Alstroemeria: the best varieties and subtleties of cultivation. Astermilia or Alstroemeria Alstroemeria in landscape design

Very often, when buying bouquets, we choose one of them only because our eyes are riveted, although small, but bright flowers that are similar to lilies. This is the Alstroemeria flower. It is a herbaceous plant, whose homeland is South America, namely its tropical part.

Appearance Features

This flower is a herbaceous perennial. The roots are tuberous, have spindle-shaped outgrowths. Alstroemeria stems are erect in the form of bushes. On one branch there can be about 10-15 flowers, which reach 5 cm in diameter. Each of them has specks and dashes. This is their varietal feature.

The color of the petals is completely different. In the flower beds you can find yellow, pink, white, burgundy and even purple alstroemeria flowers.

The leaves of this plant are narrow, medium in size.

The height of an adult bush can reach 1.5 m, subject to proper care and provision of comfortable conditions.

Grown, as a rule, in open ground. However, some flower growers keep it at home in a pot.

Variety of varieties

For home use, it is better to opt for hybrid representatives, since they are the ones that are less whimsical to care for. In addition, only hybrid varieties have such a variety of petal colors that you can create whole pictures.

The following varieties are especially popular:

• alstroemeria "golden" is characterized by yellow-orange flowers and a bush height of about 95 cm;
• "Peruvian" is resistant to low temperatures, which means it is ideal for growing in open ground;
• "Brazilian lily" A bush of representatives of the variety, with proper care, can reach a height of two meters;
• "bloody flower". Unlike other varieties, it has lush flowers, which are combined in inflorescences of 15 pieces, as well as a rather fleshy rhizome;
• "parrot lily" is characterized by rapid growth.

Knowing the characteristics of each variety, you can easily choose plants that are suitable for translating your ideas into reality.

Temperature regime

The alstroemeria flower, which is easy to care for, belongs to tropical plants, but it likes a moderate temperature. When growing a flower indoors in the summer, it is required to maintain room temperature, while 22 degrees is considered optimal. In winter, it can be lowered to a level of 15 degrees, the minimum allowable temperature is 8 degrees above zero. When growing species varieties, it is possible to choose those that can withstand light frosts. There are none among the hybrids. However, it is still worth experimenting with the temperature in the room.

Too high temperatures should also be avoided. For example, if it rises above 28 degrees, the plant runs the risk of stunting, quickly shedding its flowers, and then withering. If the temperature rises in winter, it threatens that new buds will not be laid, which means that the plant will not bloom in the new season.

Lighting rules

The alstroemeria flower does not belong to shade-loving plants, so it needs a lot of light. However, there are still some features. In autumn and winter, flower pots can be placed on the southern windows, in spring and summer it is necessary to ensure the supply of bright but diffused light. This effect is achieved by a slight shading at noon.

Alstroemeria is a flower (the photo can be seen in the article), which pleases with beauty only if a certain duration of daylight hours is provided. It must be at least 13 hours. Therefore, if necessary, it is necessary to provide additional artificial lighting, for which only fluorescent lamps are suitable.

How to water correctly?

Watering should be plentiful, especially if the summer does not indulge in moisture. However, it is necessary to allow the soil to dry out a little in order to avoid rotting of the rhizome. In winter, watering depends on the air temperature: the lower it is, the less water needs to be applied to the soil. Alstroemeria flower does not tolerate both stagnant water and excessive drying of the soil.

During the growing season, the plant needs a special watering regime: the soil must be constantly slightly moistened.

Ideally, water for irrigation should be soft. To do this, you need to defend it for about a day.

Top dressing of alstroemeria

Like any other plant, especially one that grows in a pot on the windowsill, alstroemeria flowers (photo above) require some fertilizer. However, only those compositions can be used, the amount of nitrogen in which is minimal. Ready-made fertilizers are suitable for this, which are intended for decorative flowering or bulbous plants.

Transplant rules

This process should be carried out every year, but it is better in the spring. This is due to the fact that the root system of Alstroemeria is quite powerful, which means that it consumes a large amount of minerals from the soil and develops rapidly.

The following soil composition is suitable for transplantation:

• leaf ground (2 parts);
• peat (1 part);
• humus (1 part);
• perlite (1 part);
• pine bark (1 part).

