in April-May, while the first seedlings should appear after about 20 days. But experienced gardeners advise growing such a crop through seedlings. Sowing material is sown for seedlings in the last days of February or the first - March.

The seed material needs preliminary stratification; for this, it is first placed in a moistened cloth and removed for 4 weeks on a refrigerator shelf intended for vegetables. After that, they are sown in a moist nutrient soil mixture, they need to be deepened into the substrate by only 10 mm. The container from above must be covered with a film or glass, after which the crops are cleaned in a cool place (about 18 degrees). They don't need to be watered. In order not to dive seedlings, Alstroemeria must be sown in individual cups, but it is best to take peat pots, because plants in open ground can be planted directly in them.

The first seedlings should appear after 20-30 days. Alstroemeria seedlings must be cared for in the same way as other seedlings of flowers. They should be provided with moderate watering, and they will also need to be fed 2 or 3 times before transplanting into open soil. During the formation of the first true leaf plate, seedlings should be fed with a weak solution of mullein (1:20). The second time the plant is fed with a solution consisting of 3 grams of saltpeter, 6 grams of superphosphate, 3 grams of potassium sulfate and a couple of liters of water. This amount is enough to feed 10 plants.

When growing seedlings in a common container, its picking in individual cups is carried out during the formation of its third true leaf plate, while it needs to be fed a second time 5 days after this procedure. Half a month before transplanting seedlings into open soil, it must begin to harden. To do this, it is transferred to the street every day, while the duration of the plants' stay in the fresh air must be increased gradually. It is necessary to harden off the plant until they can stay outside around the clock. During hardening, if desired, you can make a third dressing of the plants, while using the same nutrient mixture as the second time. Seedlings are planted in open soil in the second half of May, while the street should already be warm enough, and return spring frosts should be left behind. You also need to take into account that alstroemeria is necessarily planted in soil warmed up to at least 20 degrees.

Growing such a crop in your garden plot is quite simple. For planting seedlings, it is necessary to choose a site that has reliable protection from gusts of wind and drafts, it should be illuminated by the sun either in the early morning or in the evening after 4 p.m. In order for the bushes to be protected from the scorching rays of the sun in the daytime, it is recommended to plant them in an openwork shade trees or shrubs. The soil should be loose, well-permeable to water, saturated nutrients, slightly acidic or neutral. Sandy or clay soils are best suited for planting such a flower. If the soil is heavy, then 1 day before planting, it is necessary to dig it with the introduction of baking powder, which can be used as leaf humus (compost), rotted manure (humus) or high-moor peat.

Planting seedlings produced in the usual way. When planting in open ground, a distance of 0.3 to 0.5 m should be left between the bushes. In diameter, the landing pits should reach 0.35–0.5 m, and their depth should be 0.25–0.35 m. In this case, it should be taken into account that the root system of the plant should freely fit into the prepared pits along with the earthen clod. It should be borne in mind that the more vigorous the variety you plant, the larger the holes should be, as well as the longer the distance between them. At the bottom of the landing hole, it is necessary to make a drainage layer, for this, 1 handful of small expanded clay or gravel is poured into it, after which a layer of compost is placed in it, the thickness of which should be from 70 to 80 mm. Only then a plant is transferred into it along with a clod of earth or planted directly in a peat pot if the seedling was grown in it. Empty space in the hole must be covered with fertile soil. The surface of the soil around the bushes is compacted, and then they are well watered.

In order to grow alstroemeria in your garden plot, it must be watered, fed, weeded, loosened the soil surface around the bushes in a timely manner, and such a plant must also be protected from pests and diseases if necessary, and it must also be prepared for wintering. When growing such a crop, it should be remembered that the surface of the soil around the bushes must be covered with a layer of mulch.

