Gemanthus flower, known as "deer tongue. Gemanthus: how to grow a "bloody flower"

Belonging to the genus Bulbous, the Amaryllis family. The leaves of the hemanthus in their shape resemble the tongue of a deer, which determined its name. Hemanthus translated from Greek means " bloody flower". In fact, not all types of "deer tongue" have red flowers; varieties with white and orange inflorescences are known.

A native of the African tropics, hemanthus was discovered and brought to Europe by Carl Linnaeus, a famous naturalist, physician and botanist. The migration took place back in 1753. The tropical guest has taken root in a new place. Unpretentious care, original flowering, varietal diversity makes the plant attractive to flower growers.

Care for hemanthus at home

Hemanthus is easy to grow. Basic conditions successful cultivation"Deer tongue" are to ensure winter dormancy in a cool room and the absence of stagnant moisture in the pot. When caring for gemanthus, it must be borne in mind that, regardless of varietal affiliation, plants are poisonous. When working with the “deer tongue”, it is recommended to use protective gloves, and after manipulations, wash your hands with extreme care.

Lighting

Hemanthuses love light, without sufficient lighting the plant will not bloom. However, direct sunlight is harmful to them. The green of the flower is so tender that direct rays leave burns on the leaf plates. Leaves do not regenerate. They lose their healthy green color, then die off completely. When placing the plant, it is recommended to choose a window sill on the east or west side.

The varietal variety of hemanthus allows you to grow a plant not only at home, but also in gardens. For decoration garden plot specially bred varieties are used, although indoor cultures love walking outdoors. In the summer season, flowerpots with "deer tongue" can be freely taken out to balconies and terraces. It is recommended to protect the plant from rain, direct sunlight. Drafts are also harmful to hemanthus.

Temperature regime

The entire active period from the beginning of spring to the end of autumn, the flower feels great at a normal room temperature of +20 - 22 degrees. For wintering, hemanthuses need a room with a lower temperature of +15 degrees. Hemanthus varieties have been bred that shed their leaves in winter. Such varieties need even more low temperatures in the winter period of rest + 12-13 degrees. Cool hibernation provides the possibility of flowering plants in the active period. Regular airing is necessary for the normal development and existence of hemanthus.

Watering and humidity

"Deer tongue" calmly tolerates a lack of moisture than its excess. Stagnant water is detrimental to hemanthus. The irrigation regime is set individually for each plant. After the next watering, they wait for the soil to dry up to the middle layer, then moderate watering is carried out. The frequency of watering can also be set, focusing on the condition of the leaves of the plant. If signs of wilting are visible on the leaves, then the amount of watering should be increased. The plant should be watered more often, but not more abundantly than usual. In winter, varieties that shed their leaves are transferred to a limited watering regime. For irrigation, it is recommended to use only soft, infused water for at least a day.

Hemanthuses remarkably tolerate dry air in all periods of their development. Plants develop well even next to batteries central heating. A special moment of caring for the plant is the regular rubbing of the leaves. Dust must not be allowed to accumulate. Dust should be washed off the leaf plates with a soft sponge and warm water.

top dressing

Hemanthus needs fertilizer during the period of vegetative growth and flowering. fit organic fertilizers, universal mixtures, special top dressing for bulbs. Fertilizers are applied once every three weeks.

The plant is not fed:

• During hibernation;
• During the growth of the peduncle. From the beginning of growth until the moment when the flower arrow reaches a length of 10 cm.

Transfer

It is recommended to transplant the "deer tongue" every year. The exception is those cases in which root system the plants have not grown enough, there is enough free land in the pot. Then the transplant can be postponed for another year. It is impossible to transplant less than once every 3 years.

Transplantation is carried out in the period from late February to early March. Bulbs require gentle handling, the roots should not be damaged during transplantation. For hemanthus choose wide flowerpots with a good drainage layer. When transplanting, the bulb is immersed in the ground by 2/3, part of the bulb should be on the surface.

The soil mixture for hemanthus is no different from the soil for other amaryllis and bulbous. The nutrient substrate is prepared or bought in specialized stores. The substrate is made up of equal parts greenhouse, deciduous, sod land with additions of peat, bone meal.