In addition, it is necessary to check the level of acidity of the prepared soil. The pH should be 5 or 5.5, that is, the alstroemeria flower, the care of which requires attention, loves slightly acidic or acidic soil.

If you decide to purchase a ready-made soil in a flower shop, compositions for azaleas and rhododendrons will be ideal. And don't forget drainage.

How does Alstroemeria reproduce?

This plant reproduces in two ways:

1. Growing from seed. Moreover, the seed can be planted directly in the ground, or first prepare the seedlings. Having chosen this method of reproduction, be prepared to see the first fruits of your labor no earlier than in three years. For seedlings, seeds need to be planted in the soil as early as February, and in open ground - only in settled warm weather.
2. The division of the rhizome.

Possible problems

Most often, alstroemeria flowers, the photos of which are presented in the article, are attacked by thrips, and if the plant is kept at elevated temperatures, then ticks.

Thrips tend to take refuge in buds and flowers, hiding under the petals. Since the color of alstroemeria is variegated, it is almost impossible to detect these pests. Leaves help in the diagnosis. On them you can see punctures, spots and strokes that are brightly highlighted. Systemic insecticides, such as aktara, will help get rid of these pests.

If we talk about diseases, then most often the alstroemeria flower becomes infected with root rot, late blight and fusarium. The main reason is excess moisture in the soil.

Alstroemeria orange(Alstroemeria aurantiaca) - herbaceous plant, perennial belongs to the Alstroemeria family. The plant is native to the tropical regions of America. It reaches a height of 80 to 90 cm. The stem is erect in a flower. The rhizome is powerful and fleshy, slightly branched.

Alstroemeria orange leaf alternate, linear - lanceolate located on a short petiole. The flower grows on a long peduncle, funnel-shaped, orange. It begins to bloom in mid-summer and until mid-autumn. The intensity of plant growth is average. The plant has bright flowers, an interesting decorative look. Many people like to grow orange Alstroemeria at home.

Alstroemeria orange - care:

Lighting:

Alstroemeria orange should be grown in well-lit areas. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can damage the plant. In the shade, the color of the flowers may be lost. Therefore, you need to carefully choose a place for the growth of Alstroemeria orange.

Temperature:

Alstroemeria orange is not picky in choosing temperature conditions for its growth. The optimum temperature for a flower is considered to be about 15 - 20 ° C. With the onset of winter, you can lower the temperature of the content by several degrees. But not much so that the frost does not cover the plant. If grown in a garden, then it needs to be covered for the winter.

Watering:

Alstroemeria orange should be watered sparingly. But you need to make sure that there is no excess moisture. Since the roots can quickly begin to rot. In summer, you need to water the flower once or twice in 6 - 7 days. With the onset of winter, watering should be reduced. For irrigation choose water at room temperature, soft.

Humidity:

Alstroemeria orange prefers high or medium humidity, in no case dry air. The recommended humidity for the plant is about 75 - 80%. On hot summer days, you can spray the plant with cool water. But this should be done carefully so that water does not fall on the flowers. In winter, do not put the plant close to the battery.

Top dressing:

Alstroemeria orange needs to be fed with nutrients, especially during the period of active growth and budding. Feeding with nutrients is enough to make once a week. Fertilizers should be chosen with a high content of potassium and a low content of nitrogen. Therefore, before buying a fertilizer, you need to read the composition.

Transfer:

Alstroemeria orange normally tolerates transplantation. You can transplant a flower according to the intensity and intensity of growth. Suitable for transplanting soil, drained and nutritious with the addition of peat, sod land.

Reproduction:

Alstroemeria orange reproduces by dividing the bush, seeds. Seeds should be sown in the middle or at the end of winter in separate pots. For good germination, you need to take well-moistened soil and high air temperature. After a couple of weeks, the first shoots already appear.

Some features:

Alstroemeria orange can be grown both indoors and outdoors. For the winter, it needs shelter in cases of severe frosts, if grown outdoors.

Alstroemeria orange - diseases and pests:

Alstroemeria orange, with proper care and the creation of recommended conditions for growth, is very rarely damaged by pests or diseases. If a defeat occurs, it is enough to treat the flower with a chemical preparation by some pest.

Alstroemeria, a spectacular tuberous plant with tall stems, crowned with exotic flowers resembling medium-sized lilies, “descended” into European gardens and greenhouses from the Chilean and Peruvian mountains back in the 18th century.

