Lachenalia, also known as the Cape Cow Flower, is a genus of flowering plants native to South Africa. The genus is part of the Asparagaceae family, and includes around 60 species of bulbs. The plants are known for their showy, colorful flowers, which bloom in spring and summer. Many species of Lachenalia are popular with gardeners and are cultivated as ornamental plants.
Is it easy to grow Lachenalia plant? known as the 'bulbous aloes', are a genus of plants native to southern Africa. They are winter-growing herbs with strap-shaped leaves and erect or spreading inflorescences, bearing colourful flowers. Lachenalia is a genus of plants native to southern Africa that are known as the "bulbous aloes". They are winter-growing herbs with strap-shaped leaves and erect or spreading inflorescences, bearing colourful flowers. They are relatively easy to grow, and make excellent additions to any winter garden.
How big can it be? Since the leaves are 15-20 cm in length, and the flower stem is about 20 cm, the total height is around 30 cm. This makes the Lachenalia a small to medium sized plant.
How fast is the growth? The reason that the average person does not know about the Lachenalia plant is because it is not a common plant. The Lachenalia plant is native to South Africa and it is not a very popular plant in North America. The Lachenalia plant is a bulbous plant that has about 60 species. The Lachenalia plant is a member of the Asparagaceae family. The Lachenalia plant grows in the winter and the flowers of the plant are very colorful. The Lachenalia plant is a very beautiful plant.
| Plant Form | Grassy |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Origin | South Africa (Cape) |
How long is the lifespan? Common name: Lachenalia. A Lachenalia plant will last about two to three years. They are not frost tolerant so they need to be brought indoors during the winter months. They are relatively easy to care for and only need to be watered about once a week. They prefer to be in a bright location but can tolerate some shade.
What is the ideal temperature? The Lachenalia is a flowering plant that blooms during a particular temperature range. The optimum temperature for the Lachenalia to flower is + 46,4-60,8 ° F. This range is when the plant blooms the most beautifully.
What about the humidity? Unless you live in a particularly humid climate, it is desirable to spray your Lachenalia at least once a week. The bulbous base of the plant is susceptible to rot if left in damp conditions for too long.
What amount of light this plant needed? The Lachenalia plant does best with bright diffused light. It can also tolerate partial shade, but the western and eastern window fits are best.
What is good soil for Lachenalia? The soil should be well-drained, loose, and rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. You can mix equal parts of sod land, coarse sand or perlite, and leaf land. A pot with a hole is necessary for good drainage.
How much I must water Lachenalia? Unless the plant is in flower, it will not need as much water as other plants. The ideal time to water your Lachenalia plant is in the morning. During the period of watering, the watering is moderate, about 1-2 times in 1-2 weeks with 1-2 glasses of water (during the heat, watering can be increased), during the rest period the bulbs should be kept practically dry.
About fertilizer. While the plant is actively growing and flowering, it should be fed every two weeks with a fertilizer that has a higher potassium content and a lower nitrogen content. Once flowering has ceased, stop fertilizing the plant.
How to reproduce Lachenalia? Sometimes, the plant is propagated by bulb-babies, which are planted in early September, separately from the mother plant. For this, 3-4 bulbs are needed, which are planted in 10-12 cm pots. In the first weeks, watering is limited and then increased. Young bulbs can bloom in the first year. The plant is also spread by leaf cuttings, which are separated at the base slightly below ground level and then cut in half or notched at the bottom. Then, the cuttings are put in moist sand to a depth of about 2 cm and moderately watered, contained in partial shade. About a month later, small bulbs begin to form. The plant can also be propagated by seeds from March to May. Seeds are germinated at a temperature of not less than 64,4 °F. Seeds should be fresh and planted at a distance of 1-2 cm from each other in a mixture of peat and sand, put on scattered light. The container should be covered with a film and watered regularly. A plant grown from seeds usually blooms in the second year.
Why Lachenalia won't bloom? When does it flower? It flowers mainly in January-March. What is the size of the flower? The flowers have a size of 2-2.5 cm. What is the shape of the flower? The flower is tubular. What is the color of the flower? The flowers are red, yellow-purple, and combined in small brush.
How much I must water Lachenalia? The best time for Lachenalia plant transfer is in early autumn. You should plant the young bulb-babies for the best results.
How to care the plant? When the Lachenalia plant is finished flowering, it goes into a resting state for a few months. The leaves begin to submerge and the gardeners cut the watering at this time. The bulbs are stored in a dry, lighted place until August or September. They begin to water the bulbs again and in 7-8 weeks, the flowers will appear.
What is the challenge when caring Lachenalia plant? Eventually, the leaves turn yellow and the plant dies. The main problems are spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. If the soil is too wet, the bulbs can rot. At high temperature in low-light conditions, stretched plants are formed.
Are Lachenalia poisonous? The plants are not listed as being toxic to humans, but they may be harmful if ingested in large quantities. The plants contain saponins, which are toxic to some animals. Symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. If you suspect your animal has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.