Pests and diseases of hemanthus

The main cause of diseases and pests is excess moisture. Heat and moisture weaken the hemanthus, making it an easy target for pests and diseases.

Plants are affected by scale insects, spider mites, aphids, thrips. Pest control consists in removing insects from the flower, washing all ground parts of the hemanthus with soapy water, processing and watering by special means.

Of the diseases, the main threat to hemanthus is gray rot. At obvious signs lesions - the appearance of necrotic spots, the best option is the destruction of the diseased plant. Treatment with special means rarely brings a positive result. If the diseased flower is not eliminated, gray rot can spread to other houseplants.

Mistakes in caring for hemanthus

When growing hemanthus, a number of problems may arise associated with violation of the rules of care, diseases, and pests.

Why hemanthus does not bloom What to do

The main reason why hemanthus is the lack of a dormant period. The dormant period is provided in the winter season by keeping it cool, accompanied by watering restrictions. After analyzing the conditions of keeping the plant, it is necessary to make them more comfortable: observe the temperature regime, loosen the soil, use warm water for irrigation, to apply complex fertilizers, apply biostimulants to improve the general condition of the flower.

It is also important to remember that you need to plant a hemanthus in a pot that will be about 4 cm larger in diameter than the bulb. A narrow space will not allow the flower to “fatten” and increase the green mass. In this case, he will simply have to bloom!

Why do hemanthus leaves turn yellow

It is recommended to pay attention to other leaves, if they are sluggish, then most likely the plant suffers from excess moisture. Excess moisture provokes the occurrence of gray rot. In this case, it is necessary to irrigate with exceptionally warm water, let the soil dry up to the middle layer before the next watering. Treatment with immunostimulants has a positive effect.

If a upper leaves in normal condition, there are no pests, the rules of care are observed, then the yellowness of the leaves means preparation for winter rest. Then watering is minimized and the flower is placed in a cool room.

Burns on the leaves, faded flowers

This state of the plant is due to an excess of sunlight, coupled with a lack of fresh air. The flower needs to be shaded and provide good ventilation where the plant is contained.

Blackened buds

The reasons for the blackening of the buds lie in high humidity and low temperature. The flower should be watered only with warm water, change the conditions of detention.

Slow development

A possible reason for stopping growth is a lack of soil nutrients. If stunting is combined with spots on leaf plates, then it is worth checking for pests and diseases.

Lack of bulb growth a month after planting

Most likely, the bulb is “weakened”, it does not have the strength to “wake up”. The bulb can be helped by soaking it in a solution of water and growth stimulant. If 2-3 weeks after new landing the bulb does not start growing, then it is not viable. The described situation occurs when the rest period is poorly organized: heat, excessive dryness, high humidity.

Hemanthus reproduction

Hemanthus propagates in three ways: seeds, cuttings, bulbs.

Propagation of hemanthus by seeds

Hemanthus is successfully propagated by seeds, both purchased in specialized stores and collected independently. Seeds will germinate in a standard bulb potting mix if greenhouse conditions are created for them. Seedlings are grown with further picking in separate containers. Hemanthuses grown in this way bloom 5-7 years after planting.

Propagation of hemanthus by cuttings

leaf cuttings convenient way breeding for "deer tongue". Choose fleshy leaves. You can use old leaves growing near the surface of the earth. Sections are treated with root, the cuttings are dried, planted in moist soil. The soil is composed of peat and sand in equal proportions. After a while, small onions appear at the base of the planted cuttings.

You can also put leaf cuttings in water, bulbs are also formed from them over time.

Separated, planted in the soil for growing. Flowerpot for planting should be wide, shallow, have drainage holes. In order not to make a mistake with the size, you should choose a pot 3 - 4 cm larger than the bulb of the plant. Flowering with this method of reproduction occurs after 3-4 years. It should be noted that if the flowerpot is too large, the hemanthus will not bloom.

Reproduction of hemanthus by children

Hemanthus is easily propagated with the help of bulbs - babies. Separation from the main plant is carried out when the "family" has grown so much that the plant no longer has enough living space. Small bulbs are planted in separate containers. Hemanthus will bloom with this method of reproduction in 3-4 years.

