Sprekelia

Family. Amaryllidaceae.

Origin: Guatemala, Mexico. 

Description. Sprekelia is a monotypic genus consisting of only one species, which is a perennial bulbous herbaceous plant. The leaves are long, linear, green, basal, up to 50 cm long. Peduncles are tall, leafless, with one flower at the top. Flowers are red, rarely white, with 6 gracefully curved petals, about 10–13 cm in diameter.

Height: Grows quickly, does not exceed 50 cm.

Planting and care

Temperature conditions

During the growth period, the content should be moderately warm, at a temperature of 16 to 24 degrees Celsius. In winter, the plant enters a period of rest, at which time it should be moved to a cool, light room with a temperature of 7 - 12 degrees Celsius.

Lighting

Leaves can receive 3-4 hours of direct sunlight per day - morning and evening. It is better to protect from daytime heat during daylight hours in summer. Provide maximum light in autumn. In winter months, the leaves die off and lighting plays no role.

Care

Representatives of the species are quite unpretentious and do not require much effort in care. Sprekelia can be taken outside during the warm season, where it will receive enough light and air movement. Dying leaves should be left on the plant, as they continue to feed the bulbs.

Substrate

In nutritious soil with good drainage and acidic pH in the range of 5.6 - 6.5, sprekelia feels great.

Feeding

Fertilizing is carried out every two weeks with standard liquid fertilizers at half concentration in spring and summer.

Purpose

Flowers retain their freshness for a long time when cut. 

Flowering time

Spring.

Air humidity

Sprekelia tolerates the dry air of heated living spaces well, but to prevent pest infestations, it is better to spray the plant's leaves periodically.

Soil moisture

Water generously during the active growth period from spring to autumn, but allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings. After flowering, reduce the frequency of watering and during the winter months, the bulbs should be in practically dry soil. 

Transplantation

When grown indoors, the pot should be somewhat cramped, as a large pot has excess soil that can retain and absorb moisture, which will lead to root rot. Bulbs are planted in the spring, barely covered with soil, several pieces per pot.

Reproduction

The easiest way to propagate is by daughter bulbs that form next to the mother bulb.

Pests and diseases

Bulbous plants tend to rot when overwatered.

Among harmful insects, the flower may be bothered by mealybugs, spider mites, thrips, scale insects, and aphids.