Bomarea

Family. Alstroemeriaceae.

Origin. South America.

Description. The Bomarea genus includes 100 - 120 species of climbing and ground cover plants with thin, pale green, elongated and pointed leaves 7 - 15 cm long, often pubescent. Beautiful flowers, 4 - 5 cm long, of a wide variety of shades, often with black spots on the petals, are collected in dense hanging inflorescences - clusters on the tops of growing shoots. Each umbel may consist of 30 to 45 funnel-shaped flowers with three outer and three inner petals, sometimes in contrasting colors. The fruit bursts when ripe and releases bright orange or red fleshy seeds.

Height.  Up to 2 m.

Bomarea - planting and care

Temperature conditions

Bomarea likes moderately cool conditions, it is advisable that the temperature does not rise above 18 ° C, even in summer. 

Lighting

Bright, but with shading from direct sunlight. 

Care

The plant quickly entwines the support.

Substrate

Well drained and rich in organic matter, with perlite or coarse sand.

Feeding

During the period of active growth, once a month with fertilizers in half the dosage.

Flowering time

Summer. 

Air humidity

Quite high - about 50 percent, it is necessary to spray the plant periodically.

Soil moisture

Water abundantly during the growth period, slightly reduce their frequency in winter. Does not tolerate stagnation of water at the roots.

Transplant

In spring, annually. 

Reproduction

By dividing adult plants, although this greatly weakens the mother plant. Make sure the cuttings have multiple growing points and at least one tuber. Maintain even moisture when planting the babies in well-drained soil. Germination takes about 3 months. The seedlings will remain small for many years in small pots, but once the young plants are transplanted to a larger pot, they begin to grow rapidly and flower within 2-3 years.

Pests and diseases

Among the harmful insects, plants can be attacked by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.