Hemanthus is a wonderful houseplant. Easy to care for, it will delight its owner with original flowering and the luxury of green fresh foliage. The decorative value of the plant is obvious. Garden varieties of hemanthus will decorate any personal plot.

Types and varieties of hemanthus with photos and descriptions

The cellular variety of hemanthus will help satisfy the tastes of the discerning grower. About 50 varieties of hemanthus have been bred. Among them there are even deciduous varieties, but most often these are horticultural crops.

Hemanthus white-flowered Haemanthus albiflos

Gained popularity as a houseplant. The leaves are glossy, with a fringed edge, muted green. Peduncles short, 25 cm thick, dense. The inflorescence is held by white flowers with long white stamens and golden anthers.

Hemanthus white-flowered - basic view, on the basis of which hybrid varieties are derived. hybrid varieties thanks to the efforts of breeders, they have an increased size of inflorescences. The hybrid "Prince Albert" is bred on the basis of the white-flowered hemanthus, it is more common than the base species. Its inflorescences are twice as large as usual, have a richly bright orange color.

Hemanthus cinnabar Haemanthus cinnabarinus

It has a round bulb with a diameter of 3 cm. Leathery leaves up to 25 cm long, ellipsoid in shape, slightly narrowed towards the base of the bulb. The green flower arrow reaches 30 cm, grows simultaneously with new leaves. Umbrella inflorescence holds 30-40 flowers. The petals are somewhat bent outward, crimson in color, like the stamens. Distinctive feature- early April flowering.

Hemanthus multiflora Scadoxus multiflorus

It has a rounded bulb with a diameter of 8 cm. Leathery leaves 15 - 30 cm long with short cuttings. A distinctive feature of the foliage is a pattern of veins diverging from the central one on both sides. High flower arrow up to 80 cm - green, maybe red-spotted. Umbrella inflorescence unites 30 - 80 crimson flowers with long stamens of the same shade. Blooms in spring.

Hemanthus Katarina - a subspecies of the many-flowered hemanthus

The bulbs of the plant are 8 cm in diameter. The leathery leaves reach a length of 30 cm. The flower arrow is spotted, 15–30 cm long. The inflorescence is in the form of an umbrella and 20 cm in diameter holds numerous red flowers. Often used for interior decoration. Blooms July, August.

Hemanthus pure white Haemanthus candidus

Close to the basic white-flowered species. Differs in pure white flowers, fleecy peduncle, pubescent bottom foliage. Bract red.

Hemanthus pomegranate Heamanthus puniceus

The diameter of the round bulb is 8 cm. The leathery, wavy, pale green foliage is 15–30 cm long. The inflorescence holds 10–20 yellow-red or light purple flowers. Bracts green or purple. Blooms in summer.

Hemanthus brindle

The leaves are strong, dense, 45 cm long, 10 cm wide at the base, have brown spots. sheet plate fringed along the edges. A light green peduncle 15 cm long is covered with specks. A large umbellate inflorescence holds red flowers. Bract glossy red.

Haemanthus coccineus

The leaves of the flower reach a length of 50 cm, decorated with red tops. Spotted peduncle holds large red inflorescences. Yellow anthers and large tepals are the cause original look plants. The variety blooms in autumn, not for a long time and, unfortunately, not every year.

Haemanthus lindenii

Garden variety. The plant has a strong root system. The leathery leaves have long petioles. The size of the sheet plates is 30 cm long and 10 cm wide. Distinctive feature leaves - two folds along the midrib. The spotted flower arrow reaches 45 cm. The umbrella inflorescence combines up to 100 flowers, has a diameter of 20 cm. The flowers are purple-red.

Description of hemanthus

"Deer tongue" has a dense bulb with scales light color. Each bulb produces three pairs of leaves. The leaves in a pair are arranged symmetrically, each hanging on its own side. Their elongated shape with a slight extension at the end invariably evokes an association with the language. The leaf plate can be glossy, sticky or pubescent, depending on the cultivar. Every year, instead of the old withered leaves, two new new ones grow on the hemanthus. If the leaves of the plant have fallen off, then the young ones are formed in the next growth season.

