Happy Urban Dirt

If you are one of those people who like flowering plants, Zephyranthes carinata is one that will not disappoint you. But do you know what plant we are talking about?

The species Zephyranthes carinata was discovered in 1825. and is one of those that has one of the most handsome flowers in the plant kingdom. Below you can learn about its characteristics and also, if you dare, have it in your garden, knowing everything it needs.

What does Zephyranthes carinata look like?

It comes from Mexico (although naturalized in China), Zephyranthes carinata is a bulbous plant from the Amaryllis family. This plant, also known as rain lily, Mary’s tears, pink goblin, or Cefirante, is not very huge, as it usually reaches a height of 30 centimeters in adulthood. This is also due to the fact that the bulb itself is not huge either (it will be about 2-3 centimeters in diameter).

The plant has many leaves that will be featherlight green. They are narrow, like ribbons, and will also be ribbed in the middle. They can be 15-30 centimeters long and 6-8 mm wide.

However, it is the flower that will most attract attention to this plant. It is said that every time it blooms, it does so with a single flower. Although the original is pink, the truth is that now you can find them in other colors like yellow, orange and even whiteThis flower stands out even more from other plants because its flower stamen can measure from 15 to 50 centimeters.

The flowering period of this plant is in overdue summer or autumn. And it is then, according to what is said, when the rain stops, that the flower opens, revealing a star-shaped flower, about 10 centimetres in diameter, consisting of 6 to 8 petals with rounded ends andwhite inside with yellow stalk tips.

This plant is perfect for planting in the garden with other plants, as it is not invasive, so the plants feed each other and provide each other with moisture.

Zephyranthes carinata care

Now that you know some facts about Zephyranthes carinataHow about daring to have it in your garden? You can have it both in a pot and plant it in your garden. And the care is practically the same. Want to know which one to make the final decision? Well, pay attention:

location and temperature

As a flowering plant, Zephyranthes carinata needs direct sunlight to thrive. So the best place would be outdoors. Depending on your climate, you have to choose between full sun (if it’s frosty or moderate) or partial shade (if the sun is too scorching in the summer and can burn you).

However, we are talking about a bulbous plant, which means that once it finishes flowering it withers the whole plant and only the bulb remains. If the winter is not too frosty, you can leave it in the pot (if possible, protecting it). But if not, you will have to take it out and store it in a shadowy and chilly place until next spring.

The above already gives you an idea of ​​the ideal temperature. Heat is not a problem for Zephyranthes carinata. But frosty is, to the point that it can damage the bulb and prevent it from coming out again.

Subsoil

The ideal soil for Zephyranthes carinata should consist of sand, organic matter and some drainage such as perlite, orchid soil or mulch.

The idea is to create a very featherlight combination that will not weigh you down. and at the same time the right moisture is achieved for the plant. Make sure the soil pH is 7 or a little lower as this would be ideal.

Since the soil will need to be replaced every year, it will have all the nutrients it needs. Unless you have been using the same pot for several years (if so, it would be best to check the subscriber section). Remember that bulbs are planted in the spring, once the frosty and frosty season has passed.

Irrigation

Watering Zephyranthes carinata must be regular. However, do not add a lot of water. It is better to water little, even if they are more often per week, in spring and summer. When the leaves start to turn yellow, they should be hung up. so that the plant will naturally wither and the bulb will be ready to hibernate.

We can’t give you specific watering guidelines, as this will largely depend on the climate and location where you’re growing your plant (full sun is not the same as partial shade in a very muggy climate).

Subscriber

As we mentioned earlier, since the bulb needs to be planted every year, you will exploit novel soil that already contains all the nutrients it needs. However, if this is not possible or you want to provide the plant with additional nutrients, you can opt for a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants.

It should be added to irrigation water (if possible, in smaller doses than recommended by the manufacturer) and every 2-3 weeks in spring and mid-summer.

pruning

Pruning Zephyranthes carinata involves removing dead leaves and blooms in overdue autumn, when the bulb goes into hibernation and can be left or dug up and stored.

Plagues and diseases

This is one of the most critical care activities for plants, but in the case of Zephyranthes carinata it is not so.And it is a plant quite resistant to pests and diseases.

However, problems with lighting and watering can cause illness or even death.

Multiplication

To end, Zephyranthes carinata can be propagated through bulbs. Over time, it will produce offshoots that you can cut off, allow the wound to heal, and plant in the 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?