After the soil warms up to 23 degrees or more, the bushes will begin to actively build up the root system, and flowering suffers from this. In order for the bushes to be spectacular and luxuriantly flowering, the surface of the soil in the flower garden must be mulched with organic material (peat, sawdust or crushed tree bark), the thickness of such a layer must be at least 10 mm. This will help prevent overheating of the soil. Weeding and loosening of the soil surface can be carried out through a layer of mulch without removing it.

During the flowering period, it is important to promptly cut off the flowers that have begun to fade. It is necessary to systematically thin out the bushes, but only when they become excessively thick. When thinning alstroemeria, it is necessary to cut out thin, weakened and growing stems inside the bush.

It is necessary to water the plant moderately and systematically. If it rains periodically in the summer, then the bushes should be watered once every 7 days. In the dry period, watering alstroemeria should be done more often, namely, 2 times in 7 days. The surface of the soil in the area should be constantly moist. If you water the plant very abundantly, then the root system is able to rot, and if it does not get enough water, the bush will lose its spectacular appearance. When watering is completed, the surface of the soil near the bushes must be loosened, while pulling out all the weeds.

In order for the greenery of the bushes to have a rich color, as well as to increase the number of flowers, alstroemeria must be fed regularly 3 times in 4 weeks, for this, mineral or organic fertilizers are used. During the intensive growth of greenery, the plant needs a large amount of nitrogen. And when the formation of buds and flowering begins, alstroemeria will need a lot of phosphorus. Systematically under the bushes it is necessary to scatter wood ash.

Propagating such a culture is very simple. How to grow such a plant from seeds is described in detail above. If your garden plot already has alstroemeria, once every couple of years you can propagate by dividing the rhizome. This procedure is carried out after the bush has faded. The bush extracted from the soil must be divided into several parts with a sterilized sharp knife, while each division should have several powerful stems and part of the rhizome. Large delenki must be immediately planted in open ground in pits, which should be prepared in advance; before that, do not forget to treat the cut points with crushed charcoal. At the same time, small delenki must be planted in pots, and then they are removed on the windowsill or in the greenhouse for growing. In March or April, if necessary, several divisions can be separated from the bushes and immediately planted in open soil, while the plant itself is not dug up. However, this method of reproduction is only suitable for powerful bushes.

Wintering

Flowering lasts about a couple of months. After the flowers wither, the arrows should be cut as close to the base as possible. In late autumn, the stems should be shortened to 0.2 m. Then the plant should be covered with a thick layer of spruce branches or fallen foliage, it should be covered with a film on top, and it should be covered with garden soil, which must be combined with humus. As a result of this, it will be possible to protect the root system from freezing.

Alstroemeria has a very high resistance to pests and diseases. But if the bushes are watered too abundantly, then they can get sick with gray rot. As soon as the first symptoms of such a disease are noticed, namely, a fluffy gray coating appears on the aerial parts of the bush, the plant should be treated. The affected parts of the bush should be cut out, and it and the soil around it should be sprayed with a fungicidal preparation. Those plants that are very heavily infected must be dug up and destroyed, otherwise the disease will spread to nearby bushes.

With poor care, caterpillars and spider mites can settle on alstroemerias. Acaricides are used to get rid of ticks, and insecticides are used to kill caterpillars. Any pests can be destroyed by such means as Aktara, Aktellik or Akarin. Slugs can also live on the flowers, which eat the foliage. To prevent such pests from settling on the bushes, the surface of the site must be covered with a layer of tree bark of a large fraction, and along the perimeter of the site it is necessary to dig a groove that is filled with rubble, it will become an insurmountable obstacle for mollusks.

