2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Ixia spotted (lat. Ixia maculata) - a representative of the small genus Ixia of the Iris family. In nature, the plant is distributed mainly in South Africa. A distinctive feature of Ixia spotted and other representatives of the genus under consideration is the release of sticky juice. By the way, it is for this reason that the plant received such a name, because in Russian "Ixia" is translated as "bird glue".
Characteristics of culture
Ixia spotted is represented by perennial (in culture - annual) plants, which are endowed with an erect stem of no more than 0.5 m, crowned with a basal, narrow, fleshy, very juicy lanceolate foliage. The flowers, in turn, are bright, attractive, large (up to 5 cm in diameter), spotted (which justifies its name), collected in spike-shaped inflorescences. It is important to note that inflorescences show their beauty only during daytime hours and sunny weather. Flowers are closed at night and cloudy days.
In Russia, Ixia spotted is not widespread, it is often called exotic. As a rule, gardeners use on their plots an artificially obtained "relative" - Ixia hybrid, which boasts an abundance of varieties. However, Ixia spotted representatives of this group are in no way inferior in decorative properties, except perhaps more demanding on growing conditions. She is sun-loving and does not belong to the category of frost-resistant crops, which causes some difficulties in cultivation in the Urals or Siberia.
Growing features
The timing of planting Ixia spotted depends purely on the climatic conditions of the region. For example, in warm regions, planting is carried out in the third decade of April - the first decade of May. It is worth noting that even a minimal minus can destroy young plants. It is preferable to plant the plant in well-lit areas, protected from cold northerly winds.
Lowlands with stagnant cold air, as well as areas where precipitation accumulates in spring or throughout the garden period, are not suitable. In such places, ixia will feel defective, frequent illnesses, pest damage and, naturally, the absence of flowering are possible.
Soils, in turn, are desirable loose, nutritious, moderately moist, with a neutral pH reaction. You should not try to cultivate Ischia spotted on saline, waterlogged, heavy clayey, poor and, moreover, waterlogged soils. Diseases and pests in this case are provided, what can we say about the abundance of flowering and growth activity.
It is important to remember that the growth of a culture is largely dependent on the material. Ixia bulbs should be firm and resilient. If they are soft, dry or with signs of mold, they should be eliminated, they simply will not rise. The bulbs are planted in pre-prepared and, most importantly, fertilized holes. The planting depth is no higher than 8 cm, which depends entirely on the size of the bulb. The larger the bulb, the deeper it should be planted.
The distance between plantings is an equally important aspect. It is optimal to maintain a distance of 10-15 cm. And, of course, to provide good care: watering, weeding, feeding and light loosening. Many gardeners also recommend mulching plantings with natural material. A layer of mulch will protect the plants from rapid drying out and the appearance of weeds, which means that it will significantly reduce the time for carrying out care manipulations.
Particular attention should be paid to top dressing. The culture responds positively to both mineral and organic fertilizers. The second ones are introduced into the soil in preparation for planting, preferably in a couple of weeks (only rotted fertilizers, if you use fresh ones, you can destroy the plants, its bulbs will simply “burn out”), the first ones - during the budding period.
Recommended:
Dieffenbachia Spotted
Dieffenbachia spotted is one of the plants of the family called Aroids, in Latin the name of this plant is as follows: Dieffenbachia maculata. As for the name of the family itself, in Latin it will be like this: Araceae. Features of care and cultivation of dieffenbachia spotted It should be noted that two light modes are suitable for this plant:
Drimiopsis Spotted
Drimiopsis spotted is one of the plants in the family called liliaceae. In Latin, the name of this plant sounds like this: Drimiopsis maculata. It is noteworthy that only two species are grown in indoor conditions: one of which is spotted drymiopsis, and the second is drymiopsis pickaxe.
Spotted Slipper
Spotted slipper is one of the plants in the family called Orchidaceae. In Latin, the name of this family sounds like this: Orchidaceae Lindl, the name of the plant itself in Latin will look like this: Cypripedium guttatum. Description of the spotted shoe The spotted slipper is a perennial herb, the height of which can even reach twenty-five centimeters.
Arnebia Spotted
Arnebia spotted (lat.Arnebia guttata) - one of the herbaceous perennial plant species of the genus Arnebia (Latin Arnebia), representing the Boraginaceae family (Latin Boraginaceae) on the planet. One-sided dense panicles of inflorescences, formed by bright yellow or orange flowers, the petals of which are marked with dark purple spots, are very decorative and adorn the desert places and rocky slopes of Central and Central Asia, including our Mountain Altai.
Aronnik Spotted
Aronnik spotted (lat.Arum maculatum) - type species of the genus Aronnik (lat. Arum), is a herbaceous flowering perennial plant. The genus Aronnik is ranked by botanists in the Aroid family (lat.Araceae). All parts of the plant are highly poisonous, especially the attractive red fruits.
