Ledebouria

Family. Liliaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Ledebouria is a small, evergreen, bulbous, herbaceous plant with showy foliage. The bulbs are drop-shaped, green or purple, covered with large scales, their diameter is 2 - 4 centimeters. The leaves are lanceolate or belt-shaped, 10 - 15 centimeters long, green or light silver in color with various spots, located on short petioles, almost sessile. The leaf blades on the underside are often colored red or purple.

Tall peduncles bear an inflorescence - a spike, which contains up to 20 flowers. Variegated varieties are distinguished by inconspicuous flowers, which can be removed so that the plants do not waste their energy on flowering. Varieties with green leaves have quite attractive flowers - pink, lilac, green, bell-shaped, about 1 centimeter in diameter.

Height. Does not exceed 15 centimeters in height.

Care at home

Temperature for indoor plants

During the growing season, plants feel good at normal room temperature. In winter they need a period of rest and during this time they are placed in a cool room with a temperature of 10 to 15 ° C. 

Transplantation

As they develop, large, dense bushes overflow the pot, so the flower needs to be replanted every two to three years. The bulbs are planted so that they protrude halfway from the ground. After replanting, watering is stopped for about 7-10 days.

Lighting

Provide the ledebouria with a brightly lit location with direct sunlight for three to four hours each day. Shading can only be done on summer days. In autumn and winter, provide maximum light.

Soil

Adapts well to most soil types. A moisture- and breathable soil with a high organic content and the addition of coarse river sand or perlite is required to improve drainage. 

How to care

Ledebouria does not require a lot of time and labor, is very unpretentious and always looks attractive, even if it does not bloom. Plants can spend the entire summer outdoors, for example on a sunny terrace, protected from wind and rain. Wipe plant leaves with a damp sponge to remove dust. 

Flowering time

March, April. 

Feeding

During the period of active growth, feed with liquid fertilizers once a month.

Air humidity

Plants do not need frequent spraying; it is only necessary to prevent pest invasion.

Soil moisture

Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry out before each subsequent watering. In winter, watering is practically stopped, just trying not to dry out the earthen ball. 

Reproduction

Ledebouria forms many daughter bulbs, which are separated in the spring, after flowering. It can also be propagated by fresh seeds. 

Pests and diseases

Bulbs buried in the ground may rot. If there is not enough light, the bush becomes elongated and the color of the leaves fades. The tips of the leaves may become dry if there is not enough nutrients.

Pests sometimes include mealybugs, aphids, scale insects, spider mites, and sciarids.

Note

All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the bulbs, keep away from children and pets. Ledebourias often lose their attractive appearance with age and bare the lower part of the stems - such specimens should be replaced with new ones.