Tritonia

Family. Iridaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Tritonia is a perennial bulbous plant. The bulbs are flattened, up to 4 cm in diameter. The leaves are hard, belt-shaped, basal, green, up to 40 cm long, with longitudinal venation. The peduncles are tall, leafless, vertical, bearing several large and bright flowers with a diameter of up to 5 cm. Shades of flowers vary from white to red, orange, yellow and pink. There are double varieties, the flowers of which have many petals.

Height. 15 - 60 cm, depending on the type.

Planting and care

Temperature conditions

At the beginning of growth, it is desirable that the room temperature be within 6 - 8 ° C, during the flowering period - 16 - 20 ° C. During the dormant period, the bulbs are placed in a cool place with a temperature of 5 - 7 ° C.

Lighting

After new growth begins, place the flower in a well-lit place with direct sunlight in the morning and evening hours. Shade the leaves on hot summer days. It grows well in partial shade, but in such conditions flowering will be less abundant.

Care

Fading buds should be removed to prolong the flowering period. After fading, the flower stalks are cut off at the base.

Substrate

Tolerates a wide range of soils, but prefers well-drained soil, preferably with a slightly acidic pH. Tritonia tolerates fairly poor substrates, but still prefers a nutritious substrate. Add plenty of perlite or coarse river sand to the soil to improve drainage.

Feeding

Feed during the growing season every two weeks with fertilizers high in potassium.

Purpose

Tritonia flowers do not lose their attractiveness for a long time when cut. 

Flowering time

Blooms in mid-summer.

Air humidity

It tolerates dry air in heated rooms well, but to prevent the appearance of pests it is better to spray during the growth period. During flowering, droplets of water should not fall on the buds and flowers. 

Soil moisture

Water sparingly after planting and before new growth begins. During the growing season, keep the soil evenly moist, but do not allow it to become waterlogged. During the dormant period, watering is reduced to a minimum, keeping the soil barely moist. 

Transfer

The bulbs are planted in February - March in fresh soil to a depth of 2 cm. Tritonia blooms better in slightly cramped conditions. 

Reproduction

Daughter bulbs that form around the mother bulb. Fresh seeds are sown in the spring, they germinate within 1 month, plants obtained from seeds bloom at the age of 2 years. 

Pests and diseases

Rotting due to waterlogging and stagnation of water, especially in the cold season.

Among the pests, flowers can be attacked by whiteflies, spider mites, aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs.