Cultivating the ornithogall on the balcony or in pots is an easy way to bring an exotic and bright touch to the house: this rare flower, with its orange shades, conquers at first glance.
One might wonder why many people are discovering the charm of the ornithogallo right now. Will it be for its elegant bearing? Or perhaps for its surprising flowering even in reduced spaces? Whatever the reason, it is clear that this plant is finding its place in the hearts (and pots) of many fans. There are also those who choose it only for its intense color, that bright orange tone that seems designed to get noticed among the grays of the city. Others appreciate its resistance and ease of care, which make it perfect even for those who do not have much experience with plants. It takes little to get great results.
Those who have little space but a great desire for color can start from here: a large pot, a bright position and some precautions are enough to see the ornithogallo transform into the protagonist. And then, let’s face it, it doesn’t happen every day to cultivate an African bulb in the middle of the city.
The characteristics of the ornithogallo and its spectacular flowering
L’Ornitogalloalso known as chicken milkbelongs to the Asparagaceae family and is originally from South Africa. To make it so fascinating are his star flowers with brilliant tones, particularly in the variety Omithogalum problemwho sports a truly scenic orange. Other varieties, such as umbellatum o Arabicon the other hand, present white flowers, more delicate and traditional. It grows up to about 30 cm, so it is perfect to be grown in a pot on a balcony or a windowsill. His flowering takes place in springbut in favorable conditions it can surprise even with a shorter second cycle. The flowers bloom in compact and resistant bunches, and everyone lasts about a week.
However, the flowery plant remains decorative for several weeks, transforming the environment into a small exotic angle. A detail not to be overlooked: all parts of the plant are considered Toxic if you ingestSo it is better to keep it away from curious animals and children.
How to cultivate ornithogall in pots: exposure, land and irrigation
Cultivating ornithogalls is not difficult, but requires some specific attention. The choice of the container, the amount of light and the humidity of the soil can make a big difference in its growth. It is a plant that loves simplicity, but does not like neglect. A few targeted gestures are enough to get surprising results.
Here are the essential steps to take it better:
- Use a well -drained vase To avoid water stagnation that cause radical rot.
- Prepare a mixture composed of Universal soil and sandso as to guarantee light and well -drained soil.
- Place the plant in one point with At least two hours of sunshine direct a daypreferably in the morning.
- Avoid too shaded places, which slow down growth and favor fungal diseases.
- Water only when the upper part of the soil is dry, keeping it just wet in spring and summer.
- Drastically reduce water in autumn and winter, leaving the plant to enter its natural rest period.
- Administer Potassium rich liquid fertilizer fertilizers Every two weeks during flowering to stimulate the production of flowers.
- In periods of vegetative pause, use a generic fertilizer in moderation, only once a month.
Pruning, multiplication and small problems to prevent
The pruning of the ornitogallo It is quite simple: the dry or yellowed leaves are eliminated to stimulate the plant to concentrate the energies in the production of new jets. Useful even after flowering, to help the plant enter the rest phase.
The multiplication can take place through the Division of bulbs. After a couple of years of cultivation, small secondary bulbs (the so -called puppies) often form the basis of the main bulb. Separate them gently, waiting for them to have at least 5 cm in diameter, it allows to obtain new plants.
Be careful Parasites such as the mushrooms or mosserins of mushrooms: they easily nest in the stagnation of water or in the unwanted places. Also some fungal diseaseslike rust or oidio, can appear if the environment is too humid. In case of doubts, it is always better to opt for natural and non -invasive products.
One last advice? During the winter, if the plant is kept outdoors, it must be protected from the frost. The bulbs are resistant, but do not like temperatures below 5 ° C. Better to move them to a repaired corner or cover them with a breathable sheet.
Ornitogallo is one of those plants that give long -term satisfactions, albeit with few pretensions. An elegant flowering, a compact shape and the possibility of multiplying it easily: what more do you want?
For those who dream of an unusual and colorful green corner, it is certainly a choice to try at least once.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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