Doryanthes

Family. Doryanthaceae.

Origin. Eastern Australia.

Description. Doryanthes is a large herbaceous perennial plant that forms a basal rosette of curved, sword-shaped, hard leaves, each of which can reach 2.5 m in length. The flowers are large - up to 10 cm in diameter, collected in inflorescences - panicles at the top of peduncles reaching a height of 6 m. The buds are usually colored in red, less often white shades.

Height. It grows quite slowly, but has an impressive size - up to 6 m in height.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Moderately warm content in spring, summer and autumn at a temperature of 16 - 24 ° C. Temperature during the resting period - at least 10 ° C. 

Lighting

It is advisable to provide a well-lit place. Doryanthes will grow in partial shade or partial shade, but flowering cannot be expected in such conditions.

Care

Remove old withered leaves and flower stalks.

Substrate

The bush prefers well-drained, moist soil. A suitable soil consists of equal parts of garden soil and leaf mold, with enough coarse river sand to improve drainage.

Feeding

During the period of active growth every 2 weeks. 

Purpose

Although this species does not require special care, it is rarely kept at home due to its impressive size. It is suitable for large rockeries and winter gardens.

Flowering time

It rarely blooms in cultivation, in spring.

Air humidity

Does not require spraying. 

Soil moisture

Doryanthes is a xerophytic plant, meaning it is adapted to dry conditions and does not require much moisture. The bush should be watered regularly during the period of active growth, and a barely noticeable soil moisture should be maintained in the autumn and winter.

Transfer

In the spring. For large adult plants, replace the top layer of soil with fresh one. 

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds sown in spring. This is a long process - it takes about 10 years for the first buds to form. Propagation is possible by dividing adult specimens and small daughter shoots.