Tulbaghia
Family. Amaryllidaceae.
Origin. South Africa.
Description. The genus Tulbaghia consists of approximately 20 species of perennial bulbous plants. The leaves are green or silvery, linear, narrow, about 30 cm long, and when damaged they emit the smell of garlic. Leafless, hard peduncles up to 30 cm high bear an inflorescence at the top - an umbrella of many small flowers. The flowers are lilac, pink, less often white, with a long flower tube and 6 narrow petals. Some varieties have a not very pleasant smell during flowering.
Height. Grows quickly, but does not exceed 50 cm in height.
Care at home
Temperature conditions
In spring and summer, the usual room temperature; in the fall, the plants are put into a dormant state and taken out to a cool room with a temperature of 7 - 10 ° C.
Lighting
A location with lots of reflected sunlight.
Care
If possible, take the pot outside during warmer months. Trim spent flower stems as close to the base as possible.
Substrate
Tulbaghia grows well in almost any soil, but prefers substrates rich in organic matter that allow moisture and air to pass through easily.
Feeding
As new growth begins, fertilize with liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. After flowering, fertilizing is stopped until spring.
Flowering time
From the second half of summer until frost. With proper care, re-blooming may occur within a year.
Air humidity
Place the flower in a ventilated room with a constant flow of fresh air.
Soil moisture
When growth begins, watering should be abundant. Let the soil dry out to a depth of about 1 cm between waterings. When flowering begins, you can take a short break and stop watering. After flowering, reduce the frequency of watering, and in winter, keep the bush in almost dry soil. Adult specimens tolerate drought well.
Transplant
Every 2 - 3 years, plant tulbaghia in fresh soil, changing the size of the pot if necessary.
Reproduction
In spring, the seeds are sown in a nutritious and loose substrate. Plants bloom for the first time within 2 - 3 years. By division during transplantation.
Pests and diseases
Root rot occurs in the presence of excess moisture in the autumn-winter period. Leaf spotting. Fungal diseases make themselves felt when there is insufficient air circulation. Of the harmful insects, the main danger is whitefly and aphids.
Note
Tulbaghia flowers and leaves are used fresh for preparing all kinds of dishes.