Types and varieties of alstroemeria with a photo

Gardeners cultivate several types of alstroemeria: psittacina, haematantha, nana, brasiliensis, aurea, aurantiaca and others. Often on garden plots you can meet hybrids and varieties of this culture. The most popular varieties will be described below:

Alicia. This hybrid has white or pink flowers. Flowering is observed in June-September.
Beauty. The height of the plant can vary from 1.3 to 1.7 m, its shoots are straight and strong. The flowers are lilac, in some cases acquiring a lilac-blue hue. The plant blooms in spring, and again in September.
Harmony. The tall bush has powerful stems, it can reach a height of about 1.6 m. Flowering is observed in April-June, and again - in September and before the onset of frost. The color of the flowers is bronze, and on their surface there is a distinct pattern of black strokes.
Canaria. The height of the bush is not less than 1.5 m, its shoots are relatively thick. Flowering is observed in May-June, and even in September until the first frost. The color of the flowers is canary-yellow, and on their surface there is a small speck.
King Cardinal. The height of the bushes is about one and a half meters, their flower stalks are relatively weak. If the flowers do not have enough light, then they can lie down. Flowering lasts from spring to autumn. The color of the flowers is scarlet. The flowers are shaped like an orchid.
Regina. This hybrid is very popular with gardeners. Dark green leafy plates are lanceolate. The color of the funnel-shaped flowers is pink, and on their surface there are brown strokes. Umbrella racemose inflorescence consists of 10-15 flowers. The plant blooms in the last days of June, and fades in mid-September.
White Wings. The height of a bush with powerful shoots is about 200 cm. The leaf plates are quite large. Snow-white flowers have an attractive shape. Flowering is observed throughout the summer period with a break of several weeks in July-August.
Virginia. The height of the bush is about 0.7 m. Powerful stems are decorated with large white flowers. The edge of the petals of the flowers is wavy. Flowering begins in June and ends with the first frost.
Orange Queen. The height of the plant is about 0.7 m. The color of the flowers is apricot, and brown spots are located on their surface.

Alstroemeria (sometimes found - Alstroemeria) - the flowers are incredibly beautiful, and therefore popular. A bouquet made up of alstroemerias, and even in combination with stems, looks luxurious and sophisticated, and its price (which is important) is not at all burdensome for the budget. After all, if outlandish and luxurious flowers need to be imported “from overseas”, then growing alstroemeria in your own flower garden will not be difficult for anyone, even for an inexperienced flower grower.

Alstroemeria: cultivation and care

With its appearance, Alstroemeria is very similar to lilies and. Although they are often confused, they are different flowers. But according to the cultivation technology, this flower is very similar to the daylily. It can also be grown (propagated) both by seeds and by dividing the mother bush. Of course, the second method is much simpler, not to mention the fact that the flowering of alstroemeria planted in this way will bloom much earlier. But, alas, it is not always possible to buy a delenka of exactly the variety and color that you want. In this case, you will have to grow it yourself. Alstroemeria is easy to grow from seed. Something like this is grown, more familiar to flower growers,. That is, you can use both seedling and non-seedling methods, directly into open ground. But growing alstroemeria seedlings is still more efficient and reliable. It is best to sow seeds for seedlings at the end of winter - the very beginning of spring. The process of its cultivation is very simple and is no different from most vegetables. She lands on the flower garden at the same time as, that is, when stable warm weather is established. In most cases, this period occurs in late May - early June.

Over time, when the alstroemeria bush has reached a decent size, it is already possible to take delenki from it for further reproduction. It is preferable to divide the alstroemeria bushes after the flowering of the plant, in the summer. But along with the summer division of the bushes, spring division is also practiced - with the beginning of the growing season, and autumn - after the second flowering.

Advice. No need to strive to get a lot of divisions from the bush. Especially if the bush is not very large yet. It is better to divide into two or three parts, but so that each has strong, developed roots. Such delenki will take root faster and bloom earlier.

Planting Alstroemeria

When choosing a planting site, be sure to be guided by the fact that alstroemeria requires a lot of light and good, light soil for flowering. On heavy soils, it is unlikely that it will be possible to obtain lush flowering. But there is nothing to worry about. Such soil can be lightened by adding a cultivator to it. As a ripper, you can use what is at hand: peat, compost, manure (rotted) and the like.

