Ipheion

Family. Liliaceae.

Origin. Argentina, Uruguay.

Description. Ipheion is a small genus of herbaceous bulbous plants. The leaves are long, thin, belt-shaped, and emit a garlicky odor when crushed. Peduncles up to 20 cm high. Each bears only one, less often 2, flowers, but each plant has many peduncles forming a continuous carpet. The flowers are very attractive, delicate, up to 5 cm in diameter, star-shaped, pale blue, dark blue, pink, purple or white, with 6 petals and a mild spicy aroma.

Height. 15 - 20 cm.

Planting and care

Composition of soil for a flower 

Well-drained soil, the plant adapts well to most types of soil. 

Growing

These plants require minimal attention and care, but are very attractive and compact. Remove flower stalks with faded buds to prolong flowering time, trim off faded leaves in late summer.

Temperature conditions

Ipheion during the growing season requires warm maintenance at a temperature of 18 - 22 ° C. It is advisable to place flowering plants in a cooler place with a temperature of about 13 ° C to prolong the flowering period. During the rest period, it is advisable to lower the temperature to 5 - 10 ° C. 

Reproduction

Ipheion spreads quickly by daughter bulbs or even by self-sowing.

Lighting

Well-lit location with access to direct sunlight in the morning and evening hours.

Feeding

Feed ipheion every two weeks with balanced fertilizers during the growing season. In winter, stop feeding until new growth begins. It responds to fertilizing with abundant flowering.

Purpose

A fairly undemanding bulbous plant, one of the easiest to cultivate.

Flowering time

April. 

Air humidity

There is no need for spraying, but sufficiently high humidity will prevent the spread of harmful insects. Ipheion prefers well-ventilated areas. 

Watering

Water ipheion sparingly during active growth, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Keep it almost completely dry in winter, and resume watering only when new growth begins. The flower is not demanding about water quality.

Transfer

It is advisable to replant only when the plant becomes cramped in the pot - once every 2 - 3 years. Several bulbs are placed in one pot at a distance of about 2.5 cm from each other to a depth of about 5 cm. 

Pests and diseases

The tips of Ipheion leaves turn yellow when overwatered, and the plant may rot. 

Insects may include aphids, spider mites, scale insects and mealybugs.