Amaryllis family. Homeland - Southern Brazil. In nature, there is a species of Ivey blumenavia Eithea blumenavia - a herbaceous bulbous plant. A few years ago, this species was assigned to the Griffinia genus Griffinia, but despite the fact that Eithea blumenavia looks like Griffinia, it was isolated by botanists in a separate genus of Ivey Eithea.
The plant is not large - 35-40 cm in height. The flowers are pink or white with stripes of darker pink color. In some forms, the color is darker than in others. Flowers 6.5-7.5 cm. in diameter, wide open. From 2 to 8 flowers are formed on the peduncle. The peduncle at the base of the neck of the bulb is slightly pink, above green, 18-25 cm long. The species is distinguished not only by interesting flowering, but also by beautiful leaves with dark green veins along its entire length. Leaf length 15 cm, width 5 cm.
For the first time, the seeds of Hippeastrum Blumenavium were collected by B. Foster in Brazil, not far from Blumenau (hence the name of the species).
This species is easily cultivated in indoor conditions, but is found only in the collections of true amaryllis lovers; you will not find Ivey on the free market.
Синонимы: Amaryllis blumenavia (K.Koch & C.D.Bouche ex Carriere) Traub, Amaryllis iguapensis (R.Wagner) Traub & Uphof, Griffinia blumenavia K.Koch & C.D.Bouche ex Carriere, Hippeastrum blumenavia (K.Koch & C.D.Bouche ex Carriere) Sealy, Hippeastrum iguapense R.Wagner.
Growing features: Moisture, grows better on the shadow side. A dormant period of 4-6 weeks is required before flowering. During the dormant period, the leaves do not shed, almost evergreen. It blooms in late summer.
Ivea - Care and Cultivation
Temperature: During the growing season, it is optimal 17-23 ° C, does not tolerate strong heat. During the rest period, they are kept at 12-14 ° C, at least + 10 ° C, almost dry. In general, the care of ivea is no different from the cultivation of other amaryllis - the main thing is not to freeze and fill.
Lighting: Ivea needs a bright sunny spot. In summer, you can plant in the garden. But protection from rain and snails is needed here.
Watering: The plant is quite moisture-loving, the soil should be slightly moist all the time, but not too damp.
Dormant period: Plants of the genus Ivey do not have a pronounced dormant period, however, with a decrease in lighting in the autumn-winter period, a decrease in temperature to 18-20 ° C and a decrease in watering are required, while partial aging and death of leaves are allowed.
Fertilizer: Once a month , it is recommended to feed with liquid mineral fertilizer. Fertilizers with an equal ratio of NPK 10-10-10 are suitable. Feeding begins as soon as the buds bloom, and ends when the leaves begin to wilt.
Transplant: Annually, after the end of flowering. Ivea loves soils well-drained, rich in organic matter. An example of a soil mixture: 2 parts of peat land, 1 parts of humus and 1 parts of sand. They plant it in pots, about 15 cm in diameter, while the bulb is buried in the ground, but the neck of the bulb should be higher than the soil level! Good drainage to the bottom of the pot is mandatory.
Reproduction: Daughter bulbs during transplantation, seeds. Separated children are planted in the prepared soil mixture in separate pots. Fresh seeds in the spring are planted in wide plates, in peat soil, sprinkled with earth, and moistened from a spray bottle. Do not allow the temperature to drop below 18 ° C. The soil should always be slightly moistened, do not allow re-drying or stagnation of moisture.