Note! Although good lighting for Alstroemeria is one of the keys to successful cultivation, overheating of the soil can adversely affect flowering. At soil temperatures above +23 degrees, alstroemeria begins to intensively build up the root system. This can be useful if you want to quickly get a bush suitable for subsequent division. But you can't wait for the blooms. It will help protect the earth from overheating.

Alstroemeria Care

Watering

Overwatering is not allowed! This is one of the reasons why heavy soil is unsuitable for alstroemeria. From an excess of moisture, the roots of the flower rot, which will inevitably lead to its death. Therefore, if the summer is not dry, then you can do without at all. Mulch will help retain the necessary moisture.

top dressing

Without regular and luxurious flowering of alstroemeria, it is unlikely to succeed. And you need to fertilize often. At least three times a month. For top dressing, you can use both mineral and organic fertilizers. From the beginning of the growing season to the setting of buds, potash fertilizers with a high nitrogen content are preferred. With the appearance of buds and during the flowering period, the nitrogen content in the fertilizer decreases, but the percentage of phosphorus increases. Any of these fertilizers can be easily bought, but you can also make your own from very well-rotted mullein or bird droppings. It is advisable to add wood ash or ash.

Wintering

In order to protect the flower from winter frosts, after cutting the shoots (up to about ten centimeters in height), it is enough to cover it with any material at hand: fallen leaves, peat, sawdust, etc. If the winters in your area are very frosty, and especially if the alstroemeria bushes still very young, you can do as with - dig them up and store them in the cellar until the next season. But in most cases, Alstroemeria tolerates wintering well without such drastic measures. This is especially true for temperate zones, not to mention the southern regions, where it can do without any shelters.

cut alstroemeria

In addition to exquisite beauty, bouquets made from alstroemerias are highly durable. Such a bouquet will please you for a very long time. It is able to keep its freshness up to a month or more. But if you buy a bouquet, then give preference to one on which maximum amount unopened, but already colored buds. Be guided by the same when cutting flowers in your flower garden. Unopened buds will open perfectly in a vase of water. Before placing flowers in a vase, the lower third of the stem must be cleaned of leaves.

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

In this article we will consider 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 the open field, at home and in a greenhouse.

Features and description of alstroemeria

Alstroemeria is a rhizomatous perennial herb that belongs to the Alstroemeria family and genus of the same name. In gardens in flower beds or flower beds, this plant is very rare, 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 along roadsides, in wastelands, just like dandelions grow in our country.

This flower has been known since ancient times. In the ancient tribes of the Inca Indians, alstroemeria was revered as the flower of the gods. No wonder this plant was endowed magical properties. Nowadays, alstroemeria is considered a symbol of good luck, prosperity, friendship and wealth.

When the territories of the Inca Indians began to be mastered by the Spaniards, the alstroemeria flower came to Europe, or rather to Spain. At first, few people paid attention to him. While traveling in Spain, Claes Alstroemer did not notice a small and delicate flower, which he had seen before. The scientist sent the discovered flower to Carl Linnaeus, who was involved in the systematization of plants. It was Linnaeus who attributed it to a separate family and named it after his friend the botanist, the zoologist Klas Alstremer.

In my own way appearance Alstroemeria flowers resemble lilies or daylilies, therefore, very often among the people, this plant is 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 highly branched and contains a large number 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 has two types of shoots: vegetative (the presence of large leaves collected at the top) and reproductive (leaves are small, evenly spaced along the stem).
The leaves of this plant are quite unusual. During growth, they turn around the axis - in science this is called the term resupination. The degree of rotation of the leaves is approximately 180 degrees. On the flower, the leaves can be seen with the bottom plate up.
The leaves have a bright green tint.
Alstroemeria flowers are small, 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 rare 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 your own shade. Most often they are red, yellow and pink. In some varieties, flowers may have dots or stripes.
These plants are easily pollinated by insects.
Most often, alstroemeria is grown commercially in greenhouses for sale, but you can decorate a garden or room with this plant.
The fruit of the plant is a box with seeds, which, when ripe, scatter around the flower.