Hemanthus has an amazing feature to grow all year round, including the period of winter dormancy. Thereby evergreen always looks attractive, decorating the interiors of the premises, even if the time of flowering has not come.

Hemanthus inflorescences are shaped like an umbrella. Bracts are bright, showy characteristic feature"deer tongue". Flowers are located on a dense flower arrow 50 cm long. Umbrellas of inflorescences consist of dozens of small flowers. Flowers can be red, white, orange. Dense, juicy bracts are most often the same color as the flower petals. The inflorescences only seem fluffy because of the long stamens that form a kind of halo above the flower. Balls of inflorescences resemble patterned pompoms or knitted pads.

Hemanthus from mid-summer to the last week of November. When the time comes for the maturation of pollen and nectar, it begins to distribute a specific, bad smell. Hemanthus self-pollinates. Rounded berries 1-2 cm in diameter are tied on the flower arrows. white color. Ripened seeds give life to new plants, although their germination is quickly lost.

Hemanthus is a plant of the Amaryllis family native to Africa. Perennial, propagated by bulbs. It has short dense leaves with a rough surface, resembling a tongue, so its second name is deer tongue, as well as a bloody flower because of its bright red color. Hemanthus blooms small flowers collected in a rather dense umbrella.

The stamens give it an elegant and exotic look, as they stand out above the inflorescences and have a beautiful bright yellow color. Another name for it is elephant ear.

Hemanthus belongs to the bulbous. Discovered by Carl Linnaeus in the 15th century, but for a long time was not recognized as a separate plant species. This recognition did not come until the 17th century, two centuries after its discovery.

Outwardly, hemanthus resembles amaryllis, which is bred by many as a houseplant familiar to us. The main difference between hemanthus and its fellow species - amaryllis and clivia - is the unusualness of the flowers. They are small and collected in umbrellas, and some of their species exude a not very pleasant aroma. The leaves, depending on the type of plant, can be smooth, rough and even have a sticky surface. A photo of the flower is on our website.

To date, 21 representatives of the genus Gemanthus are known. They are all native to the tropics. Any of them can become a houseplant with due work and care. One flower sheds its leaves in winter, the other hemanthus has lush foliage. all year round. The latter are more suitable for artificial cultivation at home. The price of a plant may vary depending on the rarity of the species. The most famous types:

• White-flowered gemanthus. It has the least decorative flowers of all varieties. Nevertheless, they are quite charming, like all other species. This type is most suitable for indoor floriculture. But other types of hemanthus have brighter and more exotic colors: raspberry, orange, red. Because of this, they have great decorative value. Hemanthus white-flowered has dense, rather wide leaves, along the edges of each leaflet there are small hairs. The flowers are white with bright yellow stamens. The inflorescences are very dense, which is why many flowers look like one big one. Flowering period - August-January.
• Hemanthus multiflorum. It has large flowers crimson or red on a long peduncle, which have a coconut smell. They can be cut and used to make decorative bouquets. Blooms in spring.
• Hemanthus Katharina blooms with bright crimson and red large flowers, and this flowering is very plentiful. It grows wild in South Africa.
• Hemanthus Lindena. Its wild representatives are found in the Congo. The flowers are bright red.
• Hemanthus pomegranate. Blooms in summer.
• Hemanthus tiger. It has spotted wide leaves and bright red small flowers.

Keep in mind that for home breeding only such species are suitable - white-flowered and Katarina's gemanthus.

Hemanthus reproduction

Hemanthus propagates by bulbs. They are quite large, green in color. After rooting such a baby bulb, the plant will bloom for 4-5 years of its “independent” life. At the same time, the bulb tends to release arrows to the surface, forming small child bulbs. Also, the flower develops into a seed box, from which a new hemanthus can grow.

Hemanthus begins to bloom in July or August. And in September, the ovary of future seed pods appears, which fully ripen by November-December. Then they can be harvested for further cultivation. But it should be borne in mind that the period of seed germination is very limited. Therefore, it is necessary to sow immediately after collecting the seeds. They are sown on the surface without deepening, it is similar to how a fern reproduces. White-flowered hemanthus can be propagated and leaf cuttings.