Since then, numerous varieties of "Peruvian lilies" have been bred with flowers of all shades, combinations and transitions of white, pink, red, yellow and purple. In the inner, central part, each such flower keeps a wild striped speck, reminiscent of a distant mountainous homeland. In the cut, they are able to stand from two weeks to a month.

Despite its origin from very far abroad, Alstroemeria is able to grow and bloom beautifully in greenhouses, rooms and gardens of the middle lane.

Alstroemeria - cut

"Peruvian lilies" can be very tall, with two-meter stems. Such varieties are actively bred in greenhouses and conservatories for commercial cutting. In the rooms, dwarf alstroemerias are grown, not growing above forty centimeters. The most common indoor varieties.

There are two ways to grow such alstroemerias.

Alstroemeria from seeds

substrate

For sowing alstroemerias in February-March, a soil mixture is prepared from two parts of leafy and one part of sod land. As baking powder, washed coarse sand and fibrous peat are added, which, moreover, slightly acidifies the soil.

The substrate is mixed well, then frozen or washed with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. A layer of expanded clay is poured at the bottom of the planting tank with a mandatory drainage hole, and a prepared soil mixture is poured on top. The soil is moistened.

Sowing

The seeds are placed on the surface, slightly pressed into the substrate, sprinkled with a thin layer of soil, the sown container is packed in a plastic bag and sent to the lower “vegetable” section of the refrigerator for a month for stratification.

At the same time, the polyethylene coating is slightly opened twice a day, condensate is removed and, if necessary, the soil is moistened. At the end of the stratification, the bag with the container is placed in a very bright place with a temperature of 20-25ºС.

Sowing is regularly ventilated and moderately moistened. With a short daylight hours, it is useful to organize additional illumination up to 12 hours a day, as in the homeland in the Andes. Germination should be expected from ten days to a month. After germination, the polyethylene coating is removed. At the stage of 2-4 true leaves, the seedlings dive into separate "teenage" cups with a drainage layer and optimal soil. When the developed root system fills this container, the young alstroemeria is transplanted into a larger container. Such a plant blooms in the second or third year.

Alstroemeria seedlings from tuber parts

An adult plant has a developed tuber with numerous growth points. During the dormant period, after flowering in summer or autumn, such alstroemeria is dug up and a large tuber is divided into sections with at least five to ten points of growth with a sharp blade. The sections are sprinkled with crushed charcoal, the separated plants are seated. Flowering can be expected in the next summer season.

Alstroemeria (or Alstroemeria) - a flower of extraordinary beauty

Attention! It should be borne in mind that all parts of delicate exotic "lilies" contain poisonous juice, which can irritate the skin and mucous membranes. They are not grown where there are small children and pets.

Further care for alstroemeria

1. Illumination."Peruvian lily" requires bright, but mostly diffused lighting. Best of all, it will develop on the southwestern and southeastern windows. On the south side, mandatory shading is required. In the summer of alstroemeria, balcony "vacations" are useful.

   

2. Temperature regime. In summer, the optimum temperature is 20-22ºС. Heat of 28º and above leads to the cessation of flowering. If the soil is very warm, there is a predominant development of tubers to the detriment of stems and flowers. In winter, the temperature of the content is reduced to 13-15ºС to provide a dormant period necessary for the mass laying of buds.
3. Watering. The worst thing that can happen to a viable alstroemeria is stagnation of moisture in the soil, leading to root and stem rot. Therefore, it should be watered moderately, with soft water, preventing the earthen coma from drying out. In winter, at low temperatures, watering is limited.

   

4. Air humidity. In a dry atmosphere, evergreen alstroemeria quickly sheds leaves and buds. In order not to give the plant a reason for such an untimely leaf fall, it must be sprayed regularly, especially in the summer, making sure that moisture does not fall on the delicate petals. It is also helpful to place the Peruvian lily container on a pallet of wet pebbles or expanded clay.

   

5. Top dressing. During the period of intensive growth, and even more so flowering, the "Peruvian lily" needs regular feeding. The very first, early spring, is carried out with a mineral complex balanced in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In the future, blooming alstroemeria is fed weekly with a composition in which the phosphorus and potassium components predominate. In the autumn-winter season, top dressing is stopped.
6. pruning. To stimulate growth and flowering, dried stems and wilted flowers are regularly removed, not forgetting the toxicity of the Peruvian lily juice.

