The article tells about a plant that is unusual for our country - sprekelia (sprekelia) and describes the basic principles of its agricultural technology: how to water, propagate and care for it at home. Sprekelia or as it is also called Sprekelia (Sprekelia) belongs to the Amaryllis family. Previously, the genus was represented by only one species - Sh. The most beautiful, but now botanists include several new species in it. Sh. Howard and Sh. Gray have also become widespread in culture. Florists christened the plant the Aztec lily, the Mexican amaryllis, the Templar lily and the St. Jacob's lily.
Sprekelia flowers are unusually exotic and have a light vanilla scent. A feature that distinguishes them from other amaryllis is their strict axis of symmetry. The three upper petals (more precisely, the perianth lobes) are erect, their tops are bent back. The other three are more densely located and directed downward. The petals have a very rich cinnabar red color. Large bulbs form several peduncles at once, each of which is crowned with one single flower.
The plant blooms in spring or early summer, and sometimes, in good conditions, pleases with repeated flowering in autumn. However, it happens that sprekelia refuses to give a peduncle, and instead grows daughter bulbs. This happens due to non-compliance with agricultural technology.
Shprekelia is very light and thermophilic. During the growing season, she needs to provide a temperature of at least +20 degrees (preferably +25) and good lighting with a large share of direct sunlight. In summer, the best place for her is a balcony or loggia. But watering should be very moderate, without waterlogging, stagnant water in the pan and moisture on the bulb. The soil should dry slightly between waterings.
Pot for sprekelia
is selected "for growth", since the plant does not really like frequent transplants. The substrate includes humus, turf and peat soil with an admixture of disintegrants (perlite, vermiculite or coarse sand), which will provide good air exchange and prevent soil compaction. Drainage is required, the layer of which must be at least 3 cm. The bulb is buried in the substrate by half or a little more - the top must necessarily protrude above the surface. A little coarse sand can be poured under the bottom.
The dormant period lasts until the end of winter, at this time the pots with plants are kept at a temperature of + 10-15 degrees and are not watered. Watering can be resumed only at the beginning of leaf growth or the appearance of a peduncle.
Shprekelia can be affected by the "red burn", scabbards, spider mites and scale insects. Control methods are standard.
Multiply
lily of the Aztecs with daughter bulbs, which are carefully separated during transplantation.
Breeders are working hard to develop new varieties that differ in color sizes and shades. Hybrids with gabrantus (sprecantus) and hippeastrum (hippeastrelia) have also been bred.
