Many flower growers are interested in the question of how amaryllis differs from hippeastrum? Photos of both flowers look amazing, and the plants are almost identical at first glance, so without any experience, it is very easy to confuse them. These crops have a very attractive appearance and will be an excellent decoration for any personal plot, so many people would like to grow them. Let's try to understand how amaryllis differs from hippeastrum, and also talk about the features of breeding and caring for each type of flower.
General information
Before we learn how to distinguish hippeastrum from amaryllis, let's take a look at the history of the origin of these amazing plants. They are representatives of the same family, but belong to completely differentchildbirth. Amaryllis is native to South Africa, while Hippeastrum is native to Latin America. They were brought to the territory of modern Europe in the middle of the 18th century, when an active colonial policy was carried out around the world. Today, breeders have bred a huge number of varieties that are grown around the world.
Features of amaryllis
This flower belongs to bulbous plants that can grow up to 60 centimeters. The flowering period is long and plentiful, for which many gardeners love it, and occurs in early or mid-spring. In the summer season, amaryllis hibernates and its foliage dies off. The number of flowers can vary from two to twelve. In their shape, they resemble funnel-shaped bowls, formed from six small petals of the same shape and size. Their color can vary from soft pink to deep purple.
Hippeastrum features
What are they? Hippeastrum and amaryllis, the differences between which we are considering, have a certain similarity. How to distinguish them? Compared with its closest relative, the stem height of the former, under favorable conditions and proper care, can reach one meter. In addition, with the right selection of soil, the plant is able to bloom up to four times a year. On one bush there can be from 2 to 6 inflorescences formed from four petals, one of which acts as a kind of substrate for the bud. Petals come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. It all depends on the specific varieties, the total numberwhich is about two thousand.
Main differences
So, what is the difference between amaryllis and hippeastrum? If you look at photographs of flowers, even novice gardeners will be able to tell the difference. It consists in color, height, quantity and abundance of flowering, arrangement of leaves on the stem, and so on. In addition, both species have a different homeland. As mentioned earlier, amaryllis was discovered in the southern regions of the African continent, and hippeastrum in the Amazonian forests. Also, the seeds of the first ripen in 8 weeks, while the second is ready for planting after only 14 days. The flowering period occurs at different times of the year, while during the active growing season, the leaves fall off the amaryllis, while its counterpart has them throughout the year. Both lilies also differ greatly in the number of flowers. One species can have from two to six, while the other has twice as many. At the same time, their shape, color and size differ.
Speaking about the difference between amaryllis and hippeastrum, it is worth mentioning the aroma of plants separately. The first one exudes a pleasant aroma during the active growing season, which makes it ideal for planting in open ground, and the second one practically does not smell at all. Therefore, if you cannot distinguish the flowers, then just smell the ambergris of the cultures. From it you can determine which class each of them belongs to.
Features of breeding amaryllis at home
What are they? We examined the main differences between hippeastrum and amaryllis. Photos of flowers look amazing, so it's no surprise that many people want to grow them at home. Breeding plants does not require any deep knowledge in the field of floriculture or great effort. The only thing that is required is to create suitable conditions for them, as well as to carry out timely watering and top dressing.
Planting material is sold in any gardening store in the form of a bulb, which, when planted, goes deep into the ground by about one third of its height. In order for amaryllis to bloom profusely and for a long time, it should be provided with rest throughout the growing season. To do this, the plant is placed in a dark room in which the air temperature does not exceed 10 degrees Celsius. At the same time, drying leaves are not recommended to be cut from the stem. They will act as a kind of top dressing for the soil and enrich it with organic matter. At rest, the flower should be approximately 90 days, after which it is planted in open ground or transferred to a living room if you grow amaryllis as an indoor flower.
Landing
Hippeastrum and amaryllis (we examined the difference between both species) are grown at home in different ways. The best time for planting is early spring or mid-autumn. First you need to carefully inspect the bulbs, cutting out blackened spots. Places of cuts are sprinkled with crushed coal to prevent the defeat of the poppy head by various ailments. To speed up the germination process, andalso increase the resistance of the flower to diseases and pests, the bulbs should be disinfected with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Amaryllis can be planted both in a separate container and immediately on open ground. However, in the second case, the land is pre-fertilized with mineral fertilizers.
Amaryllis care tips
The plant is unpretentious and does not need frequent watering. When the first bowls appear on the bulb, the substrate is replaced, after which the pot is placed on the windowsill or in any other place with enough sunlight. Until the height of the stem reaches 10 centimeters, the flower does not need to be watered at all. In this case, you should not fill it too much, otherwise the root system may begin to rot. All you need to do is keep the soil moist. Amaryllis should be fed during the period of active flowering, adding universal complex fertilizers to the soil.
It is worth noting that the plant belongs to perennial species, so it should be replanted every 3-4 years. In addition, experienced flower growers say that every 12 months you need to change the top layer of the earth. When doing this, you must be very careful not to damage the root system.
As for reproduction, it can be carried out both with the help of children and in the traditional seed way. Both methods are highly effective and produce excellent results.
Cultivation of hippeastrum
How to do it right? Amaryllis and hippeastrum (color differences were discussed earlier in this article) are bred in completely different ways. For the first, any containers are suitable, but for the second, it is best to use tall clay pots, since the root system of the plant develops very powerful and requires a sufficient amount of free space. As in the case of amaryllis, when planting hippeastrum, the bulb does not go deep into the ground, but approximately two-thirds of its height. In order for the lily to grow and develop well, it is best to use a special substrate prepared from two parts of soddy land and a mixture of river sand, last year's rotted leaves and peat. All components are thoroughly mixed so that there is good air permeability and the roots can breathe.
How to care for hippeastrum?
This variety of lily, like its relative, is unpretentious, so it will not be necessary to make special efforts when breeding it at home. However, some features must be taken into account. Hippeastrum loves warmth very much, so it is best to keep it on the windowsill located on the south side of the house. The air temperature in the room should be approximately 23 degrees. As for watering, they should not be too frequent and plentiful. This is especially true of the period when the flower leaves the dormant state. An excess of moisture at this time can lead to the death of the bulb. It is best to place the plant pot in a tray of water so that it can takeas much life-giving liquid as he needs.
Conclusion
So, in this article, it was described in detail how amaryllis differs from hippeastrum. Given the differences between both types of lilies, as well as following the basic tips and tricks for breeding and caring for these incredibly beautiful plants, you can decorate your garden and enjoy lush and abundant blooms.
