Surely you have seen in bouquets this beautiful flower, which combines the delicacy of poppy with the elegance of the rose, and in this article we will present the main aspects to be able to enjoy it, whether you plant it in the garden, in pots or cut in bouquets.
Lisianthus is a flower quite common in our country, but you may know it under other names such as Eustoma Grandiflorum, Prairie Gentian, Wild Rose, Texas Bell, etc.
It is preferred by florists in bouquets, because it brings tenderness and elegance, it can be in a wide range of colors, and a white Eustoma should not be missing from a special bouquet, which has class. But let’s still see some landmarks about Eustoma care, to convince you that it is not difficult to cultivate it too, and to enjoy the special beauty it offers.
General data
Lisianthus is part of the Gentianaceae family and bears the scientific name of Eustoma. It comes from the warm areas of North and South America. Being a decorative plant, annual or perennial , it can often be found in the apartment in pots, gardens or bouquets.
It can reach heights between 20–60 cm, the smaller ones are the pots. The stem is straight, and at the top it has flowers grouped in 2 or 3. The leaves have an elongated shape towards the top, they are not very fleshy and have a green-blue color.
Eustoma flower is bell-shaped , either with only one row of petals such as a poppy, or with several rows, such as rose flowers. As for the color palette, it is very rich, and can have a purple, white, lilac or pink Eustoma, either plain or in two colors.
After drying, the flowers should be removed to facilitate the appearance of others. In the garden, the flower of Lisianthus appears between June and September, but in pots you can have flowers all year round. The flowers open in turn and live between 5 and 7 days.
ground
This plant, Lisianthus, needs a well-drained, well-drained soil with a medium humidity, the pH must be neutral . The richer in nutrients, the more beautiful the plant will grow. Thus, you can opt for a mixture of red peat, leaf soil and sand that ensures good drainage.
Temperature
Eustoma prefers a moderate temperature, between 20–25 degrees C. Higher temperatures, over a long period of time, can have a negative effect on the plant.
The light
Lovers of the sun, they should be placed in areas where they have at least a few hours a day of natural light. In the apartment, if you have a purple Lisianthus, for example, which you love and want to have flowers all year round, you must place it at a window, on the windowsill, facing south or east.
Watering
Lisianthus (Liziantus as it is popularly called) needs water, and between two waterings the soil must not dry out. It should be watered abundantly at regular intervals, but make sure that the water does not stagnate.
Fertilization
To help the flower, during the growth and flowering period, it is necessary to fertilize it weekly or twice a month, using liquid potassium-based fertilizers.
Multiplication
It can be made with seeds or cuttings.
The first option is similar to multiplying roses by seeds , but you have to arm yourself with patience, because it can take more than a year for it to bloom.
The seeds can be purchased commercially (look for Lisianthus seeds, but you can also find them if you type Lisiantus or other similar shapes) or they can be taken from the flowers that you keep especially for the seeds. They must be stored in dry and cool places, until February — March when they can be planted.
The seeds are placed in a neutral soil , in a box or a box, without being buried, just spread evenly and pushed a little with your finger. Sprinkle with water jet. Place the box in the light, in well-ventilated rooms, with a temperature between 20–25 degrees C. In 2–3 months the seeds will germinate, and when at least 2 pairs of leaves appear you can move them in pots, doing the same as and in the multiplication of roses in pots.
Through cuttings it is more handy , the operation being indicated at the end of spring, the beginning of summer. Cut the cuttings to the size of 10–15 cm, with 3 pairs of leaves. They are placed in pots and in 30–40 days they catch, being necessary to ensure the same temperature of 20–25 degrees C.
Thus, you will be able to cultivate these beautiful flowers, either in the garden or in pots and their beauty will reward your work.
How to care for cut flowers
A bouquet of purple wildflowers matched with Estoma alba, can be a beauty that you will want to keep as alive as possible, in an assorted vase. To keep them in the house for up to 2 weeks, the cut flowers need a little extra care.
On the side of the stem that is in the water, you must remove the leaves before placing them in the vase.
The stem is cut obliquely at the base , with the help of a knife to increase the surface that comes in contact with water and to facilitate absorption. The room temperature can be between 20–25 degrees C.
If you have these flowers in the garden, you can cut them, also obliquely, with a pair of vines if you have them at hand, because this way you will be able to keep them in a vase for a longer time. In case you want to give them as a gift, it is good to know that they have a certain meaning depending on the color: innocent and calm white, pink is associated with passion, purple is success, and those in cooler tones, such as blue or green represents serenity and tranquility.