A variety of species and varieties of alstroemeria

To date, there are several dozen types of alstroemeria in the world, which differ in different stem heights, flower colors and growing characteristics. Breeders around the world have bred 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. Consider 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 a height of 150 cm.
Alstroemeria golden flowers have a different color: it varies from golden yellow to bright orange.
The main feature of this type of Peruvian lily is its relative frost resistance. Alstroemeria golden endures frosts down to minus 12 degrees.
Due to its hardiness, this type of plant is perfect for growing in our climatic conditions.

Alstroemeria brazilian:

It is a Brazilian species of this flower.
It can be attributed to tall plants 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.
The color of the flowers is red or bronze.

Alstroemeria nano:

This plant is a Peruvian species.
Alstroemeria nano is characterized by low growth, the stems reach a height of only 10 cm.
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 species of alstroemeria is South America, namely the territory of Chile and Peru.
Differs in fast growth.
The root system is represented by a rather fleshy rhizome.
Alstroemeria blood red is valued for its lush blooms. Approximately 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 color. During flowering, the plant is covered with bright orange flowers with a green border around the edge of the petals.

Popular varieties and hybrids of Alstroemeria:

Alstroemeria "Cosmo". This variety belongs to tall plants. It strikes with the beauty of snow-white flowers that densely cover the entire plant.
Variety "Alicia". Also quite a popular plant variety. Differs in two-color coloring of flowers. Alstroemeria "Alicia" blooms with white and pink flowers.
Alstroemeria 'Virginia'. In height, this plant reaches an average of 80 cm. Feels great in light shading. Flowering begins in early June. This variety of Alstroemeria blooms with large white flowers with a wavy edge.
Variety "Beauty". A tall plant variety, the average height is 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 an average of 160 cm in height. It blooms twice a season: in April and September. Bronze-colored flowers with black strokes on the petals.
Variety "Canaria". A powerful plant, the height of which reaches 1.5 m or more. It blooms twice a season: the first time in March. and the second - in the first half of autumn. As the name implies, the flowers have a bright canary shade with a subtle black speck.
Variety "King Cardinal". Srednerosly plant with rather large flower stalks. Differs in long flowering, from the end of spring to the first frosts. It blooms with large red flowers similar in shape to orchids.

Reproduction of alstroemeria: the most common methods

Alstroemeria can be independently bred in your area. To do this, you need to decide on the method that suits you. This plant reproduces in two ways: by seeds and by dividing the rhizome. Both paths are distinguished by their peculiarities and difficulties, however, with due attention and effort, you will breed this amazing plant without any problems.

seed propagation

Growing alstroemeria from seeds is possible for species varieties, as hybrid plants may lose their maternal traits.
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 a faded bud with a piece of gauze so that the seeds fall exactly there.
Alstroemeria seeds must be stratified before sowing. To do this, place them in a damp cloth and put in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2-5 degrees for 1 month.
Seeds should be sown in late February or early 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.
From above containers are covered with glass or film.
For seed germination, the optimum temperature is 18 degrees.
Seedlings appear within a month. After they have 3 leaves, be sure to dive the seedlings.
Seedlings are planted in open ground in late spring.
Alstroemeria planted from seeds will bloom only for 3 years.

Reproduction by division of the rhizome

Using this method, hybrid varieties of alstroemeria are most often propagated.
A planted plant with the help of division will bloom the next year.
It is necessary to carry out the division of the rhizome after flowering. However, many gardeners do this in autumn, 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 sites 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, therefore it requires a serious attitude and attention. It is important to carefully prepare before landing. To do this, you need to choose 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 seedlings of alstroemeria

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 bred varieties for the middle lane.
It is best to buy alstroemeria in specialized stores or agricultural firms that are professionally engaged in plant breeding.
When buying Alstroemeria planting material, choose only varieties that are adapted to the climatic conditions of your region. You can ask a consultant about the features of growing individual varieties.
You can purchase alstroemeria seedlings or seedlings.
Before buying, carefully inspect the seedling. It should not be visible damage, as well as signs of diseases and pests.
Different varieties of alstroemeria have different heights, so before buying, decide on the planned garden composition. The shorter varieties are great for growing in containers or indoor pots.

