Lachenalia KLIPRANDENSIS

Lachenalia KLIPRANDENSIS - Kliprand lachenalia, Lachenalia kliprandensis, Cape cowslip.

Lachenalia is a genus of monocotyledonous flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae. Representatives of the genus are perennial bulbous herbaceous plants. Leaves are few, usually only two in number, rarely up to ten, linear in outline, spotted in many species.

The peduncle is cylindrical, bearing a raceme or spike. The perianth is variably colored, tubular at the base, then bell-shaped, divided into 6 lobes, the outer of which are usually shorter than the inner ones. Stamens 6 in number, filiform. Ovary superior, three-locular. Stigma of the pistil capitate. The fruit is a three-ribbed capsule opening along three sutures. Seeds are numerous, small.

Lachenalia is one of the most underrated representatives of the family, which is undeservedly rarely used in ornamental floriculture and horticulture. A charming graceful beauty with long broad leaves surmounted by unusual long peduncles with dense whimsical and rather bright bell-shaped flowers, due to its South African origin, is forced to settle for potted plant status in our climate. But its spectacular flowering, thanks to unique timing, allows using Lachenalia as a star of the interior or winter garden, captivating with fragrant profuse blooms in the very midst of winter.

Lachenalia kliprandensis is a small bulbous plant whose leaves, traditionally for this plant family, are gathered in a basal rosette. The coloration of the long, elongated foliage, reminiscent of the nodding foliage of daffodils but slightly wider, with a characteristic strap-like shape, is a pleasant dark green with sparse small brownish speckles. Tall (up to 25 cm [10 in]) and sturdy flower stalks terminate in a loose raceme inflorescence of tubular, elongated bell-shaped flowers of green, red, or yellow coloring with possible two-tone combinations, usually nodding.

Seeds are sown in a mixture of peat, perlite, and sand at a distance of 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) apart and slightly pressed in, moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light but not in direct sun at a temperature of 23-29 °C (73-84 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. It is necessary to avoid overwatering and drying out of the sowings. A plant grown from seed usually blooms in the second year.

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In indoor conditions, it grows quite well and is an undemanding plant. The location is sunny. It requires warm maintenance year-round. Watering is moderate during the period of active growth and flowering. During dormancy, watering is hardly required. Since in our climate the active growth period occurs in the autumn-winter season, supplemental lighting is necessary. In the first year after sowing, a small bulb is formed, which willingly produces daughter bulbs in the future.

The potting mixture used is: 1 part compost, 1 part granite chips or expanded clay, 1 part perlite, and 1 part coarse river sand. Fertilizers should be applied in small portions, approximately 1/2 of the dosage indicated on the package, no more than once a month. Plants must be protected from drafts and low temperatures.

A few months after flowering, Lachenalia enters dormancy. When leaves begin to wither, watering is reduced, and bulbs are stored in a dry, well-lit place. In August-September, after repotting the bulbs, watering begins anew. Flowers will appear in 7-8 weeks.