Does Zephyranthes like shade or sunlight?
The following is an introduction for netizens about whether Zephyranthes prefers shade or sunlight, as well as the skills related to growing Zephyranthes to achieve a full pot. Keep reading!
Zephyranthes, also known as Zephyranthes candida, Allium schoenoprasum, and Erythronium, belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family, Liriope genus, and is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant, native to South America. Now it is cultivated in various parts of China. Zephyranthes prefers a warm, humid growing environment, enjoys sunlight, and is tolerant of semi-shade or damp environments. It can survive the winter outdoors in the East China region. Indoor cultivation should place the pot in a bedroom, study, or balcony with good lighting. Hydroponic Zephyranthes is suitable for display in the living room.
Zephyranthes likes loose, breathable, humus-rich, fertile, and well-drained slightly sticky soil. For home cultivation, a mixture of 5 parts peat soil, 2 parts decomposed leaf soil, and 1 part sand can be used to prepare the potting soil. The prepared potting soil should be sterilized at high temperatures before use. Potting Zephyranthes should use a rectangular or round white shallow porcelain pot 4 to 5 cm high, which not only benefits the growth of Zephyranthes but also has high aesthetic value.
Zephyranthes is relatively cold-tolerant, with an optimal growth temperature range of 15 to 25°C. In general, it can remain evergreen throughout the year in the Yangtze River Valley. It can survive for a long time in temperatures below 0°C and will not freeze in temperatures around -12°C. As long as the indoor temperature is maintained between 18 to 25°C during winter, Zephyranthes can continue to grow and bloom.
Zephyranthes prefers a moist growing environment, so it is necessary to keep the soil moist. In addition to watering, indoor cultivation should also frequently spray water around the pot to increase humidity. During the hot summer, the pot should be moved to a shaded area to prevent excessive evaporation. Young plants should be fertilized with a well-rotted 5x liquid fertilizer or a 1000x universal fertilizer every 10 days during the growing season. During the peak growth and flowering seasons, a mixed solution of well-rotted 5x liquid fertilizer and equal amounts of potassium bicarbonate solution should be applied every 15 days to meet the plant's nutrient needs. Fertilization should focus on phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and avoid excessive nitrogen.
Home pot cultivation of Zephyranthes can be done through seeding and hydroponics:
I. Seeding method;
The end of September is the most suitable time for seeding. Before sowing, the seeds can be sterilized by heating them in a pot. Then, the seeds should be soaked in 50°C warm water for 12 to 24 hours until they expand. Next, place nutrient soil in a carton or flower pot, sow the seeds in the soil, spray the soil with a spray bottle, and cover it with plastic wrap to keep it moist. Remove the wrap once the seedlings emerge. When the seedlings have 3 to 4 true leaves, they can be transplanted into a flower pot.
Does Zephyranthes like shade or sunlight?
II. Hydroponics method;
Hydroponics is best done using the division method and is suitable in April. Prepare a fish tank about 90cm long, 50cm wide, and 30cm high, and a flower pot. Place a thin layer of potting soil in the prepared flower pot, put the Zephyranthes bulb in the container, press the soil over the plant roots, then fill the pot with soil until it is level with the bulb, and gently press the soil down. Place coarse sand on top of the potting soil, and if conditions allow, add some ornamental stones like pebbles. Finally, place the pot in the water-filled fish tank, filling the water to 80% full. The hydroponic Zephyranthes leaves are bright, and by August, it can produce dozens of flower stems, with beautiful flowers blooming by the end of September.
The main pest affecting potted Zephyranthes is the flower thrips. Pests can be controlled by spraying a 2.5% neem oil emulsion diluted with water to 500 times or using a 20% cypermethrin emulsion diluted with water to 1500 times. Potted Zephyranthes does not need to be pruned into shapes, just regularly prune dead leaves.
In addition, Zephyranthes can be used as medicine, with a sweet and neutral taste, having the effects of calming the liver and purging fire. It is effective in treating conditions such as infantile convulsions and epilepsy. Many people also confuse Zephyranthes with chives, although they are both perennial evergreen plants in the Amaryllidaceae family. The most obvious difference is that Zephyranthes has narrow leaves and white flowers, while chives have flat leaves, resembling both orchids and chive flowers, with pink flowers.
The above introduction to whether Zephyranthes prefers shade or sunlight and the skills for growing Zephyranthes to achieve a full pot from the Green Enthusiast website are provided as reference suggestions for everyone.