What is the alcatraz flower like?

La Alcatraz flower It is one of the most used for bouquets and interior decoration; not in vain, it is quite large and its color is highly appreciated. But, although we all have more or less an idea of ​​what it is like, it is interesting to know it more thoroughly, discover what its characteristics are to adore it more if possible.

So in addition to telling you all that, I'm going to tell you if it's toxic or not. This way, you will know how to handle it safely.

How is it?

The alcatraz flower it is a very important part of a plant whose scientific name is Zantedeschia ethiopica, but that we all know her as creek, Ethiopian creek, Ethiopian hoop, water lily, cartridge, duck flower, jug flower and / or of course gannet. It is a perennial rhizomatous herbaceous plant, which reaches a maximum height of one meter, and is cultivated as a garden or indoor plant.

But we are going to focus on its flowers, which are actually erect inflorescences called spadices. They can be 4 to 18cm long, and we can see that they are surrounded by a bract -modified leaf- normally white in color but can be other colors (yellow, bluish), and with a flared shape.

It is monoecious, which means that it has female flowers and male flowers. They are both on the same floor. The female ones are below the male ones, the latter being the ones that form the yellow anthers.

As a curiosity, say that the alcatraz flower It is the national flower of Ethiopia.

Is it toxic?

All parts of Zantedeschia are toxic, but only if ingested. Its active ingredient contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation on direct contact, or gastroenteritis and diarrhea if consumed.

In any case, I insist, they can be touched directly with the hands, since there would be no risk. But then you should wash them well with soap and water.

What are the cares of the cove?

If you dare to have a plant that produces the alcatraz flower, it will not be difficult for you to obtain or maintain it. It is very popular, as it is grown both in pots and in gardens, and as a cut flower it is a marvel. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is very present in homes. But how do you take care of it?

Location

It is a plant that it should be kept outdoors, in semi-shade, if possible although it tolerates direct sun as long as it is the first thing in the morning or the afternoon. It is also well adapted to living inside the house, but it is important that the room where it is located is bright.

Earth

• Flower pot: it must be filled with universal substrate mixed with 20-30% perlite.
• Garden: grows in soils rich in organic matter, and well drained.

Irrigation

Irrigation must be frequent. It is not an aquatic plant, but almost 🙂. As usual, During the summer it will be watered an average of 4 times a week and the rest of the year an average of 2 weekly.

If in doubt, check the humidity of the soil by inserting a thin wooden stick, for example, and if you see that it comes out with a lot of soil attached, do not water.

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From early spring to late summer It is advisable to fertilize with a liquid fertilizer such as guano or algae extract following the instructions specified on the package.

Planting or transplanting time

You can plant it in the garden during spring. If you have it in a pot, move it to a larger one -with holes in its base- in spring or after flowering, and only if you see that the roots are coming out through the drainage holes or if it has been in it for more than two years. container.

Pests

It is rare for the alcatraz flower plant to have pests. Sometimes you can see some aphid, but nothing serious. However, during the rainy season or if the environment is very humid, snails and slugs will eat their leaves and stems, something that is avoided by applying repellants or molluscicides.

Management

It is not exactly that it is very vulnerable to microorganisms that cause diseases, but if it is watered excessively and / or the leaves are sprayed daily - especially if it is grown indoors - it will weaken. If it happens, you could have:

• Virus: they cause the appearance of mosaic-like spots on the leaves, in addition to poor development.
  There is no treatment. The diseased plant must be uprooted and burned, and the earth thrown away.
• Bacteria: the leaves will turn yellow, and then will gradually necrotize.
  There is no treatment. You have to do the same as if you had a virus.
• Mushrooms: like the Phytopthora or the Colletotrichum, among others. They cause yellowing of the leaves, and if it is in bloom, the flowers are deformed.
  Treatment consists of cutting the affected plants and treating with fungicide.

Multiplication

The alcatraz flower multiplies by seeds or by division of rhizome in spring.

Rusticity

It is a plant that, due to its origin, it does not resist much frost. In mild climates with minimum temperatures of up to -2ºC it can be had outside all year round, but if it is colder then it will require protection.

What is the alcatraz flower used for?

The alcatraz flower is very beautiful, so both the plant and its flower they are used to decorate. The plant in gardens, patios and terraces looks great if it is kept in groups, since as it is also about 60-100 centimeters high, it even serves as a low hedge.

If we talk about the flower, once cut it lasts for several days. As if that were not enough, it is fragrant, which is why it is often part of bouquets or flower centers.

What is the meaning of the alcatraz flower plant?

These elegant flowers are said to bring good luck, but also they are considered to be the symbol of purity for the magnificent white color of its bract (false petal). In addition, it is believed that they are the flowers of compassion, as well as enjoyment since they have a peculiar shape that can remind us of a glass.

Where to buy?

Get tubers No products found.. Once they arrive, plant them in a pot with universal substrate mixed with 30% perlite, ensuring that they remain buried. Then give them a good watering. In a few days they will sprout.

And you, do you like the alcatraz flower?