Bulbine

Family. Liliaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Bulbine is a bulbous evergreen upright growing perennial with light green or gray-green narrow-lanceolate fleshy rounded or semi-cylindrical leaves similar to onions. Stem up to 40 cm long. The flowers are fragrant yellow or orange, star-shaped, up to 2 cm in diameter, appear on vertical, leafless, long peduncles and open sequentially from bottom to top, appearing from late spring to autumn. Each flower has 6 petals and stamen filaments densely covered with long hairs. Some species are annual.

Height. About 30 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

During the period of active growth, normal room temperature is suitable; during the winter dormant period, it should be lowered to 12 - 15 ° C. 

Lighting

A well-lit place without direct sunlight.

Care

Caring for bulbine is minimal and does not require much effort. Great for beginners. Remove old flower stalks in a timely manner to prolong the flowering period. 

Substrate

Adapts well to many types of soil and is drought-resistant.

Feeding

Fertilizers are moderate and only during the growing season, once a month. Bulbous plants accumulate nutrients in tubers and use them as needed.

Flowering time

Plants planted in a sunny and warm place will develop quickly and bloom for quite a long time at almost any time of the year.

Air humidity

No special requirements. 

Soil moisture

Watering is moderate (every 3 days in summer, less often in winter). Bulbs can rot with excess moisture and insufficient drainage. With insufficient moisture, the leaves droop.

Transplant

Bulbine is replanted every spring into fresh soil.

Reproduction

By dividing adult plants or by seeds. 

Pests and diseases

Usually does not have any serious problems with insects or diseases.

Among the pests, the flower can be attacked by mealybugs.