Stage 2. Choosing a landing site

Alstroemeria can be grown in greenhouses or greenhouses, as well as indoors in pots. 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 great 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 great for planting alstroemeria. However, the sun should not heat too much. For full growth, it is better to create a light penumbra.
The selected site must be protected from strong winds and drafts.

Stage 3. Selection and preparation of the soil

For the growth of alstroemeria, slightly acidic or neutral soil is suitable.
The soil should be light and nutritious. Sandy or clay soils are suitable.
The landing site should be dry and well drained.
If the soil in your area is heavy, then alstroemeria will grow poorly. In this case, before planting, add peat, rotted manure.
One day before planting the plant, carefully dig the selected area, loosen the soil and add compost.

Alstroemeria planting technology in open ground

Planting alstroemeria in open ground is carried out in the spring, around May, when the air and soil warm up to 20-23 degrees.
The day before planting seedlings, loosen the soil in the selected area, as the plant prefers to grow on light soil.
Further, it is important to correctly make the landing 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.
Alstroemeria planting holes should be approximately 60 cm in diameter and 35-40 cm deep. Leave a distance of at least 50 cm between holes.
At the bottom of each hole, place a drainage layer of small stones or gravel. This is necessary to prevent stagnation of water 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 with soil, lightly compacting the soil with your hands.
After planting, water each plant generously with water.
It is recommended to mulch the soil around the plant to prevent evaporation of moisture and in order to keep the area loose. Peat or dry sawdust is used as mulch.

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

Alstroemeria requires some attention and care efforts. The process of caring for alstroemeria includes watering, loosening, top dressing and shelter for the winter. Consider the features of each process separately.

Watering Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria does not tolerate too dry or waterlogged soil, so you should carefully consider the irrigation regime. Water the plant regularly, but in moderation. It is not worth transfusing, as the root system of the plant may begin to rot. An approximate watering schedule is once a week. in dry periods - 2 times. The soil around the plant should always be slightly damp, about 2 cm deep. If the irrigation regime is not followed, alstroemeria may lose its decorative effect.

Loosening and mulching

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

top dressing

The first dressing should be applied at planting time. For this, compost is used. In the future, it is necessary to regularly feed the plant to obtain lush flowering and bright foliage. Fertilizers need to be applied about 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. Periodically, you can pour wood ash under the plants.

Pruning and shelter

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

Disease and pest control

Alstroemeria is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. However, if the rules of watering are not observed, 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, 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, hardwood 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 landing, you can use a grid that is placed on top of the surface. It is needed to support adult plants.
The temperature in the greenhouse: during the growth of foliage - 15 degrees during the day and 13 at night, during the flowering of the plant - 18-20 degrees. If the plant is grown in a greenhouse all the time, in winter the temperature should be at least 10 degrees.
Care. Timely and regular watering in the greenhouse is achieved by drip method. At the same time, watering should be reduced in winter. Periodically, you need to loosen the soil around the plants. Fertilizers are applied twice a month. For this, 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 pick up 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 a light shade for half a day is perfect.
At home, alstroemeria should be watered once every 3 days.
plant fertilizer in room conditions do not require.

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 framing borders and garden paths. Low alstroemerias can be planted in flower beds next to other flowering plants.
Tall alstroemerias can be placed in the background of the flower beds or planted in a group against the background of the lawn.
Low-growing flowers are often grown in containers and pots and placed on porches, balconies and steps.

Photo of alstroemeria

You can more clearly see all the beauty and options for using alstroemeria in the photos below.

Gorgeous bouquets of alstroemeria

Alstroemeria in a pot

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