   

7. Timely transfers. Young, rapidly developing plants require an annual transplant. Mature alstroemerias with powerful tubers are transplanted at the same frequency, combining this operation with dividing the bush.

   

   

8. Prevention and treatment of diseases. Too dense shoots, combined with excess moisture, create conditions for the defeat of alstroemeria with gray rot. As a preventive measure, the optimal irrigation regime is observed, and densely overgrown bushes are divided and planted. Putrefactive processes are stopped by treatment with foundationazole and copper preparations.

   

9. Pest Elimination. At room conditions, spider mites and thrips can settle on alstroemerias. These insects are destroyed once and for all by systemic insecticides - karbofos, aktara, aktellik.

   

Alstroemeria outdoors

In the middle lane, alstroemeria often decorates summer areas with annual lush flowering. Tall varieties are suitable for open ground, of which a great many have been bred: crimson with a yellow speckled throat "Mozart", golden "Eldorado", pink "Prima Donna", white "Albatross", dark purple "Indigo" and dozens of others, embodying in the flower the most whimsical combinations of exquisite shades.

To settle alstroemeria seedlings on your site, they can be obtained from seeds in the same way that is used for indoor varieties - February sowing in loose, slightly acidic soil, stratification for a month, germination in good light, temperature 20-25ºС and high humidity, picking at the stage of 2-4 true leaves. Sowing is also used immediately in open ground in April. Such seedlings will bloom no earlier than in the third year. In addition, in April-May, a mature tuber or part of it, separated from the mother plant, can be planted on the site.

The place where alstroemerias will grow should be well lit, but inaccessible to the scorching rays of the midday sun.

Important! Stagnation of moisture and high standing of groundwater is unacceptable.

Soil for planting"Peruvian lilies" is prepared in advance. She must be:

• nutritious. For this purpose, compost is added;
• slightly sour. It is provided with high-moor peat or bark of coniferous trees;
• loose, with good water and air permeability. If necessary, sawdust or chopped straw are introduced.

Good results are obtained by planting tubers in meter-long ridges up to 20 centimeters high. They are planted at intervals of 40 to 60 centimeters, deepening up to 15 cm. A horizontal coarse mesh is installed above the ridge to support tall stems with weighty flowers.

Further landing care includes:

• weekly watering with soft water;
• systematic weeding and loosening.
• complex top dressing once a week during the flowering period.
• soil acidification by peat mulching. Such an operation will also prevent overheating of the tuber, in which alstroemeria stops growing and flowering.

In autumn, the stems are cut to a height of 7-8 centimeters and cover the plant with spruce branches, bark and dry leaves. In the middle lane, for resistant varieties, such shelter is usually sufficient. In order to fully insure alstroemeria from freezing, its tubers are dug up in mid-October, dried and stored until spring under the same conditions as dahlias - in a basement or cellar, at low but positive temperatures.

The main conditions for the growth and flowering of alstroemeria are carefully observed in greenhouse culture:

• daylight hours are not shorter than 12 hours;
• temperature not lower than 16 and not higher than 20ºС;
• the soil is fertile, loose, slightly acidic. Plants are conveniently planted in separate containers with a diameter of 25 cm;
• watering with soft water is regular, but moderate;
• increased air humidity;
• supporting mesh for tall stems with powerful flowers.

Distillation after a cool dormant period allows you to get blooming "lilies" almost all year round.

Growing alstroemerias as a business

Having mastered the cultivation of "Peruvian lilies", you can extract a certain income from this process:

• sell seeds. Alstroemeria seed material ripens even in the open ground of the middle lane, and its germination capacity lasts 3-4 years. The Internet will help you sell your own seeds;
• trade in seedlings or tubers. More of a hassle with packing, mailing, and limited to the spring season only. However, it will bring more profit than the sale of seeds;
• grow alstroemerias for cutting. The most profitable method, requiring considerable investments in the initial stages. However, these costs pay off in a maximum of two years, and in the future bring a constant tangible profit.

Alstroemeria, despite its exotic origin and unusual appearance, is not one of the most whimsical crops. Its cultivation is successfully mastered by both amateur flower growers and owners of profitable greenhouses.