Every year, two old leaves fall off the plant and a pair of new ones form in their place. If the leaves have fallen off for some reason ahead of time, then you will have to wait for the necessary period for new ones to grow. Most often, leaves and flowers appear at the same time.

Home care

Our so-called deer tongue is quite easy to care for. The main thing for him is sufficient lighting and moderate air temperature. It does not tolerate excessive soil moisture, this must be monitored, avoiding excessive watering. It is important to provide drainage. Also the necessary conditions care:

• Moderate watering. Moreover, the flower consumes little water in cold weather, and the hemanthus falls asleep for 1-2 months. In summer, it requires abundant soil moisture. At the same time, it is necessary to prevent the accumulation of moisture in the pallets, the water from them must be drained regularly. After draining, keep in mind that the next watering will only need to be done when upper layer the soil will dry out by 1-2 cm. If the drying is short, the hemanthus will easily endure it. He doesn't need sprays. During the dormant period, watering should be limited to 1 time per week.
• When hemanthus is actively growing, he needs fertilizer. Fertilize during the period active growth and flowering is needed once every 2-3 weeks. At the same time, the plant will well perceive both organic and mineral compositions. When the plant is at rest, it does not need to be fertilized.
• Hemanthus transplant. Does not tolerate transplants well. Even a slight injury to the root system can lead to the death of a flower, therefore, before reaching 3-4 years, it is better not to transplant it at all. When they reach "adult" age, they should be transplanted in the spring, before flowering begins. This should be done no more than once every 2-3 years. The pot should be taken, increasing by 1-2 sizes compared to the previous one. The shape of the container should be wide and shallow. Mandatory at the bottom good drainage, it should be selected 2-3 cm larger than the diameter of the bulb. When transplanting, the bulbs are buried to 3/4 of their height. The soil needs light, saturated with air. It is composed of an equal amount of turf, leaf humus, river sand and peat substrate.
• When daughter bulbs appear on the soil surface, separate them not immediately, but after at least one general flowering - this plant looks great in a group form. positive energy gemantus from this only intensifies.
• Lighting. Hemanthus loves abundant light, but if he bears the name of Katarina, then it is better to protect him from direct sunlight. If the species belongs to the evergreen varieties, then a lot of light is not needed, however, a complete shadow is unacceptable.
• Air temperature. Room temperature - optimal solution. On average, it is 18-22 degrees above zero. In winter, when the hemanthus does not bloom, the temperature can be lowered to 12-15 degrees. Keep in mind that if the hemanthus is white-flowered, then it does not have a dormant period, so in this case the temperature does not drop.
• How long is the dormant period of a flower? Usually from October to February. Preparations for it should begin as early as September, gradually limiting the watering of the plant. The leaves begin to curl up and dry out, and they need to be removed regularly. During this period, it is good to keep the gemantus at a temperature of 10-15 degrees in a shaded place. Such care closer to spring will give you beautiful flowers at home.
• The plant does not like drafts, and it is unacceptable for the plant to be exposed to precipitation.
• The indoor type of dust is harmful to the flower, you should regularly wipe the leaves.
• Pruning. Cut off only dried leaves and the remaining peduncle after the flowering period.
• Why doesn't hemanthus bloom? This question is asked by many amateur flower growers. Keep in mind that if the hemanthus does not bloom, the reason may be insufficient watering or lack of a dormant period. And also because of this, the leaves do not grow.

Diseases

Care also implies the destruction of pests on the hemanthus. Although pests rarely infect hemanthus, diseases do too. Amaryllis worms, fungus or stagonospore may appear. He may also be threatened spider mite and shield. What to do in these cases?

Generally, the higher the temperature, the more likely the plant will be damaged. To get rid of pests, it is necessary to wash the leaves with a soapy solution and then wash off the foam along with the insects with a stream of water. Then it is necessary to spray with an insecticidal preparation, preferably Karbofos. The flower growers forum will reveal all the secrets of caring for hemanthus at home.

