Hymenocallis

Family. Amaryllidaceae.

Origin. Central America and Southern Mexico.

Description. The genus Hymenocallis includes about 40 species of bulbous perennial plants. In spring, summer or winter, inflorescences appear on the tops of the stems - umbrellas with fragrant and unusual elegant flowers up to 17 cm in diameter, consisting of 6 narrow and long petals emerging from a round bowl. Each umbrella can contain up to 8 flowers. The leaves are green, belt-shaped, up to 60 cm long, collected in a basal rosette.

Height. 90 cm.

Home care

Growing 

For abundant and long-lasting flowering, a period of rest is necessary. During this time, reduce the frequency of watering and stop fertilizing, move the plant to partial shade. Sometimes during the period of rest, representatives of the species shed their leaves.

When does bloom? 

It can bloom at any time of the year, but usually in summer.

Transplant 

In spring, when new growth appears, and only when the pot becomes too tight. Adult specimens are replanted every 4 years. Sometimes the bush signals that the pot is too tight by simply breaking the one it is in. When replanting, do not bury the bulb in the ground and reduce watering a little after replanting.

Reproduction

Freshly collected seeds are sown in spring at a temperature of 19 - 24 ° C. Adult specimens produce daughter bulbs. In the first month after planting, water moderately - the bulbs contain a sufficient supply of moisture to form the first leaves. Plants obtained from daughter bulbs bloom at the age of 2 - 4 years, and from seeds - only after 5 - 6 years.

Soil 

Loose, nutritious and well drained. Add 1 part coarse sand to 3 parts soil to improve drainage. The soil pH should be between 5.0 and 7.5.

Diseases and pests

If your hymenocallis does not bloom, give it a period of rest. It also blooms reluctantly when there is a lack of moisture or too much shade. If overwatered, the bulb may rot.

Among the insect pests, the flower can be attacked by mealybugs, scale insects, and narcissus flies.

Growing conditions - temperature

During the growing season, the temperature should be between 21 and 29 °C. During the dormant period, keep it cool at 16 °C. If the flower is kept outdoors during the warm season, it should be moved indoors before night temperatures drop below 13 °C.

Watering

Water deeply during the growing season, keeping the soil evenly moist. Reduce watering in winter just enough to prevent the soil from drying out completely. 

Lighting

A brightly lit place without direct sunlight.

Fertilizer

Every 2 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. 

Spraying

This plant is content with dry air as long as the soil is well moistened. It is worth spraying periodically to prevent the appearance of pests.  

Varieties:

Hymenocallis caribaea

A bulbous perennial plant with glossy, green, basal, belt-shaped leaves up to 80 cm long. During the warm season, the plant produces vertical, leafless flower stalks, each of which can bear up to 12 attractive white flowers at the top. The flower petals are white, gracefully curved, narrow, up to 10 cm long.

There are variegated or variegated hymenocallis with longitudinal white stripes on the leaf blades. 

Hymenocallis speciosa

A perennial flowering bulbous plant with dark green, glossy, entire, basal leaves up to 50 cm long. Peduncles are erect, up to 55 cm high. Large inflorescences are formed at the tops of the peduncles - umbrellas, sometimes containing up to 20 flowers each.