Watsonia

Family. Iridaceae. 

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Watsonia is a delicate flowering perennial bulbous plant with glossy sword-shaped leaves up to 45 cm long and 20 - 40 mm. width. The leaves emerge from rounded corms with a diameter of 30 - 40 mm. Tall flower stalks rise above the foliage and bear several orange, red, pink, coral, white or yellow large tubular flowers. The flowering period lasts 1 - 1.5 months, after which the plant enters a dormant period.

Height. 30 - 70 cm.

Planting and care

Temperature conditions

Normal room temperature, does not tolerate frost.

Lighting

Loves bright light, but without direct sunlight. 

Care

An easy plant to cultivate. Remove the flower stalks after flowering, leaving the green leaves to feed the plant. Old plants bloom less profusely, so divide the bulbs every 3 to 5 years into several parts to rejuvenate the watsonia.

Substrate

Light and well-drained, peat-based with a neutral or slightly acidic pH.

Feeding

From early spring until the end of the growing season, 2 times a month. 

Purpose

The shoots can be used for cutting and flower arrangements.

Flowering time

June July. 

Air humidity

Spray periodically to prevent pests such as spider mites.

Soil moisture

During the period of active growth, maintain uniform humidity, but do not allow water to stagnate at the roots and in the pan. During the dormant period, keep it almost completely dry. 

Transfer

Plant watsonia in the fall in nutrient soil to a depth of about 10 - 12 cm. Several bulbs per pot, cover them with soil and lightly compact it.

Reproduction

Remove the adult plant from the pot and divide the bulbs into several parts, each of which should have healthy roots. Seeds and young bulbs. Watsonia seeds germinate easily and often form self-seeding.

Pests and diseases

Watsonia bulbs may rot in poorly drained soil. Provide adequate drainage in the pot.