Cultivation Techniques of Alstroemeria
Do you know these? Here are some experiences in cultivating the herbaceous flower Alstroemeria, specifically the cultivation techniques:
Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria PP) is also known as Chilean Lily, Peruvian Lily, or Narcissus Lily, belonging to the Alstroemeria family and the Alstroemeria genus of perennial herbaceous flowers. With its bright flower colors, sturdy and upright stems, and long vase life, combined with easy cultivation and strong growth, it has become a popular flower material worldwide.
I. Morphological Characteristics and Varieties
Alstroemeria is a perennial herbaceous plant with developed rhizomes, which are sympodial rhizomes. The above-ground stems, which are unbranched, emerge from the rhizomes, with a height of 70 to 150 centimeters. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate to linear, with almost no petioles. The upper part of the stem produces flower spikes and umbel inflorescences, with each inflorescence having more than 6 small flowers. The perianth consists of 6 tepals, 3 inner and 3 outer, symmetrical left and right. Flower colors vary by variety, including white, apricot, pink, orange, purple, etc., with the inner tepals having brown butterfly patterns. There are about 50 species of Alstroemeria, but most ornamental varieties are hybrids of four species: Alstroemeria aurantiaca, A. haemantha, A. lrgtu, and A. pulchella. Horticultural varieties are generally divided into five systems based on color: white, yellow, pink-white, red, and purple, as shown in Figure 3-1.
II. Ecological Habits
Alstroemeria is native to South America, including Chile, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and other regions, with a very wide distribution range. Its growth environment is complex, ranging from hills and deserts to valleys and forests, with significant differences between species. However, the basic requirements are a preference for dry conditions, fear of excessive rainfall, and high groundwater levels. The soil should have good drainage and ventilation, be loose and rich in humus, and have a pH of 6 to 6.5. The optimal growth temperature is between 13°C and 21°C, with 13°C to 15°C being the best for rhizome expansion. Ground temperatures above 20°C can lead to poor growth, and the optimal germination temperature for seeds is 11°C. Before sowing, seeds should be kept at a high temperature of 26°C to 31°C for one month, then moved to the optimal germination temperature, which is more conducive to germination. It is sensitive to sunlight, with long days promoting flowering and increasing the number of flowers, while short days inhibit flowering. Flowering occurs in May to June in its native region.
III. Propagation Methods
Alstroemeria is commonly propagated by seed, but division of roots can also be used.
1. Seed propagation can be done in spring, but in warmer regions, autumn sowing is better. It is done from late August to mid-to-late September. If sown in late August, germination starts from late September. As Alstroemeria has a taproot system, the roots go deep after sowing, and since it dislikes waterlogging, to prevent disease, it is best to use nutrient bricks for seedlings, with 2 to 3 seeds per brick, typically 7.5 centimeters in diameter. If conditions are limited, seedlings can also be raised in trays and then transferred to nutrient pots when they have 1 to 2 true leaves. Since seedlings need to grow in nutrient pots for about a year, the pots should be slightly larger, about 15 to 16 centimeters in diameter, with one plant per pot. The pots should be kept in well-drained and not overly humid areas. Fertilization is mainly done with liquid fertilizer, applied every 2 to 3 weeks. In terms of temperature management, it is important to keep warm in winter and add heat if necessary. In spring, when temperatures rise, it is important to ensure good ventilation in the greenhouse to prevent overheating.
2. Root division involves cutting the fleshy underground stems with a knife, ensuring each cut stem has a part of the root neck. This method is mainly used for varieties that do not produce seeds.
IV. Cultivation Techniques
1. Planting For seedlings sown in autumn, planting can be done from late September to October of the following year. Before planting, the soil should be disinfected and sufficient base fertilizer applied. The length and width of the planting bed should be determined by the planting conditions, typically 1.2 meters wide and 50 to 60 centimeters for the aisle, with double rows of plants, 40 to 50 centimeters apart in rows and 20 to 30 centimeters apart in plants. The bed surface should be higher than the aisle to maintain good drainage. Flowering occurs from April to June of the following year.
2. Temperature and Light Management For the first two months after planting, the temperature should be maintained at 13°C to 15°C. After December, the temperature in an unheated greenhouse should be kept around 5°C for overwintering, but if forced cultivation is practiced, the temperature should be maintained at 10°C to 12°C. However, it should not be too high, as this may reduce flower yield. Tests have shown that when the night temperature is controlled at 18°C, the flower yield, number of flowers per shoot, and shoot grade are all lower than when the night temperature is 13°C. Alstroemeria is a long-day plant, and under optimal temperature conditions, long days promote flowering, while short days (less than 8 hours of sunlight) inhibit flowering. Foreign tests have shown that at a temperature of 15°C, extending the daily sunlight from 10 hours to 24 hours increases the number of flower spikes, inflorescences, and flowers. The highest yield is achieved under 16 to 24 hours of sunlight, but there are differences between varieties, with 16 hours of sunlight being the best.
3. Water and Fertilizer Management It is important to avoid excessive moisture when cultivating Alstroemeria. The general principle of water management is to keep it dry and prevent excessive moisture. The frequency of watering depends on the soil condition. Watering can also lower ground temperatures, which can be used to slightly lower ground temperatures during the hot season, but the soil must have good ventilation and drainage. Fertilization is mainly based on base fertilizer, with thin liquid fertilizer applied every 2 to 3 weeks.
Alstroemeria stems are tall, and to prevent the plants from falling over, stakes and nets are needed during growth, 2 to 3 layers, with a mesh size of about 20 centimeters and a height of 80 to 100 centimeters.
4. Disease and Pest Control Alstroemeria has few diseases and pests, especially fatal ones. The main diseases include gray mold, root rot, and stem rot, caused by high humidity, soil waterlogging, or excessive dryness. These can be prevented by improving agricultural practices. The main pests include grasshoppers and aphids, which can be controlled using conventional methods.
5. Post-Harvest Management Timely harvesting can prevent gray mold and improve the quality of fresh flowers. The best time to harvest is when the buds are colored but not yet open, usually when the first flower opens, but not too early. Harvesting can be done by cutting the flower stems with scissors or pulling them from the base. Alstroemeria can bloom until June, after which the above-ground parts die and enter a dormant state. At this time, watering should be stopped and the soil kept dry. After breaking dormancy, normal management can resume, and the plant can bloom continuously the following year. Alternatively, the underground stems can be dug up and stored in a ventilated and dry place at 15°C, to be planted again in autumn. Seed propagation can result in significant variation, and plants with low ornamental value should be removed before dormancy.
This article shares some small knowledge of the cultivation techniques of Alstroemeria, hoping it can bring you some help!