The spider mite infects the plant, leaving brown spots on its leaves. After that, the leaves dry up and turn yellow. Getting rid of it is quite difficult. Helps processing laundry soap and insecticides.

If the hemanthus is struck by a stagonospore or fungus, the damaged leaves should be removed, and the remaining healthy ones should be treated with insecticides. Then you should provide him with brighter lighting and good watering.

A gray coating on the leaves means that the water is too hard to water the plant.

And in conclusion, I would like to note for those who believe in astrology that, according to astrologers, the cultivation of hemanthus is suitable for Virgos and is categorically contraindicated for Leos.

Hemanthus can often be found on the windowsills of flower growers. But not everyone knows its “official” name, often in everyday life it is called “deer tongue” or “elephant ear”.

Hemanthus - bulbous plant amaryllis family, relative of amaryllis (as you might guess), clivia, eucharis. In translation, the name "gemanthus" means "bloody flower", although there are also species with white flowers - the white-flowered gemantus.

Some types of hemanthus have a winter dormant period, when the plant loses leaves, other types are evergreen. These species for indoor floriculture are more convenient and easy to care for. The most common type of hemanthus with a dormant period in culture is Katarina's hemanthus, the evergreen is white-flowered hemanthus, it is called the "deer tongue" or "elephant's ear".

The appearance of plants depends on the species. At the hemanthus of Katerina, the leaves are elongated, wavy at the edges, located on a high, up to 15 cm long, false stem. The flower grows on an arrow released next to a false stem.

The white-flowered hemanthus has rather dense, wide, oval-shaped leaves, smooth on top, with hairs along the edges.

The flowers are also very different different types. So in Katarina's hemanthus they are red, form large spherical inflorescences on long peduncles, sometimes up to 15-20 cm in diameter. The flowering of this species is abundant.

In white-flowered hemanthus, the inflorescence is denser, the flowers are white with yellow anthers, because of which it looks like it is sprinkled with yellow powder on top. The peduncle is thick and shorter.

Flowering of the plant occurs in July-August. In September, fruits are set, which ripen by November - December, the boxes of ripened seeds acquire a bright red-orange color. These seeds can be collected and used for propagation.

Hemanthus Care

The gemantus plant is rather unpretentious in its care, usually it feels great at home.

Lighting

Likes a lot of light, but requires shading from direct sunlight. Evergreen species are less demanding on light, however, in deep shadow Still, they are not recommended.

Temperature

Hemanthus grows well at room temperature, can endure heat, but optimally for it is 18-22 degrees Celsius. In winter, during the dormant period - 12-15 degrees.

rest period

A few words about the dormant period for those types of hemanthus that have it. The dormant period lasts from October to February. Already in September, they begin to limit the watering of the plant, the leaves of the hemanthus gradually dry out, as they are removed. During the wintering period, the bulbs are kept at a temperature of 12-15 degrees in slightly moist soil and a dark place. In February, the hemanthus is transferred to the light, transplanted into fresh soil or renew the top layer of the earth and resume watering as usual.

Watering

In summer, hemanthus is watered abundantly, the water accumulated in the pan after watering is drained. The next watering is carried out when the soil dries out about 1-2 cm deep. The plant is not afraid of short-term drying. Hemanthus does not need spraying. In the autumn-winter period, watering for evergreen species is reduced, for species that have a dormant period, slightly moisten the ground with the bulb as needed.

top dressing

Fertilizer is applied every 2-3 weeks during the period of active growth and flowering. Both organic and mineral fertilizers are suitable.

Transfer

The transplant is carried out in early spring It is recommended to do this every 2-3 years. Hemanthuses grow well in wide shallow pots, on the bottom of which a layer of drainage is laid. The bulbs are buried half or three-quarters of the height. The soil needs light, breathable. It can be made on the basis of turf, leaf ground, peat and river sand. You can add humus soil to this mixture.

reproduction

Most often, hemanthuses are propagated by baby bulbs, which are separated during transplantation. A plant grown from such a baby begins to bloom for 4-5 years.