Video - Alstroemeria: growing from seeds and tubers

Vide – Alstroemeria

– This is a perennial flower native to South America. There are about 75 wild plant species, which in nature reach up to 1 meter in height. And cultivated varieties, of which there are about 200, grow up to 2 m in height. In Alstroemeria, flowers reach 5 cm in diameter and they come in different colors. The most common colors are white, red, orange, purple, green, and each of them necessarily has spots on the petals. In botany, the shape of alstroemeria flowers is called a zygomorph - bilaterally symmetrical. They gather in complex umbrellas of 10-25 flowers.

Cut Alstroemeria stays in water for about 2 weeks, which is surprising for its bright and delicate flowers. In cultivation, this plant is unpretentious, will grow both in open ground and in a pot. In floristry, alstroemeria is often used to create bouquets and compositions. It is practically odorless, thanks to which it can be part of complex flower arrangements.

Alstroemeria has numerous varieties, some of which are more common. What are their characteristics, what features do they have? Knowing this, you can understand why they are popular with gardeners and florists.

Alicia Alstroemeria is a hybrid plant. The flowers look like a rose or a chrysanthemum. Alicia is a flower of white and pink color, grows in a bush. It blooms from June to September.

Did you know?Alstroemerias are planted in well-lit areas, the distance between crops should be at least 30 cm, and they are buried in the soil by 20-25 cm.

The next representative of Alstroemeria is very high - it reaches a height of 2 m. It comes from sunny Brazil and is called Alstroemeria Brazilian or Brazilian lily. Its leaves are lance-shaped. She has fluffy inflorescences, which can contain more than 30 flowers. The Brazilian lily blooms with reddish-bronze flowers.

Alstroemeria Beauty has lilac flowers, sometimes with a bluish-lilac tint. It blooms in spring and re-blooms from September. This is a tall variety of alstroemeria, it reaches 130-170 cm. It has powerful straight stems.

Did you know?Alstroemerias are propagated by seeds and division of the rhizome. When sowing seeds, the first flowering of the crop should be expected no earlier than after 3 years.

Alstroemeria variety Virginia has high (up to 70 cm) strong shoots. They bear large white flowers. They have a slight waviness along the edge of the petals. Flowering of this variety begins in June and can last until November frosts.

Did you know?Alstroemeria Virginia is one of the largest varieties.

Alstroemeria golden in the wild is found in the forests of the southern beech and in the semi-marshy Chilean meadows. It grows up to 90 centimeters in height. Alstroemeria of this variety blooms with dark orange flowers, which are often used in compositions in flower shops. This flower is also used as a hair ornament.

Canaria is a tall alstroemeria variety with thick stems and dense foliage. They grow over one and a half meters. The flowers of Alstroemeria Canaria are yellow with small specks. Flowering variety Canaria begins in March and lasts until June. But the second wave of flowering also comes - in the first half of autumn, September-October.

Planted plants at a distance of 40 cm from each other, and their yield is 60-100 pieces per meter.

Variety King Cardinal reaches a height of 150 cm. With insufficient light, the instability of the stems is observed, they can lie down. Alstroemeria of this variety has scarlet flowers of a beautiful shape. Outwardly, they look like orchids.

The main flowering occurs in spring, but it can also be repeated in autumn and winter.

Important!For Alstroemeria in the garden, you need to find a sunny place. The soil should be nutritious and well drained.

In the variety Blood-flowered Alstroemeria, fleshy roots are a distinctive feature. A variety from Chile. The plant reaches a height of up to 1 meter. Alstroemeria of this variety has inflorescences with up to 15 flowers. Their color is orange with yellow spots.

Important!In late autumn, it is necessary to cut off the entire aerial part of the plant and cover it well with a leaf, film, sprinkle with earth. Since alstroemeria is a perennial plant, care must be taken in this way so that it endures the winter well.

Bush alstroemeria Orange Queen has an erect stem up to 70 cm high. Roots fleshy, branched. The leaves of the plant are turned upside down. Flowers on long peduncles are apricot in color, and brown spots are found on the petals.

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. According to tradition, the rose is considered the most beautiful flower in the world - 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 with 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 their 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 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 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, which 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.
• Fertilizer plants at 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.