Ixia

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Ixia (lat. Ixia) - flower culture; a small genus of herbaceous perennials of the Iris family. The genus includes from 40 to 60 species, of which less than a dozen have won the recognition of gardeners and florists. The homeland of the representatives of the genus is considered to be South Africa. In the same place, the culture is found in natural conditions.

Characteristics of culture

Ixia is represented by perennial corms not exceeding 45 cm in height. However, in nature, specimens 50-60 cm high can be captured. The foliage of most species is long, xiphoid or belt-like, green in color. The stems are quite fragile, thin, react negatively to squally winds, often break, fall to the ground.

The flowers are small, up to 5 cm in diameter, six-petaled, fragrant, depending on the species, they can have a wide variety of colors. In the central part, the petals of the flowers have a more saturated shade than along the edge. Flowering is observed at the end of May - the second decade of June. It should be noted that at night, as well as cloudy weather, the flowers close.

Common types

• Ixia hybrid (lat. Ixia x hybrida) - a group that unites many varieties, which are represented by perennial plants up to 40 cm high. They are characterized by narrow foliage located in two rows. The flowers look like funnels. They are endowed with a narrowed tube and a rich red (less often brownish) central part. Flowers, in turn, are collected in spike-shaped inflorescences, sometimes in a brush. Flowering is short, lasts no more than 20 days.

Ixia hybrid varieties differ in flower color. Most often, they go on sale in the form of harmonious mixtures. Among the varieties, the Holands Glory variety has won particular popularity. It has stems up to 45 cm high, crowned with yellow flowers. The Blue Bird variety is no less interesting. It boasts large inflorescences consisting of 10-20 white flowers. The Castor variety is also endowed with high decorative properties. Rich red flowers are characteristic of it.

• Ixia spotted (lat. Ixia maculata) - the species is represented by plants up to 40 cm in height with a leafy stem and lanceolate leaves collected in a basal rosette. The flowers are wide, do not exceed 3-4 cm in diameter, have a dark center.

• Chinese Ixia (lat. Ixia chinensis) - the species is represented by rather tall plants bearing wide xiphoid foliage, reaching a length of 30-50 cm. Flowers are medium-sized, up to 4-7 cm in diameter, can be brown-red or yellow in color with a dark center.

Growing features

Representatives of the Ixia genus are warm and light-loving plants, therefore it is recommended to plant them in well-lit and heated areas. Lowlands with stagnant cold air are not suitable, just like areas that are flooded during rains. The culture prefers soils that are moderately moist, nutritious, light. On saline, waterlogged, heavy and strongly acidic plants, they feel defective, they are often exposed to the invasion of pests and damage by fungal diseases.

It is recommended to plant the corms of the culture in the fall, preferably in the first or second decade of November, depending on the region. If you plant too early, the corms will start growing, and with the onset of cold weather they will freeze. It is worth noting that the site for planting Ixia needs preliminary preparation. The soil is thoroughly digged. At the same time, mineral and organic fertilizers are applied. The latter must be rotten. It is highly undesirable to make fresh manure. If the soil is heavy, dilute it with coarse-grained river sand.

The planting depth of corms is 7-9 cm. Before planting, they are treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or any other safe disinfectant. Landings must be insulated with natural material, for example, sawdust or dry fallen leaves. With the onset of heat, the insulating material is removed, otherwise podoprevanie cannot be avoided. In cold regions, planting is best done with the arrival of warmth. Corms, in turn, can be stored in the basement or cellar by digging into the soil.

Care

Crop care consists of standard procedures. Particular attention should be paid to watering. They should be regular and fairly abundant. Waterlogging is recommended to be avoided. Spraying in hot weather is encouraged. Top dressing is an important condition for active growth and flowering. They should be done once a month. As a top dressing, it is preferable to use special complex mineral fertilizers developed for exotic plants.