You can propagate hemanthus with seeds of your own production. They quickly lose their germination capacity, so they should be sown immediately after ripening. Sowing is carried out on the surface of the soil.

Hemanthus white-flowered is also propagated by leafy cuttings. To do this, cut off the top of the sheet, dry it for several hours, you can process the cut with crushed coal. Then the stalk is rooted in the ground, it quickly sprouts, which separate and grow new plants from them.

Diseases

Diseases and pests rarely affect gemantus. However, amaryllis scale insects can occur on gemanthus, fungal diseases or red burn (staganospore) can occur.

Latin name: Haemanthus

Family: Amaryllis (Amaryllidaceae)

Homeland: South Africa

The history of the origin and distribution of hemanthus

Hemanthus (Haemanthus) still has vernacular name"deer tongue", or "elephant ear". The homeland of this unusual bulbous plant, resembling a dandelion, but with red flowers, is tropical Africa. Here he prefers mountainous slopes and tropical forests.

The genus of this monocot flowering plant isolated from the Amaryllis family. The gemantus flower owes its appearance to the great naturalist, physician and botanist Carl Linnaeus, who described, as if giving him life, back in 1753. The scarlet color of the original unusual flowers of this clan of plants was the prerequisite for such a name. If translated from the Greek language, haemo is blood, and anthos is a flower. This will be the "bloody flower". But this does not mean that all species of this plant have red flowers. Hemanthuses with orange and white flowers look very attractive. A special decorative effect comes from the stamens on which there are droplets of bright yellow anthers, forming an unusual colorful ball.

Close relatives of Hemanthus - amaryllis, clivia and eucharis .

If you are a lover exotic plants, then indoor flower hemanthus will decorate the flower collection with its fluffy tassels on long thick pedicels. But the special attraction of this plant comes from the fleshy and wide leaves with rounded ends, bent outwards. These huge leaves one to one resemble green tongues. During one cycle, the hemanthus grows only two leaves.

Types of hemanthus

Hemanthus Catarina (Haemanthus katharinae)

One of the most original and spectacular in the world indoor plants maybe hemanthus katarina comes from the Natal province of South Africa. Here he decorates rocky hills, mountain slopes, tropical forests.

Unusual, evergreen, highly ornamental, bulbous, abundant flowering plant. The deer tongue flower is its popular name.

The thickened roots of gemanthus are bulbs up to eight centimeters in size. Of these, a fifteen-centimeter false strong stem grows in the upper part of which there are four or five leathery leaves up to 30 cm long. Hemanthus leaves are similar to leaves krinuma. Closer to autumn, a thick peduncle with a spotted base rises above the leaves. Its height can reach up to sixty centimeters. And the capitate bright red inflorescence in its shape resembles a hedgehog with protruding needles. The diameter of this original ball is about 24 cm. It consists of numerous flowers located on five-centimeter pedicels. This beauty pleases the eye for about a month. After that, about 60 pieces of fruits up to 1.5 cm in size are tied, outwardly resembling beads.

Hemanthus white-flowered (Haemanthus albiflos), he is hemanthus white

Prefers the slopes of the rocky mountains of his native South Africa.

Evergreen perennial with a bulbous root. The plant has oblong, dense, oval-shaped dark green leaves. Their sizes reach up to 20 cm long and up to 10 cm wide. The leaves are smooth on top, and their edges are ciliated. A short twenty-centimeter thick peduncle most often appears simultaneously with the leaves. It is decorated with a dense umbrella-shaped inflorescence. Delicate white flowers with yellow anthers resemble a blanket sprinkled with yellow powder.

Hemanthus white-flowered care at home - does not require much hassle. A little love, attention and fulfillment at all simple rules content and hemanthus white-flowered will feel comfortable.

Hemanthus pomegranate (Haemanthus puniceus)

This type of hemanthus is no exception with its origin and is most often found in the rubble areas of South Africa.

The bulbous evergreen hemanthus flower flaunts its light green, slightly wavy leaves that taper into a short petiole. A dense umbrella-shaped inflorescence, collected from two dozen yellowish-red flowers, pleases the eye every year in the summer.

