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Ixia, Lapeirousia, Sparaxis and Tritonia
All four of these colorful, bulbous plants can be brought into early bloom. They make a charming and unusual indoor flower display. They can later be planted outdoors.
Forcing instructions for four easy and colorful bulb plants
Ixia, Lapeirousia, Sparaxis and Tritonia are all colorful flowering bulbs which were originally native to Southern Africa.
Ixias Ixia is a greenhouse plant which comes from the Cape region of South Africa. It normally blooms in spring over a period of several weeks. The flowers grow toward the top of a wiry stalk and the plant can be anywhere from 1-3 feet, depending on the variety. The flowers are very colorful, but have very little fragrance.
Cultivation The corms should be laid in pots or trays in October. Use potting soil with extra sand and perlite added for drainage. The corms should be about 2 inches below the soil surface. Store the plants in a frost-free place for the winter, possibly buried somewhere in the garden. If the plants are stored indoors, they should be watered a few times to keep the soil from drying right out. In early spring, place the pots or trays in a bright and cool spot, around 50°F.
Lapeirousia
a new botanical name, Anomatheca laxa. However, it is still usually called Lapeirousia.
Cultivation Plant the corms at about the same time as Ixia and place the tray over light bottom heat. Water very sparingly at first, but increase the water as the plants begin to grow. Add liquid fertilizer once every 2 weeks. Treat as Ixia after flowering.
Sparaxis Sparaxis can be grown in the open all year round, even in relatively harsh climates, as long as they are provided with some winter protection.
Sparaxis have 12-18 inch tall sword-shaped leaves. The flowers come in many colors, including orange, red, white, yellow and maroon. They are bicolored, the center usually colored yellow. This central area is separated from the outer petal color by a ring of black for a quite striking effect. Sparaxis blooms in early spring.
Cultivation Sparaxis can be grown indoors in the same way as the previous two plants. The corms should be planted in a warm and protected spot in light and nourishing soil in the fall. Plant them 2 inches apart. In cold regions, lay an 8-12 inch layer of leaves over the soil in November. Cover the leaves with a little soil to keep them from blowing away. The plants will bloom the following spring.
Tritonia
a few, narrow leaves which can sometimes be wrinkled or striped. The stems are upright and often branched. The flowers can be in a variety of colors, usually shades of orange, coral, peach, pink and white.
Cultivation Follow the instructions given for Sparaxis, although Tritonia is actually slightly more hardy in the open than Sparaxis.
Plant Doctor
All four of these plants are very healthy and are seldom attacked by pests or diseases, especially outdoors.
Gray mold can cause problems if the dormant corms are not stored in a 100% moisture-free spot. Treat with a fungicide.
NOTE: Pesticides not used according to label directions can be harmful to man, animals and plants. Use only pesticides that have labels with directions for home and garden use. Always read and follow label directions.
Buying Tips
Lifespan: Can flower year after year.
Season: Spring.
Difficulty quotient: Very easy.
In Brief
Size and growth rate All four have an upright growth with narrow sword-shaped leaves. They range in size from 8-36 inches.
Flowering and fragrance All bloom in early spring. No significant fragrance.
Light and temperature Plants grown in the open can live with the naturally occurring temperatures. Indoor plants should not be placed in warm conditions--50°-60°F is sufficient. Choose a bright position.
Watering and feeding Water regularly during the growth season so plants do not dry out. Feed every 2 weeks during this time.
Soil and transplanting The soil should be both fertile and light. Replant indoor plants each year and outdoor plants every third year.
Grooming None.
Propagating From offsets.
Environment These bulbs can be grown indoors or outdoors in the garden, or in pots which can be brought inside when in bloom.
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Lapeirousias
have narrow upright leaves with a total height of about 6-8 inches,
including the flowers. There are a number of colorful hybrids to
choose from, all in varying shades or combinations of red. There
is also a white-flowered variety. The flowers are about an inch
across and have no real fragrance. The most common species,
Lapeirousia laxa, has
Tritonia
also has a number of colorful hybrids. The corms send up
