If you are one of those who likes flowering plants, Zephyranthes carinata is one that will not disappoint you. But do you know what plant we are talking about?
Zephyranthes carinata was discovered in 1825. and it is one of those that has one of the most beautiful flowers in the plant kingdom. Below you can learn about the characteristics it has as well as, if you dare, have it in the garden knowing everything it needs.
How is the Zephyranthes carinata
Originally from Mexico (although naturalized in China), Zephyranthes carinata is a bulbous plant of the Amaryllidaceae family. This plant, also called rain lily, Maria's tears, pink goblin or Cefirante, is not too big, since in its adulthood it will normally be 30 centimeters tall. This is also because the bulb itself is not large either (it will measure about 2-3 centimeters in diameter).
The plant has many leaves that will be light green in color. These are narrow, like ribbons, and will also be ribbed in the center. They can measure 15-30 centimeters and 6-8 mm wide.
However, it is the flower that will most attract the attention of this plant. Apparently, every time it blooms, it does so with a single flower. Although the original is pink, the truth is that now they can be found in other colors such as yellow, orange or even white. This flower does stand out even more from the plant since its floral rod can measure between 15 and 50 centimeters.
The flowering time of this plant is in late summer or fall. And it is said that when it stops raining, it is when the flower opens, revealing a star-shaped flower, about 10 centimeters in diameter, made up of between 6 and 8 petals with rounded tips and, in the center, white with yellow-tipped peduncles.
This plant is ideal to have it in the garden along with other plants because it is not invasive, and thus they will nourish each other and give each other moisture.
Zephyranthes carinata care
Now that you know some facts about Zephyranthes carinataHow about you dare to have it in the garden? It can be had both in a pot and planted in the garden. And the care is practically the same. Do you want to know which ones to make the final decision? Well pay attention:
Location and temperature
As a flowering plant, Zephyranthes carinata needs direct sunlight to develop. So your best place is going to be outside. Depending on the climate you have, you must choose between full sun (if it is cold or temperate) or semi-shade (if in summer the sun heats up too much and can burn).
Now, we are talking about a bulbous plant, which means that when it finishes flowering, it withers the whole plant and only the bulb remains. This, if the winter is not too cold, you could leave it in the pot (if possible protecting it). But if not, you will have to take it out and store it in a dark and cool place until the following spring.
The above already gives you an idea of its ideal temperature. Heat is not a problem for Zephyranthes carinata. But the cold does, to the point that it can deteriorate the bulb and prevent it from coming out again.
Substratum
The ideal soil for Zephyranthes carinata should be made up of sand, organic matter and some drainage such as perlite, orchid soil or mulch.
It is about making a very light combination so that it does not weigh down and at the same time it is achieved that the plant has adequate humidity. Make sure the pH of the soil is at 7 or a little less, as this would be ideal.
As the earth will have to be changed every year, it will have all the nutrients it should. Unless you use the same pot for several years (if so, it is best to see the subscriber section). Remember that the bulbs are planted in spring, when the cold and frost season is over.
Irrigation
The irrigation of the Zephyranthes carinata must be regular. But you should not add a lot of water. It is preferable to water little, even if they are more times a week, during spring and summer. At the moment when the leaves begin to yellow you must suspend it so that, naturally, the plant withers and thus the bulb is ready for hibernation.
We cannot give you a watering guideline because it will depend a lot on the climate and where you have it (it is not the same that it is in full sun than it is in semi-shade in a very suffocating climate).
Subscriber
As we told you before, since the bulb has to be planted every year, the soil you will use will be new, and it already contains the nutrients it needs. But if this is not the case, or you want to give it extra nutrients, you can bet on a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants.
Apply it to irrigation water (if possible in lower doses than those determined by the manufacturer) and every 2-3 weeks during spring and mid-summer.
Pruning
The pruning of the Zephyranthes carinata is based on removing the dead leaves as well as the flower at the end of autumn, when the bulb goes into hibernation and can be left or it can be dug up and stored.
Plagues and diseases
This is one of the most important care in plants, but in the case of Zephyranthes carinata it is not so. And it is that this plant is quite resistant against pests and diseases.
Even so, problems with lighting or watering can make it sick or even kill it.
Multiplication
In conclusion, the way to propagate Zephyranthes carinata will be through the bulb. Over time it will develop suckers that you can cut and allow the cut to heal and then plant them in spring.
From everything you have seen, there is no doubt that Zephyranthes carinata is one of the flowering plants that will stand out the most in your garden. Do you dare to have it?