Hemanthus scarlet (Haemanthus coccineus)

The rocky slopes of South Africa consider the evergreen bulbous gemanthus to be its homeland.

In hemanthus scharlakhovy, the paired number of leaves grows in winter time after the flowering period. They reach large sizes about 50 cm long and up to 20 cm wide. Beautiful tongue-shaped leaves, narrowed at the base, green. The edges are reddish.

On a peduncle 25 cm high there is a round, dense umbellate inflorescence up to eight centimeters in diameter. It is collected from bright red three-centimeter flowers with linear petals and red stamens. The flowering of hemanthus scarlet can be admired, unfortunately, not every year.

Hemanthus cinnabar (Haemanthus cinnabarinus)

In the highlands of Cameroon, you can find an unusual evergreen hemanthus cinnabar. It pleases with its flowering in April.

The root is a round bulb up to three centimeters in diameter. There is a pair of leathery oblong, oval leaves measuring around 25 cm. Simultaneously with the leaves, a green rounded peduncle appears. Its height reaches 30 cm. And it adorns its inflorescence in the form of an umbrella with a diameter of up to 10 cm. About forty cinnabar-red flowers with lanceolate petals bent outwards flaunt on three-centimeter pedicels.

Hemanthus home care

Flower hemanthus care at home for him is really easy. It's quite gentle and beautiful plant feels great and fits the regular room conditions. The main indicator that must be observed strictly is bright diffused light, especially during the growing season. Not a bad option would be to place the hemanthus on the windowsills from the west or east. And the lack of lighting will necessarily negatively affect the flowering of the plant.

Temperature regime

For successful growth and abundant flowering, a warm room with a normal room temperature of 18-22 degrees Celsius will absolutely suit the hemanthus. And on warm summer days, the gemantus will breathe with pleasure fresh air excluding drafts and precipitation. In the autumn-winter period, hemanthus does not bloom and is in a state of relative dormancy. AT given time He has a sufficient temperature in the range of 12-15 degrees Celsius. It is advisable not to use sudden changes in temperature, for a plant this jump will be very dangerous.

Humidity and watering

Hemanthus is not particularly demanding on air humidity and spraying is not necessary for it. And yet he will not mind if his leaves are wiped with a damp sponge.

Abundant watering with soft water room temperature in the summer months, hemanthus will be very preferable, but it is still necessary to control the condition of the soil. Top part its up to 1-2 cm deep should be slightly dried up. Since the beginning autumn period watering is reduced, and in winter it is even more limited.

Transfer

To have a beautifully and profusely flowering hemanthus, it must be transplanted in early spring once every 2-3 years. A wide pot with a hole is preferred for the plant. At the bottom, good drainage is required. When transplanting, be careful to avoid damage to the roots. This during the growth period, you can exclude unnecessary diseases. When planting, the hemanthus bulb must be buried only half in the ground.

When transplanting, use fertile soil. The mixture should contain one part of sod, humus, sheet and sand.

Fertilizer

Once a month during the growing season, it is advisable to feed the plant with a liquid diluted fertilizer.

Hemanthus reproduction

Hemanthus can be propagated using baby bulbs and seeds. harvested seeds do not store for a long time, but are sown immediately. Bulbs - children are separated during transplantation and transplanted to a permanent place. You can also plant the plant with leaf cuttings. The cut of the sheet is sprinkled charcoal and planted in a substrate of peat and sand. Periodically spray and air the seedling. Within three years, with good care, the young hemanthus blooms.

Diseases and pests of hemanthus

The main enemies of hemanthus can be aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. When pests appear, it is necessary to immediately wash the plant with soap, and then clean water. Then fight with insecticides.

Growing problems

The leaves of the gemantus have turned pale, and the false stem is stretching out - there is not enough lighting.

Why doesn't hemanthus bloom? There may also be a very small bulb and for it a very large pot with a large volume of soil.

A light coating appeared on the leaves - perhaps the flower was watered with hard water.

Hemanthus care is relatively modest. If all care activities are organized without violating the above recommendations, the beautiful gemantus plant will thank for love and attention with luxurious inflorescences and beautiful decorative leaves.