Agapanthus

Cultivation : Agapanthus plant can be easily grown from bulb. Burry the bulb in the soil for about 2 inches deep and in order to plant more bulbs place them for about 4 to 6 inches apart, hence this plant do much better when grown in crowd. The soil preferred must be must be well drained, warm and prefers sunny location. If soil composition is week, add organic matter to enrich the soil. It looks good when planted densely and this plant need only very less maintenance and care. After planting, water generously, soaking the bulb and soil. In few weeks there will be root and top growth. Once the plant finished flowering let the soil to dry (i.e. reduce watering). Never cut off the foliage when the plant finished blooming, hence on gathering sunlight these leaves will provide nourishment for next cycle plant. The plant will be in vegetative rest for few months and then again starts its growth cycle.

It can also be grown in container, fertilizing is must when grown in container for good growth. Prefer early spring for planting in container. Select a large pot with drainage holes; fill the container with rich, good and well-drained soil. Burry the bulbs about 2 inches deep and for about 4 to 6 inches apart and water it regularly and for good growth. In few weeks there will be root and top growth. Once the plant finished flowering let the soil to dry (i.e. reduce watering). If needed you may replant it in ground, after the growth of the plant to some extent. Wherever it may be planted container or ground, that must consists of many rooms for spreading of plants. Bring the pot or container indoor to protect from frost. To protect the outdoor plant from winter frost cover it with mulch (organic matter) this also provides nutrients to the plant.

Propagation : Agapanthus can be propagated from seed; we can use freshly harvested seed to grow this plant. In case of using seed, sow seed in a container. The seed germinate in 4 to 8 weeks. Propagating by seed is time consuming and hence takes 3 to 4 years to produce flowers.

Agapanthus can also be propagated by dividing rhizomes or root clumps or corms when the plant finished flowering and keep it in a place free from frost, and plant it in summer for about 2.5 cm deep, 40 to 60 cm apart. Make sure that each division has some roots. Propagation by division will produce flower in a year and this method is very effective. Divide for each 2 to 3 years.

Varieties : Agapanthus consists of about six to ten different species and among them there are two major species called Agapanthus africanus that is evergreen and Agapanthus praecox. Some of the other species of Agapanthus are Agapanthus orientalis, Agapanthus coddii, Agapanthus umbellatus, Agapanthus nutans, Agapanthus mooreanus, Agapanthus caulescens, Agapanthus inapertus, Agapanthus pendulus, Agapanthus walshii, Agapanthus campanulatus etc.

Disease and Cure : Spider mites, which are small spider like creature with 8 legs, which thrive, in hot, dry conditions, feed with piercing mouthpart, cause plants to appear yellow and stippled. Hence Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations. Spider mites can multiply quickly. They also produce a web, which covers infested leaves and flowers. In order to prevent and control it, keep weeds down and remove infested plants and dry air will worsen the problem, so regularly water the plants and spray insecticides. This will reduce this problem.

Water the plant regularly but excess water supply must be avoided, since it will cause the bud to rotten and leaf tips will become yellow when waterlogged and plant get spoiled, hence appropriate amount of water should to supplied with an adequate days of gap between watering.

Lily   Bird of paradise   Daisy   Orchid   Daffodil   Sunflower   Anthurium   Ranunculus   Sweet William   Sweet pea   Tulip   Camellia   Caladium   Gladiolus   Gerbera   Jasmine   Lavender   Poppy   Pansy   Rhododendron   Zinnia   Meanings of Flowers   Directory   Gazania Information