Smithiantha

The genus Smithiantha consists of herbaceous rhizomatous (scaly rhizomes) plant species with attractive bell-shaped flowers in drooping inflorescences, in which it is not easy to distinguish the tube and corolla bend, and spectacular leaves. The flowering period lasts all summer until autumn. Smithiantha cinnabar (Smithiantha cinnabarina) is a species 50-60 cm high. Ovate-heart-shaped leaves with a green base have a red or purple hue, especially along the veins. Red flowers with a yellowish tube with red spots are collected in large racemes. The species smithiantha multiflora (S. multiflora) grows up to 1 m in height. Green, lighter leaves on the underside have a heart-shaped shape. White or creamy-white flowers are distinguished by a light yellow curved tubular part. Smithiantha striata (s. zebrina) - a species up to 1 m high. The leaves are large, heart-shaped pubescent, have a dark green color with brown spots. Scarlet with yellow throat flowers are collected in inflorescences. The variety 'Fire Bird' has scarlet-red flowers with a yellow mouth. Hybrid forms with flowers of various colors are widespread: white, yellow, red, orange.

The genus Smithiantha consists of herbaceous rhizomatous (scaly rhizomes) plant species with attractive bell-shaped flowers in drooping inflorescences, in which it is not easy to distinguish the tube and corolla bend, and spectacular leaves. The flowering period lasts all summer until autumn.

Smithiantha cinnabar (Smithiantha cinnabarina) is a species 50-60 cm high. Ovate-heart-shaped leaves with a green base have a red or purple hue, especially along the veins. Red flowers with a yellowish tube with red spots are collected in large racemes.

The species smithiantha multiflora (S. multiflora) grows up to 1 m in height. Green, lighter leaves on the underside have a heart-shaped shape. White or creamy-white flowers are distinguished by a light yellow curved tubular part.

Smithiantha striata (s. zebrina) - a species up to 1 m high. The leaves are large, heart-shaped pubescent, have a dark green color with brown spots. Scarlet with yellow throat flowers are collected in inflorescences. The variety 'Fire Bird' has scarlet-red flowers with a yellow mouth. Hybrid forms with flowers of various colors are widespread: white, yellow, red, orange.

Cultivation

Plants of the genus Smithiantha are grown in pots as a room culture. At a favorable time of year, they can be exposed to the air, on terraces and balconies. In September, it should be cleaned back to the house. The soil used is made up of fibrous peat with the addition of sand (25%) and mineral fertilizers. The substrate can also be prepared from fertile land, rotten beech foliage, peat and sand (1:1:1:1), apply a complete long-acting mineral fertilizer at the rate of 30 g per bucket. In the period from spring to autumn, once every 15-20 days, a complete fertilizer is diluted in water for irrigation in the amount of 15 g per bucket. You can enjoy constant flowering from the beginning of summer to the end of winter, if you plant new plants monthly from March to June.

Location

At home, plants of the genus Smithiantha require intense illumination, especially in the period from January to April (additional artificial illumination with special lamps is recommended). In the open air, plants should be planted in shade or partial shade, in a place protected from the wind.

Temperature

The temperature should not fall below 12-14 °C. Optimal temperature for growth and development is 18-20 °C.

Watering

Starting from spring and until the end of flowering, water often, but there should be no stagnation of moisture in the soil. Further, the interval between watering is increased. It is recommended to ensure that water does not get on the leaves.

Care

Remove faded inflorescences and withered leaves.

Reproduction

Plants of the genus Smithiantha are easily propagated by last year's rhizome in late winter and early spring. Make sure that each part has at least one initial shoot-a bud. Rhizomes are first sprouted in moist sand, and then planted in pots in groups of 3-5-7 or more. In addition, in the spring, reproduction is practiced by apical and leaf cuttings.

Diseases

Pests often include aphids (mainly green apple aphids) and grape mealybugs. It is recommended to use appropriate commercially available insecticides against pests. Choose systematic preparations that are absorbed by the plant, and not contact ones that can damage the leaves. The most common fungal diseases are oidium (powdery mildew of grapes) and gray rot of vegetable crops (Botrytis cinerea). They are disposed of with appropriate fungicides. Direct sunlight (discoloration) can also cause harmful effects. leaves and the appearance of spots on them), insufficient lighting in the summer (difficult growth, lack of flowering). Also, avoid too much water and watering from above - both can lead to rot. On the other hand, insufficient watering leads to yellowing, wrinkling and spotting of the leaves.

Acquisition

Plants of the genus Smithiantha can be found in flower nurseries or gardening centers. Check that they are compact, in the budding phase, without signs of gray rot damage.