Treatment of hippeastrum bulbs from rot
Hippeastrum is a bulbous flowering plant that can be purchased at any flower shop. This flower does not form a stem. A peduncle with a closed bud immediately grows from the bulb. When the peduncle forms two true leaves, the bud opens and the flowering period begins.
In flower shops, low-quality planting material is often sold. In order to get a strong green peduncle, sellers apply nitrogen-containing fertilizers to the soil. Due to an excess of nitrogen and frequent watering, the root system of the hyperstrum rots. The flower stalk continues to grow with the nutrients stored in the bulb, but no flowering occurs.
Before purchasing, carefully examine the hippeastrum root system. If it is weak or decayed, such plants may die.
Bulb processing
If you did not pay attention to the state of the hippeastrum measles system when buying, the bulb must be properly processed in order to save the plant:
- the bulb is carefully removed from the soil;
- with a sharp knife they clean off rotten scales and husks;
- the plant is treated with a stimulant for the formation of the root system;
- transplanted into a larger pot filled with a suitable potting mix.
After processing, the bulb will enter the active growing season, therefore hippeastrum will need plenty of moisture, sunlight and nutrients.
Transplanting a bulb into a new pot
Hippeastrum will not bloom in a small pot, so the plant is transplanted into a spacious pot filled with sandy loam soil. In order to prepare the potting mix you need to take:
- two pieces of sand;
- one part of sheet soil;
- one part of peat soil;
- some garden perlite or vermiculite.
Vermiculite or garden perlite is poured into the bottom of the pot with drainage holes to drain the water. The thickness of the drainage layer should be 3 cm. Then the fertile mixture is poured into the pot. The onion is placed in the middle of the pot. There should be a distance of 1.5 cm between the walls of the pot and the bulb in order for the hippeastrum to form a developed root system.
Transplanting a bulb has a positive effect on the flowering of the hippeastrum. In order for the bulb to accumulate a sufficient amount of nutrients, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers must be applied to the soil. To avoid decay of the bulb, water the hippeastrum only into the pan.