Vallota

Family. Amaryllidaceae.

Homeland of the plant. South Africa.

Description.  Vallota or cirtanthus is a bulbous flowering perennial plant. Among the cultivated varieties there are species with bright red, orange, yellow, sometimes pink or white large funnel-shaped flowers with a diameter of 8 - 10 cm. 

Vallota flowering. Flowers appear in summer on tall, leafless peduncles up to 60 cm in height, 3 to 8 pieces each. The leaves are belt-shaped, with parallel veins, dark green, often with a deep shade at the base, 1 - 2.5 cm wide and 30 - 45 cm long. At the base, the leaves often have a burgundy tint. The bulbs are oblong, about 3.5 cm in diameter, covered with brown scales. These plants are closely related to hippeastrum.

Height. Flower stalks reach a height of 50 - 100 cm.

Vallota - care at home

When it blooms 

Flowering time is  July – October. 

Soil 

Light, porous and well-drained substrate with sufficient organic nutrients. The main requirement of the plant is to have a good drainage layer at the bottom of the pot.

How to care

A relatively easy to grow species that requires sufficient light for abundant flowering. During the dormant period, remove dead flowers and leaves. Long leaves should be wiped with a damp sponge from time to time to remove dust. In warmer months, try to take the pot outside, taking care to protect it from the sun and strong wind.

Transplant 

In spring, the bulbs are planted in pots so that the upper part - about 1/4 of the height of the bulb - is visible from the ground. Adult specimens are replanted approximately every 3 years to change the soil; vallota does not like frequent replanting. Damaged and diseased roots are cut off with a sharp sterile instrument. Keeping them tightly spaced promotes abundant flowering.

Reproduction

Propagated by daughter bulbs or seeds. Daughter bulbs appear near the mother bulb, almost on the soil surface. When replanting, they are separated and planted in nutritious soil, in small pots with a diameter of about 8 cm. Young seedlings are replanted every year until they reach the size of adult specimens. Bushes obtained from baby bulbs bloom no earlier than after 2 years. Vallotas obtained from bulbs will bloom in about 2 years. Seeds are sown in the fall, immediately after ripening. Crops are covered with transparent plastic to maintain the necessary humidity. Condensation appearing on the lid should be periodically removed. At a temperature of 13 - 18 ° C, germination occurs after 2 weeks. Specimens obtained from seeds will bloom only after 3 - 4 years.

Watering 

During the growth period, water moderately and do not allow water to stagnate in the tray or at the roots. The top layer of soil should dry out between waterings to a depth of 1 - 3 cm. During the dormant period, keep the flower in almost dry soil. In the spring, as new growth appears, gradually increase watering. After flowering, reduce watering and let the plant rest in winter. Use soft, cool water for watering.

Temperature

Normal room temperature is ideal for this species in spring and summer when the vallota is actively growing. In winter, allow a period of rest at a cooler temperature of 10-13°C.

Lighting

In summer, place the pot in a sunny and warm place, and in winter - in a bright place. Direct sunlight is allowed only in the morning or evening hours. The most preferable for keeping are eastern windows.

Fertilizer 

During the growing season, fertilize weekly with a high-potassium fertilizer. After flowering, the bush no longer requires large amounts of nutrients - allow a period of rest, stopping fertilizing until new growth begins in the spring.

Spraying 

There are no special requirements; periodic spraying will prevent the appearance of pests such as spider mites. Spraying should be done in the morning so that before dusk the moisture has time to evaporate from the surface of the leaves. Droplets getting on flowers spoils their appearance.

Pests and diseases of vallota

Specks or yellowing of the leaves indicate unsuitable maintenance. If the vallota does not bloom, move it to a more illuminated place. Bulbs are prone to rotting if the watering regime is incorrect, especially in autumn and winter. Flowering may not occur if there is insufficient lighting or a large number of daughter bulbs on the plant - after all, they feed from the mother bulb. 

Among insect pests, the plant can be attacked by aphids, spider mites and scale insects, and mealybugs.

Purpose

The flowering time – autumn – gives this plant special value. Excellent cut flowers. 

Note

The bush is very poisonous and should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.

Hydroponics

Grows well in hydroponics.