| Description: |
Usually less than a foot (30cm) tall. Leaves grey-green. The flowers open wide as they age. |
| Environment: |
Suitable only for a greenhouse |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in full sunlight coming from the South/West |
| Planting Depth: |
Plant the 'bulb' so it is covered by more than twice the height of the bulb. |
| Soil Type: |
A GOOD general purpose potting soil (a soil that retains water yet drains well) will suffice. Check purchased soil to see that it is well aerated and add sand or perlite and peat moss if it seems to pack too tightly. Give the plants a chance to settle in before going back to whatever fertilization program has been successful for you. If you want to mix your own take:
1 part garden soil, 1 part coarse sand or perlite, 1 part moist peat or humus (leaf mold) and a light dusting of lime.
Always use a pot with a hole.
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| Watering: |
Keep the soil evenly moist and reduce water during the winter or dormant season. If you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to mealy bugs (rarely) Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Offsets
in the spring.
After dividing offsets, pot in the plant's regular potting mix.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
The bulb should be kept in a dark room or closet until the tips appear and then gradually brought into the light. When the plant is maturing it will enjoy plenty of sun. The best time to plant these bulbs is normally in September, late August is better for Christmas flowering. Avoid over-watering and mist occasionally with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining). After flowering stop watering and store in a cold place. Repot every year.
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| Toxicity: |
Species of this Genus can be harmful to pets. |